Former Asda and M&S boss Lord Rose: WFH is ‘not doing proper work’ January 20, 2025 The increase in home work has created a generation who are “not doing proper work,” according to the former boss of Asda and Marks & Spencer. Speaking to BBC Panorama, Lord Rose said more working from home was a part of the UK economy’s “general decline” and that productivity was suffering as a result. “We [...]
Boots warns of higher Budget costs amid sales surge January 10, 2025 High street pharmacy giant Boots has warned it faces “heightened cost pressures” in 2025 following the Autumn Budget as it revealed strong sales towards the end of last year. The new boss of the Nottingham-headquartered company, Anthony Hemmerdinger, added that while Boots has come under increased pressure, “the business is focused on navigating these and [...]
Warpaint London to acquire fellow beauty specialist Brand Architekts December 5, 2024 Cosmetics firm Warpaint London has announced the acquisition of fellow beauty brand specialist Brand Architekts. Warpaint London, the company behind makeup brands W7 and Technic, told markets today it has reached an acquisition agreement for the entirety of issued and to be issued share capital of the Brand Architekts. The company said under the terms of [...]
Dr Martens swings to the red but shares spike with analysts positive on future growth November 28, 2024 Despite a pre-tax loss from Dr Martens, analysts have remained positive on its future growth prospects as it cuts costs and shakes up its leadership team. The boot-maker told markets this morning that profit before tax swung into the red, with a loss of £28.7m in the 26 weeks ended September 29, from a profit [...]
Brand Architekts: Sales at owner of Skinny Tan and Super Facialist slump October 21, 2024 Brand Architekts, the beauty specialist behind British brands including Skinny Tan and Super Facialist, has reported a fall in sales as it pivots to fewer, bigger brands. The company reported an underlying loss of £0.4m compared to a loss of £1.2m for 2023, while its gross profit margin increased 1.5 per cent to 41.2 per [...]
Boots: Online and makeup sales boost earnings ahead of Christmas October 15, 2024 High street pharmacy chain Boots has said a surge in sales online and for makeup helped increase its turnover during its latest financial year. The Nottingham-headquartered company has revealed its year-on-year turnover increased by 6.9 per cent in the 12 months to 31 August, 2024. During its final quarter, its retail sales rose by 6.2 [...]
New Boots UK boss named after Seb James’ departure and aborted IPO September 12, 2024 Anthony Hemmerdinger has been appointed managing director of Boots UK and Ireland only months after the high street pharmacy chain’s US parent company once again shelved plans to sell or list the business. Current managing director Seb James, who has run the company since 2018, will pursue a new role in the healthcare sector. Hemmerdinger [...]
Cat-shaped confectionery brand Candy Kittens’ taste of sweet success September 3, 2024 Ambition A.M. speaks to entrepreneur Jamie Laing, who started confectionery brand Candy Kittens with co-founder Ed Williams in 2012.
Brand Architekts: Skinny Tan owner inks new deals with Holland & Barrett and Boots July 22, 2024 Brand Architekts, the beauty specialist behind British brands including Skinny Tan and Super Facialist has signed new deals with big name retailers including Asda, Holland & Barrett and Boots to its distributor list, as it continues to battle "challenging" conditions.
Mark Kleinman: Boots owner Walgreens has shot itself in foot July 4, 2024 Mark Kleinman is Sky News’ City Editor and is the man that gets the City talking in his weekly City A.M. column.