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The rise in fake review scams are costing UK businesses millions: here’s what to do

If a review on something you were considering buying suggested that it was a terrible, low-quality product – would it stop you from buying it?

At one time or another, I think we can all admit that we have fallen victim to being so close to purchasing something that we want, before completely changing our minds after seeing a single, negative comment.

UK shoppers are now increasingly turning to online reviews to base their purchasing patterns on, trusting information from those they have never met before, over that of retailers, magazines, and sometimes even family and friends.

The Government have found that reviews influence an estimated £23 billion of UK consumer spending annually – making them one of the most powerful trust signals online – so with the recent rise of fake and spam reviews being published, it is no mystery why small businesses across the UK are struggling.

After conducting their survey in 2023, the Government further published that fake reviews on products alone can cause an estimated £50 million to £312 million in total annual harm to UK consumers, with up to 30-35% of online reviews possibly being fake across major platforms, and this is taking its toll on SEOs.

The London-based SEO agency, Ignite SEO, was recently targeted by this behaviour, and know first-hand what the impact of fake reviews can be. Adam Collins, CEO of Ignite SEO has commented: “We woke up to a string of one-star reviews posted in the middle of the night. A few hours later I even had a spammer messaging me directly on WhatsApp. It’s a coordinated attempt to shake trust and it shows just how far these scams go,

“For small businesses, even a handful of fake reviews can damage rankings, scare off new clients, and create real financial loss.”

There are ways to spot fake and spam reviews online, where spikes in activity or generic language can be a big giveaway. If you see several negative comments being uploaded in quick successions to one another, with very vague and undetailed complaints – you can commonly assume that this is not real.

Additionally, if an account uploading them has no history or negative activity alone, and the timings that they are posting are suspicious (such as in bulk, overnight), these are all clear signs.

To combat these occurrences, business can take different measures themselves, to fight against the fake reviews made. Firstly, it is important to always remain calm and respond professionally in these situations – reporting and flagging the comments on Google, Trustpilot and other platforms that have formal removal processes.

Keep evidence of this as well – screenshotting comments can be very useful in removal requests and legal escalation. It is also smart to collect genuine feedback from valued customers and encourage those who are satisfied with your services to leave reviews regularly.

Finally, it is important to know the law around these scams.

The Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumer Act (DMCC Act) was passed into law in 2024, to add extra protection to consumer regulation. Through banning the practice of submitting fake reviews and legally prohibiting companies from commissioning or hosting fake reviews, the CMA now has enforcement powers which are reducing the risk.

To conclude, Adam Collins, said: “Fake reviews aren’t just an inconvenience—they’re an attack on your shop window. If someone vandalised your storefront, you’d clean it up quickly. Online reputations deserve the same care. The good news is the law is catching up, but SMEs need to stay alert and proactive.”

What if I’m the victim – as a consumer?

It is important to know that this can go the other way also – where companies fake reviews themselves to boost sales. It is very easy for people in positions of power to buy and sell fake reviews as a way of drowning out negative feedback, and prey on buyers to purchase something which is not what they think it is!

This is illegal. If you suspect someone of doing this – and are victim of falling for a fake review scam – you can report it to the platform where you found them. Whether a product turns up not as you were expecting it, broken/faulty or overall wrong, this is a scam – and for the sake of others and the reputation of businesses, it is critical to flag this.

You can also report them to your local Trading Standards office. If you made payment on a credit card or PayPal, you can claim this back if the product is not up to scratch, and additionally on payments made on a debit card up to £100, this can usually be claimed back via ‘chargeback’.

If you fall victim to these lingering scams, do not panic – there should be a chance to get your money back!

Southside Shopping Centre Appoints New Centre Director

Shannon Reed has been appointed as the new Centre Director of Southside Shopping Centre.

Bringing a wealth of experience in the retail landscape, Shannon previously lead operations for brands and franchise partners across Australia, Ireland, Kuwait, Oman, and in the UK.

Stepping into her new role, Shannon is passionate about continuing to transform Southside into a vibrant, community-focussed destination, and wants to ensure that the Wandsworth-based shopping centre will operate with the community at its core.

