Nissan Restructuring

Nissan has announced plans to lay off thousands of workers as part of a significant restructuring effort aimed at addressing declining sales and financial challenges. This move will impact employees at various plants, including those in the UK, as the company seeks to streamline operations and reduce costs. The layoffs are a key component of Nissan’s broader strategy to enhance profitability and adapt to the evolving automotive market, particularly the shift towards electric vehicles. While this decision is expected to improve operational efficiency and help the company navigate financial difficulties, it also raises concerns about the implications for the affected workforce and the company’s brand reputation. The layoffs could lead to a loss of morale and trust among remaining employees, and potentially damage Nissan’s public image as it navigates these challenging times.

BBQ: How might Nissan’s decision to lay off thousands of workers impact its operational efficiency and financial performance, and what are the potential implications for its workforce and brand reputation?

Nissan Redundancies

Cadburys New Wrappers

 

Cadbury is set to enhance its sustainability efforts by wrapping its core sharing bars in 80% recycled plastic packaging, utilizing advanced recycling technology. This initiative, a collaboration between Mondelēz International, Amcor, and Jindal Films, aims to cover around 300 million bars, significantly reducing the environmental impact of their packaging. This move builds on Cadbury’s previous efforts, such as using 30% recycled plastic for its 110g Dairy Milk sharing bars since 2022. The new packaging will feature a QR code that consumers can scan to learn more about Cadbury’s sustainable packaging journey and find local recycling points. This initiative not only demonstrates Cadbury’s commitment to environmental sustainability but also aims to educate and engage consumers in the recycling process, fostering a more eco-conscious community.

BBQ: How can Cadbury’s use of 80% recycled plastic packaging impact its brand image and consumer perception, and what are the potential business benefits and challenges of this initiative?

Cadburys Wrappers

Chrismast Advert Mega Spend

Spending on highly-anticipated Christmas adverts in the UK is hitting record highs. Advertisers are projected to spend £10.5 billion over the festive season, according to industry trade body the Advertising Association and data provider WARC. Films have already been launched by the likes of Aldi, Marks & Spencer, Boots and Sainsburys. The record spending on campaigns by retailers hoping to stand out and attract Christmas shoppers is an almost 8% increase from the £9.7bn spent last year. Excluding the post-pandemic recovery year of 2021 the rise will be the biggest since records began in 1982. James Murphy, chief executive of Ogilvy UK, who has previously worked on campaigns for M&S and John Lewis - the behemoth of Yuletide adverts - described Christmas as the "UK Super Bowl of marketing". Mr Murphy added: “Christmas ads have evolved from just showcasing products to focusing on storytelling.” The data also highlights a shift in spending from television to digital. While TV advertising is still important for retailers' Christmas adverts, with films this year still being shown on soap ad breaks and during hit shows such as This Morning, advertising through search engines is expected to rise almost 9% to more than £4bn, with online ads including on social media sites rising the most by 16% to just under £4bn. The amount of money expected to be spent on TV advertising has fallen almost 5% to £1.4bn.

BBQ: Does an increase in advertising always guarantee an increase in sales?

Christmas Adverts

Primark Quality Tests Beat Premium Brands

 

Cheap clothes have outperformed more expensive garments in durability testing conducted for the discount fashion industry. The University of Leeds has worked with retailer Primark to test items such as jeans and T-shirts to set "standards" on how long clothing should last. The university's school of design assessed 65 products, and found a £15 pair of women's jeans to be more durable than their £150 equivalent. Primark will incorporate the findings of the study into its guidelines and the chain said it hoped the results would help give customers better value for their money. “We had to consider how the garments are actually used. So, with jeans we focussed on things such as the fabric rubbing together and seam strength. “For hoodies we look at pilling, which are the small bobbles that form on fabric.” And the team were "surprised" by the results, which showed that price was not necessarily an indicator of long-term quality. The second-best performer in the men's T-shirt category cost only £5. Seventeen styles were tested. Ms Morris added: “Historically people think that if you pay more, you’ll get a longer life out of the garment. “We found no correlation between price and durability. It doesn’t mean that if you go out and buy something really cheap it will last forever, and vice versa. We are simply saying that there is no correlation between the two”.

