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Welsh footfall growth the strongest in the UK despite cooling on January
2025-09-08 21:07:53
Retail & Consumer
M&S defies National Insurance hike to increase staff pay by 5%
2025-09-15 03:22:17
Retail & Consumer
Pets at Home share price soars as watchdog rumours spark interest from private equity
2025-08-24 07:02:15
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Applied Nutrition seals USA and Holland & Barrett deals as its Coleen Rooney range expands across UK
Health and wellness brand Applied Nutrition has announced three new American deals – and an expanded partnership with Holland & Barrett that will see its new Colleen Rooney range go on sale in hundreds of UK stores. Knowsley-based Applied Nutrition has agreed a joint business plan with Holland & Barrett that will see the health and wellbeing retail chain increase the distribution of currently listed products and take a range of new ones. The Mersey firm said: “The first order under the new JBP was received this month and included the new Coleen Rooney range, which will be available in 500 stores” The deal will also see Holland & Barrett get early access to Applied Nutrition’s new products in development, allowing them to get products to their shelves more quickly. Applied Nutrition hopes the deal will treble its revenue from Holland & Barrett, already one of the group’s largest customers. In the USA, Applied Nutrition has secured deals with GNC Corporate, one of the largest specialty retailers in the US, Hy-vee, the largest regional grocery chain in the Midwest, and leading Texan grocery chain H-E-B. Applied Nutrition products will now go on sale in more than 1,000 new stores across the country, and the group says the deals “are expected to start contributing to revenue during H2 FY25 with an annualised spend of $3m”. Thomas Ryder, CEO of Applied Nutrition, said: “It is great to see such momentum with existing and new customers, further reinforcing the growth potential of the business. Not only are we significantly strengthening and growing our trade with existing key valued partners such as Holland & Barrett we are also securing new listings from major retailers in the US which is a key growth market. We look to the future with confidence and we remain focused on driving profitable growth throughout H2 and beyond.”
2025-09-16 14:10:48
High Street shops, pubs and restaurants face £1bn tax bill from April
Shops, restaurants and pubs across England are facing an extra £1 billion in taxes when a discount is cut next month, adding to a “tsunami” of rising costs hurtling toward the sector, according to new analysis. Businesses in London will be hit hardest by changes, tax and software firm Ryan found. Firms in the retail, leisure and hospitality sector are facing increased costs in April when a discount on business rates will be reduced from 75% to 40%. The changes were announced in last year’s autumn Budget, with the Government committing to keeping the discount scheme for the next financial year but cutting the level of relief. Each business will still have a maximum discount of £110,000. Ryan’s analysis found that the reduced discount will raise an extra £1.03 billion from firms across England over the 2025-2026 tax year. Nearly a third of the extra revenue will come from businesses in London, who collectively are facing an additional £309.7 million in business rates. This is followed by an extra £157.9 million from businesses in the South East who are facing a bigger bill, and £110.5 million from firms in the North West. Alex Probyn, a property tax expert at Ryan, told the PA news agency that it “comes on top of a tsunami of other rising costs, making it a complex and challenging environment” for businesses to operate in. From April, national insurance contributions will also rise for some businesses, while they will also have to pay employees a higher national living wage. The Government has said extra revenues raised from higher taxes on businesses will help fill a gap in the UK’s public finances and be plugged into things like infrastructure and the public sector. It pledged in the Budget to introduce permanently lower business rates for smaller retail, hospitality and leisure firms from 2026. The Government has also said that some 865,000 employers will not pay any national insurance in the year ahead because of the employment allowance rising from £5,000 to £10,500. But Mr Probyn said the changes will “disproportionately affect small and independent businesses across sectors already struggling”.
