Retail & Consumer
Welsh Heather Honey gets protected geographical status
Welsh Heather Honey has become the first honey in the UK to receive the coveted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, a legal designation that protects food and drink products from imitation and misuse. As a result, Welsh Heather Honey has joined the burgeoning family of food and drink products from Wales that, by virtue of their unique characteristics and location, receive protection under the UK Geographical Indication Scheme. Some 24 Welsh food and drink products that enjoy PGI status, including Welsh Lamb, Welsh Beef, Carmarthenshire Ham, Traditional Welsh Caerffilli, and Traditional Welsh Cider. Wales’ Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, who has responsibility for climate change and rural affairs, said: “This recognition strengthens Wales’ growing family of protected foods, showcases the extraordinary quality of our produce, and reflects our commitment to high-quality, sustainable food production. The application for PGI status was made to the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs by the members of the 15-strong Food & Drink Wales Honey Cluster, who sought to protect Welsh Heather Honey’s unique attributes and thereby the livelihoods of the beekeepers whose bees produce the honey. The Food & Drink Wales Honey Cluster is part of the Welsh Government Cluster Programme, which brings together food and drink businesses, suppliers, academia and government with the objective of helping businesses collaborate to achieve accelerated growth in sales, profit and improved productivity. North Wales beekeeper Alex Ellis, of Border Honey, said: “Achieving PGI status for Welsh Heather Honey will help producers because it will demonstrate to the public that it is a special and unique product that can only be produced in Wales. Consumers can have confidence that when they choose Welsh Heather Honey, they are getting the real thing.” Gruffydd Rees, of Gwenyn Gruffydd Ltd in Carmarthenshire, said: “I am delighted that Welsh Heather Honey’s precise origin and characteristics have been recognised. “The UK GI application process is long, and it is wonderful that Wales is the first UK nation to have a honey receive PGI status.” Dawn Wainwright, of Aberystwyth-based Wainwright’s Bee Farm, said: “Heather (Calluna vulgaris) blossoms abundantly across the Welsh mountain uplands during late summer. “The bees gather a small harvest of a distinctive aromatic honey from the ling heather flowers with unique characteristics. The chemistry of the heather flower nectar gives the honey a protein content which produces a thixotropic or gel-like texture with crunchy crystals suspended throughout.
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Retail & Consumer
Bristol Hoteliers Association appoints new chair
Bristol Hoteliers Association has appointed a new chair. Adam Flint, general manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre, is taking over from Raphael Herzog who has been in the post for six years. Mr Flint will now oversee the non-profit organisation, which promotes the interests of the city's hotels. He said: “I am confident that, with the support from everyone, we will continue to run a fantastic organisation. My passion for hospitality and the industry continues to be stronger than ever, and this new role enhances this even more.” Mr Flint studied hotel and catering management at Manchester Metropolitan University, qualifying in 1999 and starting his career as a graduate manager with Marriott International, for whom he worked in a variety of roles for more than 18 years. He then moved to Hilton International, holding general manager roles and resulting in his current job. He said: “Our main focus for 2025 and beyond is to develop our ‘people strategy’, working with industry partners, colleges and learning and development organisations. “To that end, we will strive to support Bristol as a whole and be the lead in industry for our sector, via our social and charitable network, too." Mr Flint said 2025 posed "new challenges" for the sector, including rising costs such as wages, National Insurance and the price of goods. “The impact on profit margins remains and we must think differently and smarter to overcome these challenges," he added. "Our ability to work with key leaders within the city and surrounding areas allows us to voice and steer many things to the good of the industry. "In terms of the city, changes and developments will continue and it is so important that the BHA remains involved and supportive across the board.” Mr Herzog said he was proud of representing the association and the wider hospitality sector during the Covid pandemic. “During my tenure, I saw a big difference in the sector in terms of pressure on costs for employers," he said. "Mental wellbeing is so much more on the agenda today, as is the need for the hospitality sector to offer a better work-life balance. “I am confident Adam will ensure the BHA continues to represent our industry well and be a voice in the city; we need to continue to promote our sector to younger people."