Primark Quality

Starbucks Shake Up

Starbucks’ new CEO, Brian Niccol, has announced plans to simplify the company’s “overly complex menu” and review its pricing strategy in an effort to win back customers and boost declining sales. The coffee chain has faced several challenges, including rising costs of living, particularly in China, and operational issues such as staff shortages and customer bottlenecks. Niccol, who previously led Chipotle, aims to streamline operations and enhance the customer experience by refining mobile order and pay systems. Additionally, Starbucks is grappling with social media backlash and boycott campaigns related to the Israel-Gaza conflict and union disputes in the US. These controversies have added to the company’s difficulties, contributing to a 7% decline in global sales between July and September, with a more significant 14% drop in China. To address these issues, Niccol plans to focus on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, hoping to stabilize and eventually grow the company’s market position. The strategy includes simplifying the menu to reduce wait times and improve service quality, as well as adjusting prices to better align with customer expectations and economic conditions.

BBQ: How might simplifying its menu and adjusting pricing help Starbucks address its declining sales and operational challenges?

Starbucks Shake Up

McDonalds E.Coli Outbreak

 

McDonald’s has temporarily removed quarter pounders and fresh, slivered onions from the menu in about a fifth of its US stores due to an outbreak of deadly E. coli poisoning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recorded 49 cases of illness across 10 states, with 10 hospitalizations and one death. Most cases have been reported in western and Midwest states. The source of the outbreak is still under investigation, but onions from California-based Taylor Farms are suspected. McDonald’s has taken precautionary measures by recalling the affected products and working with health officials to address the issue. This outbreak has significant implications for McDonald’s business operations and brand reputation. The company’s stock initially dropped by 7% following the news, reflecting investor concerns about the potential financial impact. The recall and temporary menu changes could lead to supply chain disruptions and increased operational costs as McDonald’s works to source safe ingredients and ensure food safety standards are met. Additionally, the company is facing challenges from changing consumer spending habits and increased competition, which have forced it to rely heavily on discounts and promotions to attract customers.

BBQ: How might an E. coli outbreak and subsequent product recall affect McDonald’s brand reputation and financial performance? 

McDonalds E-Coli

Freeze Dried Sweets

Bebeto has launched a new range of freeze-dried sweets in the UK, inspired by a viral TikTok trend. The “Freeze Crunchy” range transforms classic gummies and marshmallows into light, crispy treats with intensified flavors. This process involves freezing the sweets and removing the liquid via vacuum, resulting in a unique texture and taste experience. Bebeto is the first major brand to bring such products to UK retail shelves, aiming to capitalize on the growing popularity of freeze-dried candies. The company manages the entire freeze-drying process to ensure quality and affordability, offering 35g bags at an RRP of £2. This move reflects a broader trend in the confectionery industry, where brands are leveraging social media trends to innovate and attract consumers. By tapping into the viral success of freeze-dried sweets on platforms like TikTok, Bebeto hopes to attract a younger audience and boost its market presence. The company’s strategy includes maintaining control over the production process to keep costs low while delivering a premium product. This approach not only meets the current demand for novel and exciting confectionery but also positions Bebeto as a leader in adopting and commercializing social media-driven trends

BBQ:  How can leveraging social media trends, like the viral TikTok craze for freeze-dried sweets, impact a company’s product development and marketing strategy? 

Bebeto Freeze Dried

Netflix Pushes Up Prices

 

Netflix has announced a significant price increase for its streaming service in the UK, with the standard plan rising by £2 to £12.99 per month. This decision comes as the company faces increasing production costs and competition from other streaming services like Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video. Netflix justifies the price hike by highlighting its substantial investment in new content, including original series and films, as well as improvements to the user experience. The company argues that these investments are necessary to maintain its competitive edge and continue delivering high-quality entertainment to its subscribers. However, this move has sparked concerns among subscribers about affordability and value for money, especially in the current economic climate where many households are already facing financial pressures. Some industry analysts suggest that while the price increase could lead to short-term revenue gains, it might also result in a loss of subscribers who may switch to more affordable alternatives. Netflix will need to carefully balance its pricing strategy with customer satisfaction to sustain its market position and long-term profitability.

BBQ: How might Netflix’s decision to increase subscription prices impact its customer base and competitive position in the streaming market?

