THREAD: wh smith high street exit

WH SMITH’S High Street Exit: A Shocking Shift in Retail

28 March 2025 — Modella has bought WH Smith’s online operations for £76 million. The company will now run under the TGJones name, while WH Smith keeps its travel shops. This move shows the tough times high street retailers face in a digital world.

WH Smith might sell its digital card business, Funky Pigeon, as part of restructuring. Nicholas Found from Retail Economics says old-school retailers struggle with fewer shoppers and rising costs. This sale highlights the economic pressures on traditional high street businesses.

Modella plans to keep current products and services in WH Smith stores, like Post Office and Toys R Us sections. They also want to add new items like craft goods to boost business. For now, it’s “business as usual” as Modella works on future plans for growth.

The acquisition shows WH Smith’s shift towards travel retail, which is more profitable despite industry challenges. With 480 high street stores and 5,000 employees affected by this change, focusing on travel-related retail could increase revenue in a tough market landscape.

Heathrow SHUTDOWN Sparks URGENT Energy Resilience Debate

25 March 2025 — Heathrow Airport faced an 18-hour shutdown on March 25, 2025, due to a fire. The UK government is investigating what caused the long closure. The Prime Minister expressed concern over the airport’s response time and efficiency during the emergency.

The airport defended its actions as scrutiny grows over the lengthy shutdown. Aerial footage showed flights resuming after the incident, but questions remain about Heathrow’s emergency preparedness. This has sparked discussions about infrastructure resilience in the UK.

This incident highlights ongoing worries about transport and energy resilience at major UK hubs. Recent critical incidents have exposed these vulnerabilities, pushing authorities to reassess current systems. The public demands answers and improvements to prevent future disruptions like this one.

HEATHROW CHAOS: Power Outage Sparks Travel Nightmare

23 March 2025 — A massive power outage shut down HEATHROW Airport for over 18 hours, sparking an investigation. The disruption began early on March 22, affecting all flights and causing widespread delays and cancellations. Authorities are examining the airport’s energy systems to find out what led to this major failure.

Initial reports suggest a nearby fire might have played a role in the outage, but more inquiries are needed to grasp its full impact. The UK government is taking swift action due to Heathrow’s global travel importance and its economic value to the nation. Passengers faced chaos with flight confusion, highlighting the need for better crisis management at such critical sites.

Local officials and airport management are under scrutiny for their emergency response during this crisis. Critics say this incident reveals weaknesses in Heathrow’s infrastructure needing urgent attention and upgrades. This event not only disrupts travel plans but also raises bigger concerns about the UK’s readiness in tackling infrastructure challenges effectively.

BRITAIN’S SURPRISING Move: Microsoft-OpenAI Review Ends

06 March 2025 — Britain’s competition watchdog has wrapped up its review of Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found that the deal doesn’t need further investigation under merger rules.

The CMA explained that Microsoft hasn’t taken control over OpenAI, so it doesn’t qualify for a merger probe. While Microsoft initially invested heavily in OpenAI, other major investors like Softbank and Nvidia have since joined in.

The CMA is keeping a close eye on AI investments because Big Tech’s interest in generative AI startups is growing fast. Last year, it approved tech deals involving companies like Inflection AI and Anthropic.

SUPREMEX CFO Exit Sparks Strategic Shift

28 February 2025 — Supremex Inc., a key player in North America’s envelope and packaging market, announced the exit of its Chief Financial Officer, François Bolduc. Known for its strong industry presence, this leadership change hints at a possible strategic shift as Supremex faces future challenges.

To ensure stability during this transition, Supremex has Stewart Emerson working closely with the finance team. This plan aims to keep operations steady while searching for Bolduc’s replacement. The company is dedicated to finding a new CFO soon.

The hunt for a new CFO will start shortly, showing Supremex’s proactive stance on leadership changes. Investors and stakeholders are watching closely as the company advances with this process. Stay tuned for updates on how this may affect Supremex’s market strategies and performance.

UK NEWS ACCESS Problem Stirs Public Concern

25 February 2025 — The inability to access the latest UK news stories has raised concerns among readers and media outlets. This issue highlights the challenges faced in obtaining timely and accurate information.

Media organizations rely heavily on up-to-date news to inform their audiences effectively. The disruption affects not only journalists but also the public who depend on these updates for their daily understanding of world events.

Resolving this access problem is crucial for maintaining transparency and trust in media reporting. As technology evolves, ensuring reliable news delivery remains a priority for both providers and consumers alike.

