Rob Heath will start his role in September

Bristol Waste, the council-owned body responsible for street cleaning and recycling, has appointed a new managing director. Rob Heath, who will take up the role in September, has pledged to deliver “reliable services” across the city.

Mr Heath has nearly 40 years of experience in the waste management and environmental services sector. He started his career in the industry as a driver before moving on to site management roles and later executive positions with companies including Biffa and SUEZ.

He is currently executive operations director for Cheltenham-based environmental services firm Ubico.

A spokesperson for Bristol Waste said Mr Heath “deeply understands” the organisation and “the vital daily work” its staff perform across Bristol.

“Having worked across all levels of environmental services, from driving — almost 40 years ago — to directing operations, I know how vital our frontline work is to local communities,” said Mr Heath.

“I look forward to working closely with Bristol City Council, building on Bristol’s innovative and dedicated attitude towards sustainability, and ensuring we continue to deliver reliable services that residents can be proud of.”

Andrew Pollard, chair of Bristol Waste Company, said he was “delighted” to have attracted someone of Mr Heath’s “calibre” to lead the business.

“Rob brings considerable experience in the waste management and recycling sector, particularly in Teckal trading businesses like ours, and a strong track record of leadership in operational services,” he said.

“The team and I very much look forward to working with him as we continue to strengthen Bristol Waste Company’s profile and reputation and deliver for the city in the years ahead.”

Councillor Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, added: “Our city’s residents value clean streets and neighbourhoods and we are committed to investing in measures that will help to reduce litter and fly-tipping, improve reliability of collections whilst decarbonising our fleet and make it easier for people to reduce their waste and recycle more.

“Rob’s leadership and experience will be key to delivering on these priorities and I look forward to working closely with him and the team as we drive forward these important improvements.”

For the last financial year, Bristol Waste turned over £65.8m – up from £63.3m a year earlier. The latest available documents on Companies House show the organisation narrowed its total losses for the year to the end of March 2025 to £507,064, compared to a loss of £961,436 the year before.

At that time, Bristol Waste had total equity of £7m.

NEW YORK — Shares of Coca-Cola Co rose slightly Monday, reflecting steady investor confidence in the beverage company’s resilient global portfolio and ongoing innovation in a competitive non-alcoholic drinks market.

The stock advanced about 0.06% to around $82.68 in afternoon trading, adding to recent performance as Coca-Cola continues navigating evolving consumer preferences while leveraging its iconic brands and distribution network.

Coca-Cola has maintained its position as the world’s leading beverage company through a diversified portfolio spanning sparkling soft drinks, water, sports drinks, juices and coffee. Its flagship Coca-Cola brand remains one of the most recognized consumer products globally.

Recent quarterly results showed volume growth across key markets, with particular strength in developing regions. Management highlighted successful execution of revenue growth management strategies and product innovation to drive value.

The company continues investing in marketing campaigns that emphasize happiness, refreshment and shared moments. Coca-Cola’s advertising maintains cultural relevance while adapting to digital and social media consumption patterns.

Monday’s modest share movement occurred without major company-specific news, suggesting continuation of positive sentiment from recent operational updates and broader consumer staples sector stability. Coca-Cola shares have demonstrated defensive characteristics during periods of market volatility.

Analysts maintain generally favorable views on Coca-Cola, citing its pricing power, brand moat and consistent cash flow generation. Some highlight potential for margin expansion through productivity initiatives and portfolio optimization.

Coca-Cola’s global footprint provides diversification from any single market’s economic conditions. The company operates in more than 200 countries, with localized marketing and product offerings tailored to regional tastes.

Innovation remains central to Coca-Cola’s strategy. Recent launches include new flavors, low- and no-sugar variants, and functional beverages addressing health and wellness trends. The company has expanded its portfolio through acquisitions and partnerships in emerging categories.

Sustainability efforts include commitments to reduce plastic usage, improve water stewardship and achieve carbon neutrality goals. These initiatives respond to consumer and investor expectations for environmental responsibility.