The role will blend strategic leadership, operational oversight, and stakeholder engagement to drive the centre’s commercial and cultural success, and Shannon has commented: “Southside is brimming with potential, and we’re embarking on an exciting new chapter. Our recent enhancements, including new customer entrances, branding, and lighting that pays tribute to the site’s greyhound racing heritage, have made huge differences to the shopping experience for guests.

“We’re committed to continuing to invest in the centre and are delighted to be updating our retail mix to bring sought after brands to the heart of Wandsworth, which will keep our guests returning, time and again. We look forward to sharing more details around the centre’s plans in due course.”

This appointment follows the recent completion of a multi-million-pound refresh which has made significant enhancements to both the interior and exterior of the centre. The works will combine modern aesthetics with community heritage, and will include a remodelling of each of the centre’s entrances as well as the installation of integrated seating and improved lighting inside the centre.

Vape spiking crackdown launched with new police detection kits

Police have launched a crackdown on vape spiking in London, using new detection kits in bars, clubs, schools and even on the River Thames.

The Metropolitan Police said the move comes after a case in south-east London where children as young as 14 were taken to hospital after cannabis products were placed in their vapes.

The new technology allows rapid testing of devices suspected to contain drugs such as THC or spice. Officers say it is already being used at festivals, concerts and nightclubs, and has now been rolled out more widely.

Vapes are often shared among young people or distributed in social settings, raising fears that tampered devices are being used to target victims. Police say this makes detection vital.

Alongside the vape kits, officers are also using near infra-red detectors which can identify powders and tablets. The equipment links to a mobile phone app to give quick results.

The crackdown has extended onto the river. The Marine Support Unit led a patrol at Westminster Pier alongside Home Office minister Jess Phillips, targeting party boats popular with students during Freshers Week.

Police carried out safety checks, engaged with party-goers and deployed the new vape-spiking equipment.

The Met recorded more than 2,000 allegations of spiking between March 2024 and March 2025. But officers believe the true scale is higher, with many incidents going unreported.

The crime disproportionately affects women and girls. In August 2025, 66% of victims were female. Many reports were linked to Westminster and the West End, where nightlife is busiest.

The operation formed part of Spiking Intensification Week, a national initiative supported by the Home Office and the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ben Russell said: “Spiking is an abhorrent crime that we are tackling head on, whether it takes place in a nightclub, a private venue, or on the Thames. The ongoing trial of new vape-spiking detection kits is just one example of how we are innovating to get ahead of offenders and better protect the public.”

He urged victims to come forward, adding: “Being spiked is never your fault, it’s always the fault of the perpetrator. The sooner we know, the more we can do to support you, collect evidence and stop dangerous offenders from targeting others.”

Mr Russell also highlighted a “shocking” case where children were hospitalised, saying schools had asked the Met to test confiscated vapes.

The issue has also been identified by academics. A University of Bath study in 2024 found one in six vapes seized from schools contained spice, a synthetic drug linked to serious health risks including cardiac arrest.

Researchers said teenagers often believed they were buying nicotine or cannabis products when in fact the vapes had been laced with other substances.

Jess Phillips, the Home Office minister, said the government was determined to tackle spiking in all its forms.

She said: “As students across the country enjoy Freshers Week, we are funding a national Spiking Intensification Week to raise awareness, support police forces to use innovative tactics, and encourage victims to report this crime. We are also working with bars, pubs and clubs to roll out specialist training for staff and introducing a new criminal offence for spiking to bring more perpetrators to justice.”

Former Love Island contestant Sharon Gaffka joined the operation, describing her own experience of drink spiking five years ago. She said she welcomed the new technology, warning that spiking methods were evolving quickly from drinks to needles and now vapes.

“If we’re not doing anything, it’s going to keep moving faster to the point where we can’t keep up with it,” she said.

The crackdown, police say, is aimed not only at identifying offenders but also reassuring the public that measures are being taken to make nightlife safer.

UK Small Business Saturday ‘Roadshow’ to champion impact of local small businesses

On a tour to celebrate the nation’s vibrant small business community, Small Business Saturday has announced that they are returning to embark on a month-long UK roadshow.

Launching this autumn in Scotland, ‘The Tour’ will be visiting over 20 towns and cities across the country to spotlight some of the UK’s most inspiring local businesses. The nationwide journey will then continue across the rest of the UK throughout November, visiting towns and cities including Belfast, Manchester, Durham, Preston, Carlisle, Derby, Grimsby, Wrexham, Hereford, Newport, Plymouth, Salisbury, Cambridge, and London.

