Retail & Consumer
On the Beach sees continued travel demand as summer bookings soar
2025-07-11 10:02:42
On the Beach is forecasting another prosperous summer of travel in 2025, following a spike in early bookings. The London-listed travel company reported a 10% year-on-year increase in total transaction value (TTV), a metric for ticket sales, for the forthcoming summer season, as reported by City AM. Group TTV for holidays planned from March to June has also seen a 17% rise. According to current booking trends, this summer is set to outperform last year's significantly, although On the Beach maintains its full-year profit forecast, as stated in a market announcement. CEO Shaun Morton highlighted robust demand for city destinations such as Amsterdam, Paris, and Krakow, with package holidays to the Republic of Ireland also proving a hit. "The success of these early-stage strategic initiatives combined with the growth in our core beach proposition gives me the confidence that summer 2025 will be significantly ahead of summer 2024 and the group will deliver FY25 adjusted pre-tax profit in line with market expectations," added Morton. This comes on the heels of a record-breaking year for On the Beach, during which the Manchester-based firm capitalised on the soaring demand for European holidays. The company announced on Tuesday that it had completed 64% of a £25m share buyback scheme initiated in December. Shares saw an approximate 1% rise in early trading. In their note, Panmure Liberum analysts highlighted the success of On the Beach's "low-cost/no commitment" model in offsetting broader inflationary pressures.
Retail & Consumer
Jollyes continues to sink into the red despite sales surge as it takes on Pets at Home
2025-06-28 17:37:52
Retail & Consumer
Kitchenware brand Procook to open Bristol Cabot Circus store
2025-06-27 01:12:33
Retail & Consumer
Turkish restaurant Longa expands with second venue in Cardiff
2025-07-08 16:00:25
Discover New Ideas
Retail & Consumer
Just Eat launches first drone deliveries in UK and it could change takeaways forever
2025-06-22 17:32:22
Just Eat Takeaway has initiated its first drone-operated food deliveries, marking the beginning of a significant rollout in collaboration with Manna Drone Delivery. The initial location for the rollout will be Dublin. Customers ordering from participating restaurants can now choose drone delivery and receive their meals in as little as three minutes, as reported by City AM. The service is designed to enhance efficiency and reduce delivery times during peak hours and is anticipated to expand across the food delivery giant's international markets. Manna's drone network currently operates under European Union aviation safety agency (EASA) regulations, and the company is actively collaborating with local authorities to extend the service to more countries. Jessica Hall, chief product officer at Just Eat, expressed: "We're very excited to be working with Manna to offer an alternative form of delivery, ensuring customers receive what they want, when they want it." She added: "This partnership is the latest in our commitment to testing innovative solutions that enhance convenience and improve user experience". Bobby Healy, Manna's CEO, described the partnership as a "major milestone for drone delivery in Europe", adding that "by combining Manna's expertise in scalable drone operations with Just Eat Takeaway.com's vast customer base and logistics network, we're setting the standard for sustainable, convenient and safe food delivery." This crucial drone initiative forms part of Just Eat's wider push for innovation.
Aldi to cut up to 350 jobs at UK headquarters as cost pressures increase
2025-07-11 22:25:41
Women risk being left without a pension for 14 years
2025-06-21 21:31:05
Co-op admits to 107 breaches of order to stop blocking rivals from opening nearby
2025-06-25 19:50:33
Supermarkets see varied fortunes amid rising sales with Asda continuing to struggle
2025-07-12 13:48:24
Begin a New Chapter
Retail & Consumer
Bristol's high street businesses join calls for government to rethink business rates proposals
2025-06-24 15:43:34
Bristol retailers are among thousands of high street businesses urging the government to reconsider plans to raise business rates for the largest properties. High Streets UK, a partnership of more than 5,000 businesses across the country, said the move would place a "disproportionate burden" on flagship stores. Under plans, properties with a rateable value of more than £500,000 could be subject to a business rates multiplier up to 10p higher than the current levy. The idea is it will pay for a rates reduction on small high street businesses. The group said the upcoming 2026 revaluation added "further uncertainty" and would deincentivise near-term investment. The group has called on Sir Keir Starmer's government to conduct a full impact assessment of proposed multiplier increases and freezing any hike in the higher multiplier until 2027/28 to provide greater certainty. Vicky Lee, director of Bristol City Centre BID on behalf of Visit West Bristol BIDs, said while business rates reform was necessary, it needed to "support, rather than hinder" the future of flagship high streets. "Bristol’s high street businesses are a crucial part of our city’s economy, driving jobs, tourism and investment," she said. "We urge the Government to take a balanced approach, ensuring that rates remain competitive and that businesses have the certainty they need to plan ahead. "A thriving high street benefits not just retailers, but the entire city, from independent businesses to local communities." Dee Corsi, chair of High Streets UK, added: “Flagship high streets are the economic and social anchors of our cities – they create jobs, drive local and national growth, and serve as vital hubs for communities. "Moreover, within a high street ecosystem, it is often the larger retail, leisure and hospitality units which drive footfall and spend in smaller neighbouring businesses. If you put these larger stores at risk, the impact will be felt across the entire high street. “As a collective voice for these high streets, High Streets UK is calling on the Government to take urgent action to safeguard their future, ensuring our city centres remain dynamic, competitive, and resilient.”
