Latest news with #LindsayHaselhurst
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Currys launches AI-powered employee-led ideas platform
UK electricals retailer Currys has introduced the Pitch, an AI-powered ideas platform that transforms suggestions from the company's staff members into actionable improvements. Developed on Sideways 6's Microsoft-integrated platform, the Pitch is fully embedded in Microsoft Teams, making it easily accessible and user-friendly for Currys' employees. According to the early results, the platform has seen significant engagement, with 450 ideas submitted and more than 100 already in progress. 41% of the implemented ideas are 'delivering measurable results', including savings of more than 3,000 hours and 'unlocking six-figure cost efficiencies'. The platform's adoption rates are tracking 3% above the market average, indicating 'strong' employee engagement. Currys chief operating officer Lindsay Haselhurst stated: 'We're very pleased with the early results. Our colleagues are our greatest asset - close to our customers, they are full of ideas, insights and practical suggestions. We've always believed in the value of colleague ideas but struggled to consistently capture, assess, action and track them. This is where the Pitch has been a game changer for us.' Currys plans to expand the Pitch to an additional 9,000 employees, which would increase the total number of users to 14,000 by the end of the financial year 2025/26. The expansion will include stores, support functions, digital operations, contact centres and Currys' third-party partner, Concentrix. The ideas implemented from the platform range from improving in-house training processes to enhancing console repairs, all contributing to increased efficiency and cost savings. The AI technology behind the system streamlines the process by automatically grouping similar suggestions and identifying trends, allowing teams to spot patterns and collect the best ideas from the start. Sideways 6 founder Will Read stated:'This is a great example of cost optimisation done right. Currys has built a culture where people on the ground drive real value and feel a part of the company's most important aims. The fact that they're seeing results this fast is a credit to their leadership and their people.' In early July 2025, Currys Group recorded an adjusted profit before tax of £162m ($221.07m) in the fiscal year 2024/25 – a 37% jump from the previous year. "Currys launches AI-powered employee-led ideas platform" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Currys unveils major safety spend to protect staff, kerb retail crime
Currys, a British omnichannel technology retailer, has unveiled its most significant annual investment in store safety measures to date reaffirming its focus on staff security. The move is aimed at protecting employees and discouraging retail theft. The announcement coincides with the company's observance of 'Safety Week' for its store personnel throughout the UK. It follows a report from British Retail Consortium which revealed reveal that incidents of violence and abuse against retail staff surged to more than 2,000 per day in fiscal year 2023-24, compared to 1,300 daily occurrences the previous year. The retailer is introducing an array of new technologies and safety protocols as part of this extensive investment in safety. Upgrades include enhanced Public Display Monitors in stores deemed high-risk, experimentation with novel product security measures, and a commitment to better intelligence gathering and analysis. Additionally, there will be a heightened focus on security personnel and surveillance systems. Currys is piloting the use of staff headsets in select locations, with a full rollout expected by the end of May this year. These devices enable staff to communicate more effectively on the sales floor, enhancing their sense of security, particularly when dealing with shoplifters. Moreover, this technology also improves customer service by allowing shoppers to summon assistance through a button at the entrance that alerts staff via their headsets, notes the company. Currys has also partnered with Auror for the implementation of a crime reporting software platform that streamlines crime reporting and increases its precision. The software facilitates secure information sharing about crimes and suspects among stores. By correlating data on offenses nationwide, it not only equips store employees with knowledge of current threats but also supports law enforcement efforts to make shopping environments safer. Currently undergoing trials in two regions, there are plans to expand this platform across all stores early next month. To intensify product security across its outlets, the retailer will implement a data-driven strategy to balance theft risks against customer engagement. One notable area of investment is the enhancement of laptop display stand security across all Currys stores. The introduction of new laptop clamps aims to deter theft without detracting from the customer experience. Preliminary tests have shown promising results in decreasing aggressive thefts, with a broader deployment scheduled for next week, said the company. Currys COO Lindsay Haselhurst said: 'UK retail crime statistics make for difficult reading, as incidents of shoplifting and aggression against retail workers continue to climb. These are not victimless crimes; the worst cases leave colleagues and customers injured and traumatised. 