The road show is being backed by BT and aims to recognise the vital role of small businesses in boosting local economies, creating jobs and supporting communities. In the lead up to starting off in Lossiemouth, ‘The Tour’ will showcase business owners, their stories, and the incredible local communities at the heart of the UK’s 5.45 million small businesses, celebrating their critical contribution to the economy.

Planned stops include visiting a range of small businesses, from a cycling adventure firm in Scotland and luxury handmade chocolatier in the North of England, to bakeries in Wales, and a shoe repair business in the South.

“Being part of the Small Business Saturday Tour 2024 was such a fabulous experience! We loved welcoming the team, giving our brand more exposure and meeting so many other inspiring small businesses along the way,” said Carol Jackson, Owner of ELJ Drinks Ltd.

“The Tour is a fabulous celebration of entrepreneurial spirit, culminating in Small Business Saturday and we can’t wait to be part of the magic again in 2025! If the tour is heading your way, don’t miss it. Get involved, show up, and soak up the support, energy and wider community. You’ll love it!”

Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign that celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support businesses in their communities.

Now in its thirteenth year, Small Business Saturday has engaged millions of shoppers and helped generate billions of pounds in spending at small businesses across the UK. This year it is taking place on 6^th December, and is backed by principal support: American Express.

Alongside the show, the campaign will also feature a full month of free online support for small businesses all over the UK – including daily workshops, mentoring sessions, and insight events featuring small business owners and industry experts.

“Small Business Saturday is all about championing the incredible entrepreneurs who bring passion, innovation, and heart to communities across the UK,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, director of Small Business Saturday UK.

“The Tour gives us the opportunity to hit the road and engage directly with the nation’s favourite small businesses, celebrating their unique stories and the essential role they play in strengthening local economies. We’re excited to begin this next chapter and highlight the creativity and resilience that make small businesses the foundation of our communities.”

It is expected that ‘The Tour’ will cover around 3,000 miles using electric vehicles to reduce emissions and showcase the sustainable choices that many businesses are making on the journey toward net zero.

“Small businesses are vital to the UK economy, and providing entrepreneurs with the right support is crucial to their success,” said Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer, UK Business, at BT.

“The Tour offers a great platform to engage with small businesses across the country, delivering tailored advice and resources to help them grow and adapt. This is an important initiative that allows businesses to connect for good, strengthening local communities and fostering innovation and resilience across the economy.”

The Small Business Saturday tour will visit the following UK locations:

Monday 3rd November Lossiemouth
Tuesday 4th November Aberdeenshire
Wednesday 5th November Edinburgh
Thursday 6th November Belfast
Friday 7th November Preston
Monday 10th November Carlisle
Tuesday 11th November Durham
Wednesday 12th November Manchester
Thursday 13th November Grimsby
Friday 14th November Derby
Monday 17th November Wrexham
Tuesday 18th November Hereford
Wednesday 19th November Newport
Thursday 20th November Crediton
Friday 21st November Plymouth
Monday 24th November Salisbury
Tuesday 25th November Brighton
Wednesday 26th November Maidstone
Thursday 27th November Leighton Buzzard
Friday 28th November Cambridge
Monday 1st December London
Tuesday 2nd December London
Wednesday 3rd December London

For more information on Small Business Saturday and to get involved in The Tour, click here.

Spotlight on a finalist for the BBBAwards in the Consumer and Luxury Category: Nathaniel Wade

The Co-Founder of the UK’s leading platform that champions artisans of African and Caribbean heritage, Wakuda, has been named a finalist of the Consumer and Luxury Rising Star BBBAward.

With a background in engineering, property, and e-commerce, Nathaniel Wade is driven to empower underrepresented communities by creating conscious commercial impact and consumer movement – which Wakuda is missioned to achieve.

Wakuda is an online marketplace that spotlights Black-owned businesses, to connect underrepresented creatives with wider retail audiences, driving diversity and inclusion both online and in physical spaces.

Since co-finding the business in 2020, Nathaniel has played a pivotal role in building this award-winning, purpose-driven marketplace and has already supported over 500 Black-owned businesses, generating more than £250,000 in seller revenue.

