Latest news with #Coppel
South Wales Guardian
2 days ago
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
Housing asylum seekers in Essex hotel causing ‘very serious problem', court told
Epping Forest District Council is seeking an interim injunction stopping migrants from being accommodated at the Bell Hotel in Epping, which is owned by Somani Hotels Limited. It comes after a series of protests in recent weeks outside the hotel, after an asylum seeker was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. Barristers for the council claimed on Friday that Somani Hotels breached planning rules as the site is not being used for its intended purpose as a hotel, stating there was an 'overwhelming case for an injunction'. Somani Hotels is defending the claim, with its barristers telling the court in London that an injunction would cause asylum seekers 'hardship' and that the move would set 'a dangerous precedent that protests justify planning injunctions'. Opening the hearing in London, Philip Coppel KC, for the council, said: 'Epping Forest District Council comes to this court seeking an injunction because it has a very serious problem. 'It is a problem that is getting out of hand; it is a problem that is causing a great anxiety to those living in the district. 'The problem has arisen because of a breach of planning control by the defendant.' He continued: 'There is no agreement between (asylum seekers) and the hotel, they do not choose the duration of their stay… they do not choose the type of room. 'For them, the Bell Hotel is no more a hotel than a borstal to a young offender.' Mr Coppel told the court that the Bell Hotel had not been used as a hotel since the Covid-19 pandemic, and was now 'unrecognisable as a hotel, but for an old sign'. He added that Somani Hotels had not had 'the courage of conviction to seek a certificate of lawful use', which would have 'resolved the matter in its favour'. Mr Coppel also referenced the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl by an asylum seeker who was placed in the hotel, which sparked a series of protests, and said several schools were in the nearby area. He said: 'Having this sort of thing go on in such a concentration of schools with no measures in place to stop a repetition is not acceptable.' He continued: 'It really could not be much worse than this.' In written submissions for the hearing, Mr Coppel said there was a 'preponderance of factors overwhelmingly in favour of granting an injunction'. He said these included removing 'the catalyst for violent protests in public places'. The barrister added: 'Allowing the status quo to continue is wholly unacceptable, providing a feeding ground for unrest.' He also told the court that the case has been brought against the hotel owner because it is the landowner, and had previously applied for planning permission. Piers Riley-Smith, representing Somani Hotels, told the court in written submissions that the Home Office's contracted service provider, Corporate Travel Management (North) Limited (CTM), should be involved in the case. He said that CTM should be included as it had 'booked the premises and manages and organises the movement and stay of asylum seekers', adding that the injunction bid should be delayed to a later date. He continued that the alleged planning breach was 'not flagrant', and that the 'defendant has not resumed the use knowing it is in breach of planning control and hiding the use from the council'. The barrister told the court that the hotel previously housed asylum seekers from May 2020 to March 2021, and from October 2022 to April 2024, and that the council 'never instigated any formal enforcement proceedings against this use'. He also said that while the company did apply for planning permission for a 'temporary change of use' in February 2023, this was a 'pragmatic attempt to address the claimant's concerns, rather than an acceptance that such a use required planning permission'. This application was later withdrawn as it had not been determined by April 2024, the barrister said. Asylum seekers then began being placed in the Bell Hotel again in April 2025, with Mr Riley-Smith stating that a planning application was not made 'having taken advice from the Home Office'. Mr Riley-Smith also said that the company accepted that since the Southport riots in summer 2024, 'where the perpetrator was mistaken to be an asylum seeker', and the alleged sexual assault in Epping, 'there has been public concern about the use as evidenced by highly publicised violent and disorderly protests'. He continued: 'However, the court should bear in mind – as recognised by the claimant – that these have spread far beyond locals who might have a genuine concern about their area to a wider group with more strategic national and ideological aims, but that does not necessarily mean the concerns are well-founded. 'Fears as to an increase of crime associated with asylum seekers or a danger to schools are common, but that does not make them well-founded.' The hearing before Mr Justice Eyre is due to conclude on Friday.
