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Seven years ago, back in 2018, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) introduced the gamstop scheme to promote responsible gambling.

This scheme is designed as a self-exclusion program to help players check their gambling habits. This has been a great initiative for self-control.

Although this tool is useful and has recorded significant help with various players, it can feel limiting for some, especially those who have taken a long break from gambling and now wish to resume.

Enter non gamstop casinos. This is the buzz of the online casino world, making waves in the UK and across borders. These casinos operate globally and are excluded from the gamstop scheme.

So what makes them so appealing and how are they changing the gambling landscape?

A Closer Look At Non Gamstop Casinos

Non gamstop casinos are simply online casinos that are not licensed by the UK. Because of that, they do not need to abide by UKGC regulations. Instead, they are licensed by international bodies located in places like Malta.

Due to strict restrictions on gamstop casinos, most players switch to non gamstop casinos as alternatives if they do not want to wait out their exclusion period. It gives players a chance to experience unlimited gaming access without worrying about restrictions. And this is one of the multiple reasons why they have caught the attention of UK gamers.

The Appeal of Secure Non Gamstop Casinos

With money and personal data involved, the question people usually ask is “How safe is it?” and with good reason. Since non gamstop casinos step outside the UK-regulated frameworks, players tend to worry about their level of security. And this is where secure non gamstop casinos come into play.

These secure platforms have their checks in place to ensure the safety of data and transactions. They can prioritize safety through the use of advanced SSL encryption to regulate and keep transactions and personal information secure. They also make use of independent audits to trace licenses to reputable authorities. This is a way to ensure fairness and transparency.

Why Players Love Non Gamstop Casinos

Non gamstop casinos are appreciated for a good number of reasons. Aside from the freedom factor, they also bring quite some offers to the table.

For players who love variety, non gamstop has a diverse game library that features all kinds of entertainment. Whether you’re a fan of cards, slots, or roulette, these platforms tend to have it all. Some of these games also come with an innovative touch that makes them more exciting than the traditional version.

Another cool feature is the whooping bonuses. Due to fewer regulatory restrictions from the likes of UKGC, these casinos tend to offer a wider bonus margin, especially welcome bonuses. Imagine getting a 200% welcome bonus when you register.

The flexible payment option is also a plus considering the games are played internationally. Players do not have to worry about currency conversion and high charges. These platforms consider every player’s location and provide possible alternatives.

The Business Behind the Buzz

Non gamstop casinos may be just as right for investors as they are for players. Entrepreneurs who are seeking to thrive in the industry are drawn to these casinos for so many reasons.

Firstly, investors find the global reach factor quite appealing. This means no borders, which translates to a wider audience. Now it’s a numbers game because with more players comes more revenue. Since the industry is already lucrative, non gamstop casinos can tap into both regulated and emerging markets to yield more revenue.

There is also the concept of smart licensing strategies. When non gamstop casinos secure their licenses in a jurisdiction like Malta, they can operate legally in places like the UK while maintaining flexibility in their offerings.

Lastly, the major demographics involved in online gaming are usually in their 20s and 30s. The tech-savvy nature of this group makes it easy for non gamstop casinos to reach them online and promote their platforms efficiently.

Challenges and Considerations

While running an international online casino sounds exciting, it is also not all jackpots and bonuses. These casinos also face challenges like every other business.

Operating across borders means navigating international regulations with some countries having stricter rules than others. There is also the fierce competition that already exists in the online gaming industry, which means investors will have to find innovative ways to constantly stand out. There is also the need to win and keep the trust of players which is an ongoing effort that requires consistency. But despite all these hurdles, the rewards are immense for those who can master the field.

So a few tips to consider for investors who are willing to seize opportunities in the non gamstop casino space are;

Have a good understanding of the market. Research across countries and look out for regions where the demand is high. Emerging markets in Asia and Latin America are hot right now.
Always focus on the differentiation aspect. Design innovative variants, or use enticing user-friendly interfaces to attract and appeal to a wider audience. A simple technique such as top-tier customer support can set your casino apart from the competition.
Never move blindly. Always collaborate with trusted developers, payment processors, and marketing agencies who have experience in the industry to ensure long-term success.
Read player reviews. The gaming community is quite vocal and online reviews are great for accessing the various casinos and comparing competitors. You get first-hand information on what players need and what they want to see next.