Wakuda was born after recognising the lack of representation in mainstream retail, and understanding the need for a platform that connects consumers with culturally rich, high-quality products. Under Nathaniel’s leadership it has evolved into a thriving brand.

Nathaniel takes on multiple responsibilities within the company and is dedicated to building more opportunities for artisans to thrive, and for consumers to discover unique products that reflect and celebrate culture. Primarily, he leads on operations – working closely with sellers to provide hands-on support and ensure their products are well represented both online and at in-person events.

These ‘in-person events’ include running curated pop-ups in major UK shopping centres (such as Lewisham Shopping Centre and Southside Wandsworth) to build a loyal community of shoppers and entrepreneurs.

This is exactly what sets Wakuda apart – it’s unique ability to lead with culture and community, while serving a wide and inclusive customer base. Reflecting Nathaniel’s vision, the platform centres Black heritage, and is built for anyone who appreciates original, high-quality products with meaningful stories behind them.

Wakuda has received notable recognition already – including the Digital Star Award from Small Business Britain, and has secured several business grants – and Nathaniel has now been recognised as a finalist for this BBBAward, through his work in supporting over 500 Black-owned businesses gain national exposure, and connecting them with diverse audiences.

After speaking with him, Nathaniel told the Thames Gazette all about Wakuda, his hopes for the future, and what this award means to him, and it is evident that this is not just a brand but a passion.

He explains that Wakuda is a tool is displaying that diversity and culture are not a “niche” or gimmick, but instead belong in the centre of retail, where underrepresented founders should be included in high-footfall spaces, where consumers can purchase with meaning and impact.

“If we can normalise representation in everyday shopping, we’ve made a real shift.”

After leading impactful campaigns – most notably with Idris Elba – and building strategic partnerships with major organisations such as BT, Sky, Blue Light Card and Natwest, Nathaniel explained to us that collaborations strategically amplify their reach.

“Working with Idris Elba and major companies like Sky and BT shows the scale of what’s possible when big business backs diversity. More importantly, these partnerships create direct opportunities for our community of sellers – whether that’s increased visibility, access to new audiences or resources to grow their businesses.”

Now with the growing visibility of the brand being a main goal for him, winning the award would create a stage for the small businesses that they work with – showcasing their creativity, resilience, and incredible work.

He recollected a core memory during his time at Wakuda: “One of my favourite memories was walking through the shopping centre during one of our pop-ups and seeing the stalls buzzing and the genuine excitement on both customers’ and vendors’ faces. It felt like proof that we’d created a space where culture, commerce, and community all meet. One seller that stands out is a food brand that started with us online, gained confidence through our pop-ups, and is now stocked in a mainstream retailer. Watching that kind of growth – and knowing we helped make it happen – is why we do this.”

Winning this award would show that it is possible for purpose-driven businesses to thrive in this day and age, where passion can go hand-in-hand with commercial impact. Simply getting recognised for this award is a step in showing entrepreneurs that they can make it – even if the system feels closed off to them.

“This recognition isn’t about me alone. It’s about the individual business owners who make it what it is, and the community that keeps showing up. We’re just getting started, and I’m excited for what’s next.”

A huge good luck to Nathaniel!

For more information about Wakuda, click here.

For more information on the Black British Business Awards 2025, read here.

The Student Safety App is already making its mark nationwide

After its launch on the 15^thof September, the Student Safety App has already made its mark across different universities nationwide.

From attending a number of freshers’ fairs, to featuring on different TV and radio channels, to launching their very first bus campaign, the SSA team are working hard to expand the conversation around student safety and protect young people both on and off university campus.

Last week, the BBC released the results from the first sector-wide survey of sexual misconduct at universities in England, revealing that thousands of students have reported that they have been victims of sexual violence and harassment (including rape, attempted rape and unwanted touching) at university.

One victim who spoke out about her experience of harassment whilst studying, emphasised that the support she received was lacking when it came to her safety. This shows the urgent appeal of the Student Safety App.

The new app offers a discreet, practical way for young people to protect themselves and others on and around campus – with features including anonymous incident reporting (for concerns such as drink spiking, knife crime, etc), a “Track Me” and “Plan a Safe Route Home” tool, a Fake Call option to help users leave uncomfortable situations, and an SOS button that instantly shares a user’s live location with chosen contacts.

