Author: Sam Allcock

Sainsbury’s leads the UK supermarket industry with its introduction of peat-free mushrooms, marking a significant step towards sustainability.These innovative mushrooms, developed by Monaghan, utilise a casing made from natural recycled materials rather than peat.The elimination of peat in mushroom cultivation aims to reduce carbon emissions equivalent to over 2,600 cars annually.The new mushrooms, which are firmer, whiter, and have a longer shelf life, are now available in over 200 stores.Sainsbury’s move aligns with broader industry trends and environmental commitments, including the National Trust’s restrictions and future government policy.In a pioneering move, Sainsbury’s has become the first UK supermarket to introduce…

A landmark transaction has taken place in Leeds as Central Square is acquired by Ashtrom Properties UK for £78m.This marks the city’s largest office deal in over five years.The purchase enhances Ashtrom’s strategic presence in the UK’s regional markets.Central Square features 217,249 sq ft of office space and 13,126 sq ft of retail units.The acquisition underscores the growing demand for prime office assets in regional UK cities.A significant development in Leeds’ commercial property sector has occurred with the sale of the Central Square building to Ashtrom Properties UK for £78 million. This transaction represents the largest office acquisition in the…

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the role of IT leaders in education has never been more critical. As technology continues to reshape industries and job markets, these leaders are at the forefront of transforming how students learn and prepare for the future. From STEM fields to AI and esports, the possibilities are endless. But delivering these opportunities to students requires careful planning, collaboration, and a commitment to future-proofing technology investments. Bridging Education and Technology: The Role of IT Leaders One of the primary goals of education is to prepare students for future careers, and IT leaders have a key…

High-rise development proposed in Birmingham city centre.Project includes two mixed-use towers with residential and student apartments.The towers will be located at 1 Lancaster Circus, a former council site.Proposed amenities include green spaces and community facilities.The development aims to revitalise the Gun Quarter area.Plans have been submitted for the construction of two prominent towers in Birmingham, located at the former Birmingham City Council office site at 1 Lancaster Circus. These twin towers are set to redefine the city skyline, standing at 41 and 48 storeys respectively.The proposed development will house a total of 900 residential apartments and 700 student units, a…

As we strive for success in life and business, having a sharp and healthy brain is essential. Good ideas, hard work, and smart decision-making are all rooted in the well-being of your brain. But how can you assess whether your brain is aging gracefully, or if you need to make changes to ensure it stays sharp? According to neuroscience research, there’s a deceptively simple question that could provide insight into your brain’s health: How old do you feel? The Link Between Feeling Young and Brain Health When it comes to aging, the difference between your actual age and how old…

The United States is facing an increasing wildfire threat, driven by a seemingly innocuous but ubiquitous culprit: grass. While often considered harmless, grass is proving to be a powerful accelerant for fast-moving and destructive wildfires. Experts warn that this risk is escalating due to climate change and shifting environmental conditions. The Hidden Danger of Grass Grass is as common as sunlight, thriving in nearly every environment across the US. Under dry and windy conditions, it acts like a natural accelerant for wildfires. According to Adam Mahood, a research ecologist with the US Department of Agriculture, grass can survive almost anywhere.…

Despite revenue growth, Centrica’s Hive has reported significant losses for 2023.Hive experienced a £28.2m pre-tax loss in 2023, exceeding its 2022 losses.Despite increased revenue from £49.8m in 2022 to £62.3m in 2023, profitability remains elusive for Hive.Centrica’s broad energy management ambitions continue despite financial challenges at Hive.Centrica showed strong results in other sectors, with British Gas Energy profits rising significantly.Despite a noteworthy increase in revenue, Hive, the smart home devices brand under Centrica’s ownership, has recorded a substantial pre-tax loss of £28.2m for 2023. This marks a rise from the £25.6m loss experienced in 2022, highlighting the brand’s ongoing financial…

Technological issues are becoming a significant barrier to employee productivity and wellbeing.A recent study highlights how system crashes, slow performance, and connectivity issues affect workplace performance.Hardware issues account for 60% of IT support queries, causing significant disruption.Software-related challenges represent nearly a quarter of IT support requests, with installation difficulties and errors being common.The integration of proactive tech support solutions can significantly enhance employee satisfaction and productivity.Lakeside Software’s research based on 500 IT help desk enquiries reveals that technology issues are a major hindrance to employee efficiency and satisfaction. Employees rely on functional technology for productivity, so failures result in missed…

John West, renowned for its canned tuna, faces financial challenges, reporting a pre-tax loss for the first time since 2010.The company recorded a pre-tax loss of £6.7m in 2023, a significant drop from a £2m profit in 2022.The Liverpool-based brand attempted to handle rising global commodity costs by implementing price increases, which did not succeed.Despite turnover increasing to £134.5m, gross profit decreased significantly due to strategic pricing decisions.The decision to not transfer all inflationary costs to consumers aimed to protect the brand’s market presence.John West, a company known for its canned fish products, has announced a pre-tax loss for the…

Starting and growing a business is more than just having a great idea and tapping into market demand. Many aspiring entrepreneurs quickly realize that the foundation of a successful business lies in understanding the basics, something that isn’t always instinctive. While mentoring new founders, I’ve discovered that the hardest questions are often the simplest, like “Where do I start?” Without the right knowledge, running a business can be a daunting task. If you’re serious about creating a successful venture, it’s essential to arm yourself with the basics before diving in. Below are seven key business principles, inspired by Bill McBean’s…