Plimsoll

The number of complaints lodged against British gambling companies has increased by 5000% in the last 5 years, according to BBC’s Panorama. This is apparently largely due to unpaid winnings and ‘failing to operate in a socially responsible way’.

The overall performance of the industry appears to have suffered in recent years as 131 companies out of the top 735 have been making a loss for two consecutive years.

The Plimsoll analysis gives every company in the industry a rating which ranges from ‘strong’ to ‘in danger’. The analysis of all UK gambling companies shows that 50% of the market is rated as either ‘in danger’ or ‘caution’.

With the industry’s overall performance slipping, could companies simply be trying to improve their performance and grow through other means such as stricter payout criteria or more aggressive marketing and retention strategies?

Whether this is a deliberate strategy or not, how effective it is remains to be seen and it appears to be jeopardising the industry’s reputation.

York-based housebuilder Persimmon have been at the centre of much debate this week following “revolt” among the company’s shareholders over executive remuneration proposals.

Three different types of acquisition in a post-COVID world

During the summer months, mention of Christmas and the holiday season may be the furthest thing from consumer thinking, but for the world’s leading toy companies, it becomes their sole focus. In 2021, planning for the all-important final quarter is being hamstrung by a unique set of circumstances that could lead to shortages and sharp price hikes of famous brands from Barbie to Play-Doh.

The country has sweltered in July as summer 2021 arrived in full force and even Northern Ireland saw temperatures break records. With August forecast to see a second, even warmer plume of thermometer-busting heat, it is the ideal time to look at the state of play in industries that benefit the most from these periods of un-British summer weather.

Companies have learned two main lessons from the pandemic. Firstly, how to prosper with staff working outside the office for the first time. Secondly, how to utilize the revolution in working patterns, and other changes accelerated by COVID-19, to maintain better cost controls.

With news that retail sales have fallen by the most on record in May, Plimsoll has taken a look at the longer term trends in how UK Retailers are generating sales and profits from their investment.

Do the rumours swirling that Virgin Atlantic has its eye on Flybe, indicate that consolidation is gathering pace in the overcrowded Airline market?

Budgeting for 2021 is going to be a different experience for all business leaders as we continue to sail through these choppy waters. Whether it is the virus, Brexit or an internal malady, planning for the coming 12 months has so many caveats and subplots this year, budgeting is going to remain fluid throughout next year.

As the UK eases out of lockdown, now will be an interesting time to look at how industries affected by the pandemic will move forward.