Marks & Spencer’s Sweet Payday for Staff
This year, 9,200 M&S shopkeepers are about to taste a self‑made dividend. After contributing £150 each month to the 2020 share scheme, these employees will walk away with a hefty £10,000‑plus check on 1 February. Talk about earning a chunk of your own stapler‑sorted income!
Business Buzz: A Quick Look at the Numbers
- Food arm – Like‑for‑like sales jumped 9.9% in the quarter ending 30 Dec.
- Home & Clothing – Comparable store sales rose 4.8%.
- Online sales – Up a solid 10.9%.
- Summer pushed the “Remarkable” range to an 18% swing in sales during the Christmas rush.
Quotes from the Helm
“We’re stepping into 2024 with a spring in our step, but we’re also keeping an eye on the near‑term challenges.” – Stuart Machin, Chief Executive
“The bright Christmas haul gives us confidence that this year’s results will stay on target, even as we navigate a foggy economic outlook and rising wage costs.”
Why the Numbers Matter
M&S recently re‑joined the FTSE 100 after a four‑year break, thanks to a wild surge in share value. That jump has put more professional polish on an already sterling retail brand.
Meanwhile, with business rates and wage inflation creeping up, the company’s cash‑flow victories are all the more impressive. The latest sales data shows consumers are still pretty sticky, which supports a sturdy forecast for 2024‑25.
How to Make Your Self‑Assessment Smell Like a Success
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