Rhyl Journal
2 days ago
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
Housing asylum seekers in Essex hotel causing ‘very serious problem', court told
Epping Forest District Council is seeking an interim injunction stopping migrants from being accommodated at the Bell Hotel in Epping, which is owned by Somani Hotels Limited. It comes after a series of protests in recent weeks outside the hotel, after an asylum seeker was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. Barristers for the council claimed on Friday that Somani Hotels breached planning rules as the site is not being used for its intended purpose as a hotel, stating there was an 'overwhelming case for an injunction'. Somani Hotels is defending the claim, with its barristers telling the court in London that an injunction would cause asylum seekers 'hardship' and that the move would set 'a dangerous precedent that protests justify planning injunctions'. Opening the hearing in London, Philip Coppel KC, for the council, said: 'Epping Forest District Council comes to this court seeking an injunction because it has a very serious problem. 'It is a problem that is getting out of hand; it is a problem that is causing a great anxiety to those living in the district. 'The problem has arisen because of a breach of planning control by the defendant.' He continued: 'There is no agreement between (asylum seekers) and the hotel, they do not choose the duration of their stay… they do not choose the type of room. 'For them, the Bell Hotel is no more a hotel than a borstal to a young offender.' Mr Coppel told the court that the Bell Hotel had not been used as a hotel since the Covid-19 pandemic, and was now 'unrecognisable as a hotel, but for an old sign'. He added that Somani Hotels had not had 'the courage of conviction to seek a certificate of lawful use', which would have 'resolved the matter in its favour'. Mr Coppel also referenced the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl by an asylum seeker who was placed in the hotel, which sparked a series of protests, and said several schools were in the nearby area. He said: 'Having this sort of thing go on in such a concentration of schools with no measures in place to stop a repetition is not acceptable.' He continued: 'It really could not be much worse than this.' In written submissions for the hearing, Mr Coppel said there was a 'preponderance of factors overwhelmingly in favour of granting an injunction'. He said these included removing 'the catalyst for violent protests in public places'. The barrister added: 'Allowing the status quo to continue is wholly unacceptable, providing a feeding ground for unrest.' He also told the court that the case has been brought against the hotel owner because it is the landowner, and had previously applied for planning permission. Piers Riley-Smith, representing Somani Hotels, told the court in written submissions that the Home Office's contracted service provider, Corporate Travel Management (North) Limited (CTM), should be involved in the case. He said that CTM should be included as it had 'booked the premises and manages and organises the movement and stay of asylum seekers', adding that the injunction bid should be delayed to a later date. He continued that the alleged planning breach was 'not flagrant', and that the 'defendant has not resumed the use knowing it is in breach of planning control and hiding the use from the council'. The barrister told the court that the hotel previously housed asylum seekers from May 2020 to March 2021, and from October 2022 to April 2024, and that the council 'never instigated any formal enforcement proceedings against this use'. He also said that while the company did apply for planning permission for a 'temporary change of use' in February 2023, this was a 'pragmatic attempt to address the claimant's concerns, rather than an acceptance that such a use required planning permission'. This application was later withdrawn as it had not been determined by April 2024, the barrister said. Asylum seekers then began being placed in the Bell Hotel again in April 2025, with Mr Riley-Smith stating that a planning application was not made 'having taken advice from the Home Office'. Mr Riley-Smith also said that the company accepted that since the Southport riots in summer 2024, 'where the perpetrator was mistaken to be an asylum seeker', and the alleged sexual assault in Epping, 'there has been public concern about the use as evidenced by highly publicised violent and disorderly protests'. He continued: 'However, the court should bear in mind – as recognised by the claimant – that these have spread far beyond locals who might have a genuine concern about their area to a wider group with more strategic national and ideological aims, but that does not necessarily mean the concerns are well-founded. 'Fears as to an increase of crime associated with asylum seekers or a danger to schools are common, but that does not make them well-founded.' The hearing before Mr Justice Eyre is due to conclude on Friday.
