Category: Business

Barclays’ stock price has fallen 7% since March, despite impressive profits and a major shareholder return plan. Analysts see both growth potential and risks ahead, with mixed views on whether the current dip signals a smart buy or lurking trouble for investors.

Aldi is hiking its minimum pay for store staff to £13 an hour nationwide, leaving rivals behind and outpacing the Real Living Wage. With paid breaks and more jobs on the way, Aldi continues to put pressure on the grocery sector’s pay standards.

Andy Byron, head of tech startup Astronomer, resigned after footage of him with colleague Kristin Cabot at a Coldplay concert went viral. The incident generated intense online debate about leadership, workplace behavior, and personal privacy. Both Byron and Cabot exited the company shortly after, sparking conversations about surveillance in the digital age.

JPMorgan says Brent crude could surge as high as $130 if Middle East tensions explode, but keeps its main forecast anchored in the low-to-mid $60s for the next two years. The risk of supply shocks looms, though global oil supply and demand should keep prices in check for now.

Carpetright's Leicester store at Abbey Retail Park has closed after the chain entered administration. A mix of plummeting consumer spending, sluggish home sales, and a cyber attack toppled the retailer. Tapi Carpets bought 54 stores, securing 308 jobs, but 1,018 roles are lost as 218 stores, including Leicester, shut their doors.

Spring Airlines is stirring debate in the aviation world by suggesting standing room-only sections to pack 40% more passengers into planes and cut ticket prices. While hoping to ease travel during busy Chinese holidays, regulators and travelers are wary about safety and comfort.

Amritsar's Future Tycoons programme, now in its third edition, is wrapping up after a rigorous selection and workshop phase. Led by DC Sakshi Sawhney, the programme mentored 300 shortlisted business models out of over 1,500 registered participants and featured inclusive initiatives for hearing-impaired students.

Big UK supermarkets like Tesco, Aldi, and Sainsbury's set special Easter 2025 opening hours, with most closing on Easter Sunday and reduced store times across the bank holiday weekend. Customers should check local times online due to regional differences.

Goodwill has shut down its GoodwillFinds online marketplace, citing low demand. The move highlights the difficulty traditional retail models face when transitioning online. While the ShopGoodwill auction site remains, the closure reflects a larger trend where retailers struggle to match the in-store experience digitally, revealing preferences for experiential shopping post-pandemic.

Primark CEO Paul Marchant has resigned abruptly following allegations of inappropriate behavior during a social event, leading to an external probe. He admitted to a lapse in judgment and apologized, prompting ABF to reaffirm its dedication to integrity and workplace respect. The exit caused ABF shares to dip before stabilizing, and Eoin Tonge steps in as interim leader.