Coca-Cola’s distribution system, one of the world’s most extensive, provides competitive advantages in reaching both urban and rural consumers. The company works closely with bottling partners to optimize supply chain efficiency.

Monday’s trading reflected measured activity in consumer staples names. Coca-Cola’s performance aligns with sector stability as investors seek defensive exposure amid economic uncertainties.

The beverage industry faces challenges including changing dietary preferences, regulatory pressures on sugar content and competition from smaller craft brands. Coca-Cola’s scale and marketing resources help address these dynamics.

The company’s focus on non-carbonated beverages has expanded its addressable market. Brands like Powerade, Smartwater and Honest Tea complement core sparkling offerings.

Coca-Cola’s pricing strategies balance volume growth with value realization. Revenue growth management initiatives help offset commodity cost fluctuations while maintaining accessibility.

International markets contribute significantly to Coca-Cola’s revenue. Emerging markets in Asia, Africa and Latin America offer long-term growth potential as consumer spending power increases.

The company has invested in digital capabilities to enhance consumer engagement and route-to-market efficiency. E-commerce and direct-to-consumer initiatives complement traditional retail channels.

Monday’s slight advance adds to Coca-Cola’s steady performance profile. The stock reflects confidence in its brand strength and ability to adapt to changing consumer behaviors.

Coca-Cola’s dividend remains attractive to income investors, with a history of consistent increases. The company balances shareholder returns with investments in growth initiatives.

As health and wellness trends influence beverage choices, Coca-Cola has expanded zero-sugar and functional offerings. These products address demand for lower-calorie options without compromising taste.

The company’s sponsorship of major sporting and cultural events maintains brand visibility and emotional connections with consumers worldwide. Olympic and FIFA partnerships reinforce its global presence.

Coca-Cola’s supply chain resilience has been tested by geopolitical events and commodity volatility. Its diversified sourcing and manufacturing footprint help mitigate disruptions.

Investor attention centers on volume trends, pricing realization and innovation success. Consistent execution supports Coca-Cola’s reputation for reliable performance.

The non-alcoholic beverage sector benefits from everyday consumption patterns, providing relative stability compared to discretionary categories. Coca-Cola’s portfolio spans price points and occasions.

Monday’s trading highlighted Coca-Cola’s defensive qualities within consumer staples. Its business model supports consistent results through economic cycles.

Coca-Cola’s role in popular culture and daily routines underscores its enduring market position. The brand’s ubiquity creates both opportunities and expectations for continuous relevance.

As markets evaluate consumer goods investments, Coca-Cola offers exposure to global growth with strong cash flow characteristics. Its trajectory depends on successful navigation of competitive and regulatory challenges.

Luxury retailer Saks Global on Friday announced it will operate with a new name after it exited bankruptcy after cutting its store count and reducing its debt obligations.

The company – which is the parent of notable retail brands including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman – will operate under the new name Exemplar Luxury Group (ELG) and will focus on luxury retail.

“Moving forward as Exemplar Luxury Group reflects the shared ideals that anchor each of our banners and our commitment to setting the standard of excellence for luxury retail across all three,” said CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck.

“As the gateway to the U.S. luxury customer, we are uniting coveted brands with unrivaled customer experiences to drive growth for Exemplar Luxury Group and the broader luxury ecosystem,” he added.

SAKS GLOBAL EXPECTS TO EXIT BANKRUPTCY THIS SUMMER AFTER RECEIVING $500M IN FINANCING

Saks Global is rebranding as Exemplar Luxury Group after its bankruptcy and restructuring. (Mike Segar/Reuters)

The company said that the restructuring it underwent in the bankruptcy process allowed it to eliminate 75% of previous debt, while the process also wiped out its equity and reduced its store count.

It exited bankruptcy with 49 stores after closing 62 of its off-price locations, including 57 of its Saks OFF 5th and all five Neiman Marcus Last Call stores.

