NEWS


John Lewis restores staff bonus as profits improve


The John Lewis Partnership has restored its annual staff bonus and committed to a wider pay increase in acknowledgment of the surge in the cost of living. The retail giant scrapped the bonus scheme in 2020 for the first time since 1953


as sales plunged due to pandemic. But now, staff will see a three per cent bonus, which is the equivalent of one-and-a-half week’s wages. The Partnership reported a bottom line loss before tax of £26 million – an


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improvement of £491 million on last year when it launched its master plan to save costs, which included the closure of several under-performing stores, plus a delivery hub, and almost4,000 job cuts. John Lewis achieved the highest sales in its history, of £4.9 billion, for the year ending 29 January 2022. Looking ahead, Partnership Chair, Dame Sharon White, spoke of “continued


uncertainty” from global events, as well as inflation and energy price rises. She also reported: “We remain focused on investing significantly in our five-year Partnership Plan to transform and grow our business.” This involves investment of £119 million into John Lewis stores, digital services and distribution capabilities.


Last month, the company announced £500 million investment into a new value


offering at John Lewis; as part of this, the brand’s famous ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ slogan – which has been in place for nearly a century – will be retired as the new approach of Quality & Value every day comes in. “As a result of shopping moving increasingly online, the Quality & Value approach


applies to however and wherever people shop, whether it’s in store or online,” said Ms White. “Customers will benefit from great prices without having to shop around.”


Hughes Electrical appoints new General Manager


Hughes Electrical has promoted Darren Clements to the new role of Retail General Manager. He will work alongside Director of Retail, Jack Phelps, to look after and support Hughes stores across the South East. Mr Clements started his career with the company 25 years ago taking a Saturday job at its


Brands focus on a greener future


Hisense has announced its commitment to reducing more than 230,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions by the end of this year. In its new “Hisense, Towards a Greener Future” sustainability video, the company said it is focusing on “people-oriented, application-oriented, intelligent development and sustainable empowerment”, dedicated to developing and producing cutting edge technology. Its strategy will be implemented across B2B and B2C. In home appliances,


Hisense will continue using environmentally friendly materials; will use solar energy as an alternative to the traditional high-pollution coal-fired power, simplify the production manufacturing process through the Rapid Thermal Cycle Injection technology; and add the marking of single‑use plastic products to increase the efficiency of utilisation of parts. Howard Grindrod, Vice President at Hisense UK, said: “We’re confident that by


making changes to our footprint across all global territories, we can begin to make a significant change for consumers now and in years to come.”


King’s Lynn store; since then he has been a Sales Assistant, Branch Manager and most recently, Retail Operations Manager. “My role is to support the Branch Managers


and ensure as a company we continue to deliver the best possible customer service and experience, while ensuring the well-being and happiness of our retail team.”


Elsewhere, Beko has renewed its environmental pledge by launching its sustainability campaign for the second time. This includes transforming recycled waste materials into durable, high performance product parts used in the latest range of built-in ovens, washing machines, and washer dryers. The digital campaign will drive people to Beko’s sustainability landing page, which


brings to life the brand’s sustainable story and appliance range. Products include RecycledNet ovens and RecycledTub washing machines and washer dryers.


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