Author: Dave Antrobus

Employers are struggling to comprehend their employees’ health and wellbeing needs, with over half admitting to a lack of understanding.Only 44% of employers confidently understand their employees’ financial needs, according to research.A meagre 43% of employers grasp their employees’ mental health requirements effectively.Just 42% of employers have a clear viewpoint of their employees’ physical health and wellbeing.Communication between employers and employees is crucial to improving workplace support.Employers are facing significant challenges in understanding the comprehensive health and wellbeing needs of their employees. According to recent research by Towergate Health & Protection, a substantial 58% of employers admit they lack a…

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The financial stability of UK renters is under threat from unexpected illness, with nearly a third facing potential eviction.Many renters admit that illness would compromise their ability to pay rent, with only 14% confident of managing beyond three months.Research highlights renters’ lack of preparedness for financial shocks, with only 28% able to withstand prolonged illness.Borrowing from family, dipping into savings, and using short-term finance are common strategies renters might deploy.Despite the risks, few renters utilise insurance protection, raising concerns over rental security.Recent findings from LifeSearch disclose that a significant portion of UK renters are perilously close to financial instability due…

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The trend of UK workers taking on second jobs is on the rise, driven by ongoing financial pressures.Recent data from the Office for National Statistics highlights a 9% increase in multiple jobholders from April to June 2024 compared to the previous year.Sterling, a background screening firm, warns of the challenges this trend poses for employers unprepared for the shift in employment dynamics.Employers may face risks such as productivity issues and potential breaches of confidentiality due to dual employments.Adjustments in hiring and screening processes are becoming crucial to manage the emerging workforce landscape effectively.The prevalence of UK employees seeking additional employment…

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Public wifi networks, though convenient, pose significant security risks, especially with the rise in remote working.The rampant availability of public wifi networks leaves personal and sensitive data exposed to cyber threats.Unencrypted networks can easily fall prey to hackers eager to collect banking and login information.Employees working remotely are particularly at risk from malware and man-in-the-middle attacks.Implementing safety measures such as VPNs, firewalls, and cautious network choices can help protect your data.Public wifi’s ease of access has made it a staple for many, especially as remote work has become commonplace. However, this convenience comes at a cost to your personal security.…

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London Fashion Week marks its 40th anniversary with a nationwide celebration, extending events beyond the capital for the first time.The British Fashion Council’s City Wide Celebration will feature over 1,000 activities throughout September, open to the public.For the first time, the programme extends to Manchester and Newcastle, showcasing the best of British culture.Events will kick off in renowned shopping locations such as Covent Garden, Selfridges, and Fenwick.Key experiences include limited edition prints, exclusive publications, and dynamic performances that merge fashion with the arts.The British Fashion Council (BFC) celebrates the landmark 40th anniversary of London Fashion Week with a broadened reach,…

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In a remarkable development within the legal tech sector, Chris Scantlebury, a former conveyancer, has raised £850,000 for a specialised client onboarding tool.The new tool, designed specifically for the conveyancing industry, has already onboarded 2,200 clients since its mid-July launch. This accomplishment highlights the tool’s potential to streamline the conveyancing process considerably.Chris Scantlebury, co-founder and director of the new project, emphasises his decade-long experience at the forefront of conveyancing. Drawing from this, he created a solution tailored specifically to the unique requirements of this sector. Unlike general onboarding tools, this product offers a comprehensive approach involving automated client onboarding and…

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Amidst a significant rise in UK insolvencies, litigation funder Manolete reports its most favourable trading conditions in years, despite a notable share price decline.The UK is seeing its highest level of insolvencies in three decades, driven by increased interest rates, geopolitical tensions, and the withdrawal of governmental financial support after the COVID-19 pandemic. Manolete, a litigation funding company, has labelled these conditions as the most advantageous since its inception in 2009, although its decision to forgo dividend payments has led to a nearly 10% drop in share price.Steven Cooklin, Chief Executive, noted the transformation of the insolvency landscape, commenting on…

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The John Lewis Partnership plans a significant development in Reading, transforming a former warehouse site into rental housing.The project involves an investment of over £80 million to develop 215 homes and 6,000 sq ft of amenity space.The proposed site is opposite the Oracle shopping centre, with a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom rental properties.This initiative is part of a £500 million joint venture to build about 1,000 homes in London and Reading.Construction of the Reading project is expected to begin in 2026, pending approval, with occupancy in 2028.The John Lewis Partnership has formally submitted a planning application to Reading…

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ScubaTx raises £1.4m to advance organ preservation technology in Manchester.The new Manchester office marks a significant growth step for the Newcastle-based company.ScubaTx leverages ‘persufflation’ to extend the viability of donated organs.The firm aims to harness Manchester’s scientific expertise and foster new partnerships.The GMC Life Sciences Fund is a major backer, accelerating ScubaTx’s innovation.ScubaTx, a prominent life sciences company, has secured £1.4m to further its groundbreaking work in organ preservation technology. This funding round, led by Praetura Ventures’ GMC Life Sciences Fund, comes on the heels of a successful £1.5m funding round last year.The opening of a new office in Manchester…

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The trend of purchasing restaurant-branded products in supermarkets is rapidly growing, driven by several key factors.Supermarkets are increasingly offering restaurant-branded products like Franco Manca pizzas and Itsu meals, with Ocado reporting a 51% sales surge.Financial pressures urge consumers to opt for budget-friendly ‘fakeaways’, contributing to rising sales of restaurant-branded goods at home.Zizzi and Leon highlight the appeal of bringing restaurant-quality experiences into homes at more affordable rates.Nando’s and Wasabi are expanding their grocery offerings, introducing exclusive products to attract new customers.Supermarkets across the United Kingdom are seeing a significant increase in the sale of restaurant-branded products, commonly known as ‘fakeaways’.…

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