Netflix Price Rise

Greggs Champagne Bar

Greggs, the popular UK bakery chain, is launching its first-ever champagne bar in Fenwick’s Newcastle store from October 24 to December 31. This pop-up bar will offer a unique dining experience, pairing Greggs’ signature pastries with a selection of fine champagnes, including high-end options like Louis Roederer Cristal. The menu will feature gourmet twists on classic Greggs items, such as sausage rolls with hot honey sauce and steak bakes with peppercorn aioli. This initiative follows the success of last year’s Bistro Greggs and aims to attract both loyal customers and new visitors with its innovative approach

BBQ: How can Greggs’ strategy of launching a champagne bar in collaboration with Fenwick’s impact its brand image and customer base?

Greggs x Fenwicks

Marshmallow Mum

 

A mum-of-two says she has made nearly £10,000 in six months by making marshmallows in the kitchen of her family home. Emily Roberts, 25, from Swansea, started making the treats while on maternity leave from her retail job as something to do with her eldest daughter. But after the sweets went down well with family and friends, Ms Roberts started selling them at local markets - which she said were "sell-out upon sell-out". Ms Roberts, who has now left her retail job to focus on her new venture, said she "never imagined" that her hobby could be turned into a business. Ms Roberts, who is registered as a sole trader but wants to soon convert her business into a limited company, said setting up was not as challenging as she thought it would be. Ms Roberts said she was not yet taking a wage, but had made just under £10,000 since March 2024. She sells her marshmallows at four events each week, either at markets or food festivals. Her advice to anyone considering setting up their own small business was to "go into it with all the passion that you've got". "It’s pointless doing something if you haven’t got your whole heart in it," she said.

BBQ: What entrepreneurial skills are on show by Emily? Is she right to consider becoming an LTD?

Marshmallows

Workers Rights Change

The UK government is introducing a major overhaul of workers’ rights through the Employment Rights Bill, which includes several significant changes aimed at benefiting millions of workers. Key reforms include granting sick pay from the first day of illness and allowing unpaid parental leave from the start of employment, removing the previous two-year qualifying period for unfair dismissal protections, and introducing a nine-month probation period. Additionally, the bill proposes making flexible working requests a right from day one of employment. These changes are designed to provide greater job security and flexibility for workers, reflecting the evolving nature of the workforce and the increasing demand for work-life balance. While business groups have generally welcomed the reforms, there are concerns about the practical implementation, particularly for smaller firms that may face challenges in adapting to the new regulations. The government emphasizes that these changes aim to strike a balance between being pro-worker and pro-business, ensuring that the UK remains an attractive place to work and do business.

BBQ: How might the introduction of immediate sick pay and parental leave from day one of employment affect small businesses and their approach to employee management?

Workers Rights

Paper Quality Street Tubs

 

Nestlé is trialling a new paper tub for its iconic Quality Street chocolates in collaboration with Tesco, aiming to reduce the use of virgin plastic. Over 200,000 paper tubs, designed with a luxurious feel and gold foil embellishments, will be available in selected Tesco stores this festive season. The trial will help Nestlé gather feedback from shoppers and supply chain teams to assess the tub’s popularity and effectiveness. This initiative is part of Nestlé’s broader sustainability efforts, which previously included switching to recyclable paper packaging for Quality Street’s twist-wrapped sweets. By introducing these paper tubs, Nestlé hopes to not only reduce its environmental footprint but also appeal to eco-conscious consumers who are increasingly prioritizing sustainability in their purchasing decisions. The success of this trial could pave the way for a broader rollout of paper packaging across more of Nestlé’s product range, further cementing the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

BBQ: How can sustainability initiatives, like Nestlé’s trial of paper tubs for Quality Street, impact a company’s brand image and consumer behavior?

Quality Street

Modern Slavery in McDonalds

A BBC investigation has revealed that signs of modern slavery were missed for years at a McDonald’s branch in Cambridgeshire and a factory supplying bread products to major UK supermarkets. Six members of a Czech family-run human trafficking network were convicted for forcing 16 victims to work under exploitative conditions. The victims, who were vulnerable and often homeless or struggling with addiction, had their wages stolen by the gang while living in squalid conditions. Despite earning at least the legal minimum wage, their pay was funneled into accounts controlled by the traffickers. The exploitation ended in 2019 after victims contacted police in the Czech Republic, leading to the gang’s arrest. McDonald’s UK and the British Retail Consortium have since pledged to improve systems for detecting such abuses.

What are your thoughts on how businesses can better prevent such exploitation in the future?