Beyond Borders, Beyond Gamstop

Non gamstop casinos are more than just an alternative to UK-regulated gamstop platforms. To players, it provides freedom, variety, and excitement. And for investors, it provides a chance to be a part of an industry that is evolving.

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The Business of International Online Casinos

Yasir Jawaid was born in Houston, Texas, but moved to Pakistan during his early years. He grew up in a small company town in the desert region of Sind, Pakistan, where he spent his childhood playing sports and making lifelong friendships.

Eventually, Jawaid’s family settled in the bustling city of Karachi, a place that holds special significance for him due to its dynamic energy. After pursuing his medical graduate training in the United States, he embarked on a journey that took him from the Appalachian beauty of West Virginia to the vibrant streets of New York City, and finally to Washington, D.C. Throughout his career, he has encountered diverse cultures and communities, all of which have enriched his professional and personal life. Today, Yasir Jawaid continues to make significant contributions to his field, focusing on medicine, mentorship, and personal growth.

Early Influences and Lessons Learned

Who has been the most influential mentor in your career, and what lessons did they teach you?

It is hard to name one as I have had the pleasure of having several influential mentors who have shaped my growth. One of the most impactful lessons they taught me was the importance of adaptability. In a constantly changing environment, being able to learn new skills and adjust to evolving circumstances is essential. Another key lesson was the value of empathy—understanding different perspectives and connecting with others on a human level fosters collaboration and trust. Lastly, I was taught the significance of resilience; setbacks are inevitable, but the ability to persevere, learn from mistakes, and keep moving forward is what ultimately leads to growth and success.

Approach to Mentorship

How do you approach mentoring others within your organization or industry?

When mentoring, my approach centers on creating an open, supportive, and collaborative environment. I believe in leading by example and focusing on building trust from the outset. One of my main priorities is understanding the unique strengths and challenges of each individual so I can tailor my guidance accordingly. I also make it a point to foster independence. Instead of simply providing answers, I ask questions that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving. Ultimately, I see mentoring as a two-way relationship, where both parties benefit.

How do you cultivate relationships with mentors and mentees to ensure mutual growth?

I adapt my approach based on individual needs, offering guidance that fits their learning style and circumstances. Regular self-reflection and celebrating achievements, big or small, also help keep the relationship dynamic and productive. In addition, I commit to long-term connections, checking in even after formal mentorship ends, to foster ongoing growth for both sides.

What qualities do you look for in a mentor or advisor?

I look for a mentor who has experience, is empathetic, and offers honest, constructive feedback. They should be patient, encouraging, and adaptable to my unique needs. Integrity is key—trust is essential in any mentorship.

Evolution of Mentoring Style

How has your mentoring style evolved over time?

My mentoring style has evolved from a more directive approach to one that’s collaborative and adaptable. Early on, I focused on providing clear guidance and solutions, but over time, I’ve learned the importance of empowering mentees to think critically and solve problems themselves.

What impact has mentoring had on your personal and professional development?

Mentoring has had a profound impact on both my personal and professional development. Personally, it has helped me develop stronger communication and empathy. By listening to and guiding others, I’ve gained new perspectives and learned to be more patient and understanding. It has also kept me engaged and up-to-date with new trends and ideas, as mentees often bring fresh insights. Ultimately, mentoring has made me more reflective, adaptable, and aware of my own growth, while also reinforcing the importance of continuous learning.

Identifying and Supporting Potential Mentees

How do you identify potential mentees and foster their growth?

I identify potential mentees by looking for individuals who show curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn. They often display a strong work ethic, ask insightful questions, or seek feedback proactively. I also look for those who demonstrate self-awareness and a desire for personal or professional growth, as these traits make mentoring more impactful.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a mentor?