2025-09-17 05:07:47
Turkish restaurant Longa expands with second venue in Cardiff
A Turkish restaurant business run by three women has expanded with the opening of a new venue in Cardiff city centre. The investment has created 16 new jobs. Longa, which was founded in 2019 by sisters Gizem Yorgun and Simge Yalcin, now operates with three women at the helm after actress Pinar Ogun joined the business in 2023. Longa, whose first restaurant in the Whitchurch area of the capital opened in 2019, celebrates the rich, diverse flavours of Turkish cuisine. Its new Park Place restaurant for 100 covers offers an all-day breakfast menu, whilst expanding to capture an evening clientele with a separate menu.[ Longa’s new venture has been backed with a £120,000 finance package from BCRS Business Loans, via the British Business Bank’s £130m Investment Fund for Wales, and Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF), managed by responsible finance provider Social Investment Scotland (SIS). Simge said:“Our Whitchurch Road café has been a great success and we knew it was only a matter of time before we dipped our toes into the possibility of opening a second restaurant, but we needed to find for the perfect premises. “When we saw the space on Park Place we knew that it was perfect, but with spiralling costs, due to changes in construction and building quotes, we needed further support to realise our dreams.” BCRS manages the small loans element of the British Business Bank’s £130m Investment Fund for Wales. The debt finance to Longa was overseen by its business development manager, Niki Haggerty-James. Gizem said:“We found ourselves in a situation where we had gone too far in our dream of bringing the restaurant to fruition that we simply couldn’t turn back. Niki was fantastic, quickly understanding our business, and the challenges we faced, and without her support, and the finance, Longa wouldn’t be here.” Pinar added:“BCRS’ support goes so much further than helping us to secure finance, Niki has been overwhelmingly positive in supporting our entire venture. “Longa in Park Place has only been open for a matter of weeks, but we are already seeing the impact. Just this weekend we saw over 300 covers and our bookings for the weekends are huge. We can’t wait for more people to experience our food, after all it’s pretty amazing to sit back and watch their reactions, all the while knowing we created that plate.” Ms Haggerty-James said:“Longa is fantastic and it’s wonderful to support a business that is both women and ethnic-led. Gizem, Simge and Pinar are creating something very special that it abundantly evident from just peeking into one of the restaurants. “The opening of the Park Place site demonstrates their passion to bring Turkish cuisine to Cardiff, so that people can experience the true taste of an authentic menu and we are delighted that in doing so the trio have expanded to employ an increasing workforce. “We want to champion and support more businesses that are female and ethnic-led, advancing the growth of entrepreneurship across Wales. BCRS are a story-based lender, and our mission is to make a positive social and economic impact which Longa are demonstrating. From seeing the success of Longa we are sure this won’t be the last restaurant opening.” Bethan Bannister, senior investment manager, nations and regions funds at the British Business Bank, said:“The British Business Bank is delighted to support this successful female led business via the Investment Fund for Wales as they look to scale and grow.
2025-09-19 20:22:02
Jollyes continues to sink into the red despite sales surge as it takes on Pets at Home
Jollyes has reported a deepening pre-tax loss of £13.3 million for the year ending 26 May 2024, following a £5.3 million loss in the previous 12 months. However, the company's sales continue to surge, with turnover increasing from £115.2 million to £144 million during the same period, as reported by City AM. This marks a significant rise from its sales figures of £86.9 million in May 2022, £76.9 million in 2021, and £67.9 million in 2020. Despite the ongoing sales growth, Jollyes has not posted a pre-tax profit since achieving £2.1 million in the year to May 2018. The company attributed its losses to several factors, including a £6 million write-off of assets deemed unrecoverable, £1 million spent on pre-opening costs for 13 new stores, and £1.9 million invested in a supply chain transition project initiated the previous year. Additionally, Jollyes incurred £1.9 million in costs related to the sale of the business and £400,000 in restructuring expenses. The company was acquired by TDR Capital, the private equity backer of Asda, pub group Stonegate, and David Lloyd Leisure, in 2024. In a statement, the board expressed confidence in the company's financial and operational position, stating: "The directors believe that the group is financially and operationally well-positioned to capitalise on its market standing and is targeting further improved performance in 2025." During the year, Jollyes' average workforce increased from 963 to 1,160 employees. Jollyes is setting its sights on expansion to compete with Pets at Home. Earlier in the year, Jollyes announced intentions to reduce thousands of prices and to inaugurate new stores throughout the UK. Additionally, the retailer disclosed a suite of new benefits for staff aimed at drawing in fresh talent. These developments for Jollyes follow a surge in shares for competitor Pets at Home, buoyed by indications that the UK's competition watchdog is leaning towards a favourable outcome for the sector, coupled with rumours that private equity firm BC Partners is gearing up for a takeover bid. At January's end, Pets at Home reported a marginal profit decline due to a dip in retail revenue, despite a significant rise in veterinary sales. Over the 12 weeks leading to 2 January, revenue decreased by 0.2 percent to £361.6 million.