Modern Slavery

Workers Tips Law

 

A new law in the UK mandates that all customer tips, whether given in cash or by card, must be passed on to workers, benefiting over three million service employees in England, Scotland, and Wales. This legislation, effective from Tuesday, aims to prevent businesses from withholding tips and allows employees to take claims to an employment tribunal if the law is breached. The law is expected to significantly impact workers in restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs, hairdressers, and taxis, ensuring they receive their rightful earnings. However, some businesses may face challenges adapting to this change, particularly in terms of adjusting their payroll systems and managing the distribution of tips. Overall, this move is seen as a positive step towards fairer treatment of service industry workers, who often rely heavily on tips as part of their income.

BBQ: How do you think this new law will affect the service industry in the UK?

Workers Law Tips

Mike Ashley Mulberry Takeover

 

Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has made a takeover bid for luxury handbag maker Mulberry, expressing significant concern about the brand’s future. Mulberry has faced a sharp decline in sales due to a downturn in the luxury sector. To address its financial challenges, Mulberry recently announced plans to raise nearly £11 million. assistant Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has launched a takeover bid for Mulberry, the renowned luxury handbag maker, amid growing concerns about the brand’s financial health and future prospects. The luxury sector has been experiencing a significant downturn, which has severely impacted Mulberry’s sales and overall performance. In response to these challenges, Mulberry has outlined a strategic plan to raise nearly £11 million through a share issue, aiming to stabilize its finances and support its long-term growth. This move by Frasers Group highlights the increasing consolidation within the luxury market as companies seek to strengthen their positions and navigate the current economic uncertainties.

BBQ: What are the main reasons behind Frasers Group’s interest in acquiring Mulberry?

Mulberry Takeover

Lunchly Critisied

 

YouTubers MrBeast, Logan Paul, and KSI have launched a new line of lunch kits called Lunchly, marketed as a healthier alternative to Lunchables. However, health campaigners have criticized these kits for being ultra-processed and lacking in nutritional value. Despite the creators’ claims, the kits contain high levels of sugar, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives, raising concerns about their suitability for children. The controversy has sparked a debate about the ethics of marketing such products to young audiences. Turkey Stack ‘Ems, The Pizza and Fiesta Nachos are currently exclusive to the US market, but KSI – real name Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji – said he hoped to bring the range to the UK in “the next few months.

Lunchly

BBQ: How can the backlash against Lunchly’s nutritional content impact the brand’s market positioning and consumer trust?

Nike & Sky Ad Ban

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned ads from Nike and Sky for misleading consumers. Nike’s ad, which promoted trainers at a discounted price, only offered the shoes in limited children’s sizes, while Sky’s ad for its Now TV service automatically added free trials to customers’ baskets, which would renew for a fee unless cancelled. The ASA is cracking down on such “dark pattern” tactics, where key information is hidden or delayed, leading to consumer manipulation and potential financial harm.

BBQ: How do “dark pattern” tactics in advertising affect consumer trust and business reputation?

 Nike & Sky Ad Ban

Not A Price Match

BBC Panorama found that many Tesco products price-matched to Aldi, such as chicken nuggets and cottage pie, contain significantly less of the main ingredient compared to their Aldi counterparts. For example, Tesco’s chicken nuggets have 39% chicken, while Aldi’s have 60%. This practice, known as “value engineering,” involves altering ingredient quantities to reduce costs. Despite Tesco’s claim that ingredient proportions do not necessarily equate to quality, this discrepancy raises questions about the true value offered to consumers. Discount supermarkets like Aldi have thrived amid the higher cost of living, overtaking competitors like Morrisons.

BBQ:  How might the practice of “value engineering” affect consumer trust and brand loyalty in the supermarket industry?

Price Match

Skinny Books

Publishers are exploring ways to reduce carbon emissions associated with book production. A typical paperback book generates around 1kg of carbon dioxide, equivalent to the electricity use of more than 150,000 homes for a year. To address this, some publishers are using subtly thinner paper, while others experiment with compact typefaces that require less ink and paper. Sustainable Typesetting, a project by design company 2K/DENMARK, achieves significant page count reductions by increasing the x-height of letters without enlarging all text. These efforts aim to make books slimmer, lighter, and more environmentally friendly.

BBQ: How can publishers balance cost savings and environmental impact when choosing paper thickness and typefaces for book production?