The most rewarding aspect of being a mentor is seeing my mentees grow, gain confidence, and achieve their goals. Watching them overcome challenges, develop new skills, and reach milestones they once thought were out of reach is incredibly fulfilling. It’s not just about sharing knowledge, but about empowering others to realize their potential and make meaningful progress in their careers and lives. Knowing I played a part in that growth is what makes mentoring truly rewarding.

Expertise and Achievements

What specific achievements in your career are you most proud of and why?

In my career, one of the achievements I am most proud of is successfully leading a multidisciplinary team to implement a new patient care model, which significantly improved patient outcomes and satisfaction. This achievement was particularly satisfying because it required collaboration across various departments, integrating diverse perspectives and expertise. It demonstrated the power of teamwork and the importance of holistic approaches in healthcare. Additionally, being able to mentor and witness the growth of junior colleagues as they develop into confident, skilled professionals is immensely gratifying.

Can you share a piece of advice that significantly changed your perspective or career path?

Absolutely. One piece of advice that profoundly changed my perspective was: “Don’t be afraid to embrace uncertainty; it’s often the only path to growth.” This advice resonated deeply with me, especially in a field like medicine, where rapid advancements and unpredictable challenges are common. Embracing uncertainty has allowed me to remain open to new opportunities and innovations, ultimately enriching my career and personal development.

Vision for the Future

What are your future goals and aspirations in your field?

My future goals involve continuing to innovate in patient care while fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within my team. I aspire to expand my mentorship efforts, reaching more emerging professionals in the field, and help them navigate the complexities of modern healthcare. Additionally, I aim to contribute to policy development that supports equitable healthcare access, ensuring that quality care is available to all individuals, regardless of their background.

How do you stay connected with past mentors and continue to learn from them?

I stay connected with past mentors by maintaining regular communication through check-ins, whether it’s via email, occasional calls, or meetings. I make an effort to update them on my progress and challenges, keeping the relationship active and showing my appreciation for their past guidance. I also seek their advice when facing new career decisions or challenges, as their insights are invaluable.

What steps do you believe are necessary to advance your field in the coming years?

Advancing the field requires a multifaceted approach. We need to invest in cutting-edge research and technological advancements to stay ahead of evolving medical challenges. Equally important is prioritizing education and training, ensuring that healthcare professionals are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to adapt to new developments. Furthermore, fostering a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system is crucial. This means addressing systemic disparities and ensuring that advancements benefit all segments of society.

Yasir Jawaid continues to inspire and drive positive change within the medical community through his dedication to innovation, mentorship, and equitable healthcare practices. His vision for the future reflects a commitment to both professional excellence and societal well-being.

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Yasir Jawaid on Mentorship, Innovation and Advancing Patient Care in Medicine

Alison Schrag, an experienced Fish and Wildlife Technician in New York City, is passionately committed to promoting urban wildlife conservation.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, focusing on wildlife biology. Alison excels in crafting and executing strategies for habitat restoration, species monitoring, and public education, all designed to enhance the harmonious coexistence of city dwellers and local wildlife.

In her professional capacity, Alison has led significant projects like the Urban Wildlife Initiative and the Aquatic Habitat Restoration program. These projects have not only revitalized urban ecosystems but have also heightened public awareness of the critical role of biodiversity within urban settings. Moreover, Alison is a fervent educator and advocate for environmental stewardship, frequently leading workshops and seminars to engage communities in conservation activities.

A devoted birder and wildlife photographer, Alison Schrag channels her hobbies to broaden public engagement with nature, showcasing the hidden splendors of urban biodiversity through her lens. Both in her professional work and personal pursuits, Alison Schrag is a key contributor to integrating urban development with environmental conservation.

How has urban development impacted local wildlife in New York City?

Urban development significantly impacts local wildlife by fragmenting and sometimes completely removing their natural habitats. In New York City, species that once thrived in vast woodland areas now have to navigate a maze of buildings and busy streets. Our role is to mitigate these impacts by creating and enhancing urban green spaces that serve as mini-refuges and connecting corridors for wildlife.

What specific strategies do you employ to monitor wildlife in such a bustling urban environment?