INSOLVENCIES SURGE: Businesses Face Economic Pressures in England and Wales

18 February 2025 — Insolvencies in England and Wales have jumped from December 2024 to January 2025. Law firm Fladgate LLP reports a significant rise in administrations. The economic climate is tough for businesses, especially in retail, which already struggles with slim profit margins. The upcoming Spring Budget might introduce tax hikes that could further pressure businesses and consumer spending.

ANGLO AMERICAN’s $500 Million NICKEL Sale Marks Strategic SHIFT

Anglo American has sold its nickel business for $500 million as part of a strategic shift to focus on copper and iron. This sale follows the disposal of its steelmaking coal business, bringing total asset sales to about $5.3 billion. CEO Duncan Wanblad highlighted that these moves are meant to streamline the company’s portfolio and boost value.

COLORADO BILL DEMANDS Climate Transparency from Businesses

Colorado will require businesses to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions starting in 2028, aligning with similar efforts by other states. This legislation responds to past criticisms about inconsistent sustainability reporting practices across industries. The goal is more transparency and accountability regarding environmental impacts from companies within the state.

The IRS plans major layoffs during tax season due to budget cuts initiated by the Trump administration, which may affect its

UK BUSINESSES in TROUBLE: Financial Distress Hits Record Levels

25 January 2025 — A recent report reveals a sharp rise in UK businesses facing severe financial distress. The hospitality, leisure, and retail sectors are hit hardest, with construction also struggling. From September to December last year, the number of distressed businesses jumped by 50%, reaching 46,583.

Ric Traynor of Begbies Traynor highlighted the challenges these businesses face as they navigate early 2025 hurdles. Many find it nearly impossible to overcome current economic obstacles. This situation stresses the urgent need for strategic solutions and support for these industries.

HONEYWELL’s BOLD MOVE: Strategic SPLIT on the Horizon

Honeywell CEO Vimal Kapur is leading a reinvention plan amid shifting market valuations for industrial giants. The company plans to spin off its advanced material business into a new public entity by late 2025 or early 2026. Honeywell might split into two independent entities focusing on automation and aerospace, though no formal announcement has been made yet.

Since late October, Honeywell’s shares have risen by 8%, showing investor optimism about these potential changes. This strategic shift aims to better position Honeywell in a competitive market while maximizing shareholder value through focused operations in distinct sectors.

TOMMY ROBINSON Arrest Shocks Supporters: UK’S Anti-Terror LAW In Action

25 October 2024 — Tommy Robinson, legally known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was arrested in Folkstone, Kent on Friday. He is charged with not providing his mobile phone PIN under the Terrorism Act 2000. This law lets authorities demand access to electronic devices from travelers at British ports to check for potential terrorism links.

Robinson’s spokesman confirmed he will remain in custody until his court appearance on Monday at Woolwich Crown Court. Although bailed on the terrorism charge, he stays detained for allegedly breaching a High Court order by showing a self-made documentary earlier this year. The film was screened at a London rally and shared on his X account, formerly Twitter.

Robinson’s arrest happens just before a planned march by his supporters in London. The Metropolitan Police have announced increased security due to multiple protests and counter-protests set for the same day. Authorities are gearing up for possible unrest as tensions rise among demonstrators and counter-demonstrators alike.

BRITISH Election Sees NEW Voter ID LAW in Action

04 July 2024 — Polling stations across the UK opened this morning at 7 AM and will close at 10 PM. Ipsos pollsters are gathering exit poll data to provide an early picture of the election results. Detailed seat-specific results will only be available in the early hours of Friday.

British and Irish citizens, along with some Commonwealth immigrants, are eligible to vote if they are over 18. This election marks the first time voters must show legal identification to cast their ballots in person, a measure aimed at reducing voter fraud. The Electoral Commission has approved 22 forms of ID, including passports and driving licenses.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty were seen voting at Kirby Sigston Village Hall today. Reporting on the election is restricted while polling places are open, with broadcasters banned from discussing outcomes or publishing polls until voting ends. Violating these rules can result in imprisonment for news editors.

UK Government STRIKES BACK Against Post Office Injustice: Here’s What You Need to Know

13 March 2024 — The UK government has taken a significant stride towards rectifying one of the country’s most egregious miscarriages of justice. A new law introduced on Wednesday aims to overturn the wrongful convictions of hundreds of Post Office branch managers across England and Wales.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized that this legislation is vital for “finally clearing” the names of those unjustly convicted due to a flawed computer accounting system, known as Horizon. The victims, whose lives were drastically affected by this scandal, have experienced prolonged delays in receiving compensation.