Skinny Books

Copycat Chocolate

 

Tony’s Chocolonely has accused Lidl of copying the unique design of its chocolate bars with Lidl’s “Way To Go!” bars. Tony’s Chocolonely claims that Lidl’s bars mimic their distinct asymmetric design, which symbolizes the inequality in the cocoa supply chain. Tony’s Chocolonely argues that Lidl should also adopt their ethical sourcing principles if they are going to imitate their design. Lidl, however, insists that their chocolate is Fairtrade-certified and supports living incomes for cocoa farmers.

BBQ: How might Lidl’s alleged copying of Tony’s Chocolonely’s chocolate bar design impact Lidl’s brand reputation and customer loyalty?

Toneys Chocoloney Legal Battle

TGI Fridays Administriation

The UK operator of TGI Fridays has gone into administration, putting 4,500 jobs at risk. Hostmore, the hospitality company that owns the chain, is struggling with debt and heavy losses. They hope to sell 87 restaurants by the end of September to keep the brand running and secure jobs. Despite the financial troubles, all existing TGI Fridays locations remain open. The chain has faced challenges due to changing customer preferences and the impact of online shopping and the Covid pandemic on high street businesses. 

BBQ: How might the administration of Hostmore and the potential sale of TGI Fridays’ restaurants impact the company’s stakeholders, including employees, customers, and creditors?

Sephora North East

 

Sephora celebrated the official opening of two highly anticipated North East stores at Eldon Square in Newcastle and Metrocentre in Gateshead. As the fourth and fifth additions to Sephora’s growing UK portfolio, these new beauty destinations have already made a significant impact, with thousands of eager customers queueing to be among the first to step inside the stores. Before the official opening time of 9:13 AM—symbolically chosen to match the Friday, 13th September date—excitement filled both locations as customers arrived as early as 5 PM the previous day.  As a special Friday the 13th twist, lucky customers received product gifts and Sephora merchandise throughout the morning. With Sephora’s continued expansion in the UK, the North East openings mark a significant milestone in bringing the brand’s world-class beauty experiences to new regions. 

Sephora North East

Microsoft Job Cuts

Xbox owner Microsoft is to cut about 650 staff from its gaming division in a new round of job losses after its $69bn (£54.3bn) merger deal. The software giant said staff working in "mostly corporate and supporting functions" worldwide would be affected. It laid off 1,900 staff in January and, in May, closed four studios bought before its purchase of Call of Duty maker Activision-Blizzard. Microsoft's purchase of Activision-Blizzard in October also included Candy Crush maker King and followed its buyout of Zenimax, which owns Fallout maker Bethesda. Mr Spencer told staff Microsoft had tried to "minimise disruption" as it brought in new teams in the months since the multibillion-dollar acquisition. Mr Spencer acknowledged the news would be "difficult" for workers and thanked those affected for their contributions to the company.The games industry has been hit by mass layoffs over the past two years following a rush of investments and acquisitions amid record profits and player numbers during the Covid-19 pandemic. PlayStation maker Sony, League of Legends creator Riot Games and Fortnite owner Epic have been among those to lay off hundreds of workers.Sales of Xbox hardware have fallen since last year though, and the company has been trying to expand its software sales. Xbox showed off a string of upcoming games from its studios in June, including Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. The showcase was praised as one of its best in years, but the company has also upset fans by raising the prices of its Netflix-style Game Pass service and by announcing plans to release certain games on rival consoles.

Microsoft Job Cuts

Baked in Gold

 

Greggs has released a five-piece 22 carat gold-plated collection of jewellery for its most dedicated sausage roll fans. 'Baked in Gold' is the British bakery chain's first official jewellery collection, which will be available online from 10am on September 13, coinciding with the start of London Fashion Week. The limited edition range features iconic Greggs favourites including Sausage roll earrings, a Jammy Heart necklace and a Greggs charm bracelet. Each piece is hand-crafted by contemporary British artist Dion Kitson and prices start at £36. "Greggs fans are sure to find the perfect, gloriously golden piece to take their accessory game to the next level," the bakery said. The launch follows a tease posted across Greggs' social media channels over the weekend, prompting fans to speculate what could be coming. The jewellery range follows a previous collaboration between Greggs and Primark in 2022 featuring branded tracksuits, bucket hats, sliders and trainers.