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Retail & Consumer
Historic department store Jolly's in Bath to reopen
A 200-year-old department store in Bath which announced its closure in December is reopening. Jolly's on Milsom Street has been a fixture in the city since 1823 and was run until recently by House of Fraser. The shop - one of the oldest of its kind in Europe - has now been acquired by Morleys Stores. The independent retailer was established in 1927 and owns and operates eight department stores across the UK. The company has pledged to restore Jolly's to its "former glory" and honour its "deep-rooted legacy", while revitalising the shopping experience in Bath. It has also promised to retain the Jolly's name. When the store reopens next year it will sell a selection of fashion, beauty and homeware products. It will also offer a full-service beauty experience and food and drink on site. Allan Winstanley, chief executive of Morleys Department Stores, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing Jolly's back to life and to be part of the vibrant retail landscape in Bath. "Our approach is to treat each of our stores as a unique independent department store, ensuring we create an exceptional shopping experience tailored to the local community." Bath & Northeast Somerset Council has been working to secure the future of the much-loved store. In December, the local authority said it was in advanced stages with a third-party occupier but did not reveal who it was. Councillor Kevin Guy, Bath & Northeast Somerset Council leader, said: “Morleys Stores will bring an exciting shopping experience to residents and visitors alike and I am delighted to welcome the business to our vibrant city. Milsom Street has always been a very special shopping destination and Morleys’ decision complements the investment the council is making in the Milsom Quarter.” Bath City Council and Morleys will immediately begin a major refurbishment of the historic building. The store will open in two phases with an initial launch in March 2026, followed by a full completion and grand opening in October next year. Jess Merritt-John, the former Jolly's store manager, has been retained and will oversee a dedicated heritage space within Jolly's throughout the refurbishment. The space will showcase the store’s history and plans for its future, as well as renovation updates. Councillor Mark Elliott, cabinet member for resources, added: “We set out the council’s commitment to the local economy in our ten-year Economic Strategy and this investment is a very positive recognition of the great retail offer our city has and the work the council has undertaken to support it.”
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Retail & Consumer
Mike Ashley-backed Hornby to go private as it ditches stock market listing
Hornby, the global models and collectibles group advised by Mike Ashley, has revealed plans to delist from the London stock market and go private. The move aims to circumvent regulatory obstacles and reduce costs, as reported by City AM. In a statement to the market on Thursday, the company announced its intention to cancel its shares on the AIM stock exchange, citing the high cost of maintaining a public listing, limited liquidity, and regulatory burdens. Over the past 12 months, Hornby's shares have plummeted by 50%. This decision follows significant restructuring at the company, which has been collaborating with Frasers' founder and stakeholder Mike Ashley on a turnaround strategy for the past 18 months. Key aspects of this turnaround have included the sale of subsidiary LCD Enterprises, job cuts, and the relocation of logistics operations to the Midlands. In a statement, Hornby acknowledged the significance of its announcement, particularly for its loyal shareholder base. "The board is well aware of the place Hornby has in the hearts of its loyal shareholder base, and the company's announcement today is not taken lightly," Hornby said. "The directors are confident that operating as a private entity will provide Hornby with the necessary agility for swift decision-making and efficient execution of strategy whilst not depriving shareholders of material benefit." To proceed, Hornby's board requires shareholder approval, which will be determined by a 75% majority vote at a general meeting scheduled for Thursday morning. If the resolution is passed, Hornby has agreed to two share facilities to support investors looking to trade out of their shareholding following any cancellation. This announcement on Thursday marks another setback for London's struggling AIM market, which has witnessed a rise in delistings in recent years. In 2024, AIM contracted to its smallest size in 23 years with 92 firms delisting. Phoenix Asset Management Partners, Hornby's largest shareholder, increased its stake in the firm from 71.6 per cent to 83.3 per cent in December. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, stated that its decision to delist was "not a damning criticism of the UK stock market." He added: "When two shareholders – Phoenix Asset Management and Frasers – own 91 per cent of the company, it doesn't make sense to be a listed entity." He further explained: "Companies admit their shares for public trading to obtain a diverse shareholder base and access capital markets. In Hornby's case, its shareholder base has become incredibly concentrated."