'That's why I'm really pleased to roll out a number of new programmes to increase colleague and product security in our stores, and welcome the new Crime and Policing Bill legislation. However, we know there is much more to be done and this must be a collaborative effort with all involved, including local police forces and government.' Recently, supermarket chain Asda has initiated a trial of live facial recognition technology across five of its stores in Greater Manchester, England, UK. "Currys unveils major safety spend to protect staff, kerb retail crime" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Currys launches Xbox console repairs programme
Gamers can now have their Xbox consoles repaired at Currys (CURY.L), as part of a new deal between the retailer and the console's maker, Microsoft (MSFT). The new repairs programme makes the electronics retailer the first Xbox Authorised Service Provider (ASP) in the UK and Ireland – with consumers previously needing to go through Microsoft channels for official servicing and repairs. The retailer said gamers will be able to have their console repaired regardless of where it was purchased or whether it is in or out of warranty. The initiative will enable console owners to get in-person help at a Currys store or book a repair at the retailer's tech repair centre in Newark, Nottinghamshire. It said the new scheme, which follows a similar programme for Microsoft's Surface laptops introduced last year, was part of its commitment to tackle electronic waste. Lindsay Haselhurst, chief operating officer at Currys, said: 'We are so proud to see our repair partnership with Microsoft flourish. 'It's collaborations like this that help us to help more customers enjoy their tech for longer. 'This is good news for players, opening up a huge network to get their tech fixed; it's good news for Currys, helping to change the consumer relationship with tech for the better; and it's good news for the planet, and the battle to combat the UK's e-waste crisis.'
The Independent
06-02-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Currys launches Xbox console repairs programme
Gamers can now have their Xbox consoles repaired at Currys, as part of a new deal between the retailer and the console's maker, Microsoft. The new repairs programme makes the electronics retailer the first Xbox Authorised Service Provider (ASP) in the UK and Ireland – with consumers previously needing to go through Microsoft channels for official servicing and repairs. The retailer said gamers will be able to have their console repaired regardless of where it was purchased or whether it is in or out of warranty. It's collaborations like this that help us to help more customers enjoy their tech for longer Lindsay Haselhurst, chief operating officer, Currys The initiative will enable console owners to get in-person help at a Currys store or book a repair at the retailer's tech repair centre in Newark, Nottinghamshire. It said the new scheme, which follows a similar programme for Microsoft's Surface laptops introduced last year, was part of its commitment to tackle electronic waste. Lindsay Haselhurst, chief operating officer at Currys, said: 'We are so proud to see our repair partnership with Microsoft flourish. 'It's collaborations like this that help us to help more customers enjoy their tech for longer. 'This is good news for players, opening up a huge network to get their tech fixed; it's good news for Currys, helping to change the consumer relationship with tech for the better; and it's good news for the planet, and the battle to combat the UK's e-waste crisis.'
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Currys launches Xbox console repairs programme
Gamers can now have their Xbox consoles repaired at Currys, as part of a new deal between the retailer and the console's maker, Microsoft. The new repairs programme makes the electronics retailer the first Xbox Authorised Service Provider (ASP) in the UK and Ireland – with consumers previously needing to go through Microsoft channels for official servicing and repairs. The retailer said gamers will be able to have their console repaired regardless of where it was purchased or whether it is in or out of warranty. The initiative will enable console owners to get in-person help at a Currys store or book a repair at the retailer's tech repair centre in Newark, Nottinghamshire. It said the new scheme, which follows a similar programme for Microsoft's Surface laptops introduced last year, was part of its commitment to tackle electronic waste. Lindsay Haselhurst, chief operating officer at Currys, said: 'We are so proud to see our repair partnership with Microsoft flourish. 'It's collaborations like this that help us to help more customers enjoy their tech for longer. 'This is good news for players, opening up a huge network to get their tech fixed; it's good news for Currys, helping to change the consumer relationship with tech for the better; and it's good news for the planet, and the battle to combat the UK's e-waste crisis.'