Greggs Jewellery

High Street Closures

 

Pharmacies, pubs and banks made up half of the closures on Britain's High Streets in the first six months of this year, data suggests. A total of 6,945 stores have closed so far in 2024, which is the equivalent of 38 shops per day. However, if you take into account new store openings, there's only a net closure of 12 stores a day, which is slightly higher than the same period last year. On average, 18 chemists, 16 pubs and nine banks shut down every week between January and June - according to research from accountancy firm PwC. But only three convenience stores and one café chain opened in their place, highlighting the huge changes taking place in town centres. Last year saw net store closures of 11 shops a day. The data covers businesses with more than five outlets and includes everything from retail and hospitality to gyms, banks and hairdressers. It does not include independent traders. Convenience stores were the best performing category as supermarkets like Morrisons and Asda opened new outlets. It’s also been a tough first year for takeaways and restaurants. After a year of growth, these categories were hit by dozens of closures as the hospitality sector grapples with higher costs and weaker demand. The one bright spot was retail parks where chains opened more space for the second year in a row with new drive-throughs in big demand.

High Street Closures

Apple iPhone 16 Launch

 

Apple is set to announce the new iPhone 16 line-up on 9 September in a move that will signal the tech giant’s first serious foray into the world of artificial intelligence (AI), spearheaded by a new version of Siri. The live event in Cupertino, California will be livestreamed on Apple’s site as well as on YouTube, and is expected to debut 'Apple Intelligence' - Apple’s response to rivals such as Samsung and Google which have already baked in AI features into their flagship smartphones this year. Apple is also expected to unveil new watches and Airpods as well as the usual hardware upgrades across its iPhone and Pro line. The event is billed as ‘Glowtime’, which insiders suggest refers to the boosted on-screen glow of Apple’s Siri assistant, which will receive an AI upgrade this year.

Blog Q: Will the iPhone product life cycle get shorter?

Apple iPhone

The Body Shop Rescued

The Body Shop has been rescued from administration, in a deal that appears to secure the immediate future for 1,300 shop and office workers. A consortium led by the British cosmetics tycoon Mike Jatania has acquired the ethical beauty brand's 113 UK stores which remain trading, for an undisclosed sum. Mr Jatania described the Body Shop as "a truly iconic brand" popular in over 70 markets around the world. "We plan to focus relentlessly on exceeding their expectations by investing in product innovation and seamless experiences across all of the channels where customers shop," he said. Announcing the deal, Auréa Group said it has "no immediate plans" to shut stores but that it would monitor the footprint of the estate over the coming months as it tries to manage costs. The Body Shop was founded in Brighton in 1976 by the late environmental and human rights campaigner Dame Anita Roddick. What began as a single shop in the seaside town quickly grew into a global brand known for its beauty offer, perfumes and ethical stance against animal testing. Dame Anita and her husband Gordon sold the business to French beauty giant L'Oreal in 2006. Since then it has changed hands twice, including for as much as a reported one billion euros, amid fierce competition from other natural beauty brands like Lush and Rituals.

Blog Q - Is the market for ethical beauty becoming too saturated for The Body Shop to survive?

The Body Shop

Selena Gomez Joins Billionaire Rich List

The 32-year-old actress and singer has amassed a fortune worth $1.3bn, according to Bloomberg. It said her wealth came mainly from her Rare Beauty make-up company, which she founded five years ago and retains a stake in worth more than $1bn, the publication estimated. The brand's success has made her one of the "youngest female self-made" wealthy on the list, alongside the likes of Taylor Swift and Rihanna. Rare Beauty, known for liquid blush and lip tint that have had viral success on social media, reportedly did net sales of $400m in the 12 months to February. Gomez has also brought in tens of millions of dollars from endorsement deals with the likes of Louis Vuitton, Coach and Puma, according to Bloomberg. It said she also took home "at least" $6m per season for her Emmy-nominated turn in the Hulu hit "Only Murders in the Building", which was recently renewed for a fifth season. The singer became the most followed woman in the world on Instagram last year.

Blog Q - What entrepreneurial skills has Selena Gomez shown?

