Author: Sam Allcock

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…

The ongoing cost-of-living crisis in the UK has placed increased pressure on individuals, leaving many struggling to balance everyday responsibilities with the need for mental health care and personal wellness. In this challenging financial climate, platforms like Wecasa, an at-home mobile services app, have become essential in helping people carve out time for themselves. By offering wellness, cleaning, beauty, and home services that fit around busy schedules, Wecasa is meeting the growing demand for flexible, at-home solutions. Looking ahead, Wecasa predicts significant growth in the UK’s remote wellness industry by 2025. With consumers increasingly prioritising personalised wellness services delivered directly…

Swiss luxury skincare and wellness brand NIANCE has launched its first-ever white paper, titled “Addressing the 12 Hallmarks of Aging,” which delves into the complex science of ageing and outlines how the company’s innovative products combat biological processes associated with getting older. The white paper introduces the updated ‘Hallmarks of Aging’ framework, first proposed in 2013 by leading researchers Carlos López-Otín, Maria A. Blasco, Linda Partridge, Manuel Serrano, and Guido Kroemer. Initially identifying nine key biological mechanisms driving the ageing process, the framework was expanded in January 2023 by the journal Cell, adding three new hallmarks: dysbiosis, chronic inflammation, and…

UK organisations are set to embrace generative AI (GenAI) over the next 12 to 18 months as part of their wider workplace transformation efforts, according to new research published by Information Services Group (ISG), a global technology advisory firm. The findings suggest that both enterprises and public sector bodies are increasingly seeking assistance from technology providers to develop AI applications that enhance productivity and improve employee experiences. The 2024 ISG Provider Lens™ Future of Work – Services report highlights that organisations are exploring GenAI use cases, conducting pilot programmes, developing large language models, and establishing governance frameworks in preparation for…