Loxa Closes £2.7 Million Seed Round to Scale Product Protection Across European Retail

Loxa, the insurtech enabling retailers to offer seamless product protection at the point of sale, today announced the successful close of its £2.7 million Seed round, completed across three tranches. 

The round was backed primarily by angels and family offices, including the Lazaroo-Hood Group, with introductions facilitated by Angel Investment Network, FundMyPitch, and the Entrepreneur's Collective. 

Capital will be deployed to drive EU expansion, scale Loxa's retail network to 150+ live partners, and broaden the platform to support every insurable product category.

“We started Loxa because we believed embedded product protection should be as universal as the checkout itself, available to every retailer, for every customer, everywhere. 

"We made a deliberate choice to build this round with angels and operators who shared our mission and backed our vision from the start, and that alignment builds better businesses. Closing this round means we can now deliver on that promise at scale, with the right people and resources to execute successfully,”

Jamie Hamer, Co-Founder & CEO, Loxa told That's Business.

Since launching in 2023, Loxa has grown to over 45 live retail partners across furniture, eyewear, power tools, electronics, catering appliances and other categories, embedding with retailers like eCatering, Toolden, Hyundai Tools, Rowen Homes, Maker & Son, and JCB Pro Tools. 

Hundreds of further retailer conversations are ongoing with merchants who recognise the value of offering their customers comprehensive product protection at the point of purchase.

The fundraise also marks a step-change in what Loxa can offer retailers. As a full-stack MGA, Loxa can now build and launch insurance schemes tailored specifically to the needs of its retail partners and their products, rather than only suggesting off-the-shelf solutions. 

Loxa’s technology connects natively to over 70% of UK ecommerce infrastructure via apps for Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, PrestaShop, and BigCommerce, as well as direct API integrations. Loxa enables retailers to go live in as little as 48 hours, meaning the barrier to offering product protection has never been lower.

With the Seed round now closed, Loxa enters its next phase with both the capital and the leadership to execute at pace. 

Erjon Skora joined the business last year at a pivotal point as Co-Founder and Managing Dire
ctor, bringing over 16 years of experience across MGAs, insurers, financial institutions, and online marketplaces, most recently as MD and Head of Insurance & Product, EMEA at Cover Genius. His appointment reflects the ambition behind this raise: to build the defining embedded insurance platform for retailers across Europe.

“Closing the Seed is the starting gun, not the finish line. We're heading into a Series A with traction, a clear European roadmap, and a system that onboards retailers in under 48 hours, integrates seamlessly, handles policy volumes at scale, and delivers an excellent claims experience. The next 18 months will define Loxa's position in this market, and we intend to own it," Erjon Skora, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Loxa told us.

Loxa is advised by board advisors Robin Leigh, Richard Smith, Kayar Raghavan, and Ross Lazaroo-Hood. The company extends its sincere thanks to all investors, advisors, partners and supporters who have backed its vision.

https://www.loxacover.com

The Negative Impact of Primark’s Arrival on a City Centre or Shopping Mall

When Primark announces a new store opening, the news is often welcomed with fanfare. Known for its budget-friendly fashion and vast range of clothing, the retailer tends to draw in large crowds from the moment its doors open. 

On the surface, this sounds like a boost for local shopping areas. 

But the arrival of a Primark store can bring significant challenges for city centres and shopping malls – and not all of them are obvious at first.

The “Primark Effect” on Smaller Retailers

Primark’s low prices make it hard for independent shops and smaller chains to compete. Many local boutiques, family-run shops, and even mid-sized clothing retailers struggle to survive once a massive Primark opens nearby. As shoppers flock to the fast-fashion giant, footfall in smaller businesses often declines. This can hollow out the diversity of a shopping district, leaving fewer unique or specialist retailers.

Impact on Shopping Centres and High Streets

Primark’s huge stores take up prime retail space, often in the heart of shopping centres or high streets. While this can temporarily increase visitor numbers, the “destination effect” can mean shoppers head straight to Primark and leave without browsing elsewhere. Over time, this creates uneven trading conditions, where neighbouring retailers benefit little from the increased footfall.

Pressure on Infrastructure

Large Primark stores attract huge numbers of customers, especially at weekends or during sales. This can put pressure on public transport, parking facilities, and pedestrian areas. Congestion, litter, and long queues are common complaints in areas where Primark has opened. Some cities have even had to spend extra on cleaning, security, and infrastructure improvements to cope with the influx.

Environmental and Social Costs

Primark is synonymous with fast fashion – cheap, mass-produced clothing designed to be bought frequently and discarded quickly. The environmental impact of this consumption pattern is significant, contributing to waste, pollution, and the carbon footprint of the fashion industry. While not a direct local economic issue, the presence of Primark can encourage unsustainable shopping habits within communities.

