Author: Sam Allcock

A recent survey commissioned by HP Inc. UK, conducted by polling company YouGov, has highlighted a significant administrative burden faced by UK workers, many of whom report forfeiting their lunch breaks and other personal commitments to keep up with workplace demands. The study, which surveyed around 1,200 UK workers, reveals that 40% of employees never manage to take a full hour for lunch, and nearly 30% often skip the break entirely to focus on tasks like compiling meeting notes and filling in timesheets. According to the survey results, 16% of respondents say they spend as much as 40% of their…

In a move aimed at keeping bus travel affordable, the government has announced an extension of the current £3 fare cap on single bus tickets across the country until the end of 2025. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed this decision, which forms part of a larger investment of over £1 billion to support bus routes and improve services nationwide, particularly in rural areas where reliance on buses remains high. The extended fare cap will ensure no single bus fare exceeds £3. Passengers on routes where fares are already below £3 will see only inflation-based adjustments, keeping fares low while maintaining…

Nottingham-based Clegg Construction has been honoured as the ‘Contractor of the Year’ at the 2024 East Midlands Bricks Awards. The annual awards, organised by East Midlands Business Link Magazine, spotlight exceptional companies, projects, and individuals who contribute to the region’s built environment and development. The award was presented at a ceremony held on 3rd October at Trent Bridge County Cricket Club. Clegg Construction’s Managing Director, Michael Sims, expressed his pride in the recognition, noting the company’s longstanding presence in Nottingham city centre and its substantial influence on the East Midlands’ landscape. “Clegg is a 92-year-old company whose head office has…

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…