Retail technology company Jisp, which recently celebrated the three-year anniversary of its Scan & Save app, has announced that following a strategic review the business has launched a new long term growth plan to enable it to scale sustainably for the future.
The new growth plan identifies five pillars of growth and how to develop the business around these core principles. To support that plan a new management and business structure has also been designed and implemented at Jisp to ensure it is best placed to continue to grow in today’s competitive business environment.
During the review, the newly established strategy and planning team identified five strategic pillars of growth; Scan & Save, Scan & Win, White Label, Data & Insights and Direct to Retailer, including a supplier to retailer NPD launch service. Opportunities have been identified in these areas for growth across a broader range of offerings, leading to a more robust and sustainable business model.
The new strategy & planning team is made up of CEO Julian Fisher, retail director Esther Lawrence, operations director Joe Tobias, and welcomes Matthew Wilkinson as sales director and Alex Rimmer as marketing & communications director. The new additions bring almost 50 years of senior management experience in marketing, corporate affairs, strategy and sales across retail and wholesale sectors to the team.
The restructure ensures Jisp benefits from years of experience across retail, wholesale, operations, sales and marketing to bring the broad set of leadership skills necessary to drive the business forward.
“While we had continued to grow year on year, we needed to refocus our strategy to ensure that the business moved forward in a way that set it up for long term success in a very competitive market,” said Fisher. “The new team has worked hard to identify opportunities to generate new revenues for the business while improving our service to retailers, suppliers and shoppers alike.
“We’re confident that the new strategy increases our opportunities for sustainable success by identifying five key pillars, or business units, for development and growth. We are pleased that the new strategy and planning team has added both experience and enthusiasm for the future development of the business.”
Alongside these changes, Jisp has also welcomed a cultural change programme centred around developing and empowering its people, through transparent democratic leadership.
As part of the cultural change Jisp has moved to increase flexibility with the introduction of a four-day working week, to improve employee wellbeing, reduce environmental impact and increase creativity and productivity. Jisp has been trialling the four-day week over a number of weeks and has seen significant benefits in health and wellbeing.
JTI has announced the appointment of Stephane Berset as UK General Manager.
Stephane will head up the UK division and has taken over the position from Tom Osborne. Having been with the business for 24 years, Stephane has developed vast experience across multiple functions and continents.
He joined JTI in 2001 and has extensive knowledge of the company having worked in various JTI marketing and commercial roles worldwide in Hong Kong, Switzerland, Turkey, Austria, Greece, Italy, Czechia and the United Kingdom.
His previous role was as General Manager for JTI Czech Republic, Hungary & Slovakia, from 2021 to 2024. Before that, Stephane held the position of Marketing Vice President at JTI UK from 2017 to 2021.
I’m pleased to re-join the exceptional JTI UK team after my time in Europe," said Berset. "My priorities are to maintain JTI’s leading market share in the UK, grow our presence in Reduced Risk Products and adapt our business to any new regulation in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The measures contained within the Bill pose significant challenges for both JTI UK and the retail sector, and it will give the already rampant illicit trade yet another boost.
"JTI UK remains committed to working with and supporting our retail partners to ensure that together we can continue to thrive, meet the evolving needs of our UK consumers and stamp out illegal activity.
"At this time, it is more important than ever for the voice of the local retailer to be heard. We encourage retailers to continue to speak with trade bodies and contact local MPs to share their views on the challenges and negative impacts of this legislation.”
Tom Osborne has moved to a new role as Regional President North Asia at JTI and is now based in Japan.
Authorities have seized more than £30,000 worth of suspected counterfeit and unfit-for-sale vapes and cigarettes from a shop in Rotherham last week following a joint operation by South Yorkshire Police and trading standards officers.
As informed by South Yorkshire Police on Wednesday (19), the raid on Feb 13 was launched in response to intelligence from residents and local businesses, who had raised concerns about anti-social behaviour linked to the store.
The store has not been identified by the authorities.
During the inspection, officers uncovered £28,000 worth of counterfeit vapes, vape liquids, and cartridges, along with over 150 packs of illegal cigarettes valued at approximately £1,400. The operation forms part of an ongoing crackdown on the sale of illicit tobacco and vape products in the region.
Rotherham South NPT Inspector Darren Birley said, “Not only do these vapes undercut legitimate businesses, but they also pose a serious risk to people’s health. It isn’t uncommon for these counterfeit products to find their way into the hands of children.
“This is a great piece of work which continues to highlight how important our ongoing work with Rotherham Council is to ensure the safety of our local communities."
Rotherham Council’s Assistant Director of Community Safety and Street Scene, Sam Barstow said, "We are committed to keeping people safe from harm across the borough. This operation is another example of the close partnership working between Rotherham Council and South Yorkshire Police.
"Joint operations of this nature to tackle illegal tobacco and vape products have resulted in over £639,000 worth of illicit items being removed from sale.”
Earlier this month, almost 10,000 counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes and other tobacco and nicotine-based products have been seized from multiple stores in Oxfordshire.
As reported by Oxfordshire County Council, the raids, carried out on Jan 21, were part of Operation CeCe, a national initiative to tackle the sale and supply of illegal tobacco products.
Premises involved included off-licences, convenience stores, food retailers and barbers in Banbury, Kidlington and Oxford, the council stated.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 9,340 illegal cigarettes, 700g of counterfeit hand rolling tobacco, 180 unit packs of non-compliant nicotine pouches and 42 disposable electronic cigarettes, or vapes, with a capacity of nicotine containing liquid nine times the maximum allowed.
