Author: Sam Allcock

A report commissioned by energy supplier OVO has revealed that the UK could collectively save £5.6 billion on energy bills if all homes eligible for solar panels were to have them installed. The study, conducted by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), found that almost half (48%) of the nation’s housing stock is suitable for solar panels but currently lacks them. The report suggests that installing solar panels on these 13.7 million homes could generate 28.5 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity, significantly cutting carbon emissions by 14.8 million tonnes. This reduction is equivalent to taking over half of the UK’s petrol…

The UK Government is launching a new strategy aimed at reducing the use of single-use medical devices in the NHS, helping to tackle waste and save millions of pounds each year. The Design for Life Roadmap, announced by Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting, is set to overhaul current practices and encourage the use of reusable, remanufactured medical technology (MedTech), while reducing the country’s reliance on imported products. Currently, the NHS produces 156,000 tonnes of clinical waste annually in England, a significant portion of which comes from disposable devices such as walking aids, surgical instruments, and specialised equipment like…

A pioneering collaboration between Cytosurge AG and Lexogen is set to enhance the field of live-cell sequencing, enabling scientists to study living cells in unprecedented detail. The partnership combines Cytosurge’s FluidFM® OMNIUM platform with Lexogen’s LUTHOR HD kit, providing researchers with a seamless workflow for live-cell transcriptomics studies. Live-cell sequencing, or Live-seq, is a transformative technology developed by researchers at ETH Zurich and EPFL in Switzerland. It allows for the sequencing of a cell’s RNA while preserving its viability, a significant departure from traditional methods that destroy the cell during sampling. The new approach is expected to open up new…

The South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC), in partnership with Definition Health, is showcasing the potential of digital health solutions in the NHS by successfully implementing a remote surgical care pathway. This innovative approach has significantly improved patient safety, clinical efficiency, and environmental sustainability in post-operative care. SWLEOC’s efforts have been recognised at the HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2024, where the centre won accolades for both the Virtual or Remote Care Initiative of the Year and the Safety Improvement through Technology Award. The centre also received a commendation for Patient Safety in Elective Recovery, highlighting its commitment to enhancing…

ep Assets, a subsidiary of energy transition company ep Group, has announced a partnership with Pixii AS, a global leader in distributed battery energy storage and power conversion technology. This collaboration aims to facilitate Pixii’s entry into the UK market, enhancing distributed energy solutions for homes and businesses. Recognised as Norway’s fastest-growing tech company in 2023, Pixii AS has developed a fully integrated and modular technology that allows users to optimise both existing and new solar installations. The company’s innovative solutions also support fast electric vehicle (EV) charging, enabling users to reduce energy costs and create additional revenue streams through participation…

A new Manchester-based finance brokerage is aiming to revolutionise how businesses access financial support, with ambitious plans to grow its team and services over the next year. Elite Money, located on King Street, has set out to challenge traditional models of financial brokering by offering a more personalised and client-centric approach. The firm has rapidly gained momentum since its inception, forging partnerships with over 200 lenders across the UK and providing businesses with tailored financial solutions. Elite Money’s founders say the company’s mission is to shift away from the impersonal service often associated with the industry, prioritising relationships and long-term…

A recent study has uncovered the careers most sought after by Generation Z, with “model” emerging as the most desirable job, boasting over 385 million posts on Instagram. The research conducted by Class Central, a platform that aggregates online courses, assessed the frequency of career-related hashtags on the social media platform to establish its rankings. The study highlights the growing influence of social media on job aspirations, particularly in the modelling sector. Hashtags like #Modellife and #Modelagency have gained significant traction, reflecting how platforms like Instagram have transformed the industry and reshaped its appeal to younger generations. Over the past…

Built-In Kitchen Appliances (BIKA), a prominent retailer of electrical appliances in Liverpool, is taking significant steps to enhance its service offerings by expanding to seven-day trading. This move reflects the company’s commitment to meeting customer demand and solidifying its position as a regional destination shop. Founded in 1990, BIKA operates from a vast 20,000 square foot showroom in Anfield and has grown to become one of the UK’s largest white goods retailers. It boasts an extensive selection of renowned brands, including AEG, Rangemaster, Stoves, Hotpoint, Neff, Bosch, Smeg, and Hoover. The showroom serves customers throughout Liverpool and the North-West of…

A new study has revealed the top ten highest-paid industries for university graduates in the UK, with Financial and Insurance Activities taking the top spot, offering average weekly earnings of £1,361. The analysis, conducted by Teachers To Your Home, used data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) from July 2024 to help recent graduates identify lucrative career paths amid the rising cost of living. The Mining and Quarrying industry came in second, offering an average weekly pay of £1,288. This sector includes roles in civil engineering, geophysics, and earth sciences. Information and Communication ranked third, with workers in this…

The UK government has unveiled a new Employment Rights Bill aimed at enhancing worker protections and boosting the economy by improving pay and productivity. Introduced less than 100 days into office, the legislation marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to employment laws, aligning them with modern economic needs. The bill targets exploitative practices and provides more rights for workers, including measures to end zero-hours contracts and unscrupulous “fire and rehire” tactics. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner stated, “This government is delivering the biggest upgrade to rights at work for a generation, boosting pay and productivity with employment laws…

A new report has revealed that the second-hand clothing (SHC) sector generated a significant €7 billion (£6.1 billion) contribution to the GDP of the EU and UK in 2023. The sector, which is considered vital for the future circular textile economy, directly accounted for €3 billion (£2.6 billion) of this total. Germany and the UK were the biggest contributors, with the industry adding €670 million (£580 million) and €420 million (£360 million) to their respective GDPs. The report, titled The Socio-Economic Impact of Second-Hand Clothes in Africa and the EU27+, provides the first comprehensive analysis of the SHC sector’s value…

North Highland, a leading consultancy specialising in change and transformation, has announced the appointment of Mark Satisky as its new Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Satisky joins the company with over 25 years of experience in steering and expanding high-growth technology and services organisations. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Satisky is set to oversee a range of critical functions at North Highland, including Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Accounting, Legal, and Facilities. He will also play a key role in the firm’s corporate development as it seeks to scale its operations and accelerate growth. Satisky’s background in corporate strategy,…