Risk of Homogenisation

Every city centre wants to preserve its identity, but the arrival of major chains like Primark can lead to a sense of sameness. Instead of unique, varied high streets with a mix of independent and specialist stores, shopping districts risk becoming dominated by the same big brands you can find anywhere in the UK – or even across Europe.

Is There a Balance?

Some argue that Primark can act as an anchor tenant, drawing people into struggling shopping centres. But without careful planning, this often comes at the expense of local diversity and long-term sustainability. 

For city leaders and retail developers, the challenge is to balance the draw of big-name retailers like Primark with protections and incentives for smaller businesses, ensuring that local economies remain vibrant and varied.

How Retailers Can Protect Their Stock from Young Opportunistic Thieves During the School Holidays

With the school holidays in full swing, many retailers see a noticeable uptick in footfall, especially from teenagers and schoolchildren with time on their hands. 

While most young visitors are simply browsing or enjoying a bit of freedom, the holidays can unfortunately also bring a rise in opportunistic thefts from under-18s.

Retail theft is frustrating at any time, but it’s particularly sensitive when minors are involved. So how can shopkeepers and retail staff protect stock, maintain a welcoming environment, and still act responsibly when tackling the issue?

Here are some practical and ethical strategies to help safeguard your business during the holiday period:

1. Make Your Presence Known

A visible staff presence is one of the strongest deterrents to theft. Ensure team members are actively engaging with all customers, especially in quieter corners of the shop or near high-value goods. A friendly “Can I help you?” does more than offer service, it reminds would-be shoplifters they’re being noticed.

2. Review and Refresh CCTV Coverage

Make sure your CCTV system is:

Fully operational

Covers all key areas (including blind spots and exits)

Clearly signed and visible to visitors

Regular checks and signage reminding customers of surveillance can go a long way in discouraging theft. If your system is outdated, now’s the time to consider upgrading before problems arise.

3. Reposition High-Risk Stock

Items that are small, popular, or easy to conceal, such as cosmetics, accessories, tech items, or confectionery should be:

Kept closer to the tills

Placed behind counters

Displayed in locked or secured cabinets

This also applies to seasonal merchandise or trending products among teens.

4. Train Staff in Friendly Vigilance

Your team doesn’t need to turn into security guards, but they should know the signs of suspicious behaviour, such as:

Groups loitering without engaging with products

People entering with large bags or bulky clothing in warm weather

Repeated glancing around or avoiding eye contact

Encourage calm, non-accusatory interactions. A welcoming approach often disarms bad intentions and avoids escalation.

5. Work With Local Schools and Community Police

In some areas, community policing teams offer additional patrols during the holidays and may be happy to work with retailers. Establish a dialogue and share concerns early.

Likewise, developing a relationship with local schools can be helpful. If there’s a recurring problem involving specific pupils, schools often prefer to be informed discreetly to resolve the issue themselves.

6. Offer Alternatives – Don’t Just Assume the Worst

Sometimes, theft by minors stems from boredom, peer pressure, or financial hardship rather than malice. Consider:

Offering free or low-cost samples

Engaging younger visitors with friendly conversation

Providing a small, affordable ‘pocket money’ range to reduce temptation

It won’t prevent every incident, but a proactive, understanding approach can make a difference.

7. Stay Calm and Follow Procedure

If a theft occurs:

Do not physically confront the suspect unless absolutely necessary

Record CCTV footage

Report serious or repeated incidents to the police

Ensure your team knows what to do, including how to involve parents or guardians appropriately if a minor is involved.

Some Chambers of Commerce or local councils run a radio link system with shopkeepers all linked by radio to a central command point or the local police. If there's no such system in your town or district perhaps you should suggest that one is launched?

8. Don’t Let a Few Spoil It for Everyone

It’s easy to become defensive or suspicious when thefts increase, but remember, most young customers are respectful and often enthusiastic shoppers. Keeping your store friendly and inclusive is key to long-term trust and loyalty.

The school holidays are a brilliant time for shops to attract younger customers and families, but they also call for smart stock management and a bit more vigilance. 

With the right balance of security, staff training, and community cooperation, retailers can protect their stock while still creating a welcoming environment for all.

After all, today’s teens could become tomorrow’s most loyal customers — if they’re treated with fairness and respect.

Primark: How the Retail Giant Undermines Fashion Industry Competitors

In the ever-evolving landscape of fast fashion, Primark stands out as a retail powerhouse, offering trendy clothing at incredibly low prices. 

While shoppers flock to its stores for budget-friendly finds, the impact of Primark's business model extends far beyond its shelves.

With its rapid expansion and aggressive pricing strategies, Primark has garnered both praise and criticism. However, a closer examination reveals the negative impact it has on other fashion retailers.

One of the most significant ways Primark affects its competitors is through pricing pressure. By undercutting prices to the extreme, Primark forces other retailers to either match its low prices or risk losing customers. 

