German discount grocer, a rival to Aldi
A round-up of fresh company updates shows mixed earnings across retailers and tech-adjacent firms. Pennon sees improving profit as storms and tariffs weigh on penalties; Mitie reports rising revenue and progress on strategy ahead of leadership change; S4 Capital trims job cuts while pursuing AI-driven growth; Debenhams, Macy’s, Ulta and Asda publish updates amid a churning retail landscape.
A Lidl wine-tasting event is reshaping its rotation into a three-month seasonal system, following a London tasting that highlighted Iberian picks and cautioned against older whites and rosés. The piece surveys consumer-friendly ranges and notes best buys across major retailers.
Public Health France has recorded 5,764 excess deaths between 17 June and 2 July during an exceptional June heatwave, the highest heat-related excess mortality since 2003. France recorded 21,674 deaths against 15,910 expected; two-thirds of the excess were people aged 75 and older and more than half occurred between 25–27 June.
France and Spain face renewed heat, with forecasts reaching up to 44C in parts of the southeast. June’s heat has already caused thousands of excess deaths, prompting warnings of increased forest fires and pressure on hospitals.
Andy Burnham is moving toward Westminster with plans to devolve power and shift growth to every postcode. Labour factions debate welfare, devolution and the economy as unions shape the policy landscape ahead of a potential premiership.
London’s Pride parade has drawn more than 35,000 marchers from 600 groups, with temperatures reaching 28C. Activists urge ongoing protection of LGBTQ+ rights as authorities warn of a zero-tolerance stance on hate crime. The event marks a push for greater trans healthcare access and safe spaces, while London unveils plans for WorldPride 2032.
Independent reports Aldi and Lidl are launching affordable ice cream makers on July 16, priced at £69.99, undercutting Ninja’s premium model. Aldi’s Ambiano uses “smoothify” technology; Lidl’s SilverCrest Freezy offers seven presets. Both are limited Specialbuys, with stock likely to vanish quickly. Competitors and other budget options are highlighted in IndyBest reviews.
Skyline Enterprise’s Swansea adventure destination on Kilvey Hill is moving into construction after planning approval and on-site works. The project includes a cable car, a cafe, a zipline, a sky swing and a visitor-focused eco plan. Local opposition fears wildlife loss; council expects economic and employment gains in the first 15 years.
The rising cost of ice cream in Britain has become a flashpoint between luxury indulgence and everyday treat. Prices for scoops and tubs vary widely, with premium parlours expanding while traditional ice-cream vans shrink. The sector has grown in the 2020s, yet operators face high fuel, insurance and maintenance costs.
Budget and premium ice makers are transforming how households cool drinks and desserts. Lidl’s Silvercrest slushy maker is now on shelves at £24.99, while Salter markets an affordable rival to Ninja’s slushi; meanwhile Cuisinart and Govee offer premium options for home use and smart control.
The CMA has provisionalised rules to stop big grocers from blocking rival stores. Aldi and Lidl are now included in the land-use restrictions, alongside Asda, Co-op, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose. Final decision expected in October.