Author: Sam Allcock

SONGMICS HOME has reaffirmed its commitment to social responsibility by supporting the 25th anniversary of Jugendrotkreuz, the German Youth Red Cross. The collaboration aims to enhance first aid knowledge and promote volunteerism, contributing to the health and safety of communities across Germany. Daisy Wei, Senior Brand Manager at SONGMICS HOME, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that it represents a significant opportunity to promote vital first aid skills and the values of volunteer service. “This initiative seeks to benefit more individuals, working together toward a better tomorrow,” Wei said. Jugendrotkreuz is the youth division of the Red Cross in…

TV presenter AJ Odudu has been appointed as the latest high-profile Ambassador for the Trussell Trust, a leading anti-poverty charity in the UK. To celebrate her new role, Odudu visited Blackburn Foodbank, located in the community where she grew up, to learn more about its vital work in supporting local residents facing food insecurity. The announcement comes at a time when food banks across the Trussell Trust network are experiencing unprecedented levels of need. Last year alone, these food banks distributed over 3.1 million emergency food parcels—nearly double the amount provided just five years prior. This surge highlights the growing…

QNB Group has secured all necessary regulatory approvals from the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) and the Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) to proceed with a significant share buyback initiative. The move, which will involve the repurchase of shares worth up to QAR2.9 billion, has been authorised under Article 10 of the bank’s Articles of Association and follows a decision by QNB’s Board of Directors on 11 September 2024. QNB Group, one of the largest financial institutions in the Middle East and Africa, will carry out the buyback in line with QFMA’s Decision Numbers 3 and 4 of 2024. The repurchase…

A nursery in Atherton, Greater Manchester, has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award, recognising its creative and inspiring indoor learning environment. Partou Storytimes, located on Leigh Road, is a finalist for the “Nursery Indoor Learning Environment of the Year” category at the 2024 National NMT Nursery Awards. The nursery, which caters to children aged 0 to 5 years, is renowned for its innovative approach to early childhood education. Its name reflects the playful, storybook theme that runs throughout the nursery, where dedicated rooms for each age group are filled with carefully selected toys and learning resources. These resources are…

A new survey from VinciWorks reveals that 40% of companies are uncertain about their ability to support neurodivergent employees, raising concerns over the effectiveness of workplace inclusion strategies. The survey, conducted among 227 compliance and HR professionals, highlights a significant gap between intention and action when it comes to accommodating neurodiverse individuals. The findings indicate that nearly a quarter of respondents (23%) believe their workplaces lack active support for neurodivergent staff, while 48% identify a lack of awareness as the primary barrier to progress. Limited resources were cited as another significant challenge, with 26% of participants pointing to this as…

A new survey has revealed that 75% of UK retail leaders are planning to invest in the post-purchase experience as they gear up for the busy retail season. The findings from Sorted, a retail technology company, highlight the increasing importance of customer satisfaction after a purchase is made, with 70% of those surveyed already recognising the value of such investments. As retailers prepare for the annual surge in demand, the survey of 250 retail leaders suggests that businesses are focusing on enhancing the post-purchase journey to stand out in a fiercely competitive market. This includes elements such as tracking, delivery…

Businesses across the region are being encouraged to take action ahead of new workplace regulations that are due to come into force on 26 October. The changes, introduced through the Worker Protection Act 2023, mark a significant amendment to the Equality Act 2010, requiring all employers to take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Outsourced HR, a Tees Valley-based human resources consultancy, is stepping up to help businesses prepare for these impending regulations by offering a series of half-day training sessions. These sessions are aimed at educating business leaders and managers about the legislative changes and ensuring…

Serco, a global services company, has announced the expansion of its online physiotherapy service to support employees working across its Justice and Immigration sectors. This follows the success of a pilot scheme at several Serco-operated facilities, including HMP Thameside and the Derwentside Immigration Removal Centre. The expanded programme, in partnership with PhysioFastOnline (PFO), aims to address the physical health needs of employees working in challenging environments. The service, provided by PFO, allows Serco staff to access same-day appointments with registered physiotherapists via video consultations. Employees can seek assistance for a range of issues, from musculoskeletal conditions and joint pain to…

A pioneering advance in medical technology has been achieved at Salford Royal Hospital in Manchester, where INBRAIN Neuroelectronics has successfully conducted the world’s first human procedure involving a graphene-based brain-computer interface (BCI). The procedure took place during a patient’s brain tumour resection, where the BCI technology demonstrated the ability to differentiate between healthy and cancerous brain tissue with remarkable precision at the micrometre scale. This significant milestone highlights the potential of graphene-based BCI technology, which extends beyond mere brain signal decoding to become a valuable tool in precision surgery, particularly in the treatment of diseases such as cancer. The clinical…

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has unveiled plans for its inaugural Blue Magic Netherlands (BMN) event, scheduled to take place on November 19, 2024, in Eindhoven. This event aims to spotlight the innovations and capabilities of Dutch industry, fostering connections among startups, universities, and government representatives in the aerospace sector. Notable additions to the agenda include Raymond Knops, Chairman of the Dutch Industry Foundation for Defence and Security (NIDV), and Thomas McSorley, General Counsel for NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic). They will join a roster of distinguished speakers and panelists, reinforcing the event’s significance in…