Additionally, with the app also being in line with the newly introduced OfS Condition E6 – which requires universities in England to take action to prevent and respond to harassment and sexual misconduct – it is working to effectively respond to the recent BBC findings.

This incredible initiative promises to be the subtle safety companion that students can download for free – to provide reassurance to both themselves and their parents.

Since its launch, the team have visited nine freshers’ fairs across the country to personally engage with students, exhibiting and demonstrating the app’s capabilities. For everyone who downloaded and signed up to the app, they were also given the chance to win an Amazon gift card amongst other prizes.

Feedback from these appearances showed the rewards section to be a fan-favourite amongst students – who were very excited for the discounts they could get on popular brands such as: MyProtein, Footasylum, World of Books, LG and so much more, when merely signing up to an app that is going to keep them safe.

The SSA have also featured on eleven TV and radio stations recently, with their supporters – former England, Leicester City and Liverpool footballer, Emile Heskey, and founder of the Barnaby Webber Foundation, Emma Webber – giving live interviews on the likes of GB News, LBC, Sky Sports News, Greatest Hits Radio (East Midlands) and more.

Giving an explanation of the app, what they think of it, and why they are in support of the campaign, got an incredible 9.12 million impressions, and all helped to secure over 1000 new signups to the app in such a short space of time.

The most recent SSA project to continue expanding its reach, is their new bus campaign based in Nottingham. Featuring on the ‘Double Deck Mega Rears’ on Routes 4 and 34 in Nottingham City Transport.

The Navy Line 4 (N4) bus follows a route from Nottingham City Centre to Nottingham Trent University Clifton Campus, and the Orange Line 34 (including 36U and Night Buses N34 and N36) which follows a route from Nottingham City Centre to University of Nottingham University Park Campus and onwards to Chilwell.

This was made possible by a collaboration between bus advertising specialist, Outdo, and Nottingham City Transport (NCT), where local onlookers will clearly see the app’s features and a handy QR code to the Appstore, to download the app completely free.

This is all in a bid to continue the expansion of this purpose-driven initiative and keep more students safe when at university.

The Signature Awards London 2025: Celebrating British Business Excellence at Hilton Park Lane

The Signature Awards London 2025 return this evening, Thursday 26 September, at the Hilton Park Lane Hotel. More than 500 leading entrepreneurs, executives and innovators are expected to gather at the black-tie ceremony.

The event has become one of the UK’s most influential showcases of business talent. It is a chance not only to celebrate success but to meet the people shaping the economy. Deals are often struck, collaborations begun, and reputations strengthened on nights like these.

For many, the awards are about far more than the trophies. They are about being in the room. They are about making the right introductions, renewing client relationships, and sharing insights with peers. Over half of attendees rebook year after year, citing the tangible business impact generated in the hall.

This year’s London edition promises to continue that tradition.

At the heart of the evening is the keynote address. It will be delivered by Surinder Arora, one of Britain’s most remarkable entrepreneurs.

Arora was born in Punjab, India, in 1958. His parents, displaced by the Partition, emigrated to Britain while he was raised by relatives. He re-joined his parents in the UK aged 13. That early upheaval shaped him. He often credits his mother’s ambition for instilling the drive that has defined his life.

His career began not in hotels but in sales. By the late 1980s he was working for Abbey Life, quickly becoming one of its top performers. In 1993 he left to set up a small bed and breakfast for airline staff near Heathrow. Within a few years, he had won a major contract with British Airways.

The rest is history. By 2004, he had secured the franchise for the Sofitel brand and invested £180m in a flagship hotel at Heathrow. Today his Arora Group operates more than 5,500 rooms, including properties under Hilton and Holiday Inn.

Despite being worth over £1bn, he has retained a reputation for loyalty and personal connection. He refers to staff as “family” and has achieved unusually low turnover rates in an industry often marked by instability.

Arora’s journey from modest beginnings to billionaire hotelier mirrors the ambition the Signature Awards exist to celebrate. His story, and his words tonight, are expected to resonate with every entrepreneur in the room.

The Signature Awards themselves are the creation of Ninder and Narinder Johal. Before their success in business publishing and events, they founded Nachural Records.

