NEWS
Grubs wins SME of the Year at GM Skills Awards 2026
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olton-based family business Grubs has been named SME of the Year at the GM Skills Awards 2026, recognising the
company’s commitment to developing young talent and supporting skills in the workplace. The ninth-generation family-owned company
received the award at the annual ceremony, with the presentation made by the Partnership Manager at GMPLN alongside Mark Smith, Digital Work-Based Tutor at Bolton College, who nominated the business for the accolade. The award celebrates small and medium-
sized enterprises that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to supporting apprenticeships, workforce development and skills across Greater Manchester. Grubs praised Bolton College for the support
it has provided to apprentice Lucas, highlighting the impact of its digital training programme and the dedication of tutor Mark Smith. “We are very impressed with the support and
tuition that Lucas received from Bolton College,” said David Foster, Grubs CEO. “His tutor, Mark, and the whole team have been amazing. Through their efforts in preparing and educating students in the skills they require for the modern world of social networks and online marketing, they are positioning Greater Manchester to be a hub for the online marketplace as it continues to evolve.” The business also thanked the organisers
of the GM Skills Awards for recognising its achievements and for their ongoing commitment to supporting employers and young people across the region.
Clarks continues its European retail expansion strategy
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larks is expanding its European store portfolio in Italy following other recent openings in the country, plus
Spain and elsewhere in Europe. The expansion comes as the brand builds
on its return to profitability, supported by stronger cost discipline, improved inventory management and a more competitive pricing strategy. In 2025, the business reported operating profit of £66.3 million. Alongside retail expansion, Clarks is
strengthening its wholesale presence across Europe and the UK. For Autumn/Winter 2026, the business has begun operating with 120 new multi-brand accounts in Europe and the UK, while wholesale orders in Italy for AW26 are up 55 per cent compared with AW25. Joe Ulloa, President of UK & Europe at
Clarks, said: “Across Europe, we are investing in the right stores, strengthening wholesale, building new partnerships and improving the value we offer customers. Our focus is on sustainable market share growth, supported by a healthier, more disciplined business that gives us the confidence to reinvest for the future.” Clarks’ European strategy is focused on
growing across multiple channels, including direct retail, wholesale, franchise partnerships and marketplaces. The business has already
“A big thanks also to the team behind the GM Skills Awards 2026 for our award and their continued support of businesses and the young people of Greater Manchester, as well as the category sponsor, the Edge Foundation.”
CAPRICE strengthens its management team with its latest appointment
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APRICE has further expanded its international sales organisation with the appointment of Maik Hespenheide
in the newly created dual roles of Head of International Sales at PETER KAISER and Head of Overseas Sales at CAPRICE. Mr Hespenheide has spent more than 30
years at LLOYD Shoes, most recently serving as Head of International Sales. He brings exceptional sales expertise and many years of experience in developing and expanding global markets. “We are
launched stores in Spain and Italy this year, with further openings planned in France, Belgium and the UK. The brand is also developing its marketplace
proposition, having launched on platforms including Secret Sales and eBay, while creating its own UK marketplace featuring more than 60 complementary brands.
consistently driving the development of our brands forward with new strategies, modern sales approaches and a clear growth agenda,” said Jürgen Cölsch, Managing Partner of CAPRICE Schuhproduktion GmbH & Co. KG. “With Maik we are strengthening our management team with an experienced sales executive who will bring his strategic expertise, international network and many years of industry experience to the continued expansion of PETER KAISER and CAPRICE.”
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