Western Telegraph
2 days ago
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
Housing asylum seekers in Essex hotel causing ‘very serious problem', court told
Epping Forest District Council is seeking an interim injunction stopping migrants from being accommodated at the Bell Hotel in Epping, which is owned by Somani Hotels Limited. It comes after a series of protests in recent weeks outside the hotel, after an asylum seeker was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. Barristers for the council claimed on Friday that Somani Hotels breached planning rules as the site is not being used for its intended purpose as a hotel, stating there was an 'overwhelming case for an injunction'. It is a problem that is getting out of hand; it is a problem that is causing a great anxiety to those living in the district. Philip Coppel KC Somani Hotels is defending the claim, with its barristers telling the court in London that an injunction would cause asylum seekers 'hardship' and that the move would set 'a dangerous precedent that protests justify planning injunctions'. Opening the hearing in London, Philip Coppel KC, for the council, said: 'Epping Forest District Council comes to this court seeking an injunction because it has a very serious problem. 'It is a problem that is getting out of hand; it is a problem that is causing a great anxiety to those living in the district. 'The problem has arisen because of a breach of planning control by the defendant.' He continued: 'There is no agreement between (asylum seekers) and the hotel, they do not choose the duration of their stay… they do not choose the type of room. 'For them, the Bell Hotel is no more a hotel than a borstal to a young offender.' Mr Coppel told the court that the Bell Hotel had not been used as a hotel since the Covid-19 pandemic, and was now 'unrecognisable as a hotel, but for an old sign'. He added that Somani Hotels had not had 'the courage of conviction to seek a certificate of lawful use', which would have 'resolved the matter in its favour'. Mr Coppel also referenced the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl by an asylum seeker who was placed in the hotel, which sparked a series of protests, and said several schools were in the nearby area. He said: 'Having this sort of thing go on in such a concentration of schools with no measures in place to stop a repetition is not acceptable.' He continued: 'It really could not be much worse than this.' Several protests have been held outside the Bell Hotel (Yui Mok/PA) In written submissions for the hearing, Mr Coppel said there was a 'preponderance of factors overwhelmingly in favour of granting an injunction'. He said these included removing 'the catalyst for violent protests in public places'. The barrister added: 'Allowing the status quo to continue is wholly unacceptable, providing a feeding ground for unrest.' He also told the court that the case has been brought against the hotel owner because it is the landowner, and had previously applied for planning permission. Piers Riley-Smith, representing Somani Hotels, told the court in written submissions that the Home Office's contracted service provider, Corporate Travel Management (North) Limited (CTM), should be involved in the case. He said that CTM should be included as it had 'booked the premises and manages and organises the movement and stay of asylum seekers', adding that the injunction bid should be delayed to a later date. Fears as to an increase of crime associated with asylum seekers or a danger to schools are common, but that does not make them well-founded. Piers Riley-Smith He continued that the alleged planning breach was 'not flagrant', and that the 'defendant has not resumed the use knowing it is in breach of planning control and hiding the use from the council'. Mr Riley-Smith also said that the company accepted that since the Southport riots in summer 2024, 'where the perpetrator was mistaken to be an asylum seeker', and the alleged sexual assault in Epping, 'there has been public concern about the use as evidenced by highly publicised violent and disorderly protests'. He continued: 'However, the court should bear in mind – as recognised by the claimant – that these have spread far beyond locals who might have a genuine concern about their area to a wider group with more strategic national and ideological aims, but that does not necessarily mean the concerns are well-founded. 'Fears as to an increase of crime associated with asylum seekers or a danger to schools are common, but that does not make them well-founded.' The hearing before Mr Justice Eyre is due to conclude on Friday.
Bloomberg
09-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Mexico's Coppel to Invest $4.2 Billion in E-Commerce, New Stores
By and Valentine Hilaire Save Grupo Coppel SA, Mexico's largest private retailer, will spend 80 billion pesos ($4.2 billion) over five years on investments including a new e-commerce platform to double the portion of digital transactions to 20% of total sales. BanCoppel, its banking branch, will use part of the investment to add 3 million customers from the unbanked population, the company said in a statement. Dozens of brick-and-mortar shops will also be added, Coppel said.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mexico Gift Card and Incentive Card Market Report Q1, 2025 - Mexico's Social Commerce Market Intensifies with AI-Powered Engagement, Live Shopping Innovations, and Localized Strategies Amid Regulatory Shifts