Under the anticipated law, expected to be enacted by summer, convictions will be automatically overturned if they meet certain criteria. These include cases initiated by the state-owned Post Office or Crown Prosecution Service and offenses committed between 1996 and 2018 using the faulty Horizon software.

More than 700 subpostmasters were prosecuted and criminally convicted between 1999 and 2015 due to this software glitch. Those with overturned convictions will receive an interim payment with an option for a final offer of £600,000 ($760,000). Enhanced financial compensation will be provided to those who suffered financially but weren’t convicted.

Theresa May’s SHOCKING Exit: Former British PM Bids Farewell to Parliament

11 March 2024 — Former British Prime Minister Theresa May has announced her plans to resign as a Member of Parliament. This surprising revelation precedes an anticipated election later this year, signifying the conclusion of her 27-year long parliamentary journey.

May, who navigated Britain through the turbulent Brexit era, pointed out her escalating involvement in combating human trafficking and modern slavery as reasons for stepping down. She voiced apprehensions about not being able to cater to her Maidenhead constituents in the quality they deserve.

Her tenure was characterized by Brexit-induced hurdles and tense relations with then-U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite these obstacles, she continued serving as a backbench legislator after her premiership while three Conservative successors dealt with the repercussions of Brexit.

Renowned for sporadically critiquing her more populist successors like Boris Johnson, May’s exit will undeniably create a gap in both the Conservative party and British politics.

Theresa May’s SWAN SONG: Former British PM to Exit Politics After 27-Year Stint

09 March 2024 — Former British Prime Minister Theresa May has shared her plans to retire from politics. This announcement comes after a distinguished 27-year career in Parliament, which included a challenging three-year term as the nation’s leader during the Brexit crisis. The retirement will take effect when an election is called later this year.

May has been representing Maidenhead since 1997 and was only the second female prime minister in Britain, following Margaret Thatcher. She cited her growing commitment to fighting human trafficking and modern slavery as reasons for stepping down. According to May, these new priorities would hinder her ability to serve as an MP according to her standards and those of her constituents.

Her prime ministership was fraught with Brexit-related obstacles, culminating in her resignation as party leader and prime minister in mid-2019 after failing to gain parliamentary approval for her EU divorce deal. Additionally, she had a strained relationship with then-US President Donald Trump due to divergent views on Brexit strategies.

Despite these challenges, May chose not to leave Parliament immediately after ending her term as many former prime ministers do. Instead, she continued serving as a backbench legislator while three subsequent Conservative leaders dealt with the political and economic repercussions of Brexit.

SENIOR CITIZEN Soars Skyward: Security Shutter in Wales Store Lifts Woman Off Ground

06 March 2024 — In an unusual turn of events, Anne Hughes, a 71-year-old woman, found herself lifted off the ground when her coat became entangled with a security shutter outside a store in Wales.

Hughes, who works as a cleaner at the Best One shop near Cardiff, was caught off guard when her coat snagged and she was hoisted into the air. “I thought “flipping heck!”” said Hughes. A quick-thinking colleague came to her aid and helped her down after she spent 12 seconds suspended mid-air.

Despite the odd incident, Hughes managed to retain her sense of humor about it all. She expressed relief that she hadn’t landed face-first and even joked that such an event could only happen to her.

The store seized this unexpected opportunity by using the footage for online promotion with a humorous caption about their deals and staff members’ antics. The video clip was shared on social media platform X with this playful tagline: "Don’t hang about like Ann, come down to Best One for unbeatable deals! The only thing going up in our shop is our staff — not our prices!

BODY SHOP Faces Uncertain Future: Insolvency Administrators Step In Amid Financial Crisis

14 February 2024 — The Body Shop, a renowned British beauty and cosmetics retailer, has enlisted the help of insolvency administrators. This move follows years of financial struggles that have plagued the company. Established in 1976 as a single store, The Body Shop has grown into one of Britain’s most iconic high street retailers. Now, its future hangs in the balance.

FRP, the appointed administrators for The Body Shop, have revealed that past owners’ financial mismanagement has contributed to an extended period of hardship for the company. These issues are exacerbated by a challenging trading environment within the broader retail sector.

Just weeks before this announcement, European private equity firm Aurelius took over The Body Shop. Known for their expertise in revitalizing struggling companies, Aurelius now faces a significant challenge with this latest acquisition.

Anita Roddick and her husband established The Body Shop in 1976 with ethical consumerism at its core. Roddick earned herself the title “Queen of Green” by prioritizing corporate social responsibility and environmentalism long before they became fashionable business practices. Today however, her legacy is threatened by ongoing financial difficulties.

