Marks and Spencer: Business and SWOT Analysis Report

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Marks and Spencer (M&S), examining its internal and external environments. The report begins with an introduction to M&S and highlights the threats the company faces from competitors like Zara and H&M. It then delves into a PESTLE analysis, evaluating the political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors influencing M&S's business operations. The report further explores M&S's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats through a SWOT analysis. The analysis includes factors such as its strong brand reputation and corporate social responsibility initiatives, as well as its weaknesses in technological investment. The report also examines external factors, such as consumer behavior and the impact of free trade policies. Finally, the report concludes with a discussion of M&S's commitment to sustainability and the importance of adapting to changing market conditions.

BUSINESS IN PRACTICE
Introduction
Internal and external factor influences that have a positive or negative
effect on business operations make up a business climate. Marks and
Spencer are the organization that has been chosen for this research.
Marks and Spencer’s headquarters are in London, United Kingdom.
The current report will detail Marks and Spencer’s internal and
external analyses, as well as the effect of external factors on the
company's business.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths: One of M&S’s key strengths as a high-value brand is its
highly successful corporate social responsibility.
Weaknesses: The company’s weakness is its lack of investment in
new technologies, which limits its ability to expand into new markets.
The company has no plans to invest in technologies that will enable it
to integrate across the board.
Opportunities: Consumer’s healthier eating habits provide an
incentive for Marks and Spencer to develop new healthy and organic
food items.
Threats: Big brands like ZARA and H&M are putting M&S to the test by growing their businesses more sustainably and
in line with current trends.
PESTLE Analysis
Political: The free trade policy between multiple countries is a huge opportunity for companies like Marks and Spencer
who want to grow their business internationally because it opens up new markets for them to diversify their business.
Economic: The UK’s economic stability is considered to be very strong, and it is also a Centre for E-Commerce,
boosting Marks and Spencer's operations.
Social: Whether it’s shoes, apparel, clothes, or some other beauty product, cultural impact plays a significant role in the
consumer’s decision-making process. As a result, before releasing their products, Marks and Spencer must pay attention
to local and cultural patterns.
Technological: Marks and Spencer operate in various segments such as beauty goods, food products, and clothes, so it
has been determined that the company can use cutting-edge technology to compile all of its data and use online social
media platforms to communicate with customers all over the world.
Legal: Marks and Spencer regularly conduct awareness sessions on the Health and Safety at Work Act so that they can
take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of their employees.
Environmental: Marks and Spencer are committed to producing all of its goods in an environmentally sustainable
manner and to following the reuse, minimize, and recycle formula.
References:
de Moraes, C.C and et. al., 2020. Retail food waste: Mapping causes and reduction practices. Journal of Cleaner
Production. 256. p.120124.