Author: Scott Dylan

The North East Business Awards 2024 was a significant event, gathering over 300 attendees at Hardwick Hall to celebrate regional business excellence. Ten prestigious awards were distributed, spotlighting the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals.Wootzano Ltd, a leading robotics firm, emerged as the grand winner, securing the title of North East Business of the Year. Their pioneering expertise and growing international presence highlight the region’s capacity for innovation and growth.Wootzano Ltd TriumphsWootzano Ltd was honoured with the North East Business of the Year award. Initially located at NETPark in County Durham, the company has now expanded to Cobalt Business Park…

The Vaulkhard Group, a key player in Newcastle’s leisure sector, is undergoing a strategic transformation.This year, the company shifted its focus away from youth-centric nightlife venues, signalling a move towards a more diversified portfolio.In a significant strategic shift, the Vaulkhard Group, a notable name in Newcastle’s leisure industry, has actively begun restructuring its business model. This year marked a notable departure from their previous focus on late-night venues targeting younger demographics. The decision aligns with a broader vision to reposition their portfolio for future stability and growth. The company’s transition has been underscored by several key acquisitions and disposals, demonstrating…

Beacon Foods, a prominent UK-based supplier of ingredients and ready-to-eat products, has been awarded the title of best business in Powys at the 2024 Powys Business Awards.Founded in 1993, this family-owned company has been at the forefront of the food industry, consistently demonstrating excellence in growth and innovation.Over its 31-year history, Beacon Foods has transformed from a humble start-up into an industry leader. Operating from a 53,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Brecon, the company now employs 130 individuals. This growth has not only solidified its position in the market but also exemplified its commitment to excellence and sustainability. The…

Plans have emerged to convert the Kingsway Hotel and pub in Widnes into nine residential apartments. This proposal promises to redefine the current use of the space, addressing local housing needs.Bradford-based Qadria Properties is driving the vision to transform the existing hotel and pub, ensuring that the new apartments comply with National Space Standards. The proposal awaits decisive action from the local council.Proposed Conversion DetailsPlans have been submitted to Halton Borough Council with the intention of transforming the Kingsway Hotel and pub situated in Widnes into a residential apartment block consisting of nine flats. Submitted by the Bradford-based company, Qadria…

This year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine recognises Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their pioneering discovery of microRNA. Their work has unveiled crucial insights into gene regulation, a process integral to how genes influence cellular behaviour.The Nobel Committee honoured their groundbreaking research on Monday in Sweden, affirming the pivotal role of microRNA in post-transcriptional gene regulation. This discovery has reshaped our understanding of genetic expression.Ambros and Ruvkun’s work on microRNA represents a fundamental shift in our comprehension of genetic regulation. By identifying microRNA’s function in managing gene activity, they uncovered an entirely new dimension of gene regulation. This…

Over 500,000 small businesses in the UK have vanished since 2020. The pandemic has severely impacted self-employment and one-person companies.This unprecedented decline in the small business sector highlights the urgent need for economic strategies to foster growth and reform.Significant Decline in Private SectorThe number of private sector businesses fell by 56,000 to 5.5 million in 2024. This marks a substantial loss since 2020, emphasising the economic pressures on small enterprises. The drop is primarily due to a reduction in self-employed individuals and one-person companies, signalling a shift in the business landscape.The role of self-employment and one-person consultancies has decreased, primarily…

Economic forecasts often grapple with accuracy, especially in unpredictable climates. However, recent trends show a stabilising economy.Despite initial fears, the United States is showcasing economic resilience with strong employment rates and stabilised inflation.Forecasting the economy in today’s fast-paced environment presents significant challenges. With the advent of social media and 24-hour news cycles, predictions are becoming more complex. In this era, the once-established methods for measuring and predicting economic progress have been disrupted, particularly due to unforeseen events such as pandemics. This has led to notable surprises in economic outcomes.The stock market has shown impressive resilience by achieving consecutive record highs.…

The UK has rolled out a mandatory bank transfer fraud refund scheme, making it the first country to do so. The scheme, led by the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR), aims to tackle authorised push payment (APP) fraud by reimbursing victims up to £85,000 per claim. This move is part of broader efforts to combat rising online fraud cases.Effective from this week, more than 1,500 banks, fintechs, and payment firms in the UK are required to participate in the new fraud refund scheme. Under this initiative, victims of authorised push payment fraud will be eligible for reimbursements up to £85,000 per…

A recent incident at Walmart has underscored the effectiveness of AI-powered surveillance systems in retail environments. This event, captured on video, highlights the evolving measures taken by retailers to combat shoplifting.Their AI surveillance effectively identified a woman’s attempt to discretely shoplift, illustrating the potential of technology in real-time theft prevention. This video attracted a significant online audience, with over 2.2 million views, while also raising questions regarding privacy and the potential for false accusations.The video shows the woman scanning select items at a self-checkout before slipping a backpack into her bag without payment. Upon detection, the AI system triggered a…

Kubus, an IT support specialist based in Cirencester, has recently secured a £9 million investment from BGF to propel its growth.This significant funding will serve as a catalyst for Kubus’s expansion, enabling the firm to boost innovation and enhance its global market presence.Strategic Investment for ExpansionKubus, a Cirencester-based IT support firm, has secured a significant investment of £9 million from BGF, a growth capital investor. This strategic funding will be primarily leveraged to accelerate Kubus’s aggressive expansion plans in the global market. By strengthening its financial base, Kubus aims to enhance its capabilities in providing IT infrastructure solutions to its…