We use a variety of non-invasive monitoring techniques, including camera traps, acoustic sensors, and occasionally drones, to study wildlife without disrupting their natural behaviors. This technology allows us to gather data on species presence, population sizes, and behavior patterns, which inform our conservation strategies and urban planning recommendations.

Can you describe a successful project you’ve worked on that improved conditions for wildlife in the city?

One of our successful projects was the restoration of a local wetland that had been neglected and polluted. By cleaning up the area, reintroducing native plant species, and creating small water features, we saw a return of several species of amphibians and birds within just a few years. This project not only benefited the wildlife but also enhanced the community’s access to nature.

What are some common challenges you face when working on urban wildlife projects?

One major challenge is navigating the various interests of stakeholders, including city officials, developers, and residents. Balancing ecological needs with urban development and community expectations requires a lot of negotiation and compromise. Another challenge is the limited space available for habitat creation or restoration in a densely populated city like New York.

How do you engage the public in your conservation efforts?

Public engagement is crucial for the success of conservation initiatives. We host informational sessions, workshops, and guided nature walks to educate the community about local wildlife and our ongoing projects. We also encourage citizen science programs where people can participate in data collection, which helps them feel connected to the conservation outcomes.

What role do you think technology will play in future conservation efforts?

Technology is already playing a significant role in conservation, and I believe its influence will only grow. Advanced data analytics, remote sensing, and AI can help us better understand ecological patterns and predict future environmental impacts. These tools will enable us to make more informed decisions and implement proactive rather than reactive conservation strategies.

What inspired you to focus on urban environments rather than more traditional natural settings?

Growing up in New York City, I was always fascinated by how nature persists and adapts in urban settings. I chose to focus on urban environments because I believe that conservation efforts in cities can have dramatic impacts not only on biodiversity but also on human well-being. Cities are where change needs to happen, and being part of that change is incredibly rewarding.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to young conservationists?

My advice would be to remain flexible and open to multiple career paths within conservation. The field is incredibly diverse, and opportunities can come from unexpected places. Also, don’t underestimate the importance of policy and community engagement—conservation is as much about working with people as it is about working with wildlife.

Looking ahead, what new initiatives or projects are you most excited about?

I am particularly excited about our upcoming initiative to integrate native plant species into urban landscaping across the city. This project not only aims to support local pollinators but also to educate the public about the importance of native flora and how it can be incorporated into urban aesthetics and functionality.

How do you measure the success of your conservation projects?

Success in conservation often takes time to become apparent, but we measure it in several ways. Short-term indicators include the successful implementation of project components like habitat restoration. Long-term measures involve tracking the stability or increase in wildlife populations, improved health of ecosystems, and enhanced community awareness and involvement in conservation practices.

Read more:
An In-Depth Conversation with Alison Schrag: Exploring Urban Wildlife Conservation

Piers Morgan has parted ways with Rupert Murdoch’s media empire in a move set to expand his popular Uncensored show on YouTube, ending months of speculation about his future at News UK.

The outspoken broadcaster will now operate independently, having acquired ownership of his Uncensored brand and its 3.6 million-strong subscriber base.

Morgan, 59, opted not to renew his contract with News UK, where he held a reported £50 million deal covering columns, book rights, and a TalkTV programme. His departure appeared inevitable after he stepped back from his nightly TalkTV show—complaining it was a “straitjacket”—to focus on YouTube broadcasting. The Uncensored channel will now be developed independently, allowing greater flexibility on scheduling and content creation, particularly in the United States and other international markets.

Under a four-year partnership struck through Morgan’s Wake Up Productions, Rupert Murdoch’s company will retain a share of advertising revenue. However, Morgan will run Uncensored outside News UK’s direct oversight, while continuing to write columns for its newspapers and deliver a book to publisher HarperCollins this year.

Explaining his decision, Morgan said: “Owning the brand allows my team and I the freedom to focus exclusively on building Uncensored into a stand-alone business, editorially and commercially, and in time, widening it from just me and my content.”