2025-09-02 22:28:51
Government approves controversial M56 Tebay-style service station despite local opposition
Controversial plans to build a large service station on the M56 modeled after the popular Tebay Services have received approval from Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycock. The project, situated on a 39-acre site, will feature a fuel station, farm shop, and a 100-bed hotel, and should create 300 jobs. But it faced strong opposition from Trafford's Green councillors and local residents, who argue it will negatively impact businesses in nearby Altrincham, Sale, and Hale Barns on the Cheshire border. The plan, a collaboration between Tebay services owner Westmorland and the Tatton Estate, was first approved in October 2023, but then called in for a public inquiry due to concerns over the use of the site's Green Belt land. In response to the decision, campaigner Bill Dixon said "I am very disappointed because the minister insisted that the service station should not be a destination in its own right, but, in my view, it will be as all the evidence shows. "It will cause traffic chaos on the A556-M56 junction and do enormous harm to businesses in Altrincham. It's a sad day for Trafford." At the time the application was submitted, Green councillors on Trafford's planning committee had also spoken out against the plans. In a letter confirming the decision, Mr Pennycock concurred with the planning inspector's conclusion and recommendation that the requirement for a motorway service station in the region was 'indisputable' and there was no feasible alternative site. Those against the decision have a six-week window to apply to the High Court if they wish to contest the ruling. The main issues at the inquiry included the need for the motorway service area (MSA), the economic impacts and the impact on the green belt. The report from the Secretary of State says: “The Secretary of State agrees with the inspector’s conclusion that the need for a MSA on this part of the strategic road network is indisputable, that the proposal would reduce a significant number of gaps and reduce others, and that there is no realistic prospect of an equivalent alternative site. “She further agrees that the safety and welfare benefits endorsed by National Highways should be given substantial weight.” Examining the local economic impact, the report adds: “The Secretary of State agrees with the inspector’s conclusion that the extent to which the proposal would be likely to act as a local destination in its own right, as opposed to a destination of choice for motorists making a long journey on the strategic road network, would be extremely limited. “There is no basis to conclude that it would result in unsustainable patterns of travel in general.” The report also says she agreed the economic and social benefits, taking account of any potential minor effects on nearby centres, ‘are such to merit substantial positive weight’.
2025-08-25 20:05:04
Poundland considering 'all options' as it struggles and shuts 13 stores
Poundland’s owner is mooting a possible sale of the UK discount retail chain as it struggles amid tough sales and before incoming budget measures that will send wage costs soaring. Poland-based Pepco said it was considering “all strategic options” to spin out the struggling 825-strong chain from the wider group as focus on its more profitable Pepco brand. It said Pepco makes the “vast majority” of group earnings and the group wants to “further build on that strong base ultimately as a single pan-European format”. The group said: “Poundland is a strong brand that serves millions of customers every week and had around 2 billion euros (£1.67 billion) in annual turnover in financial year 2024, but it is also operating in an increasingly challenging UK retail landscape that is only intensifying. “From April 2025, the UK Government’s additional tax changes announced in the budget will also add further pressure to Poundland’s cost base. “Therefore, the board is actively evaluating all strategic options to separate Poundland from Group during financial year 2025, including a potential sale.” In January, the parent firm of Poundland said it was taking “immediate measures” to turn around the performance of the chain after a sharp drop in sales. Pepco Group said the UK business, will increase the number of products it sells for £1 or less as part of efforts to get the chain “back on track”. In recent years, Poundland has expanded its range of products being sold at price points above £1 in an effort to take on rival retailers such as B&M. However, on Thursday, the retailer said: “We are refocusing on its long-time strengths, such as recently increasing the number of core items at £1 or below from 1,500 to almost 2,400 in all UK stores.” Pepco said that recent trading at Poundland stores was challenging as the UK retail environment became tougher towards the end of 2024. Poundland revenues slid by 9.3% for the three months to December 31, with like-for-like sales down 7.3%, as it witnessed weaker clothing sales. The group also confirmed that it closed 13 Poundland stores over the quarter, with only two new store openings. It stressed that Poundland will not increase its store numbers over the current financial year as it focuses on improving sales. Meanwhile, the wider Pepco Group saw overall revenues grow 8.4%, supported by the opening of new Pepco and Dealz stores. Stephan Borchert, chief executive officer of Pepco Group, said: “The group delivered a mixed performance in its first quarter, with a strong performance from both the Pepco and Dealz brands, partially offset by Poundland’s ongoing challenges. “Poundland saw like-for-likes fall, largely driven by continued underperformance in clothing and general merchandise following the transition to Pepco-source product.