The company also closed 12 Saks Fifth Avenue stores in March, as well as three Neiman Marcus locations. It had entered bankruptcy with 33 Saks Fifth Avenue locations.

SAKS GLOBAL FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY AFTER $2.7B NEIMAN MARCUS ACQUISITION DEAL

The rebranded firm is the parent of brands including Neiman Marcus. (Noam Galai/Getty Images)

During the restructuring, Saks Global ended its partnership with Amazon to sell its products on the e-commerce platform during the restructuring after facing pushback from luxury brands about selling on a mass-market site.

Saks Global’s $2.7 billion merger with Neiman Marcus in 2024, which was orchestrated by the company’s former CEO, was designed to create a luxury powerhouse but burdened Saks with debt when global luxury sales were slowing – a dynamic which complicated an already difficult turnaround.

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE SHUTTING DOWN SAN FRANCISCO LOCATION AFTER NEARLY 45 YEARS

The restructuring saw the parent company close off-price locations like Saks OFF 5th. (Jeff Greenberg/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

After it struggled with weak sales for over a year as its debt mounted, Saks filed for bankruptcy in January with $3.4 billion in debt, including over $337 million owed to critical suppliers like Chanel and Kering, the owner of Gucci.

The company received approval for a $1 billion bankruptcy loan in February and planned to use $600 million of that financing to cover vendor payments.

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ELG’s new board will include two representatives each from investment firms Pentwater Capital Management and Bracebridge Capital that partnered with the company during the restructuring process.

Reuters contributed to this report.

The service will operate twice a week

Budget airline easyJet has launched a new route from Cornwall Airport to London Gatwick days after announcing plans for its first international flights from Newquay.

The carrier’s summer route to the capital took off last week and will operate twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the summer season.

It comes two months after airline Skybus abruptly cancelled its future flights between Cornwall and London due to rising fuel costs. Skybus took over the route last year under a Passenger Service Obligation (PSO) contract jointly funded by the government and the council after previous operator Eastern collapsed into administration.

But after the service was cancelled in April, it left only Ryanair’s Newquay to Stanstead route.

EasyJet launched its first Cornwall to London Gatwick flight on June 23. Nigel Scott, commercial director at Cornwall Airport Newquay, said it was “fantastic” to see the new service “take to the skies”.

“[The route will strengthen] our London connectivity during the busy summer season and give local passengers greater choice while making it even easier for visitors to experience everything Cornwall has to offer,” he said.

He also described the launch of easyJet’s first international route from the airport – to Geneva in Switzerland – as a “real milestone” for the transport hub.

“Demand for direct ski access from the region is high, and the new Geneva service provides an affordable and convenient way for travellers to land on the doorstep of some of Europe’s best resorts,” he added.

The new winter route from Newquay to Geneva will operate once a week on Saturdays from January 16, 2027, until February 27, 2027, providing a connection for travellers from Cornwall and the surrounding areas to the Alps during the ski season, with dates including February half term.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet UK country manager, said: “We are delighted to have launched our summer route between London Gatwick and Newquay, and to be putting our first international service from the region on sale, with our winter route to Geneva.

“Together they offer customers greater regional connectivity and access to Europe and beyond through our leading short-haul network, while continuing to support Cornwall’s important visitor economy.”

Fares for London Gatwick start from £43.99, with flights to Geneva starting from £37.99.

NEW YORK — Shares of Booking Holdings Inc advanced modestly Monday, reflecting continued investor confidence in the online travel company’s diversified platform and resilient consumer demand for leisure and business travel experiences.

The stock gained about 0.7% to around $182.77 in afternoon trading, adding to recent performance as Booking Holdings benefits from its global reach and multiple booking brands amid a normalizing post-pandemic travel environment.

Booking Holdings operates a portfolio of leading travel platforms including Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, Rentalcars.com and KAYAK. The company’s comprehensive offerings span hotels, flights, car rentals, vacation rentals and attractions, serving customers worldwide.

