Luxury Blunder

Mulberry has confirmed its ill-fated decision to go upmarket pushed it to a half-year loss but a return to its lower-priced roots is now "bearing fruit". The British firm best known for its handbags had aspirations of a more exclusive luxury position tried to raise its prices but they were shunned by customers. To now better compete they have brought in a range priced at £500-£800 but still face pressures from many other brands that offer the look and feel of luxury at a fraction of the price.

Luxury Blunder

Harry's Chicken Set To Cross The Road

Harry Ramsdens new range of chicken at home products are set to be made more widely available after a successful trial in Tesco. The range made its debut in 500 Tesco stores and after several months of successful sales the range is set to be stocked by several large wholesalers including 30 Makro stores, 140 Booker Cash & Carry outlets.

Chicken Distribution

Smell You Later

A new fabric has been created using Harris Tweed that will permanently give off the smell of whisky. The cloth has been developed by Heriot Watt University's School of Textiles and Design in Edinburgh and Galashiels. The "smart fabric" has been developed for Johnnie Walker Black Label and Harris Tweed Hebrides. The scent called Aqua Alba has been designed to replicate aromas released from a glass of whisky, known as the nose of the liquid. Fabric technologists in Galashiels developed the prototypes which will enable Harris Tweed Hebrides to offer products using this technology in future. What smell would you release from what clothing item?

Smells Like Tweed Spirit

By Royal Appointment

The Duke of York visited students from Whitley Bay High School and Studio West School, who are taking part in a nationwide enterprise competition run by the Peter Jones Foundation. The royal, who is patron of the charity, met students who have created new business ventures - ranging from a graffiti-inspired cake company to a school-based community café - which they hope to showcase at an awards ceremony in London in February.

Tycoon In Schools

Unilever Scoops Up Gelato Brand

Unilever has snapped up artisan brand Talenti Gelato & Sorbetto, as it looks to tap into the growing gelato market. They acquired the brand for an undisclosed sum to ramp up its presence in the category. Positioned as a premium brand, Unilever said Talenti is made with "the finest" ingredients and uses "artisanal methods". Packaged in a clear plastic jar, it comes in 30 flavours including Sea Salt Caramel and Sicilian Pistachio. It will sit alongside Unilever’s ice cream portfolio and brands including Ben & Jerry’s and Magnum. The Talenti brand was founded in 2003 and is expected to turnover $120m in 2014. 

Gelato Takeover

ZX Spectrum Is Back

Retro Computers is looking for £100,000 in funding to start production to relaunch the iconic ZX Spectrum as a new home gaming console, the Sinclair Spectrum Vega. The handheld games controller which plugs straight into the TV will include 1000 games from the 1980s. If the investment target is reached the first 1,000 Vegas will cost £100 each and will be available in April. More than £33,000 has been pledged at the time of writing already with 60 days left to go.

Spectrum Games Console

Record Breaking Sales

Amazon says it has recorded sales of around 64 items every second on so-called 'Cyber Monday', one of the busiest days for online shopping.The first two Mondays of December tend to be the busiest as people begin shopping on the internet for gifts. John Lewis reported the best week of trading in its 150-year history and had reported it had sold an average of one tablet computer every second and a flatscreen 40-inch TV every minute throughout Black Friday.The British economy has become increasingly dependent on consumer spending, which accounts for two-thirds of economic activity. 

Amazon Record Sales