Morgan’s guest roster has seen high-profile figures such as Donald Trump, Jordan Peterson, Volodymyr Zelensky, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Cristiano Ronaldo debate on Uncensored. He has hinted that Elon Musk could soon join this list. While continuing his combative interview style, Morgan emphasised that YouTube—unlike conventional linear TV—lets him broadcast live discussions at any time to a global audience.

Scott Taunton, head of broadcasting at News UK, said the new model grants Morgan “flexibility to grow his own business by leveraging his position as a true global opinion former” and keeps the two parties commercially linked. Morgan has also signed a deal with US-based Red Seat Ventures to help monetise his brand further through sponsorship and additional revenue streams.

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Piers Morgan quits Murdoch empire to build Uncensored brand independently on YouTube

Kevin O’Leary, famed for his role as “Mr Wonderful” on the American series Shark Tank, has revealed plans to join billionaire Frank McCourt’s consortium in a high-stakes effort to acquire TikTok.

The move comes amid growing pressure on the Chinese-owned video platform, which could be banned in the United States if its parent company ByteDance fails to divest the app by 19 January.

Last spring, President Joe Biden signed into law measures compelling ByteDance to sell off TikTok’s US operations by this month’s deadline or face a ban—removing the app from American app stores and disabling access via web browsers. TikTok has challenged the legislation, arguing it represents censorship and breaches US First Amendment rights. However, supporters of the ban claim the platform poses a potential national security threat by sharing data with Chinese authorities.

McCourt, founder of Project Liberty and executive chairman of McCourt Global, announced in December that he was assembling a group of backers—named the “People’s Bid for TikTok”. Project Liberty’s primary goal is to hand control of users’ data back to the users themselves. According to McCourt, verbal commitments of up to $20 billion have already been pledged for the takeover.

O’Leary told Fox News on Monday that he and McCourt would need to collaborate with President-elect Donald Trump to complete any deal, particularly as Trump has asked the Supreme Court to delay the ban so he can try to salvage the platform. The Supreme Court is scheduled to review the ban on Friday, and Trump will be sworn into office the day after the deadline.

“This isn’t just about buying TikTok’s US assets,” O’Leary said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). “It’s about something much bigger: protecting the privacy of 170 million American users. It’s about empowering creators and small businesses. And it’s about building a platform that prioritises people over algorithms.”

Neither Project Liberty nor Kevin O’Leary responded to requests for comment on Tuesday.

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Kevin O’leary joins billionaire’s bid to buy TikTok as US ban deadline nears

Taxpayers stand to save both money and headaches in 2025 by committing to better tax practices in the year ahead, according to leading audit, tax and business advisory firm Blick Rothenberg.

Robert Salter, a Director at the firm, notes: “Most people make personal resolutions about health and lifestyle, but your financial health is equally important—and being on top of your taxes plays a significant part.”

With the deadline for the 2023/24 tax return set at 31 January 2025, Salter suggests that anyone who has yet to complete their submission should resolve to do so earlier this year. “It will help you avoid stress and the risk of an HMRC penalty,” he says.

He also points out that taxpayers may be overlooking valuable reliefs, particularly if they pay tax at 40 or 45 per cent. Gift aid contributions can deliver immediate savings when claimed through a self-assessment tax return, and those made during the 2024/25 tax year can still be brought forward for relief in the earlier year if completed before filing.

According to Salter, pension planning can also be a powerful new year pledge. Bonuses paid in February or March could be directed into a pension scheme via an employer contribution rather than taken as cash, potentially reducing the overall tax bill.

For those looking to maximise their state pension, Salter highlights a National Insurance Contributions (NICs) easement which remains available until 5 April 2025. This allows people to fill in any gaps dating back to 2006/07 and could boost future pension payments.

Another resolution could be to review how investments are held, especially for couples where one spouse is a non-taxpayer or lower-rate taxpayer. Transferring assets legally to the lower-rate taxpayer could make the most of personal allowances and potentially reduce the overall tax burden.

Salter finally advises checking your PAYE tax code for 2025/26 to ensure any pension contributions, professional subscriptions or benefits-in-kind are accurately reflected: “That way, you get the right tax relief straight away and avoid a shock bill when your return is filed.”