Featuring Analysis of Shares by Top Retailers, Including Coppel, Bodega Aurrera, Liverpool, Chedraui, Oxxo, Amazon & More Mexican Gift Card and Incentive Card Market Dublin, March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Mexico Gift Card and Incentive Card Market Intelligence and Future Growth Dynamics (Databook) - Q1 2025 Update" report has been added to offering. The report provides in-depth, data-centric analysis of gift card industry in Mexico through 100+ tables and 280+ gift card market in Mexico is expected to grow by 10.6% on an annual basis to reach US$4.29 billion in 2025. The gift card market in the country experienced robust growth during 2020-2024, achieving a CAGR of 11.7%. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, with the market forecast to grow at a CAGR of 9.4% during 2025-2029. By the end of 2029, the gift card sector is projected to expand from its 2024 value of USD 3.88 billion to approximately USD 6.14 billion. This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the gift card sector in Mexico, covering market opportunities and risks across consumer segments (retail and corporate); product categories; retail sectors; and store formats. With over 100+ KPIs at the country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of gift card market offers a comprehensive analysis of market dynamics in the gift card sector, segmented by digital and e-gift card sales, distribution channels, key occasions, demographic trends, and market share statistics of leading retailers. In addition, it provides a snapshot of consumer behaviour and retail spending dynamics. KPIs in both value and volume terms help in getting an in-depth understanding of end market InsightsThe social commerce industry in Mexico is undergoing significant transformation, fueled by high consumer engagement on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The growing reliance on social media for product discovery and purchasing decisions is expected to drive market expansion. However, regulatory changes, including new import tariffs, may alter the competitive landscape by influencing pricing and consumer preferences. While these measures aim to protect local businesses and boost tax revenues, they may also encourage consumers to shift toward domestic retailers and platforms that benefit from favorable trade agreements. Businesses that proactively adapt to these regulatory changes while leveraging social commerce strategies are well-positioned to capitalize on the industry's projected growth over the next few Adoption of Social Commerce Platforms Mexican consumers increasingly turn to social media platforms to make purchases, with Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp leading the trend. In 2022, approximately 67% of online shoppers in Mexico reported buying through social commerce, indicating a shift in how consumers interact with brands. The ease of browsing and purchasing directly within these platforms has contributed to their growing popularity. The widespread use of social media, with Mexican users spending over three hours daily on these platforms, has created an environment conducive to social commerce. Consumers trust these platforms for brand and product recommendations, reinforcing their role in purchasing decisions. As social networks continue integrating shopping functionalities, businesses adapt their marketing strategies to engage with customers directly through these channels. Platforms will likely introduce enhanced shopping features, streamlining the purchasing process and making transactions more seamless. As more consumers embrace social commerce, businesses that invest in optimizing their presence on these platforms will be well-positioned to capture growing demand. Strategic Collaborations Enhancing Social Commerce The growing appeal of social media among younger demographics is a key driver of this trend. Platforms such as TikTok are particularly popular among Gen Z and millennials, making them attractive avenues for brands that capture this audience's purchasing power. Additionally, companies aim to create innovative shopping experiences, such as seamless in-app purchases, to differentiate themselves in a competitive digital marketplace. Over the next 2-4 years, these collaborations are expected to drive diversification in sales channels, with more businesses exploring social media partnerships to expand their market presence. The increasing integration of commerce into social media platforms will also lead to more interactive and engaging shopping experiences, fostering greater consumer loyalty. Brands leveraging these partnerships will gain a competitive edge in Mexico's evolving social commerce landscape. Regulatory Changes Affecting Social Commerce The introduction of new import tariffs in Mexico is expected to significantly impact online retailers and social commerce activities. As of January 2025, a 19% tariff is being imposed on goods imported from countries that do not have free trade agreements with Mexico. This policy directly affects major online retailers such as Shein and Temu, potentially altering the landscape of social commerce and cross-border e-commerce. The primary drivers behind this regulatory change are the government's efforts to protect domestic businesses and increase tax revenue. By reducing the influx of low-cost imports, the tariffs aim to level the playing field for local retailers competing with international platforms offering cheaper alternatives. Additionally, the government sees e-commerce growth as an opportunity to generate higher tax revenues, ensuring that foreign companies contribute fairly to the Mexican economy. Over the next 2-4 years, this shift will likely lead to a change in consumer preferences, with shoppers turning to domestic retailers or platforms operating within favorable trade agreements. As a result, local e-commerce platforms could experience increased traffic and sales as they become more price-competitive compared to international retailers facing higher import costs. Businesses that adapt by strengthening their domestic supply chains and leveraging social commerce for localized engagement will have a competitive advantage in the evolving marketplace. Competitive Landscape of the Mexico Gift Card MarketThe competitive landscape of social commerce in Mexico is evolving, driven by high social media engagement, platform advancements, and regulatory changes. Established platforms such as Facebook and Instagram continue to dominate, while TikTok and WhatsApp Business are emerging as key players in direct-to-consumer sales. As regulatory policies shape the future of digital commerce, businesses must adapt by focusing on localized strategies, enhancing customer engagement, and leveraging new technologies. Companies that successfully navigate these shifts and invest in social commerce capabilities will maintain a strong position in this dynamic and rapidly expanding Market Dynamics Social commerce in Mexico is expanding rapidly, with more consumers purchasing products directly through social media platforms. In 2022, approximately 67% of online consumers in Mexico reported making purchases via social media, a trend expected to continue growing. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp dominate the space, with Facebook being the most widely used for transactions. The rapid rise of social commerce is driven by high social media engagement, with Mexican internet users spending an average of 3 hours and 20 minutes daily on social platforms. The increasing integration of shopping features within social media apps, such as Instagram Checkout and Facebook Shops, makes it easier for businesses to sell products directly to consumers without requiring third-party platforms. Key Players and Market Share The Mexican social commerce market is currently led by major social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok, all of which have introduced shopping features. Local e-commerce players, including Mercado Libre and Linio, also leverage social media to drive sales and consumer engagement. Additionally, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are increasingly using WhatsApp Business for direct-to-consumer sales. New entrants, including live-selling platforms and influencers launching their direct commerce brands, are reshaping the competitive landscape. With the rise of influencer marketing, platforms such as TikTok and YouTube are gaining traction as effective sales channels, particularly among younger demographics. Anticipated Market Evolution (Next 2-4 Years) Mexico's social commerce market is expected to become more competitive, with increased investment in platform integrations, influencer-driven sales, and AI-powered customer engagement. Businesses will likely focus on enhancing live shopping experiences and integrating payment solutions to create a seamless shopping journey. The entry of new players and the growing adoption of localized strategies will further drive competition. Domestic e-commerce platforms may gain an advantage due to recent regulatory changes favoring local businesses. Companies that innovate through strategic partnerships, technology adoption, and regulatory compliance will be best positioned to capitalize on this evolving market. Regulatory Changes The Mexican government has introduced regulatory changes that could impact the social commerce landscape, particularly regarding taxation and import tariffs. A key policy change includes the implementation of a 19% import tariff on goods from countries without free trade agreements, which could affect cross-border e-commerce transactions on social platforms. Additionally, the government has increased its focus on taxation policies for digital sales, requiring platforms to comply with VAT regulations. This could affect large corporations and independent sellers using social media for direct sales. Reasons to Buy Comprehensive comprehension of the dynamics of the gift card and incentive card markets: Recognise the opportunities in the market, the main drivers and trends, and the five-year projection for gift and incentive cards in Mexico. Create strategies tailored to the market: To create your gift card strategy, identify growth categories and target particular opportunities across consumer segments and occasions; evaluate important trends and risks unique to your market. Learn about the attitudes and behaviours of consumers in Mexico: Increase ROI by understanding how consumer attitudes and behaviours are evolving. With gift cards, you may obtain comprehensive information about retail spending for both corporate and retail customers. Six key performance indicators (KPIs) provide a comprehensive view: the quantity of cards in circulation, load value, unused value, average purchase value, average value per transaction, and transaction value. Distribution channel insights: Recognise the differences in gift card sales across online and offline channels as well as between first-party and third-party sales. Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 325 Forecast Period 2025-2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $4.29 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $6.14 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 9.4% Regions Covered Mexico Key Topics Covered1 About this Report2 Mexico Total Gift Spend Analyzer3 Mexico Retail Consumer Gift Spend Analyzer4 Mexico Corporate Consumer Gift Spend Analyzer5 Mexico Gift Card Spend Analyzer6 Mexico Digital Gift Card Spend Analyzer7 Mexico Gift Card Spend Share by Demographics and Purchase Behaviour8 Mexico Retail Consumer Gift Card Spend Analyzer9 Mexico Retail Consumer Gift Card Spend Analysis by Functional Attribute10 Mexico Retail Consumer Gift Card Spend Analysis by Occasion11 Mexico Corporate Consumer Gift Card Spend Analyzer12 Mexico Corporate Consumer Gift Card Spend Analysis by Functional Attribute13 Mexico Corporate Consumer Gift Card Spend Analysis by Occasion14 Mexico Corporate Consumer Gift Card Spend Analysis by Company Size15 Mexico Corporate Consumer Gift Card Spend Analysis by Company Size X Functional Attribute16 Mexico Gift Card Spend Analysis by Distribution Channel17 Mexico Gift Card Spend Analysis by Retail Sector18 Mexico Retail Consumer Gift Card Spend Analysis by Retail Sector19 Mexico Corporate Consumer Gift Card Spend Analysis by Retail Sector20 Mexico Closed Loop Gift Card Market Share Analysis by Top RetailersCompanies Featured Coppel Bodega Aurrera Liverpool Chedraui Oxxo Amazon Mi Bodega Aurrera Home Depot Sam's Club El Palacio de Hierro For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Mexican Gift Card and Incentive Card Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Sign in to access your portfolio