The label championed Asian dance music and found global success with Munde To Backhe. The track hit number one in nine countries, broke into the UK and US charts, and became one of the biggest-selling tracks in Japanese history. It later featured in films, Bollywood productions, and global advertising campaigns.

That instinct for creativity and for spotting cultural movements underpins everything Nachural does today. Through Business Influencer Magazine, the Johals provide a platform for thought leadership. Through their awards ceremonies, they celebrate ambition across sectors.

The result is a portfolio of sell-out events. Each one attracts over 500 people and generates millions of social media impressions.

The Birmingham edition of the awards earlier this year demonstrated the breadth of talent being recognised.

Skanska UK, one of the world’s largest development and construction firms, was named Business of the Year. With revenues of more than £13bn and projects ranging from HS2 to Mayfair developments, its scale is global. But the award also reflected its contribution to the UK economy and its commitment to sustainable practices.

Other winners included Allica Bank for financial services, Sydney Mitchell for legal excellence, Cordia UK for real estate, and CyberQ Group for innovation.

There was space too for entrepreneurs at different stages of their journey. Manny Athwal was named Entrepreneur of the Year. Michael Parinchy was recognised as Young Business Person of the Year. Elisabeth Lewis-Jones took the title of Business Woman of the Year.

Community and social impact also featured. Sandwell College received the award for Community Excellence, while Azets was recognised for promoting diversity and inclusion. Start-ups were celebrated, with Laser Skin taking home the prize for new business.

The full list of winners reflected the range of Britain’s business landscape — from global contractors to local innovators.

The London ceremony will follow a similar pattern. Guests will arrive on the red carpet, welcomed with an exclusive drinks reception. Live music will set the tone. A four-course menu, inspired by Indian cuisine, will accompany the evening. The glamour and entertainment are part of the experience, but the real value is in the mix of people.

More than 65% of the room will be C-suite executives, founders, or managing directors. For ambitious entrepreneurs, this is an unparalleled networking opportunity. For established leaders, it is a chance to share influence and perspective. For clients, sponsors and speakers, it is a platform to enhance reputation.

This year’s headline sponsor is Fraser Stretton, supporting what promises to be a memorable night.

What sets the Signature Awards apart is the combination of celebration and purpose. They are a showcase of ambition, but also a forum for learning and collaboration. Keynote speeches, like the one delivered tonight by Surinder Arora, provide inspiration rooted in real experience.

The awards are also an opportunity to reflect on the wider business landscape. Britain faces a post-Brexit era of uncertainty and opportunity. Growth depends on innovation, resilience, and global outlook. Bringing together the people who drive that growth is not just a social occasion but a statement of intent.

Connections made here can translate into contracts, investments, or partnerships that shape the future of industries. Testimonials from past attendees consistently underline the high level of business placed in the room.

The awards also extend influence internationally. Each event generates millions of impressions online, amplifying the profile of winners, sponsors, and speakers far beyond the walls of the venue.

As the evening unfolds in London, the spotlight will fall on businesses and individuals across multiple sectors. Some will walk away with trophies, others with new partnerships or fresh inspiration. All will leave having been part of an event that celebrates not just success but ambition itself.

From Birmingham to London, the Signature Awards have built a reputation for recognising talent, providing a stage for ideas, and celebrating the people who are shaping the future of the UK economy.

Tonight’s gathering at Hilton Park Lane is a continuation of that story. It is a chance for entrepreneurs to learn, for executives to connect, and for leaders to influence. And with Surinder Arora sharing his extraordinary journey, it is certain to be an evening that will inspire ambition long after the last champagne glass is set down.

Allders Parade Croydon set to reopen with new shops and cafés

The historic Allders building in Croydon is being brought back to life this week as Allders Parade Croydon, a new retail destination combining a mix of shops and cafés in the heart of the town.

Opening in phases from 26 September, Allders Parade Croydon marks the return of the famous name more than a decade after the flagship department store closed in 2013. The original Allders opened in 1862 and grew to become Britain’s third-largest department store, leaving a lasting legacy on the town’s retail landscape. Subsequent attempts to repurpose the building, including the Croydon Village Outlet pop-ups, closed in 2019, leaving the site largely vacant.

The redevelopment of the Allders frontage forms part of a wider regeneration of Croydon’s town centre, led by shopping centre developer Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield in partnership with Croydon Council. The scheme has sought to revitalise North End and inject new activity into the area, which has faced years of high street decline.