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bp launches first dedicated EV charging, convenience hub
Marking a major shift in its retail strategy, bp has launched its first dedicated EV charging and convenience hub at Cromwell Road on the A4 in Hammersmith, London.
As announced by bp today (20), the site has been completely transformed, with fuel removed and five ultra-fast BP Pulse 300kW chargers installed, each capable of charging two vehicles simultaneously under newly designed canopies.
Inside, a redesigned convenience store features an upgraded Wild Bean Café and an expanded M&S Food range, tailored to meet the needs of EV drivers and customers on the go.
This combined food, drink and convenience offer reflects the increase in drivers’ expectations of services they want to access while their car is charging.
The instore and outside design, with its contemporary new look, enhances the customer experience by optimising the layout with an open and inviting environment and product offerings, targeting customers who want food-for-now, states bp.
Richard Bartlett, SVP for bp pulse and mobility & convenience, Europe at bp, said, “The launch of our Cromwell Road EV convenience hub is a significant milestone in how we are evolving to meet the needs of a new generation of EV drivers in the capital and beyond.
“This new format site is not just about providing fast, reliable charging where drivers need it but also delivering an outstanding retail experience, in a strategic location connecting central London with Heathrow and the west of England.
“Whether you’re looking for EV charging, traditional fuel, or just a great place to rest and recharge, bp is ready to become first choice for customers on the roadside.”
This all-electric charging hub at bp Cromwell Road is part of the company’s broader strategy to evolve its mobility and convenience network across the UK meeting customers’ needs wherever they are on the energy transition.
More than 50 per cent of bp’s customers in the UK visit its retail sites purely to shop.
As bp delivers the next stage of its convenience retail offer, it will test, adapt and learn from live sites and customer feedback to ensure it is continuing to give customers what they want, when and where they want it.
The opening of Cromwell Road adds the fifth charging hub to bp pulse’s west London charging corridor along the A4 to Heathrow. bp pulse's existing network now includes almost 3,500 rapid and ultra-fast charge points, including at over 225 bp retail sites.
bp has been transforming food on the forecourt to meet evolving customer needs. Last year, it brought in Hannah Munns as UK convenience trading director.
With over two decades of experience with retailers such as M&S, Sainsburys, Morrisons and ASDA, Munns came with an extensive knowledge and a passion for food to bp’s UK retail business.
Nan from Del Monte: Honoring Britain’s Baking Traditions
Canned fruit brand Del Monte has crowned Pauline Crosby, a 74-year-old grandmother from Norfolk, as the first-ever “Nan from Del Monte.” This campaign revives the iconic “Man from Del Monte” concept with a fresh, modern approach aimed at celebrating and preserving Britain’s baking traditions.
Pauline, a former military policewoman, was selected following a nationwide competition and public vote to identify a figurehead who embodies the spirit of intergenerational cooking and baking. Nominated by her granddaughter, Poppie, Pauline was praised for her role in creating lasting family memories through her recipes. She is also a proud member of the Women’s Institute, a testament to her commitment to the culinary community.
The “Nan from Del Monte” campaign was born from consumer research conducted by Del Monte, revealing that:
39% of Brits view their grandmothers as key culinary influences.
41% recall their fondest baking memories with a grandparent.
74% worry about the loss of family recipes.
Pauline will serve as an ambassador for traditional baking, sharing her treasured recipes and endorsing new Del Monte creations. Her innovative trifle recipe, featuring Del Monte mandarin slices, will be highlighted on the brand’s website, providing inspiration for families to reconnect in the kitchen. Pauline will also receive a year’s supply of Del Monte products and a NutriBullet blender.
“To win the title of ‘Nan from Del Monte’ is such a privilege,” said Crosby. “I think many of us remember the ‘Man from Del Monte’ adverts, which still make me smile. Now, the ‘Nan from Del Monte’ says yes! Baking has always been at the heart of my family, and I feel so proud to know that my recipes and traditions are being celebrated in this way by such an iconic brand. It’s a joy to see the next generation enjoy the dishes I’ve passed down, and I hope this recognition inspires others to keep these precious family traditions alive.”
Thierry Montange, Marketing Director for Europe and Africa at Del Monte, added: “We are thrilled to announce Pauline as our first-ever ‘Nan from Del Monte.’ This campaign was designed to reignite the nation’s passion for traditional baking and ensure cherished family recipes are preserved for future generations. Pauline truly embodies the spirit of this initiative, and her story reminds us of the invaluable role grandparents play in shaping our culinary culture. We hope her win inspires families everywhere to revive their baking heritage and continue creating lasting memories together.”
Simon Kerry Appointed MD of Molson Coors Western Europe
Simon Kerry has been appointed Managing Director of Molson Coors Beverage Company’s Western Europe division, effective from 24 February.
Kerry takes over from Phil Whitehead, who became President and Chief Executive Officer of the international brewer’s EMEA & APAC division last month.
Kerry, who has been at Molson Coors for 13 years, was formerly Finance Director for the UK and Ireland before becoming Molson Coors’ EMEA & APAC Chief Finance Officer in 2019.
“Simon knows our local and international business very well and has been an instrumental part of our company’s performance over a number of years. He has the drive and vision required for the next stage of our journey and the continued evolution of our brand portfolio.
“A great leader and passionate ambassador for our wider beer and hospitality industry, I can think of no one better to take us forward from here.”
Simon Kerry said: “What this business has achieved over the past few years, particularly coming out of the pandemic and rebuilding in a very volatile economic environment, is a testament to the passion and commitment of our people and the strength of our brands. I feel privileged to take on this role and to have the opportunity to lead this business through its next chapter.”