Unfortunately, “tall poppy” syndrome is a fact of business life in the UK. The more successful or prominent a business or other enterprise becomes, the greater the amount of criticism it attracts. It isn’t the most endearing of our national traits, and I believe that it underlines much of Tesco’s savaging.
For most companies, customer service is an integral part of business strategy. Indeed, many firms have established guidelines on greeting customers and how staff should generally represent the company in a positive manner. But how do you find out whether these principles are being carried out in practice?
Coffee Nation – the fast-growing self-service coffee business which has already secured relationships with Tesco Express, WH Smith Travel and motorway service station operator Wellcome Break – is considering its refinancing options as it looks to fund its expansion plans.
Brian Lewis opened his first outlet selling second-hand goods in 1994, offering televisions, trombones and a lot more besides to the residents of Bolton. Now, there are 80 Cash Generator stores across the UK and annual turnover exceeded £50 million last year.
Branded clothing retailer Original Shoe Company has secured an additional £2 million of development capital from Aberdeen Murray Johnstone Private Equity, with a view to funding its expansion plans.
Experienced retail investor Advent International has made another foray into the high street, purchasing Fat Face, a leading sports and casual clothing brand, from rival private equity group ISIS Equity Partners.
Acquisitions can fail spectacularly. Instead of creating extra wealth, they destroy it. Step forward the latest apparent victim – Ken Morrison of Morrison Supermarkets, a man with a 37-year unblemished record of success.
