Better together: How media firms are teaming up to take on tech November 30, 2019 The media industry is in flux and embattled publishers and broadcasters are banding together. But will it be enough to fend off the might of big tech? In Succession, the hit HBO show about a crumbling media dynasty, virtually every conversation is a power struggle. But for ageing patriarch Logan Roy, a thinly-veiled Rupert Murdoch, [...]
BBC ‘may not be sustainable’ in current form, media watchdog warns October 24, 2019 The BBC may not be sustainable in its current form as it struggles to win over the attention of younger audiences, the media watchdog has warned. In a damning report published today, Ofcom said the corporation was at risk of a “lost generation” as young people increasingly tune out of its services. The reach of [...]
John Lewis threatens to withhold 20 per cent of service charges October 4, 2019 John Lewis is threatening to withhold up to 20 per cent of service charge to landlords to protest the increase in payment amounts . The department store said it is attempting to reduce costs but has been faced with service charge hikes at some of its shopping centre branches. Read more: John Lewis to axe [...]
John Lewis to axe a third of senior managers to save £100m October 1, 2019 The John Lewis Partnership is slashing its senior management layer by one third in a shock £100m bid to cut costs at the struggling retailer. Around 75 senior managers will get the axe from the current total of 225 in head office, John Lewis said. As part of the shake-up, the embattled chain also revealed [...]
Most retail landlords consider re-purposing property September 18, 2019 Most retail landlords are considering redeveloping their properties for other uses in a further blow for the struggling UK high street. In total, 18 per cent of landlords have already completed a re-purposing project and a further 75 per cent are considering making the move, according to a survey by estate agent Savills. Read more: [...]
How retail rookie Sharon White can turn John Lewis’ fortunes around September 13, 2019 John Lewis Partnership reported its first ever half-year loss yesterday, blaming falling sales and rising costs for a gloomy six months. It’s bad news for incoming chair – and retail rookie – Sharon White, who has a challenge on her hands to turn around the department store’s fortunes. Read more: John Lewis swings to a [...]
John Lewis swings to a loss and flags no-deal Brexit fears September 12, 2019 Troubled high street chain John Lewis reported its first-ever half-year loss this morning, striking a gloomy tone amid fears of a no-deal Brexit. The retail giant, which owns both John Lewis department stores and Waitrose, warned that leaving the European Union without a deal would have a “significant” impact on the group. Read more: Retail [...]
Lloyds’ away win piles pressure on Skeoch July 26, 2019 A score draw? For Standard Life Aberdeen, that’s probably an overly generous classified check after the final whistle on its £109bn fund management dispute with Lloyds Banking Group. It’s hard not to look at the result as anything other than a come-from-behind victory for Britain’s biggest high street lender instead. The £140m cash sum it [...]
Ofcom boss Sharon White chosen as next John Lewis chair June 6, 2019 Ofcom boss Sharon White is set to replace Sir Charlie Mayfield as the next chair of John Lewis, taking on the role as the retailer battles to recover from a recent plunge in profits and tough trading conditions on the high street. White, who is currently chief executive of the UK’s communications regulator, is set [...]
Firms to make it easier for mobile and broadband customers to switch June 3, 2019 Broadband, phone and pay TV companies have signed up to a string of new measures that will ensure customers are treated fairly, as regulator Ofcom continues its crackdown on poor customer service. BT, Vodafone, O2 and Sky are among the companies that have committed to helping customers get a good deal and switch providers easily [...]