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Make tax-savvy new year’s resolutions to cut stress and save money

Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, is preparing to lead a team of ministers and advisers to the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, aiming to attract international backers and calm disquiet among domestic businesses.

Reeves, who attended Davos as shadow chancellor for the previous two years, is scheduled to meet sovereign wealth funds and US private equity firms in an effort to secure financing for large-scale infrastructure and green energy projects. She also intends to hold talks with British business leaders in attendance, amid ongoing frustration over last year’s increase in employer national insurance contributions.

“I’m going to be in Davos to tell some of the world’s biggest companies and investors that UK plc is burning bright,” she said. “I am on a mission to win round the world’s investors. That’s why I’ve already made progress on planning reform to get Britain building. And my plans for pension megafunds will unlock billions of pounds of investment for infrastructure projects and businesses of the future.”

Joining Reeves will be Jonathan Reynolds, the business secretary; Baroness Gustafsson, the former chief executive of Darktrace who became minister for investment in October; and Varun Chandra, the prime minister’s special adviser on business and investment.

It is understood that Reeves plans to replicate last year’s efforts in Davos, where she met American technology founders in a gathering hosted by Andreessen Horowitz and spoke with European investors at a breakfast organised by JP Morgan. Other notable figures expected at this year’s summit include former prime minister Baroness May of Maidenhead and George Osborne, the ex-chancellor and now partner at Robey Warshaw.

Princess Beatrice is also set to attend, reportedly participating in a panel discussion on how family offices and sovereign wealth funds can deploy private capital to address climate change. She has been a regular attendee at Davos in recent years.

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Rachel Reeves to lead Davos 2025 delegation in bid to win over foreign investors

A company director who “repeatedly subverted the insolvency system” by facilitating debt-dumping arrangements for struggling businesses has been banned from running firms for nine years, following a government investigation.

Neville Taylor, 57, served as a director of more than 400 companies and received close to £270,000 from Atherton Corporate, operators of a scheme that took over control of companies teetering on the brink of collapse. Instead of entering insolvency, these businesses were allowed to cease trading without properly settling their debts.

The Insolvency Service uncovered serious failings in 12 of the companies in which Taylor was installed as director. In each case, investigators concluded that Taylor “made little or no attempt to verify information relating to their affairs, including securing records and assets, breaching his duties as a company director and subverting the insolvency system in the process”.

Atherton Corporate’s scheme, which remains operational despite attempts by authorities to shut it down last year, is understood to have enabled directors of over 1,000 ailing companies to escape debts amounting to tens of millions of pounds—including unpaid tax liabilities. The scheme was marketed as a “legal alternative to using insolvency practitioners” through a venture called National Company Rescue, which allegedly urged directors to liquidate assets and strip struggling companies, ultimately depriving creditors of significant sums.

Stephen Hunt, a partner at specialist insolvency firm Griffins, who raised concerns about the scheme, described Taylor’s disqualification as a “useful public declaration that this sort of service is improper and others should cease it immediately.”

Dave Magrath, director of investigation and enforcement at the Insolvency Service, said: “Neville Taylor hampered efforts by liquidators to identify assets, caused a widespread loss to creditors and breached his duties as a director. He also accepted that his conduct was part of a scheme designed to subvert and undermine insolvency legislation.”

The Insolvency Service is understood to be considering further action against directors who have used the Atherton scheme. Attempts to reach Taylor and John Irvin, the man behind Atherton, for comment were unsuccessful.

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Director behind 400 companies banned for nine years after ‘subverting insolvency system’

Debt-laden Asda has emerged as the weakest performer among Britain’s biggest supermarkets this festive season, as new data from Kantar shows a steep 5.8 per cent drop in sales over the 12 weeks to 29 December, dragging its market share down from 13.5 per cent to 12.5 per cent.