Deliveroo called 'underappreciated' after quitting Hong Kong as rivals 'muscle it out'
2025-07-15 01:06:31
Historic Preston Guild festival looks set to continue despite council abolition
2025-07-05 01:27:19
Liverpool confirm 'multi-year' Adidas kit deal as Reds target big revenue hike
2025-07-07 10:05:44
Manchester Airport to get third Premier Inn hotel as bosses eye new site
2025-06-18 06:28:43
Embrace New Ideas
Retail & Consumer
Fenwick launches Colmans Fish and Chips restaurant in latest foodie collaboration
2025-07-01 21:29:28
Newcastle retail giant Fenwick has announced its latest culinary collaboration, joining forces with another North East institution to bring award-winning fish and chips to its store. The department store chain has previously enjoyed success through partnerships with Greggs and Hjem, and is currently serving tea and toasties in its Barbour cafe, alongside its speciality delicatessen and wine bar Blacks Corner. Later this month, however, the firm's Northumberland Street store will launch a Colmans Fish and Chips, a new venture which will see Fenwick join forces with the fellow family business to create a fresh take on the nation’s favourite dish. Richard Colman, director at Colmans Fish and Chips, said the new partnership will set to shake up Newcastle’s bourgeoning hospitality scene when it opens on Thursday March 20. He said: "Just like fish and chips, Fenwick is associated with family, tradition and timeless experiences. We see so many generations enjoying priceless family time at Colmans — parents, children and grandchildren — and it’s always been the same at Fenwick. Last year was the first time I got to take my son to see the Christmas window and it’s moments like that which remain with families forever. “We want Colmans Fish and Chips to become part of a special Fenwick experience that’s synonymous with growing up in the North East.” Fenwick already has a long list of food and drink offerings within its Newcastle, with discerning shoppers able to choose from Mother Mercy, EL&N, Mason + Rye, Fuego, Cafe 21, King Baby Bagels, Freds and two Caffe Nero cafes. Directors say adding the fish and chips to an already mouth watering food offering is sure to tickle the taste buds of customers. Kieran McBride, store director at Fenwick, said: “We are delighted to partner with fellow North East founded family brand Colmans to launch Colmans Fish and Chips at Fenwick. If you’re looking for the best fish and chips in the region then look no further. With a legion of celebrity fans and a reputation for absolute quality, this collaboration is one we are incredibly excited about and we’re confident that our customers will love the Colmans and Fenwick experience. “The launch reinforces the Fenwick restaurant offer which continues to evolve through unexpected collaborations, new Fenwick concepts and an all-round innovative customer experience.” South Tyneside staple Colmans was launched in 1905, initially serving customers from a small shack on the seafront at South Shields before moving into its first Ocean Road restaurant in 1926. In 2017 the family launched its Colmans Seafood Temple. Mr Colman said heading north of the Tyne for the first time marks a bold move by the company. He said: “We're already a regional favourite but it'll be great to take our fish and chips into the city centre and make our menu more accessible for people who wouldn't necessarily come to South Shields as much. It's a great opportunity but it will be a steep learning curve. We always knew that opening up our first restaurant outside of South Tyneside, in a prime Newcastle city centre location, would be a culture shock. “But we’re relishing the challenge and Fenwick has been incredibly supportive. They've given us a lot of creative freedom to get this fantastic partnership off the ground. “Fish and chips fried traditionally will be the focus. We know what we do well and don’t intend to veer too far from that! Of course, you might go to a fish and chip shop but fancy a battered sausage too. We understand that so we’re going to take those elements and make them into cool, trendy sides. “We're partnering with local independents like Geordie Bangers for a bespoke battered sausage and Chris Eagle at Great North Provisions for a really good pie. We'll also have some great grilled and gluten free options too for those who aren't feeling the fried choices.”
Pukka Pies warns price rises are 'inevitable' as it battles 'significant' inflation
2025-06-27 20:31:11
Poundland considering 'all options' as it struggles and shuts 13 stores
2025-06-25 08:58:29
Julia Hoggett calls for UK to revise retail investment rules favouring crypto over bonds
2025-07-03 14:54:49
Government approves controversial M56 Tebay-style service station despite local opposition
2025-07-09 23:15:56