Latest news with #NickWilkinson
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
SNL Film Lines Up Cast for Soccer Comedy ‘Olde Boys' as Screenbound Launches Sales (EXCLUSIVE)
SNL Film has unveiled the cast and creative team behind soccer comedy 'Olde Boys.' The film is written, directed and produced by Nick Wilkinson, and with producer Lisa G. Black onboard too, and Screenbound handling worldwide sales. The film begins principal photography this September in the U.K. and U.S. More from Variety Guillermo del Toro Teases 'Incredibly Emotional' 'Frankenstein' at Cannes: 'I'm Not Doing a Horror Movie' Shia LaBeouf's Theater Company From Hell: Cannes Doc Reveals Actor's Misconduct With Students and Hopes for Redemption Cannes Film Festival President Iris Knobloch Awarded Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Culture Minister The film tells the story of Mike Giordano, a small-town lawyer and weekend striker, whose over-50s soccer team is falling apart—until he enters them into the World Masters tournament in England with the help of his spirited teenage daughter and coach, Frankie. The film stars Tuc Watkins ('Desperate Housewives,' 'Uncoupled') as Mike Giordano, the team's self-appointed leader and lovable schemer. Guy Nardulli is Nico Tavakoli, the prankster playmaker with a taste for risk. Jay Huguley ('12 Years a Slave') is Rob Mason, the gruff team captain hiding deep insecurities. Ray Fearon ('Beauty and the Beast,' 'Harry Potter') is Travis Richards, the rock-star MVP (most valuable player), with demons to match his talent. Cailey Fleming ('The Walking Dead,' 'IF') is in talks to play Frankie Giordano, the film's young heart and tactical genius. Shanley Caswell ('The Conjuring') is also in talks, with August Diehl ('Inglourious Basterds') attached in a pivotal role. The project is being positioned as a smart, feel-good crowd-pleaser with broad global appeal, inspired by fan-favorite titles like 'Ted Lasso,' 'The Full Monty' and 'Fishermen's Friends.' ' 'Olde Boys' is a story I've lived and loved — about friendship, reinvention, and the beauty of the game,' said Wilkinson. 'This film celebrates that timeless feeling of still being young at heart, no matter what your knees tell you.' Wilkinson's debut feature 'Death on the Brandywine' will screen in the Cannes market on May 19. It is a political murder mystery satire starring Kate Burton, Tuc Watkins, Guy Nardulli and Satomi Hofmann. It is currently selling in the market. Wilkinson penned, directed and produced alongside Black. Black, known for titles such as 'The BirdCatcher,' 'Miles,' 'HEVN' and 'Almost Paris,' brings decades of experience to the project. She is also co-chair of the Producers Guild of America – capital region. 'Olde Boys' is set to premiere in 2026 to coincide with the FIFA World Cup. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
The Independent
17-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Dunelm sales accelerate as demand for furniture grows
Sales at Dunelm have accelerated in recent months amid strong demand for affordable homeware among UK customers. Shares in the company moved firmly higher as a result, despite the retailer highlighting 'increased levels of uncertainty and volatility' in the economic backdrop. The Leicester-based chain told shareholders on Thursday that total sales grew by 6.3% to £462 million for the three months to March 29, compared with the same period a year earlier. It means the group has seen sales growth speed up in recent months, with sales up 3.7% for the first nine months of the current financial year so far. Dunelm saw sales grow across homeware and furniture, amid a 'strong start' for its new spring/summer ranges. Furniture products 'performed particularly well', and those with bolder designs proved popular with customers, the company said. It said that pre-tax profits are on track to be within industry guidance, and analysts predicted a profit between £204 million and £214 million for the year. Despite the improved sales growth, Dunelm said it was 'too early' to say whether it is an improved trend which will continue in the longer term. The group said it was 'mindful of increased levels of uncertainty and volatility in the current environment, and the known labour-cost headwinds'. Nick Wilkinson, chief executive, said: 'We've had a good third quarter, with strong growth and further strategic progress. 'The Dunelm brand continues to attract a broad range of customers, offering outstanding value and quality, and we're really pleased with how our new ranges are being received. 'Our customers are now enjoying getting their homes and gardens ready for summer and we're focused on being as relevant as possible for the warmer months ahead. 'We remain very mindful of the wider backdrop and the impact of increased uncertainty on consumer sentiment, but maintain our focus on strengthening Dunelm's position as the home of homes.' Shares in the business were 6.4% higher in early trading.