The private equity-backed retailer, controlled by TDR Capital and the billionaire Issa brothers since 2021’s highly leveraged £6.8 billion takeover, has struggled to keep up with lower-priced competitors. Its mounting debt has increasingly hampered Asda’s ability to match the aggressive discounting strategies employed by the German chains Aldi and Lidl.

Despite posting improved figures for the final four weeks of December compared with the same period in 2023, the latest numbers highlight significant challenges for the Leeds-based grocer. Acknowledging these headwinds in November, the then-chairman Lord Rose of Monewden admitted Asda had “not been as sharp on our trading stance as we should have been”, conceding that the business had “lost a bit of market share and a bit of momentum”.

This fall in Asda’s market share comes as grocery price inflation hit its highest level since March 2024, rising to 3.7 per cent in December from 2.6 per cent in November, according to Kantar. Against this backdrop, overall supermarket sales climbed 2.1 per cent in the four weeks to 29 December, with households spending an average of £460 on groceries during the period.

Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Kantar, described it as “a solid Christmas at the supermarkets”, noting that total sales during December topped £13 billion for the first time.

Elsewhere, Britain’s biggest supermarket chain, Tesco, solidified its position with a 0.8 percentage-point rise in market share to 28.5 per cent, while its festive sales climbed by 5 per cent. Sainsbury’s also enjoyed a strong performance, capturing its highest market share since December 2019 at 16 per cent. Its sales rose 3.5 per cent in the 12 weeks to 29 December, outpacing overall market growth.

Meanwhile, discounters Aldi and Lidl both continued their expansion, securing record market shares of 10 per cent and 7.3 per cent respectively for the quarter.

Read more:
Asda’s Christmas slip leaves it trailing rivals amid growing competition

Shein’s ambitions to list on the London Stock Exchange have been cast into renewed doubt after the fast-fashion behemoth was roundly criticised by MPs for repeatedly failing to address concerns about cotton sourcing and alleged forced labour in Xinjiang.

The Chinese-founded retailer, which hopes to secure a UK flotation this year, appeared before the Business and Trade Select Committee on Tuesday, where Yinan Zhu, Shein’s general counsel for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, was grilled on the company’s supply chain practices. However, her refusal to give definitive answers regarding the origin of Shein’s cotton sparked anger among members of the committee.

Liam Byrne, who chairs the panel, expressed shock that a firm selling billions of pounds’ worth of products to British consumers—and seeking to float in London—could provide so little clarity. “You’ve given us almost zero confidence in the integrity of your supply chains,” he said. “Your reluctance to answer basic questions has frankly bordered on contempt of the committee.”

Zhu responded with a promise to write back to MPs on certain points, adding: “We comply with laws and regulations everywhere we do business. We have supplier codes of conduct, robust systems and policies, and strong enforcement measures in place to ensure we adhere to these standards.”

Yet she also refused to comment on whether Shein believes forced labour exists in Xinjiang, insisting: “I don’t think it’s our place to comment on … to having a geopolitical debate.” Byrne challenged this stance, describing the matter as “a question of fact”. The Liberal Democrat MP Charlie Maynard went further, accusing Zhu of “wilful ignorance” and highlighting that a simple search for cotton on Shein’s website yielded around 20 relevant products.

Shein’s tense appearance before Parliament comes amid growing unease over its proposed blockbuster listing in London. Following rapid expansion across the US, Europe and the UK, the retailer has filed papers with Britain’s market regulator, yet it awaits regulatory approval in both the UK and China. There are mounting calls for greater scrutiny of Shein’s environmental, social and governance credentials—particularly after it admitted to finding instances of child labour in some of its third-party manufacturers last year.

Several senior politicians have voiced concerns about Shein’s potential competitive advantage in avoiding duty and VAT for British consumers, while the company itself has previously insisted it maintains a “zero-tolerance policy” on forced labour. Originally intending to list in America, Shein withdrew after the US Securities and Exchange Commission demanded a public filing.

The London flotation could be worth an estimated £50.3 billion, potentially marking one of the largest deals on the London Stock Exchange in a decade. Despite repeated attempts, Shein did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Shein’s London float in jeopardy as MPs denounce ‘disrespect’ over forced labour questions