Author: Sam Allcock

Sam Allcock is a seasoned entrepreneur and passionate storyteller with a keen eye for emerging trends and viral phenomena. With over a decade of experience in the business world, Sam has successfully launched several startups that blend innovation with creativity. At 88com.net, he brings his expertise in curating compelling content that captures the zeitgeist of our digital age. When he's not exploring the latest trends, Sam enjoys connecting with his audience and sharing insights that inspire and inform. Join him on a journey through the stories that are shaping our world today!

Plans are underway to redevelop two vacant office buildings in Chester into luxury apartments.Blueoak Estates aims to turn Tower House and Charterhall House into 176 high-end flats.The project is described as Blueoak Estates’ ‘largest and most ambitious’ venture to date.Sustainability is a core focus, with the use of eco-friendly materials and technologies.Communal amenities will include a gym, cinema room, and rooftop garden.Plans have been unveiled to transform two prominent unused office buildings in Chester into luxury apartments. The developer, Blueoak Estates, is looking to redevelop Tower House and Charterhall House into a total of 176 high-end flats, marking the most…

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John Lewis has reintroduced personal loans, signalling an expansion of its financial offerings.The department store chain now partners with Zopa to offer loans of £1,000 to £35,000.Loans can be obtained online and are available within two hours.This revival follows John Lewis ending its partnership with HSBC in 2022.Currys has also enhanced its credit options, echoing a trend in retail.John Lewis has reintroduced personal loans for its customers in collaboration with digital bank Zopa. This move represents a significant expansion of the store’s financial services, enabling customers to borrow between £1,000 and £35,000. The loans can be accessed through the John…

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B&Q collaborates with Neighbourly for their annual Community Days.The initiative involves 311 B&Q stores in the UK and Ireland.Each store provides volunteers and up to £1,000 worth of materials for local projects.Since 2019, B&Q has supported over 2,000 local causes through this initiative.Community Reuse programme reduces waste and aids local groups with surplus materials.B&Q has partnered with Neighbourly to launch their annual Community Days initiative, a programme involving all 311 stores across the United Kingdom and Ireland. This forward-thinking volunteer scheme encourages B&Q employees to leverage their skills and resources for local causes. Each store assembles a team of volunteers…

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Fashion brand Plaza Collection is poised for significant growth with a £7 million investment.The company plans to establish a new headquarters in Salford, promising an expansion of its operations.Plaza Collection intends to create an additional 50 job opportunities as part of this initiative.The new HQ will include offices, a showroom, and a warehouse, enhancing operational capacity.Salford City Council is currently reviewing the planning application with an expected decision by year-end.Fashion brand Plaza Collection is making strategic strides to bolster its operations with a significant £7 million investment. This move aims to establish a new headquarters in Salford, marking an evolution…

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The Glasswater Locks scheme in Birmingham has reached a new construction height with a recent topping out ceremony, marking a significant development milestone.The development will deliver 762 apartments and is revitalising a three-acre brownfield site by the Digbeth Branch Canal.Residents will benefit from public spaces and modern amenities alongside 20,000 sq ft of commercial space, enriched by pedestrian and cycle routes.A comprehensive local jobs and skills programme has provided accredited training to 122 individuals and employment for 51 locals, spearheaded by St Joseph alongside community partners.The tallest of the six blocks, Glasswater Tower, stands at 37 storeys, symbolising the project’s…

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The historic Queens Court Hotel in Exeter has been acquired by a family-run business, marking a new chapter in its storied existence.New ownership comes from the Harries-Jones family, known for their operation of the Galaxie Hotel in Oxford.The hotel, a Grade II listed property near key Exeter transport links, features 20 guest rooms and currently operates as a bed and breakfast.The sale was handled by business property specialists Christie & Co, and generated considerable competitive interest.The new owners plan to integrate the hotel into a broader strategy of expanding unique accommodation offerings across the UK.The Queens Court Hotel, a prominent…

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The industrial property market in Wales witnessed a notable decline in Q3, with large industrial space registration dropping significantly.Knight Frank reports a reduction in take-up from 680,000 to 342,000 sq ft between Q2 and Q3 of this year.Five leasehold agreements contributed to the Q3 statistics, predominantly influenced by slower market conditions.The ongoing demand for prime spaces drives headline rents up despite a cautious market.Future prospects remain optimistic with notable transactions anticipated for Q4.The industrial property sector in Wales experienced a significant decline in large space acquisitions during the third quarter (Q3) of this year, as highlighted by Knight Frank’s recent…

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Ignite accelerator has been pivotal in driving growth for UK’s start-ups, culminating in £100m exits.Newcastle-based Ignite has supported over 500 founders since 2011 through its programmes.The accelerator’s alumni have collectively raised more than £200m in early-stage funding.Successful business exits include GridFinder, Writefull, and Guardian Angel.Ignite continues to promote innovation through extensive national programmes.Ignite accelerator, a pivotal institution for nurturing start-ups, has seen its alumni achieve notable success by surpassing £100m in total business exits. This milestone underscores Ignite’s significant role in fostering early-stage start-ups throughout the UK.Since its launch in 2011, Newcastle-based Ignite has played a crucial part in the…

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The relocation of a tech firm to Birmingham’s newly refurbished Billiards Building marks a significant development in the city’s business district.A prominent tech company has finalised a new office lease, highlighting Birmingham’s appeal for major firms.The deal involves a comprehensive ten-year lease for prime office space, demonstrating confidence in the area’s continued growth.Previously based nearby, the company will now occupy the seventh floor of the updated Billiards Building on Edmund Street.This move reflects the increasing demand for quality office environments with top amenities in the corporate sector.A leading tech firm has decided to relocate its Birmingham operations to the newly…

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The latest endeavour at Chester Zoo sees a groundbreaking collaboration with Manchester’s Flipbook Studio.A unique multi-screen immersive experience entitled BEASTS has been unveiled for the zoo’s Super-Natural Halloween event.The production is notable for its use of immersive floor projections and 360-degree visual displays, captivating audiences.Scripted by Dr. Jess French, the BEASTS experience links to the fantasy novel Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain.Beyond entertainment, the initiative supports conservation efforts at Chester Zoo, highlighting the importance of species that are often misunderstood.Flipbook Studio has embarked on a novel project in partnership with Chester Zoo, aligning with the zoo’s Super-Natural Halloween event to…

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