Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
CHAIR of S P Hinduja Banque Privée and co-chair of the UN global accelerator, Shanu S P Hinduja was conferred with a doctorate of business administration from University of Bolton for her contribution to the global economy.
Bolton University president and vice chancellor Professor George E Holmes awarded the honour to Hinduja in a virtual event watched by friends, family and colleagues from 56 countries around the world.
Hinduja, who is Professor of leadership at the University, gave her inaugural professorial address for the University’s institute of management.
During the lecture, she stressed the importance of allowing each individual to ‘shine’ and said that everyone was capable of practising values-based leadership.
“I feel awakened inside after reading the messages of support and inspired to fight my battle of honour for humanity and myself," she said.
Hinduja is the only woman chairing the board of a Swiss bank, and has dedicated her life to the empowerment of minorities. She also supports the Duke of Edinburgh award.
She has captured the attention of the leaders of more than 130 countries at the UN general assembly, and publicly discussed achievement of the UN’s gender equality goals with former secretary-general Ban Ki-moon in Davos, a statement said.
Through the Hinduja Foundation, she has provided scholarships at Columbia University, Massachusetts General Hospital and University of Cambridge. She was a founding member of Prince Albert II of Monaco’s environment-focused Foundation.
Baroness Morris of Bolton, OBE chancellor emeritus of the University, introduced Hinduja to the audience and read the citation. Baroness Newlove, pro vice-chancellor of the University, also attended the event.
Shein’s UK sales hit £2.05bn in 2024, up 32.3 per cent year-on-year, driven by younger shoppers.
The retailer benefits from import tax loopholes unavailable to high street rivals.
Faces mounting criticism over labour practices and sustainability as it eyes a London listing.
Tax edge drives growth
Chinese fashion giant Shein is transforming Britain’s online clothing market, capturing a third of women aged 16 to 24 while benefiting from tax breaks unavailable to high street rivals.
The fast-fashion retailer’s UK sales surged 32.3 per cent to £2.05bn in 2024, according to company filings, with pre-tax profits rising to £38.3m from £24.4m the previous year. The growth comes as established players like Asos struggle in an increasingly competitive landscape where young consumers prioritise value above all else.
Shein has partly benefited from a tax break on import duty for goods worth less than £135 sent directly to consumers, The rule lets overseas sellers send low-value goods to the UK tax-free, disadvantaging local businesses.
“The growth of Shein and Temu is a huge factor,” said Tamara Sender Ceron, associate director of fashion retail research at Mintel told The Guardian. “It is particularly successful among younger shoppers. It is also a threat to other fashion retailers such as Primark and H&M because of its ultra-low price model that nobody can compete with. It’s changed the market.
"The market dynamics reflect broader shifts in consumer behaviour. Online fashion sales reached £34bn last year, up 3 per cent, according to Mintel, but shoppers have become more cautious as disposable incomes shrink, and fashion competes with holidays, festivals, and streaming services for wallet share.
Scrutiny builds
Despite its commercial success, Shein faces mounting scrutiny. The company filed initial paperwork last June for a potential London Stock Exchange listing, but critics question its labour practices and environmental impact.
"Regardless of whether Shein gets listed on the London Stock Exchange, no company doing business in the UK should be allowed to play fast and loose with human rights anywhere in their global supply chains,” said Peter Frankental, economic affairs programme director at Amnesty International UK to BBC.
The “de minimis” rule has drawn renewed attention after US President Donald Trump scrapped a similar measure during his trade war with China.
Shein’s UK operation now employs 91 people across offices in Kings Cross and Manchester, focusing primarily on local market expertise.
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