Industry News

Puppy boutique start-up opens its doors

Pup Chic Boutique has opened its doors for business, offering a selection of dog accessories as well as matching human apparel.  The Essex-based business first began in lockdown, when founder Samantha Henry was inspired to start the shop after struggling to find collars and harnesses that would fit her toy…

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700,000 jobs at risk as end of furlough scheme draws near

Over 700,000 employees are at risk of being made redundant in the second half of 2020, research from Institute for Employment Studies (IES) has revealed. IES estimates that some 650 thousand redundancies are expected in the second half of 2020, with 445 thousand redundancies in the three months between July…

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Insolvent companies cost taxpayers £250m 

Insolvent companies that were unable to pay their debts in the first six months of 2020 have cost British taxpayers almost £250m, according to Altus Group.  The software group found that the amount paid to former members of staff was up by £133.79m in the period against the prior year,…

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Edgard & Cooper announces further expansion

Edgard and Cooper has announced a further expansion for the group after it secured a major listing with Fressnapf, a leading pet supplies retailer across Europe.  The natural pet food brand first launched in 2016 and continues to “grow rapidly” across Europe. Growth last year exceeded 145%, while the group…

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John Burns Foundation HQ opens its doors

The John Burns Foundation HQ has officially opened its doors, after the charity moved to a new flagship building following the completion of a construction phase.  To mark its opening, the new site was visited by Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price and Helen Mary Jones, minister for Mid and West…

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Businesses hit by local lockdowns to receive grants

Businesses in England that are required to shut due to local lockdowns will now be able to claim up to £1,500 per property every three weeks, the Government has announced. Chief secretary to the Treasury, Steve Barclay, announced the new funding plan yesterday (10 September) as part of ongoing efforts…

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125,500 retail jobs lost since start of 2020

Some 125,515 retail jobs have been lost since the start of 2020, according to the latest data from the Centre for Retail Research (CRR). Of this figure, 43,381 jobs were lost through administrations, 10,556 through CVAs and 71,578 through rationalisation schemes. The UK’s embattled high street has also seen the…

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Kennel Club backs autism charity

Autism at Kingwood has launched a new dog therapy programme to improve the quality of its clients’ lives, supported by funding received from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust. The Reading-based charity provides extensive support for people with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome, offering therapy and educational programmes that support its clients. …

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Beaphar launches eco shampoo range

Beaphar has announced the launch of its Beaphar BIO Shampoo Range, a new range of shampoos and conditioners that are formulated with natural ingredients.  The manufacturer said its latest launch builds on the growing trends of “consumer preference for the natural alternative and the ever-growing awareness of the environment”.   The…

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Government launches new ‘bounce back’ plan for retailers

A new series of measures has been announced by the UK Government to support businesses in the consumer and retail industries during the Covid-19 pandemic.  The plans, announced by Minister for exports Graham Stuart, will offer immediate support to businesses by ensuring specialists provide advice on online retail and international…

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