Author: Sam Allcock

A leading technology provider for the research sector, Digital Science, is calling for greater awareness of how rapidly advancing technologies are transforming academia. Following the release of its latest report, Research Transformation: Change in the Era of AI, Open, and Impact, the firm has highlighted significant shifts in attitudes and practices in research, which could reshape traditional models. Digital Science’s report, based on a survey and in-depth interviews with researchers, delves into areas such as open research, impact metrics, artificial intelligence (AI), collaboration, and security. It suggests that these fast-developing trends are challenging the longstanding dynamics of the academic landscape.…

A new study from HiQ Tyres & Autocare reveals that more than a quarter of tyre replacements in the UK are due to road damage, with potholes and poorly maintained surfaces causing significant wear and tear for British drivers. The study highlights the economic and safety implications of declining road quality across the country, particularly in counties where road conditions are markedly worse. HiQ’s month-long research, which surveyed tyre replacement data across its nationwide network, found that 28% of all tyre changes in the UK were directly related to damage caused by poor road surfaces. This data brings attention to…

SEPA Cyber Tech Group Holding Ltd., a London-based technology and venture capital firm, has announced a major rebranding of its financial technology division. Now named FinHub, the division aims to reshape financial services through its new eponymous platform, which offers a flexible, self-service approach for banks, FinTech firms, and non-financial companies looking to enter the financial sector. The newly launched FinHub platform is positioned as a “financial super platform,” targeting the evolving needs of financial institutions and companies seeking to enhance or launch financial services. With a broad portfolio of tools, FinHub addresses four key areas in financial technology: Technology…

Performing Arts Course to Inspire Young People in Care Across the UK A new online performing arts course, “Stepping Forward,” is set to launch in early 2025, providing young people in care across the UK with an accessible introduction to the arts. The Share Foundation, in collaboration with Tring Park School for the Performing Arts and the Rothschild Foundation, has developed the course to benefit young people aged 13-17 by enhancing confidence, creativity, and career prospects. The initiative, the first of its kind, aims to bridge educational and social gaps for some of the UK’s most disadvantaged young people. According…

Preston Eye Hospital Celebrates Five Years of ‘Outstanding’ Patient Care SpaMedica’s Preston eye hospital is marking its fifth anniversary, celebrating a half-decade of exceptional patient care and swift access to eye health services in Central Lancashire. Opened in 2019, the clinic provides cataract surgery for NHS patients within four to eight weeks – a significant improvement on the national 18-week target, according to the NHS. Based in Albert Edward House, SpaMedica Preston aims to make eye care accessible, with free on-site parking and a complimentary transport service for patients who may struggle to travel independently. This convenience, coupled with high-quality…

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to highlight the Commonwealth’s unique potential for economic growth during his historic visit to the Pacific, becoming the first sitting UK Prime Minister to visit a Pacific Island country. Starmer’s trip to Samoa this week coincides with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), where 55 other Commonwealth leaders will gather to discuss the organisation’s role in tackling global challenges and capitalising on economic opportunities. At the forefront of the Prime Minister’s agenda is a call for Commonwealth nations to prioritise economic resilience and growth as they navigate an increasingly competitive global landscape. He…

In an announcement likely to appeal to outdoor adventurers and fitness enthusiasts, Mibro, a brand under ZhenShi Information Technology in Shenzhen, has introduced the Mibro Watch GS Explorer. Launched on 25 October, this new smartwatch is designed to endure some of the most extreme environmental conditions, from mountain summits to deep ocean dives. Branded with the slogan “Rugged Strength, Endless Possibilities,” the Mibro Watch GS Explorer is geared towards those who take on the elements. Built to withstand both punishing weather and rigorous physical activity, the smartwatch has been developed to be a reliable companion for those pursuing challenging outdoor…

Boomi, a leader in intelligent integration and automation, has announced the launch of a new connector designed to simplify the integration between third-party systems and Veeva Vault, a widely used platform in the life sciences sector. This development strengthens Boomi’s ongoing partnership with Veeva Systems, a global provider of cloud-based software solutions for the life sciences industry, and aims to make it easier for mutual customers to integrate their data and content. As companies in the life sciences sector continue to modernise their operations, demand for seamless connectivity between Veeva Vault and other key applications, ranging from research and development…

A new study has revealed that Manchester’s Christmas Market is the most Instagrammable festive destination in Europe, boasting over 71,000 hashtags on the popular social media platform. The research, conducted by lifestyle magazine Dailybase, examined more than 50 Christmas markets across Europe to identify which were most popular on Instagram. Manchester’s sprawling market, which features over 200 stalls spread across nine locations, has become a must-visit destination for social media enthusiasts. Offering a variety of handmade gifts, craft items, and festive food and drink, it provides the perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos. Visitors can enjoy the twinkling lights and festive…

Retailers should expand their reach to international customers this Black Friday, according to delivery management experts, nShift. With over half of shoppers seeking products from abroad, global shipping could hold the key to success during the crucial sales period. nShift, a leader in delivery and experience management, has published a new report emphasising the importance of selling and shipping to international markets. The report reveals that 52% of shoppers actively look for products sold outside their home countries, while 64% of consumers are expected to shop online on Black Friday, which falls on 29 November this year. These figures indicate…

INTELLITHING has launched a no-code platform aimed at revolutionising AI and machine learning (ML) development for businesses. The platform, designed to democratise AI and generative AI creation, allows companies to develop, integrate, and deploy AI applications without any technical expertise. The move is set to break down the barriers that have long prevented businesses from fully embracing AI technology. Traditionally, AI development has been complex, expensive, and required specialist knowledge, making it accessible only to large companies with extensive resources. However, INTELLITHING’s new platform changes this by offering a drag-and-drop interface that can build AI solutions in minutes, reducing costs…

The UK is set to experience a major exodus of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) this year, with an estimated 9,500 millionaires expected to leave the country by the end of December. Most of these HNWIs are heading for Europe, with the European Union anticipated to gain around 6,500 of Britain’s wealthy emigrants. Other popular destinations include the United Arab Emirates, which is forecast to welcome 800 HNWIs, followed by the US, Australasia, and the Caribbean. This wealth migration trend, dubbed “WEXIT,” has been detailed in the latest forecast by Henley & Partners, an international advisory firm, and New World Wealth, ahead…