Selena

Unilever Slashing Jobs

Unilever, one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, has announced plans to cut a third of its office-based roles in Europe by the end of 2025. This decision comes after a global cost-cutting announcement in March, which will affect approximately 7,500 roles. About 3,200 jobs in Europe are expected to be axed as part of this plan. The company has begun a consultation process with those affected by the cuts. These changes are part of a broader effort to revive growth under CEO Hein Schumacher, who took over last year following a period of underperformance. Unilever also plans to split off its ice cream business, which includes brands like Wall’s, Ben & Jerry’s, and Magnum, as part of a strategy to “do fewer things better”. The company, which has major offices in London and Rotterdam, employs a total of 6,000 staff in the UK.

Blog Q - How will cutting a third of the workforce affect the morale at Unilever?

Unilever

Burberry Appoint New Boss

Burberry, a renowned UK fashion group, is undergoing significant changes as it grapples with a sales slump. Joshua Schulman, previously at Michael Kors, has been appointed as the new CEO, replacing Jonathan Akeroyd. This leadership change coincides with a sharp drop in sales and a warning from Burberry that profits may fall short of expectations if current trends persist. The company has also decided to suspend dividend payments for the current financial year. Retail revenues have fallen by 21% in the three months leading up to 29 June, with sales in the Asia Pacific region and the Americas experiencing some of the largest declines. Amid these challenges, Burberry is taking decisive actions, including cost-cutting measures and a potential return to more traditional colours and designs, to improve its performance in the second half of the year. Despite these efforts, shares in Burberry have more than halved over the past year, indicating that the new CEO has a significant task ahead to stabilise the company and restore investor confidence.

Blog Q - How might the appointment of a new CEO, such as Joshua Schulman at Burberry, influence the strategic decisions of a company facing a downturn in sales?

Burberry New Boss

Carlsberg Buys Britvic

Carlsberg, the Danish brewer, has agreed to a £3.3bn deal to acquire Britvic, the maker of drinks such as Robinsons squash and J20. The takeover will result in a single beverage company, Carlsberg Britvic, aimed at expanding its business in the UK and western Europe. Despite a previous lower offer being rejected, the final deal will provide existing Britvic investors with £13.15 per share. The acquisition is expected to diversify Carlsberg’s portfolio and enhance its global partnership with PepsiCo. On the same day, Carlsberg also agreed to take control of its UK brewing joint venture with Marston’s for £206m. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said Britvic would add "some diversification" to Carlsberg's portfolio. "The Danish outfit is having to react to a world in which younger age groups are less likely to indulge heavily in alcohol," he said. Britvic holds an exclusive licence with US firm PepsiCo to make and sell brands such as Pepsi, 7up and Lipton iced tea in the UK, and Carlsberg also has a bottling deal with the US company.

Blog Q: What are the potential benefits for Carlsberg in acquiring Britvic and taking control of its UK brewing joint venture with Marston’s?

Carlsberg Britvic

Tubi Launches

Rupert Murdoch’s Fox Corporation is launching Tubi, a free, ad-supported video streaming service, in the UK. Tubi, which has nearly 80 million monthly active users in the US, will compete with Netflix, Disney+, ITVX, Channel 4’s streaming platform, and the BBC iPlayer. The platform will launch with over 20,000 films and TV series from Disney, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, as well as British, Indian, and Nigerian content. Fox Corporation acquired Tubi in 2020 for $440m (£348m) to attract younger audiences. Other streaming companies like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ have launched ad-supported services and raised subscription prices to boost revenues. However, Abi Watson, a senior media analyst at Enders, suggests that Tubi might struggle to gain traction in the UK’s already well-catered free online video space.

 

Blog Q: How might the entry of Tubi, a free, ad-supported streaming service, impact the competitive landscape of the UK’s video streaming market? 

Tubi

Tesco Staff Shares Scheme

 

Over 20,000 Tesco employees are set to share a £30m windfall generated from the supermarket’s share schemes. An employee who invested an average of £68 per month over the past five years would receive around £6,640 from their £4,080 investment, yielding a profit of £2,560. The majority of the beneficiaries are shop floor or distribution centre workers.This payout is due to Tesco’s strong performance. The news comes after Tesco CEO Ken Murphy faced criticism for his £10m pay package last year. The company’s share schemes offer staff the chance to buy discounted shares in the company. Those who invested the maximum amount of £500 per month stand to make significant profits from the three-year and five-year schemes.

Blog Q: Discuss the impact of such a scheme on the company’s relationship with its employees.

Tesco Staff Shares