News roundup--Flying Brands, Next, more

Sixteen employees have been made redundant at Flying Brands following the closure of its growing and live despatch business. Last month, Flying Brands divested its last remaining retail business—Gardening Direct—to Jersey Choice, a direct seller of plants, seeds and gardening accessories. In a statement, Flying Brands said it was in “advanced negotiations” with Jersey Choice in connection with the proposed lease of the greenhouses and despatch centre at its Retreat Farm property and “anticipates that a lease will be concluded in the near future”. The company is now considering “strategic options” for the future of the company and the long-term value for its shareholders.

As the rain deterred shoppers from the high street, it drove them online. Next Directory, the online and mail order arm of retailer Next, saw sales soar 13.3 percent in the 26 weeks to 28th July, contributing to an overall increase of Next brand sales of 4.5 percent year-on-year. The rise is at the top of estimates, leading next to revise its profit projections for the full year from £560 million to £610 million, to £575 million to £620 million.

Theo Paphitis has strengthened his senior management team across the Ryman, Boux Avenue and newly acquired Robert Dyas brands. Richard Bennett joins as chief operating officer for Ryman having previously worked for Spar as retail director. Nadine Jones joins as group HR director, responsible for the recruitment and development of the workforce across Ryman, Boux Avenue and Robert Dyas. Jones joins from jeweller Links of London and prior to that held roles at Baugur Group, Austin Reed Group and Asda.