Reuters
17-04-2025
- Business
- Reuters
UK's Dunelm sees quarterly sales jump as Brits seek affordable homeware
April 17 (Reuters) - British homeware retailer Dunelm Group (DNLM.L), opens new tab reported a 6.3% rise in third-quarter sales on Thursday as value-seeking consumers flocked to its affordable products, driving demand. The group expects its full-year pre-tax profit to align with market estimates, driven by a sustained growth in its customer base. here. WHY IT'S IMPORTANT? Amid surging living costs and looming uncertainties due to price hikes and job cuts, consumers are tightening their belts and turning to retailers like Dunelm, which is leveraging discounted sales and product expansion to gain market share. Like other retailers, Dunelm has been actively investing in its digital platform and integrating AI-powered search functionalities to enhance customer engagement and retention. KEY QUOTE "We remain very mindful of the wider backdrop and the impact of increased uncertainty on consumer sentiment, but maintain our focus on strengthening Dunelm's position as The Home of Homes." CEO Nick Wilkinson said in a statement. BY THE NUMBERS The home furnishings company reported 462 million pounds ($610.3 million) in sales for the three months ended March 29, a 6.3% year-on-year rise. For the fiscal year ending June 30, Dunelm expects to report pre-tax profit in line with analysts' estimate of 204 million-214 million pounds, according to a company-compiled poll. The group also reiterated its target of achieving 10% market share in the medium term.
BBC News
14-02-2025
- General
- BBC News
Lover's ring found in field by detectorist goes on display in Lancaster
A ring with a secret message from one lover to another discovered in the Lune Valley is going on display at Lancaster City likely dates from around 1650 to 1750 and has an inscription saying "present my affection".The ring was discovered on land at Whittington Hall in 2023 by a metal posy rings may have been given at any stage of the relationship, and by either partner, the city council said. 'Token of affection' Councillor Nick Wilkinson said "The museum collections preserve our heritage, helping us to understand who we are, where we have come from and what makes this area special."I am delighted that we can unveil this centuries old token of love and affection from Whittington on Valentine's Day".Usually, the landowner and the metal detectorist share 50% each of the value, but Lord Reay of Whittington Hall waivered the landowner's share of the reward. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
The Independent
11-02-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Dunelm boss retiring after seven years in top job
Retailer Dunelm has said its boss of seven years is set to retire as the group revealed sales and profits edged higher in a tough market. The homewares chain said chief executive Nick Wilkinson will retire from the group and full-time executive life, but will stay in his post until a successor has been appointed. Dunelm said it will now kick off a 'thorough recruitment process'. Details of Mr Wilkinson's departure plans came as the group reported pre-tax profits nudging up 0.2% to £123.2 million in the six months to December 28 as sales lifted 2.4%. But it saw sales growth more than halve to 1.6% in the all-important Christmas quarter, down from growth of 3.5% in the previous three months. Dunelm said it was trading against a 'challenging' retail backdrop, with consumer spending under pressure on big items and firms facing soaring wage bill increases from recent Budget measures. Alison Brittain, chair of Dunelm, paid tribute to outgoing boss Mr Wilkinson. She said: 'Nick has been a tremendous leader for Dunelm and amongst his many achievements, he has successfully guided the group through a global pandemic, driven a step-change in the digital offer, established strategic capabilities across the business including in tech and data, and maintained the unique, entrepreneurial culture which makes Dunelm so special.' Mr Wilkinson said: 'There remains lots to do, and much to learn, as Dunelm continues to grow and develop. 'So, for now, it's business as usual for me.' The group said it was 'encouraged' by early trading in its second half so far and stuck by guidance for full-year profits to rise to £209 million from £205.4 million in 2023-24. But it added a note of caution, saying: 'Ongoing consumer caution and sustained labour cost headwinds are continuing to impact all businesses in our sector. 'It is important that we face these challenges with a long-term perspective, adapting in ways that keep the customer front and centre, whilst delivering sustainable growth.'