The initial plan had been to open seven new kiosks on the parade, of which the first six have now been announced. The first shops to open at Allders Parade Croydon include Miniso, a lifestyle and homeware retailer; women’s clothing brand Abaci; Isle of Flowers, a local florist; and two cafés, Coco & Nut and Melting Moments, the latter recreating a nostalgic ice cream offering from the original Allders department store.

Adam Smith, strategic development director at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: “The launch of Allders Parade Croydon is a fundamental step in The Croydon Project’s transformation of the town centre. We’re delighted to welcome these brands, creating a new retail destination in one of the town’s most cherished landmarks. This is the start of a vision for a more sustainable, connected and community-focused future for Croydon.”

Mayor Jason Perry added: “It is encouraging to see this landmark building preserved and brought back into use. Allders Parade Croydon represents an exciting milestone in the wider regeneration of our town centre and provides a mix of quality local and national businesses for residents to enjoy.”

The refurbishment has created six units along North End, including four shops and two food and beverage units. While only two stores are opening immediately, the remainder are set to follow every fortnight through October, according to Westfield marketing manager Dominique Stagg. The phased approach reflects careful planning and preparation for the new tenants.

Allders Parade Croydon aims to offer a fresh boost of footfall and confidence to the area. The combination of local favourites and established global brands seeks to strike a balance between community-focused offerings and familiar retail names, giving Croydon residents and visitors renewed reasons to explore the town centre.

Despite delays and previous false starts, the reopening of Allders Parade Croydon is being framed by local authorities as a milestone in the ongoing effort to reinvigorate North End. The development forms part of a broader investment in the town centre, alongside improvements to the Centrale and Whitgift shopping malls. The project reflects a commitment to creating spaces that are vibrant, accessible and commercially viable, while respecting the heritage of one of Croydon’s most iconic buildings.

For some Croydon shoppers, the return of Allders is more than a nod to nostalgia. It represents the potential for a renewed sense of purpose and energy in the town centre, with a curated mix of retail, food and drink designed to attract visitors and support local businesses. Allders Parade Croydon is aimed to be a focal point for the community and a key step in the ongoing transformation of one of south London’s historic retail hubs.

However many others have come away from the project substantially underwhelmed. A poll by the independent journalism source “Inside Croydon” showed that over 87% of those polled described this latest attempt at revitalising the town centre as “grim”. There also remain questions why the initial plan for seven kiosks has been scaled back down to just six, and why only two will be opening for business at this stage

New fundraising record set in 16th annual charity event Prologis 100

The arrival of September means one thing for logistics real estate leader, Prologis… The return of their annual fundraiser.

Earlier this month saw the Prologis 100 charity event take place, where over 160 keen participants put on their helmets and laced up their walking boots to take on the scenic Burford and Chipping Norton landscapes in the Cotswold hills.

This year marked the 16^th running of the event, and was the biggest yet, raising an incredible £75,000 for LandAid, Dementia UK and The Brain Tumour Charity.

Since Prologis 100 began, it has raised over half a million pounds – supporting a wide range of charities close to the hearts of the company and employees.

The 2025 event brought together participants from Prologis and many other businesses in their network – where individuals had to fight the elements when completing either a 100km or 100 mile bike ride, or – for the second year – a 100-furlong (20km) hike.

Over the course of the day, participants journeyed through the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, exploring iconic villages and ending with a well-deserved BBQ and raffle.

The whole point of this fundraiser is to raise money that will help make a real and lasting impact – and this year was no different – contributing to a range of charities doing incredible work in the UK.

LandAid is a charity working to end youth homelessness, giving vulnerable people across the UK a safe place to call home and a brighter future, and Dementia UK provides specialist support for families facing the challenges of the disease, offering expert guidance through their team. The Brain Tumour Charity is leading the way in research, reporting, support and awareness, striving for a world where brain tumours are no longer a life-limiting diagnosis.

Prologis want that thank the collective effort of everyone who was involved in the event – from friends, suppliers, consultants and cheering fans – for making this such a memorable event. Every step and wheel spin helps drive a real impact, and through the exceptional generosity of the sponsors, Prologis 100 were able to raise a remarkable total.