2025-09-18 04:49:15
HMV sales on song as billionaire owner helps turn around high street icon
HMV has reported a significant increase in sales over the past three years under the ownership of Canadian billionaire Doug Putman. The high street retailer recorded a turnover of £189.5m for the 12 months to 30 May, 2024, an increase from the previous year's £177.9m, as reported by City AM. This follows HMV's sales figures of £150.7m in May 2022 and £90.3m in May 2021, a year heavily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. From February 2019 to May 2020, HMV's sales totalled £187.9m. The company was rescued from administration in February 2019 by Canada's Sunrise Records, saving 100 stores and 1,487 jobs. However, 27 stores were closed and 455 employees were made redundant. The business had previously fallen into administration in December for the second time in six years. . Sunrise Records, founded in 1977, was acquired by Doug Putman in 2014. The latest accounts for HMV, filed with Companies House, reveal a slight decrease in operating profit from £5.2m to £4.9m during its most recent financial year. Over the course of the year, the average number of employees increased from 1,375 to 1,544. . DKB Group Holdings, the parent company of Sunrise Records and Entertainment, reported a rise in turnover from £178.9m to £191.4m, while operating profit dipped from £5.5m to £4.9m. In November, City AM reported that HMV had put a halt to its plans to open additional new stores in 2025, attributing the decision to the government's tax-increasing Budget. The retailer noted the challenges facing high street traffic, stating: "Traffic to the UK high street has been in decline for a number of years as customers increasingly shop online." The company is addressing the risk of reduced footfall by offering unique or collectable products that entice customers to visit HMV stores specifically. "Footfall decline risk is being managed by offering products with sufficient exclusivity or collectability that customers will make specific trips to the HMV stores to shop." HMV also highlighted its investment in e-commerce as a strategy to adapt to changing consumer behaviours. "It has also been managed via continued investment in our e-commerce platform." The statement from the board acknowledged significant trading impacts due to global conflicts and potential oil-driven inflation. "Trading in recent years has been impacted significantly by the conflict in Ukraine and an escalation of the Israel Palestine war could exacerbate oil driven inflation, squeezing consumer spending and driving up silly cost."
2025-09-02 21:50:23
Just Eat launches first drone deliveries in UK and it could change takeaways forever
Just Eat Takeaway has initiated its first drone-operated food deliveries, marking the beginning of a significant rollout in collaboration with Manna Drone Delivery. The initial location for the rollout will be Dublin. Customers ordering from participating restaurants can now choose drone delivery and receive their meals in as little as three minutes, as reported by City AM. The service is designed to enhance efficiency and reduce delivery times during peak hours and is anticipated to expand across the food delivery giant's international markets. Manna's drone network currently operates under European Union aviation safety agency (EASA) regulations, and the company is actively collaborating with local authorities to extend the service to more countries. Jessica Hall, chief product officer at Just Eat, expressed: "We're very excited to be working with Manna to offer an alternative form of delivery, ensuring customers receive what they want, when they want it." She added: "This partnership is the latest in our commitment to testing innovative solutions that enhance convenience and improve user experience". Bobby Healy, Manna's CEO, described the partnership as a "major milestone for drone delivery in Europe", adding that "by combining Manna's expertise in scalable drone operations with Just Eat Takeaway.com's vast customer base and logistics network, we're setting the standard for sustainable, convenient and safe food delivery." This crucial drone initiative forms part of Just Eat's wider push for innovation.
2025-09-21 21:39:17
Aldi to cut up to 350 jobs at UK headquarters as cost pressures increase
2025-08-26 01:56:23
Gousto to take on Hellofresh in major expansion as it creates dozens of new jobs
2025-09-13 16:17:50
Supermarkets see varied fortunes amid rising sales with Asda continuing to struggle
2025-09-17 05:10:29
Co-op admits to 107 breaches of order to stop blocking rivals from opening nearby
2025-08-29 20:53:56
Airbnb's top boss in UK and Northern Europe quits after four years in role
2025-08-30 10:55:59
Kitchenware brand Procook to open Bristol Cabot Circus store
2025-09-04 07:13:20
Manchester Airport to get third Premier Inn hotel as bosses eye new site
2025-08-27 20:12:32
Shein: Fast fashion giant found two cases of child labour in 2024
2025-08-27 19:48:13