This race to the bottom can be detrimental to smaller, independent retailers who simply cannot compete with Primark's economies of scale and streamlined supply chain. As a result, many fashion brands find themselves in a constant struggle to maintain profitability while keeping pace with Primark's pricing strategy.

Moreover, Primark's fast fashion model contributes to environmental degradation and unethical labour practices. The relentless demand for cheap clothing fuels a cycle of overconsumption, leading to increased textile waste and environmental pollution. 

Additionally, Primark's reliance on overseas manufacturing often involves sweatshop labor and poor working conditions, further exploiting vulnerable workers in developing countries. While some consumers may prioritize affordability, the true cost of Primark's low prices is borne by the environment and the people who produce its clothing.

Another negative impact of Primark is its homogenising effect on fashion trends. With its mass-produced clothing items, Primark saturates the market with a limited range of styles, stifling creativity and diversity within the fashion industry. Smaller, boutique retailers that specialise in unique, artisanal designs struggle to compete with Primark's mass appeal, leading to a loss of variety and innovation in the fashion landscape. As a result, consumers are offered a narrower selection of clothing options, limiting their ability to express individuality through fashion.

Furthermore, Primark's dominance in the retail sector can have detrimental effects on local economies. As the chain expands rapidly, it often displaces smaller retailers and independent businesses, draining revenue from local communities. 

This shift towards centralised, corporate retail diminishes the vibrancy of neighbourhood shopping districts and erodes the unique character of urban areas. Additionally, the concentration of wealth in the hands of large corporations like Primark exacerbates income inequality and economic disparity.

In conclusion, while Primark may offer affordable clothing to budget-conscious consumers, its negative impact on other fashion retailers cannot be ignored. From pricing pressure and environmental degradation to the homogenization of fashion trends and the erosion of local economies, Primark's business practices have far-reaching consequences. 

As consumers, it's essential to consider the broader implications of our purchasing decisions and advocate for a more sustainable and equitable fashion industry. Only then can we mitigate the harmful effects of retail giants like Primark and create a more ethical and inclusive marketplace for all.

Unraveling the Conundrum: Why High Streets Seem to Be in Crisis

In the heart of every British town and city lies its High Street, a bustling hub of commerce, community, and culture. 

For generations, it has been the beating pulse of local economies, where small businesses thrive, and residents gather to shop, socialise, and connect. Yet, in recent years, a shadow of uncertainty looms over these once vibrant thoroughfares. The question arises: why do High Streets appear to be in crisis?

To understand this complex issue, we must peel back the layers of socioeconomic shifts and evolving consumer behaviours that have reshaped the landscape of retail and community life.

Firstly, the rise of online shopping has cast a formidable challenge upon traditional brick-and-mortar shops. With the convenience of e-commerce platforms, consumers can now browse and purchase goods from the comfort of their homes, leading to a decline in foot traffic on High Streets. The allure of doorstep delivery and endless product choices at the click of a button has altered the shopping habits of many, posing a significant threat to the survival of small, independent retailers.

Moreover, the economic downturns and uncertainties, exacerbated by events such as Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, have placed additional strains on local businesses. Skyrocketing rents and business rates, coupled with stagnant wages and fluctuating consumer confidence, have created a hostile environment for many enterprises operating on High Streets. The result? Boarded-up shopfronts and vacant premises, casting a pall over the once vibrant corridors of commerce.

Furthermore, the homogenisation of retail chains has stripped High Streets of their unique character and charm. As multinational corporations dominate the market, offering standardised products and services, the distinctive identities of towns and cities are diluted, eroding the sense of place and community pride that once defined these urban centres.

However, amidst the gloom, there is room for hope and revitalisation. Communities across the UK are rallying together to breathe new life into their High Streets. From grassroots initiatives and pop-up markets to local councils investing in urban regeneration projects, there is a growing recognition of the importance of preserving these vital arteries of our towns and cities.

Innovative approaches such as pedestrianization, the creation of green spaces, and the promotion of cultural events are transforming High Streets into vibrant hubs of activity once again. Moreover, the resurgence of interest in sustainable and ethical consumption is driving demand for locally sourced products and artisanal goods, providing a lifeline for independent retailers.

Ultimately, the fate of High Streets rests in the hands of both policymakers and the community at large. By fostering a supportive environment for small businesses, prioritising urban planning that enhances the pedestrian experience, and celebrating the unique character of each locality, we can ensure that High Streets continue to thrive as the lifeblood of our towns and cities for generations to come.

In conclusion, while the challenges facing High Streets may seem daunting, they also present an opportunity for reinvention and renewal. By embracing innovation, fostering community engagement, and preserving the distinctiveness of our urban landscapes, we can overcome the crisis and usher in a new era of vitality for our beloved High Streets. After all, their resilience is a testament to the enduring spirit of local enterprise and community cohesion that defines the British way of life.