Author: Sam Allcock

As more companies promote wellbeing initiatives, a growing number are accused of “wellbeing washing” – creating the illusion of caring for employees’ mental and physical health without implementing genuine, long-term changes. A recent survey by Claro Wellbeing found that over a third of businesses are guilty of this practice, highlighting a disconnect between superficial actions and meaningful support for employees. While many companies may participate in annual events like Mental Health Awareness Week, only one-third of employees rated their workplace’s mental health support as good or outstanding. This disparity suggests that some organisations may be falling short in making a…

The proposed merger between Vodafone and Three could lead to tens of millions of mobile customers in the UK facing higher bills, according to a provisional report from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The regulator raised concerns that the merger, while potentially improving network quality, may result in significant price increases or reduced services for both retail and wholesale mobile customers. The CMA’s in-depth investigation, led by an independent inquiry group, is examining the impact of the £15 billion deal, which would reduce the number of UK mobile network operators from four to three. The watchdog has provisionally found…

Wasabi Technologies has announced a new partnership with Grass Valley, a prominent media technology provider, to incorporate Wasabi’s cost-effective and high-performance cloud storage within Grass Valley’s AMPP platform. This integration aims to enhance media production workflows, offering advanced solutions for active archiving, live playout, and edit/render functions. The AMPP (Agile Media Processing Platform) platform, known for its agile and software-defined workflows, now supports Wasabi’s cloud storage, which is renowned for its low cost and performance efficiency. This partnership allows media and entertainment organisations to streamline their content creation and distribution processes while managing expenses more effectively. Grass Valley’s AMPP platform…

The International Music Summit (IMS), a leading platform for electronic music culture, education, and industry, has announced its expansion to Dubai with the inaugural IMS Dubai. Set to take place on November 14-15 at the W Hotel Dubai – Mina Seyahi, this marks IMS’s first foray into the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, responding to its growing significance as a cultural and industry hub. For seventeen years, IMS has been a cornerstone event in Ibiza, uniting the global electronic music community to explore trends, innovations, and challenges within the industry. This new edition in Dubai reflects the increasing importance…

Botox has become a prevalent cosmetic procedure worldwide, with approximately 900,000 individuals receiving injections annually in the UK alone. Despite its routine status, proper aftercare remains essential for achieving the best results and avoiding complications. Dr. Akis Ntonos, co-founder of Aion Aesthetics and partner with Certainly Health, provides key advice on what to avoid following Botox treatments to ensure effective outcomes. Avoid Lying Down Immediately After undergoing Botox, it’s crucial to remain upright. Dr. Ntonos warns that lying down too soon can cause the Botox to migrate, leading to uneven results or drooping. “To prevent this, patients should stay upright…

Pudu Robotics, a global leader in service robotics, has launched the PUDU MT1, an AI-powered robotic sweeper designed specifically for large-scale environments. Traditional cleaning methods in expansive areas like warehouses, manufacturing plants, and home improvement stores are often labour-intensive and costly. The PUDU MT1 aims to address these challenges by offering a revolutionary cleaning solution that improves efficiency, reduces costs, and ensures high cleanliness standards. Advanced Technology for Vast Areas Capable of handling areas exceeding 100,000 square metres, the PUDU MT1 is powered by advanced artificial intelligence that allows it to manage large environments with remarkable precision. Its key features…

Mphasis, a leading IT solutions provider, has announced the opening of its new Innovation Hub for Europe in the heart of London. The hub, located in the iconic Tower 42, signals the company’s commitment to advancing Quantum technologies in the UK and beyond. Mphasis plans to use the facility as a Centre of Excellence (CoE), developing cutting-edge solutions in Quantum Computing, Quantum Cryptography, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The new hub is expected to address a range of industry challenges, including algorithmic underwriting, catastrophic risk modelling, and fraud detection. These innovative solutions will help businesses in the UK and globally harness…

Furniture Village, a leading furniture retailer, has revealed the top bed trends of 2024 based on Pinterest data. With Pinterest boasting 522 million monthly users, the platform has become a go-to source for home inspiration. The retailer’s research highlights the bed styles gaining popularity and how they can be incorporated into autumn home decor. Bunk Beds Lead the Pack Bunk beds are the most-searched bed style on Pinterest, with 2,349 searches recorded since January. Furniture Village’s experts attribute this trend to the growing need for space-saving solutions in smaller homes. They suggest enhancing these practical beds with autumn-themed accessories, such…

A gripping new crime novel by Andrew J Field, titled After the Bridge, is set to hit the shelves on Friday, 22nd November 2024. Published by Hit the North, the book delves into themes of despair, corruption, and human frailty, intertwining personal trauma with broader societal issues. The novel, which begins and concludes on the Humber Bridge and unfolds primarily in Manchester, follows the intertwined lives of two protagonists: Owen, a struggling actor, and Becky, a Ukrainian refugee grappling with her own trauma. Their chance encounter on the Humber Bridge marks the start of a perilous journey as they attempt…