Author: Dave Antrobus

SleepCogni, a medtech company based in Sheffield, has successfully raised £300,000 in a strategic funding round.The fresh capital injection was backed by existing investors and grants, bringing the company’s total funding to £3.9 million.This financial boost precedes a larger funding round anticipated in 2025, facilitating major milestones such as CE and FCC approvals.Long-term investor Mark Milton-Edwards has rejoined the team as a non-executive director to aid global commercialisation efforts.Joseph Hawkins, who has a strong background in machine learning and NHS collaborations, has been appointed as chief operating officer.SleepCogni, a Sheffield-based medtech firm focusing on insomnia treatments, has recently attracted £300,000…

Read More

Leeds-based consultancy Propaganda resumes its role with CLOUD NINE.CLOUD NINE celebrates 15 years with ambitious growth plans.Propaganda initially helped to create CLOUD NINE in 2009.No pitch was needed for this significant appointment.CLOUD NINE’s CEO and Propaganda express enthusiasm about the renewed partnership.Leeds-based brand consultancy Propaganda has been reappointed by CLOUD NINE, the renowned hair styling brand, as its lead marketing and creative agency. This move signifies a reunion for the two entities, as Propaganda was instrumental in establishing CLOUD NINE in 2009. The seven-figure account, which was previously managed by IMA Home, was handed over to Propaganda without the traditional…

Read More

The brand and digital experience agency Tall has extended its partnership with Prolific North for another year.Prolific North partners with key players in the creative and digital sector to advance its goals.Collaboration includes events, interviews, and thought leadership articles.Tall’s Guy Utley emphasises the value of staying connected with the creative industry.Tall aims for significant growth in 2025 with strategic hires.Tall, a prominent agency in Leeds, has renewed its collaboration with Prolific North for the third year, highlighting a commitment to strengthening ties with the creative sectors of the North. This renewal signifies Tall’s continued engagement with initiatives that promote the…

Read More

A recent study reveals a significant shift in Christmas food preferences among Gen Z and Millennials, with traditional dishes losing favour.Aldi’s recent research, conducted among 2,000 adults celebrating Christmas, uncovers a notable trend: younger generations, specifically Gen Z and Millennials, are increasingly opting for plant-based meals and globally inspired dishes over traditional Christmas foods.According to the poll, 78% of those born in 1996 or later express a preference for more modern festive meals, steering away from classic options such as Christmas pudding and mince pies. The survey highlights that 54% of Millennials and Gen Z feel traditional dishes require a…

Read More

Verifyyed, a Beverly Hills-based startup, is set to list on the London Stock Exchange after a £97m acquisition by Acceler8 Ventures.The deal involves suspending Acceler8’s current listing to raise £10-20m in growth capital, followed by relisting as Verifyyed.David Williams, Chairman of Acceler8, expressed enthusiasm about supporting Verifyyed’s growth and development.Director of Verifyyed, David van Herwaarde, highlighted the milestone as a strategic move to access growth capital.Verifyyed operates in the $8 billion sync and royalty industry, aiming to enhance transparency and revenue for rights holders.A California-based startup, Verifyyed, is slated for a significant move to list on the London Stock Exchange.…

Read More

For the ninth consecutive year, the community-focused Christmas hampers initiative is back, providing much-needed support to those in need.A long-standing tradition continues as community Christmas hampers return for another year. This initiative has proven essential in spreading festive cheer and practical support to individuals and families who need it most. Throughout the past five years, an impressive 20,000 hampers have been distributed to various communities across the country.This year, stores, including franchise locations, are once again provided with a budget to create these hampers. The reach of this project extends beyond the stores, with colleagues from distribution centres and head…

Read More

Recent survey data has highlighted a significant shift in Christmas food preferences among Generation Z and Millennials, as they increasingly move away from traditional festive dishes.A poll conducted among 2,000 Christmas-celebrating adults reveals that 78% of those born in 1996 or later are leaning towards plant-based meals and globally inspired dishes for their seasonal feasts. This trend signifies a departure from conventional Christmas fare, with more modern culinary preferences taking the forefront.The study found that 54% of Millennials and Gen Z participants feel that traditional Christmas dishes require modernisation in order to remain appealing. Among the least favoured festive treats…

Read More

Shein is potentially seeking an exemption from UK listing rules.The company aims to sell less than 10% of its shares in a London IPO.Such a move would mark a first since the 2021 rule introduction.The IPO valuation could reach £5.20bn ($6.6bn).Regulatory challenges focus on supply chain compliance.Shein, a prominent name in fast fashion, is reportedly considering appealing to UK regulators to bypass a listing requirement that mandates the sale of at least 10% of shares to the public in its anticipated London initial public offering (IPO). This ambitious move, according to insider sources, is intended to facilitate Shein’s entry into…

Read More

Urban Splash reveals visionary plans for Swansea’s urban transformation.A new dual-language brand, ‘City on the Beach’, is launched to engage Swansea locals.Key sites targeted include Swansea Central, Civic Centre, and Hafod Copperworks.Innovative use of sustainable materials and digital assets in marketing campaign.Strategic partnership with Swansea Council builds on 30 years of experience.Urban Splash, a renowned regeneration company based in Manchester, has unveiled ambitious plans for Swansea, showcasing its commitment to innovative urban development. With a newly launched dual-language initiative called ‘City on the Beach’, the company hopes to connect with the local community and invite collaboration on the city’s regeneration.The…

Read More

Spar North of England has revolutionised its meal deal offerings with the introduction of a new £5 ‘premium’ selection, marking a major update to its lunchtime options.The revamped meal deal from Spar gives customers the opportunity to enjoy a variety of main courses including hot food, sushi, and deli baguettes, alongside a snack and a drink, all priced at £5. This new option runs concurrently with the existing standard meal deal priced at £4.25, which offers pre-packaged Spar sandwiches, wraps, pasta pots, and salad pots with a snack and a drink.In addition to the new premium option, Spar has expanded…

Read More