Business

John Lewis is preparing to enter a new era of retail by selling products through artificial intelligence platforms and social media, as the historic department store seeks to attract younger shoppers and modernise its business model. The retailer has launched a multimillion-pound strategy centred on what it calls “AI-powered shopping”, enabling its products to appear in recommendations generated by chatbots such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini. The move forms part of a wider digital expansion...

The UK government is preparing to commit more than £1 billion in taxpayer-funded infrastructure support for a major new theme park development in Bedfordshire, as part of efforts to secure the first European resort from entertainment giant Comcast. The investment package, which will primarily fund transport upgrades and surrounding infrastructure, is significantly larger than the £500 million previously expected to be allocated to the project. The funding forms part of wider preparations for the construction...

Visual content plays an important role in digital communication today. Businesses, content creators, students, and marketers use images and posters to share information, promote products, and attract attention online. However, low-resolution images and poorly designed graphics  can  reduce the  impact of visual content.  This is  why  technologies  such  as 4k image upscaler tools and platforms that help users create online poster maker designs are becoming increasingly popular. These tools allow users to improve image quality...

In the contemporary world, where art and functionality converge, accessories are no longer just embellishments but essential elements that enhance our everyday experiences. These items, often overlooked, hold the power to transform a mundane day into something extraordinary. Modern accessories reflect an evolution where design aesthetics meet practical utility, creating pieces that are both visually stunning and highly functional. This intersection of artistry and functionality offers fascinating insights into how accessories shape our lifestyles, offering...

In today’s competitive marketplace, supplier verification has become a critical step for companies engaged in global trade. Businesses are no longer sourcing from a single region; instead, they rely on complex global sourcing networks that span multiple countries, languages, and regulatory environments. While this creates new opportunities for cost efficiency and innovation, it also introduces significant risks related to quality, compliance, and reliability. Verifying suppliers thoroughly before entering into agreements is no longer optional—it is...

Mike Ashley’s retail empire has added another high-profile investment to its portfolio after Frasers Group quietly built a near 6 per cent stake in the German sportswear brand Puma. Regulatory filings on the German stock exchange revealed that the owner of Sports Direct, Flannels and House of Fraser now controls a 5.77 per cent holding in Puma. The disclosure triggered an immediate reaction in the market, sending Puma’s shares up almost 10 per cent as...

A major new life sciences facility has officially opened in Glasgow, marking a significant step forward for Scotland’s rapidly expanding healthcare innovation sector. The 87,000 sq ft Health Innovation Hub (HiH) was formally launched by Wes Streeting during a ceremony held on 5 March. The development represents a major investment in precision medicine, digital health technologies and clinical research, reinforcing Glasgow’s ambition to become a global centre for life sciences innovation. Developed and operated by...

A legal challenge has been initiated against the UK government over a pilot scheme reportedly offering payments of up to £40,000 to certain failed asylum seekers who voluntarily leave the country. On Friday, a Pre-Action Protocol letter was issued to the Home Office signalling an intention to pursue judicial review proceedings in the High Court of Justice. The proposed legal action seeks clarification on whether ministers possess lawful statutory authority to authorise payments of this...

Sustainable sportswear brand Reflo has launched a £2.5 million crowdfunding campaign, giving members of the public the opportunity to invest in the fast-growing company alongside England captain Harry Kane. The fundraising round, which opens on 5 March via the investment platform Crowdcube, marks a deliberate shift away from traditional venture capital funding. Instead, Reflo’s founders say they want the brand’s customers and community to become part-owners of the business as it scales globally. Founded in...

Workers at luxury fashion retailer Net‑a‑Porter are set to vote on potential strike action after being told their wages will fall short of the London Living Wage, despite what unions say was a previous commitment by the company to adopt the rate. More than 100 warehouse staff at the company’s fulfilment centre in Charlton, southeast London, will take part in a formal ballot organised by the GMB. The vote will determine whether employees move forward...