Business Fail To Pay Properly

 

DIY store B&Q and the fast food chain Five Guys are among hundreds of UK businesses named by the government for paying staff below the minimum wage. More than 600 employers were ordered to pay affected workers the outstanding wages, with £4m returned to workers, according to the Department for Business and Trade. The firms have also been issued penalties worth £7m. The list of 658 businesses includes shops, restaurants, nurseries, social care providers and a handful of NHS trusts. The period of underpayments covered by the list varies depending on the employer, but overall spans from 2013 to 2025. Minimum wage is £12.71 for staff aged 21 and over. For 18 to 20 year olds the rate is £10.85, and for under 18s and apprentices it is £8. B&Q underpaid 4,530 workers a total of more than £456,000, according to the government. The list marks the first "naming round" since the Fair Work Agency was set up in April under the Employment Rights Act. As well as enforcing the minimum wage, the agency also will soon tackle practices of denying workers holiday and sick pay.

BBQ - What is the impact for the businesses for this?

Minimum Wage

Ikea Cuts Prices

 

Swedish furniture giant Ikea is cutting prices across hundreds of products in Europe to woo customers struggling with deepening cost-of-living pressures. Ikea has seen revenue decline over the past two years as the rising cost of living reduces people's ability to invest in new furniture and home renovations. The company is spending €1.2bn (£1bn) on the price cuts to items including the Billy bookcase and Kallax storage units, with reductions of up to 28% on certain products. Ikea said it could make the cuts by making savings throughout the supply chain, such as packaging costs, but acknowledged profits may take a hit. Ikea has reduced its prices several times in recent years, even as it caused a hit to the company's revenue and profit in its most recent earnings report. The latest specific reductions vary slightly by country. Price cuts for British customers include the Kallax shelving unit going from £60 to £49 and the Billy bookcase being cut by £10 to £25.Ikea is also trying to attract new customers by opening smaller stores in central areas, such as London's Oxford Street and Churchill Square in Brighton.

BBQ - Is cutting prices a better strategy to increased advertising to increase demand?

Ikea Price Cut

Sweet Inspired Fragrance

 

An unusual twist from sweet maker Swizzels and Spanish home fragrance producer Cristalinas has been announced. The pair have teamed up to launch three new sweet-scented diffusers and room sprays inspired by Swizzels’ Squashies Bubblegum, Squashies Strawberries & Cream, and Lemon Refreshers. Starting from an RRP of £1.99, the range includes 25ml and 35ml reed diffusers and 250ml room sprays. Developed to help retailers benefit from the continued growth of the home fragrance category, the collection will appeal to “shoppers seeking nostalgic, sweet-inspired scents,” Swizzels said. With strong brand recognition from Swizzels and an accessible price point, the range offers an opportunity to encourage impulse purchases and attract both confectionery fans and home fragrance shoppers. The partnership brings together two brands that share a commitment to creating sensory experiences. Cristalinas has long received positive feedback from consumers who state that its fragrances evoke the scent of confectionery, making the collaboration a natural fit. As one of the UK’s most trusted confectionery brands, Swizzels has built a strong legacy through its much-loved products, while Cristalinas has established itself as one of the UK’s fastest-growing air care brands.

BBQ - Can you think of any other brand extensions for Swizzles?

Swizzles Fragrance