Author: Dave Antrobus

Woolmark has outlined a bold new sustainability programme named Woolmark+, aimed at transforming the wool industry towards more eco-friendly practices. The initiative encompasses 13 science-based strategies to promote regeneration, cut emissions, and boost productivity. It emphasises uniting wool producers, the supply chain, and brands to achieve environmental and economic goals. One key innovation is insetting, a nature-based solution contrasting traditional carbon offsetting. The programme seeks to elevate the industry beyond the narrow focus of emission reduction, aiming for broader ecological benefits.Woolmark has announced a forward-thinking initiative titled Woolmark+, designed to lead the wool sector towards enhanced sustainability and improved livelihoods…

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Generation Z’s entry to the workforce is altering the landscape, bringing both challenges and opportunities.82% of managers believe Gen Z lacks essential soft skills, impacting workplace communication.Online training can unlock Gen Z’s potential, turning digital skills into business strengths.Investing in training is crucial for employee engagement and reducing attrition among Gen Z hires.Offering Gen Z opportunities to grow and diversify skills can lead to a more flexible workforce.As Generation Z begins to enter the workforce, anticipated to make up 27% by 2025, their distinct perspectives and priorities are reshaping workplace dynamics. However, a significant number of managers, about 82%, express…

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Shares of productivity software provider Getbusy fell by nearly 11% following disappointing half-year results.Annual recurring revenue for Getbusy saw a modest increase of less than £1 million, totalling £21 million by June 2024.The company’s net cash reserves significantly decreased to £0.2 million from £1.7 million the previous year.Despite a rise in adjusted EBITDA, Getbusy experienced a slight decline in paying users, attributing it to legacy business churn.The company aims to focus on higher value customers and anticipates future growth amidst current exchange rate pressures.Shares in Getbusy, a provider of productivity software, experienced a sharp decline, dropping nearly 11% after the…

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In recent studies, younger Londoners are emerging as the primary force driving the return to office environments.Research indicates that London, although behind Paris, sees significant attendance from Gen Z employees, compared to their older counterparts.Physical presence in offices remains under pre-pandemic levels globally, even as younger workers highlight its benefits for collaboration.The UK government’s push for flexible working is juxtaposed with increasing office mandates, illustrating a shift in work culture attitudes.Incentives like subsidised commutes in Paris suggest strategies to boost office attendance, aiming to rejuvenate economic interaction.A comprehensive survey spanning major cities, including London, Paris, and New York, revealed divergent…

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In a pioneering effort to reduce carbon emissions, a distinguished City law firm is spearheading a low-carbon service by encouraging its lawyers to e-sign agreements that forgo printing documents. This initiative, developed for the Government Legal Department (GLD), marks a significant step towards sustainability in legal services, spearheaded by Caroline Connolly, the environmental sustainability manager at the firm.During an extensive four-month project, the firm collaborated with Defra Legal Advisers, integrating efforts across five teams, while employing dashboards to streamline communication and reduce email usage. The project involved approximately 40 lawyers who embraced a hybrid working model, spending 40% of their…

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Gymshark is set to open its first permanent store outside the UK in Dubai Mall, signalling a strategic expansion move for the British activewear brand.Following successful openings in London and Westfield Stratford City, Gymshark’s new Dubai store is expected to open by the end of 2024.The store will be located on the ground floor of Dubai Mall, which hosts over 54 million visitors annually, enhancing Gymshark’s reach within a thriving market.Gymshark’s expansion aligns with its increased focus on omnichannel strategies, including a dual-language portal and expedited shipping in the Middle East.Partnership with Al Tayer Insignia bolsters Gymshark’s regional presence, capitalising…

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A recent survey reveals the mental health challenges faced by hybrid workers.42% of hybrid workers report work negatively affects their mental wellbeing.Hybrid working, while flexible, demands better support for employees.Generational differences impact perceptions of workplace mental health support.There is an urgent need for tailored wellbeing initiatives across all work arrangements.A new survey by leading employee benefits and engagement partner, Pluxee UK, highlights the mental health challenges faced by hybrid workers. According to the findings, 42% of hybrid workers report that work negatively affects their mental wellbeing, a stark contrast to 32% of fully remote and 30% of fully office-based employees.…

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In a recent Court of Appeal decision, a claim form filed by a litigant in person against her former solicitors was deemed improperly filed, leading to the case’s dismissal.The High Court did not ‘receive’ a claim form from Jian Guo, who sought to sue Lancaster-based law firm Oglethorpe, Sturton & Gillibrand. Lady Justice Asplin outlined that the email attachment of a claim form, without a fee remission certificate, was insufficient and comparable to merely handing documents to court staff without proper filing.Ms Guo’s attempts to file the claim in August 2021 were fraught with issues. Initially, she emailed the court…

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A recent social media poll conducted by Mark Cuban has revealed unexpected results regarding role models for children.Despite being a critic of Donald Trump, Cuban’s poll showed the former president as a preferred figure over Kamala Harris.Out of over 800,000 votes, 68.9% favoured Trump while only 31.1% chose Harris.The poll’s outcome sparked widespread discussions and reactions on social media.Some comments reignited controversial discussions about Harris’ political rise.Mark Cuban’s recent social media poll posed a thought-provoking question to his 8.8 million followers: “Whose persona and character would you like to see young children grow up to have?” The options provided were…

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Eton College has announced a 20% increase in tuition fees, effective January 2025, as a result of new VAT charges on private education.The annual cost for attending Eton will rise from £52,749 to over £63,000, placing significant financial pressure on many families.This decision follows the government’s policy to apply VAT on private school fees, aimed at generating additional funds for state education.Eton and other independent schools, including Alleyn’s and Stowe, have expressed concerns about the potential for driving students to the state sector.Parents now face urgent decisions regarding their children’s education, with private schools requiring a term’s notice for pupil…

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