Australian pharmaceutical group Sigma Healthcare has dropped its $10bn pursuit of UK retail chain Boots, stating the deal would not meet its strategic and capital investment objectives. The withdrawal extends uncertainty for the 177-year-old chain, which was put up for sale in 2022. Sigma shares rose 6% on the news.
Barclays is set to acquire the UK business of GoHenry, a fintech company offering children's debit cards and money management apps, from Acorns. The deal aims to boost Barclays' presence in the youth banking market, particularly targeting affluent families, and is expected to complete next year.
A by-election in the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry constituency highlights contrasting high street fortunes. Arbroath faces empty retail units and a decline, while Broughty Ferry thrives with independent and chain businesses. Youth crime is a concern in Broughty Ferry.
Temitope Segun, 25, serving time for drug supply, escaped from a Serco-contracted van in Woolwich, SE London on June 8. He assaulted a guard and is believed to have links to the area. Police urge the public to call 999 if they see him.
An investigation across Britain exposes widespread organised crime on High Streets, including money laundering through 'dodgy shops', illegal tobacco sales, and drug trafficking, reflecting broader societal and economic troubles.
British Heart Foundation to close ~150 shops (1/4 of UK stores) and cut jobs due to rising costs and online shift, despite overall 'healthy' financial position, to sustain funding for cardiovascular research.
New research in Makerfield reveals voters prioritize cost of living, declining high streets, and public services. Many also express disillusionment with the political system and distrust of politicians, according to a focus group commissioned by 38 Degrees and JL Partners.
Research in Makerfield reveals voters prioritize cost of living, declining high streets, and public services. Many also express disillusionment with the political system and distrust of politicians, according to a focus group commissioned by 38 Degrees.
In England's Makerfield constituency, Reform UK is gaining traction due to voter disenchantment with Labour, driven by issues like immigration and environmental concerns such as flooding and illegal waste dumping. Despite Reform's climate policy skepticism, voters like Stefan Bilski and a pensioner in Bickershaw are considering the party. Reform candidate Robert Kenyon's controversial past statements have not deterred some, like Stephanie Doohan, who prioritize policies. However, Andy Burnham's candidacy for Labour presents a significant challenge, potentially regaining lost votes.
Arsenal fans gathered in Holloway, north London, to support their team in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, despite the match being held in Budapest. Fans filled pubs and displayed creative support, such as altering the Argos sign to 'Ar-senal'. The mood was optimistic but cautious, with some fans already satisfied with the season's Premier League win.
Prince William visited Nansledan, Cornwall, a new development aiming to be a model for UK high streets with mixed-use spaces for businesses and affordable housing. While praised for its community focus, concerns exist about its impact on nearby Newquay's struggling high street.
Former actress Hannah Murray reflects on her departure from acting and her entanglement with a wellness cult, detailing the psychological toll and eventual escape. She now advocates for critical thought regarding the wellness industry.
Seven Afghan nationals have been charged with rape and child sexual abuse offences as part of an investigation into group-based child sexual exploitation in Norwich. The men, aged 20-23, allegedly committed offences between August 2023 and May 2025. An eighth suspect was arrested in Ireland.
A new £20m National Crime Agency unit will target "dodgy" retail outlets like vape stores and mini-marts suspected of laundering £1bn of criminal money annually. The initiative aims to combat tax fraud, counterfeit goods, and illegal work, with 75 officers recruited for investigations and raids.
A new £20m National Crime Agency unit will target UK retail businesses like vape stores and mini-marts suspected of laundering £1bn of criminal money annually. The initiative aims to combat tax evasion, counterfeit goods, and organised crime on high streets.
A new £30m UK crime unit will target gangs using shops as fronts for illegal activities like drug dealing and money laundering, following a BBC investigation. The unit will run for three years, with funding for the NCA, trading standards, and immigration enforcement.
Lloyds Banking Group is reportedly considering phasing out the Halifax brand as early as July 1st, as part of a review of its branding strategy. The move could see Halifax accounts and services integrated into the Lloyds brand, though Bank of Scotland is expected to remain. A decision has not yet been made.
Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester mayor, contests the Makerfield bye-election, seeking to win a seat dominated by Reform, leveraging his local popularity and 'Manchesterism' brand despite Labour's poor local performance.
Modella, owner of WH Smith's former high street chain (now TG Jones), plans to close up to 60 Post Offices within its stores as part of a restructuring, citing weak consumer spending and rising costs, sparking fears of 'postal deserts' and thousands of job losses.
Low-profile Modella has positioned itself as a key creditor, landlord and brand owner to struggling TG Jones as store closures and job cuts loomShoppers at WH Smith were once accustomed to being offered cheap chocolate stacked high at the counter while buying their morning newspaper. Now, the chain’s former high street stores have themselves become the subject of a cut-price deal – as the low-profile investment group that snapped them up appears set to pay less than half of the original cash price.The paperclips to books chain had notched up 233 years on the British high street when it was bought by Modella Capital last summer. Continue reading...
I’ve had it up to here with Danny Dyer’s commercials for Paddy Power. The UK needs to take a tip from Amsterdam and rein in its advertisersAmsterdam’s new ban on public advertisements for meat and fossil fuel products makes me wonder whether we should be more ban-happy with ads in the UK. There are plenty I want rid of: “See it, say it, sorted”, obviously, which refuses to die, and those LNER ads featuring a hideously perky puppet treating train travel like an excuse for a party (pipe down, Eleanor). Also up against the wall when I’m in charge: overly matey ads for banks (don’t you dare call me “bestie” when you’re selling me an Isa); any catchy jingle that displaces the scraps of useful information still clinging on in my brain; and the whole wellness grift of snake oil powders and goo.But if I could ban only one type of advertising, I’d go after gambling. It’s hard not to sound like a Victorian tub-thumping religious zealot when you rant about gambling ads, but my God, they’re grotesquely disingenuous and cynical, making out that high street slot shops and online gaming sites are all razzle-dazzle and sparkle; that it’s a bit of fun for cheeky chappies and gorgeous gals. Continue reading...
Spain's homegrown payment app is making its biggest move yet, bringing account-to-account payments to the physical till and raising the stakes for US card giants.
Exclusive: Documents show Modella Capital, which bought the chain last year, is so far owed £2.9m in royalty feesThe investment company that owns the former WH Smith high street stores is charging the retailer millions of pounds in licence fees for the right to use its widely derided TG Jones name, the Guardian can reveal.Modella Capital – which bought the chain from WH Smith’s parent company last year – on Wednesday blamed weak consumer spending as it laid out a restructuring plan that could shut 150 of its 450 shops. It also said “the forced name change from WH Smith has also negatively impacted consumer awareness”. Continue reading...
The stores were purchased by Modella Capital last year, and then rebranded under the name TGJones.
