Image copyright PA John Lewis has paid out its lowest bonus to staff since the 1950s as profits plunged last year amid “challenging” trading. The retail partnership – which includes Waitrose supermarkets – said staff would receive a 3% bonus, the lowest since 1954 when workers received 4%. Profits at the partnership sank last year …
Image copyright Quiz Women’s fashion retailer Quiz has issued its third profit warning in five months after seeing a “significant shortfall” in sales. The firm, which has 250 UK stores and concessions, is having to sell off stock more cheaply than it expected. Tarak Ramzan, chief executive, said “all aspects of the business” were being …
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Greggs – getting a taste for vegans Greggs has credited the fanfare around the launch of its vegan sausage roll for driving a sharp rise in sales. The bakery chain said the publicity the snack gained helped sales surge 9.6% in the seven weeks to 16 February. The snack, …
Image copyright Blizzard Entertainment Image caption Overwatch is just one of the popular games to include loot boxes George Proud from County Durham, a keen online gamer, spent nearly £700 in a month opening loot boxes as he progressed through a game. The boxes – which offer players new weapons or character skins – can …
Image copyright Getty Images Increasingly firms are telling staff it’s OK to loosen their collars and change into chinos, believing that is the way to attract and retain staff. This week, Goldman Sachs became the latest to issue new guidelines allowing more flexibility over work attire, but asking employees to “exercise good judgement” in deciding …
Europe’s biggest car show of the year has thrown up its usual mix of the fast and furious – and strange. Image copyright Robert Hradil/Getty Images Most carmakers are investing heavily in everyday electric and autonomous vehicles, but Renault thought it would be good to see what a self-driving limousine might look like. The French …
Image copyright Margaret MacKenzie Image caption Margaret MacKenzie (left) is looking to grow a lot more hemp When Margaret MacKenzie heard that President Trump had legalised the cultivation of hemp across the US just before Christmas, she immediately thought: “Oh boy, here we go! Things are going to move very fast.” The Colorado farmer tends …
Image copyright Getty Images Huawei has filed a lawsuit against the US government over a ban that restricts government agencies from using its products. In a statement, the firm said the US Congress has “failed to produce any evidence to support its restrictions”. The US has also been lobbying allies to shun Huawei equipment on …
Image copyright PA A deal confirmed between the UK government and the wind industry will ensure 30% of electricity comes from offshore wind by 2030. The move will help the UK towards an aim of securing almost all its power from low-carbon sources by 2030. It is the latest in a series of agreements with …