FORMER UK Energy Minister RESIGNS: Climate Policy U-Turn Sparks Outrage

06 January 2024 — Chris Skidmore, the former energy minister of Britain, has declared his resignation from the Conservative Party and his position as a lawmaker. He attributes this decision to the government’s sudden shift away from its environmental commitments.

Skidmore, known for his strong advocacy for reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, voiced disappointment over an upcoming bill. This controversial legislation promotes new North Sea oil and gas drilling which Skidmore sees as a glaring departure from the UK’s climate objectives.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is reportedly watering down several green initiatives due to 'unacceptable costs’ for ordinary citizens. Actions include pushing back a ban on new gas and diesel vehicles, scrapping an energy-efficiency regulation, and green-lighting numerous North Sea oil and gas licenses.

Skidmore is set to officially step down when Parliament reconvenes after its Christmas break next week. His exit indicates a rising wave of dissatisfaction within conservative circles over the government’s shifting environmental policies.

PRINCE HARRY’S Libel Case Crumbles: Judge Dismisses Royal’s Claims

08 December 2023 — A London-based judge, Justice Matthew Nicklin, recently dealt a blow to Prince Harry in his libel case against Associated Newspaper Ltd. The Duke of Sussex was unsuccessful in tearing down the defense’s claim that their article was merely an honest opinion.

This ruling follows another legal skirmish involving Harry. The crux of this battle is whether the government unjustly removed his security detail after he moved to the U.S in 2020. The prince contends that social media hostility and relentless media attention pose threats to him and his wife.

The Mail on Sunday and Mail Online ran an article about Harry’s legal tussle with the government over police bodyguards. Harry claims this piece was fundamentally flawed and slanderous, insinuating he fabricated details about his case against the government. Nevertheless, Associated Newspapers argued that their article was simply voicing an honest opinion without inflicting significant damage to Harry’s reputation.

IDENTITIES SOUGHT: British Transport Police Hunt Men Behind Racial Clash Amid Anti-Israel Protests

13 November 2023 — Images of four men involved in a racially charged incident at a London metro station have been released by the British transportation police. The incident took place during anti-Israel protests which drew hundreds of thousands to the city streets.

The London Metropolitan Police had previously recognized videos showing unacceptable abuse, including anti-Semitic language and threatening behavior. The responsibility for investigating these incidents now lies with the British Transport Police (BTP), who oversee safety on the transport system.

On Sunday, BTP publicized four images stating they wish to interview the men shown following an incident at Waterloo Station. They believe these individuals possess critical information for their investigation.

A video making rounds online shows these four men hurling racial slurs and threats at pro-Palestinian demonstrators inside Waterloo Station. One man can be seen confronting another group before being restrained by his friend.

SMITH’S Triumphant Return: Reclaims Mayoral Seat, AMO Breaks Barriers in Rhode Island, and Beshear Clinches Kentucky Governorship

08 November 2023 — Mr. Smith has successfully reclaimed his position as mayor, defeating the current office holder Kimberly Mata-Rubio. This victory marks his third term in office, having previously served from 2008 to 2010.

Rhode Island is now home to its first black congressman, Mr. Amo. Despite this historic achievement, Amo maintains that he didn’t run for recognition but to champion women’s rights and the interests of the working class.

In a nail-biting Kentucky gubernatorial race closely watched nationwide, Mr. Beshear came out on top. As the son of former Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear, he managed a slim victory over incumbent Gov. Matt Bevin by a margin of roughly 5,000 votes.

The recent U.S ballot initiative establishes individual rights relating to reproductive decisions following last year’s Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v Wade — a move that returns abortion regulation power back to individual states.

AMAZON and META Bow to UK Antitrust Pressure, Pledge Fair Play

06 November 2023 — Amazon and Meta, two tech behemoths, have put an end to separate antitrust investigations in the United Kingdom. They’ve agreed to halt practices that unfairly tip the scales in their favor against vendors and consumers on their platforms. This agreement was reached with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), effectively closing the investigations into their online marketplaces.

The CMA had been examining Amazon’s potential threat to competition by preferentially treating merchants who shell out for extras like storage, packaging, and delivery. The watchdog also probed Amazon’s choice of suppliers for its “buy box” feature as well as its data collection habits. As part of this settlement, Amazon will stop using data from third-party sellers for competitive advantage.

Meta’s probe focused on whether its data collection methods provided it an unfair leg up over competitors offering classified data and online dating services. Both companies have embraced these settlements; Amazon previously settled a similar EU antitrust case in December by agreeing to make substantial changes in how it does business.