Recent quarterly results showed robust gross bookings growth and improving profitability metrics. Management highlighted strong demand across regions, with particular strength in international travel recovery and domestic leisure segments.

The company’s direct booking model and loyalty programs drive customer retention and higher lifetime value. Booking Holdings has invested in personalized recommendations and seamless user experiences to compete in a crowded digital travel marketplace.

Monday’s share movement occurred without major company-specific news, suggesting continuation of positive sentiment from recent operational updates and broader consumer discretionary sector stability. Booking Holdings shares have demonstrated resilience as travel demand normalizes.

Analysts maintain generally favorable views on Booking Holdings, citing its network effects, brand portfolio and pricing power in the online travel agency space. Some highlight potential for margin expansion as marketing efficiency improves.

Booking Holdings’ global scale provides diversification across geographies and travel segments. The company serves both leisure travelers seeking value and business customers requiring flexible options.

Innovation remains central to Booking Holdings’ strategy. The company continues enhancing its mobile apps, artificial intelligence-powered search features and sustainability tools to meet evolving consumer expectations.

The travel industry has recovered strongly from pandemic lows, though challenges including inflation, geopolitical tensions and labor shortages persist in certain markets. Booking Holdings’ platform model allows flexibility in responding to demand shifts.

Monday’s trading reflected measured activity in consumer discretionary names. Booking Holdings’ performance aligns with sector trends as investors assess summer travel booking patterns.

The company’s Genius loyalty program and subscription offerings aim to increase customer stickiness and lifetime value. These initiatives complement core commission-based revenue from bookings.

International markets contribute significantly to Booking Holdings’ growth. Platforms like Agoda cater to Asian travelers while Booking.com maintains strong European presence.

The company has invested in alternative accommodations including vacation rentals and homestays, expanding beyond traditional hotels. This diversification captures shifting preferences toward unique travel experiences.

Booking Holdings faces competition from other online travel agencies and direct supplier websites. Its multi-brand strategy and global reach provide competitive advantages in customer acquisition and conversion.

Monday’s gains contribute to Booking Holdings’ steady performance amid broader market movements. The stock reflects confidence in its business model and ability to generate cash through travel cycles.

The online travel sector benefits from secular shifts toward digital booking channels. Booking Holdings’ technology investments position it to capture market share as consumers increasingly research and book online.

Sustainability initiatives include tools for customers to choose lower-carbon travel options and partnerships with accommodations pursuing environmental certifications. These efforts respond to growing consumer awareness.

Booking Holdings maintains a disciplined approach to capital allocation, balancing investments in growth with shareholder returns. The company has executed share repurchases while managing debt levels.

As summer travel peaks in the Northern Hemisphere, Booking Holdings benefits from increased booking activity. Its platform provides comprehensive options for vacations, business trips and last-minute getaways.

Analyst commentary often emphasizes Booking Holdings’ ability to navigate economic cycles through its diversified revenue streams and global footprint. The company’s focus on user experience drives repeat business.

Monday’s session highlighted Booking Holdings’ relative stability within consumer discretionary names. Its platform business model supports consistent results across economic conditions.

The travel recovery has created opportunities for Booking Holdings to strengthen supplier relationships and expand inventory. Strong demand for international destinations has boosted cross-border bookings.

Booking Holdings continues exploring artificial intelligence applications for personalized travel planning and dynamic pricing. These technologies aim to enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Investor attention centers on gross booking trends, conversion rates and marketing return on investment. Consistent execution on these metrics supports valuation in the competitive online travel space.

The company’s role in facilitating global travel connects millions of travelers with accommodations and experiences worldwide. Its platforms drive economic activity in tourism-dependent regions.

As Booking Holdings advances its strategy, focus remains on technology leadership, customer-centric innovation and sustainable growth. Its trajectory depends on successful navigation of competitive dynamics and economic variables.