Author: Scott Dylan

In a landmark achievement, a new initiative by Screen Scotland aimed at bolstering Scottish post-production and VFX studios has secured its first high-profile project: HBO Max’s The Penguin.The PGF Project Post pilot funding initiative was established in response to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes, which resulted in a downturn in post-production. Designed to attract large-scale film and television productions to Scotland, the initiative has already made a significant impact.The collaboration with HBO Max’s The Penguin, which delves into Batman’s Gotham, represents the pilot scheme’s headline win. This prestigious project was executed by the Glasgow-based production company FixFX.Colin Kennedy, CEO of FixFX,…

A public consultation has commenced regarding ambitious development plans for the former Hilti site at Trafford Wharf, led by Cole Waterhouse. The proposal outlines a mixed-use scheme aimed at transforming the site into a vibrant neighbourhood.The proposed development integrates built-to-rent homes, purpose-built student accommodation, and a new education facility equipped with teaching spaces, offices, and various student amenities. Specifically, the project envisions the re-development of the former Hilti headquarters off Victoria Place, signifying a multimillion-pound contribution to the local economy through the creation of jobs during construction, operation, and throughout the supply chain.The comprehensive scheme includes 419 student beds and…

Cornish clothing brand Seasalt has successfully launched its first store in the United States, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion strategy. Concurrently, the company has announced the appointment of Louise Couch as its new finance chief.The latest development for Seasalt is the opening of a 2,500 sq ft store on Main Street in Falmouth, Massachusetts. This marks the company’s largest outlet to date and demonstrates its commitment to broadening its market presence across the Atlantic.Seasalt’s chief executive, Paul Hayes, highlighted the strategic alignment between the new location and the company’s brand values. ‘Falmouth, on the Cape, was an…

UK retail sales have surged to their highest level since July 2022, despite a significant drop in consumer confidence. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported a 1% increase in retail sales volumes for August compared to the previous month, exceeding market expectations.Retail sales volumes in the UK experienced an impressive 1% growth in August, surpassing analysts’ predictions of a modest 0.4% rise. This marks the highest monthly growth rate since July 2022 and builds on the 0.5% increase recorded in July. Excluding motor fuel, core retail sales saw a sharper increase of 1.1%, significantly higher than the 0.7% growth…

A chartered surveying practice has launched a new office in Birmingham, establishing a presence in the city’s business district.Proximity has appointed Robert Rankine as the associate director to lead the new setup at the Arca building located in Temple Row. Rankine, recruited from AA Projects, brings extensive expertise to the new role.Founded in 2022 by Mike Scanlan and Tom Kibblewhite, Proximity is headquartered in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. The firm collaborates with developers on property projects across the United Kingdom. Their focus lies in identifying and mitigating risks associated with rights of light, party walls, daylight, sunlight, and solar glare amenity…

In a critical update, the prominent clothing and homewares retailer has warned that several of its stores may face closure following a landmark £30 million equal pay ruling.The FTSE 100 retailer announced in its recent half-year report that the ruling could significantly impact the profitability of individual stores. Last month, an employment tribunal ruled in favour of 3,540 current and former female store staff who claimed they were paid less than predominantly male employees in warehouses. The company is appealing the decision, which dates back to October 2018, and has expressed confidence in its legal grounds for the appeal. However,…

Marlow Foods, the company behind the meat-free brand Quorn, has reported a significant financial downturn, posting a pre-tax loss of £63.4m for 2023. This follows a previous loss of £15.4m in 2022 and contrasts starkly with a profit of £7.3m in 2021.Newly filed accounts at Companies House revealed that the company’s revenue declined from £220m to £204.9m over the past year. The decline in the meat-free category in the UK and US markets, driven by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, was cited as a significant factor. Despite these challenges, the company saw continued growth in its food service sector, which partially…

Cardiff is set to experience the largest increase in gross value added (GVA) outside of London over the next two years, according to new research from professional advisory firm PwC. The firm’s annual Good Growth for Cities Index outlines that Cardiff’s GVA is projected to grow by 1.3% this year and by 2.07% in 2025.Cardiff’s GVA growth is only surpassed by London, which is forecasted to grow by 1.47%, and certain London boroughs at 1.45%, placing Cardiff on par with Ipswich. Out of the 53 UK cities and major towns assessed, Cardiff’s forecast for 2025 GVA growth of 2.07% ranks…

Lloyd’s of London has announced the appointment of seasoned Treasury professional Charles Roxburgh as its new chair. Roxburgh will succeed Bruce Carnegie-Brown in this prestigious role, commencing on 1 May 2025. This decision follows a “robust and extensive search,” ending Carnegie-Brown’s notable eight-year leadership.Roxburgh, recognising the significance of his new position, remarked: “Lloyd’s plays a critical role at the heart of the global insurance industry and UK financial services. Under Bruce’s leadership, it has prospered and is in a strong competitive position, with robust financial security.” He further added, “The market is delivering valuable protection to its customers and healthy…

Investec has issued an optimistic trading update for the first half of the financial year, projecting a rise in profits despite facing various challenges in the UK market.Investec anticipates an adjusted operating pre-tax profit ranging from £450 million to £482 million for the six months ending in September. This forecast marks a potential improvement from the £441 million registered during the corresponding period last year. Headline earnings per share are expected to vary between a decline of 1.4% below last year’s 36.9p and an increase of up to 3.5%. This estimation incorporates the costs associated with executing strategic actions.The bank…