Business rates reform must even playing field between high street and online Opinion Bricks and mortar businesses are being unfairly punished by outdated business rates in need of reform, writes Ros Morgan
Asos shares sink after sales fall behind expectations Retail Shares in e-commerce fashion firm Asos have tumbled after the company reported sales short of expectations and vowed to extend its cost-cutting programme in a bid to secure “even stronger profitability foundations”. The London-based business said it “had planned to shift gears” from rebuilding its commercial model towards “re-engaging with customers.” “Instead, more opportunity to [...]
Alibaba.com brings CoCreate Pitch to Europe: Partner UK SMEs invited to compete for share of £750,000 in global pitch challenge Alibaba.com, a leading platform for global B2B e-commerce, is excited to launch CoCreate Pitch – a new competition for UK and European SMEs to take their product concepts and business dreams global and reach new levels of success. As the world’s largest [...]
Virgin Wines targets £100m revenue in five-year growth plan March 26, 2025 Virgin Wines has reported an uptick in profit and new customers, as well as a five-year growth plan aiming to nearly double revenue to £100m by 2029. The company will also implement a share buyback programme to purchase up to 15 per cent of its share capital, although it will not introduce a dividend. The [...]
Asos shares spike on positive trading update March 21, 2025 Asos shares rose by over a fifth this morning after the company posted a better than expected market update. The e-commerce retailer told markets that it expects a “significant improvement in profitability” this year, adding that its own brand full-price sales have returned to growth. Investors reacted positively to the news. Asos’ share price had [...]
‘Horrified’: All Saints founder slams Shein for fast-fashion practices January 18, 2025 The founder of British clothing brand All Saints has said he would be “horrified” if fast-fashion firm Shein is allowed to list in London, describing the Chinese-founded company as the “worst” offender in the sector. “Fast fashion really has changed the whole industry, because it’s now like a race to the bottom… The planet cannot [...]
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 [...]
Next predicts £1bn profit after cold weather boosts sales October 30, 2024 Next has upgraded its profit forecast for the year to over £1bn after better-than-expected sales in its third quarter. The FTSE 100 retail giant, which is headquartered in Leicester, has upgraded its guidance from £995m to £1.005bn. In an update to the London Stock Exchange, Next said full price sales in the three months to 30 October [...]
Asos to cut 200 jobs at head office as it battles cheaper fast fashion rivals September 25, 2024 Asos is planning to chop 200 roles from its head office as it looks to restructure its business in the face of mounting difficulties post-pandemic due to intense competition from cheaper rivals, according to reports. Asos said that current set-up was “no longer suitable for today’s business priorities and context… We need to move faster [...]
Industrial strategy must boost e-commerce exports to help small firms, report urges September 9, 2024 The government’s industrial strategy must prioritise e-commerce in order to boost small business exports and promote economic growth, a report has urged. Improving trade technology adoption, boosting support for targeting emerging markets, and developing initiatives to support female-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) would make a significant contribution to the number of small firms exporting, [...]