Author: Sam Allcock

The remote work revolution has profoundly reshaped how we work and interact.With less face-to-face interaction, evolving human skills have become essential.Emotional intelligence, empathy, and adaptability are gaining importance.Learning and development programmes play a crucial role in fostering these skills.Strong organisational culture is vital for maintaining team cohesion remotely.The transition to remote and hybrid work environments has dramatically altered workplace dynamics. The decline of traditional office settings has diminished spontaneous interactions like casual kitchen conversations and informal learning, raising concerns about the erosion of crucial soft skills. These skills, essential for teamwork and leadership, are adapting to fit new digital landscapes.As…

Asda strengthens its alliance with Too Good To Go, rolling out a food redistribution initiative to almost 1,000 sites from September. The partnership will cover a wide array of locations, including supermarkets and renowned food service chains within Asda stores.Customers can purchase ‘Surprise Bags’ via the Too Good To Go app, receiving surplus food items at a fraction of the original cost.Asda’s trial runs were successful, saving over two million kilograms of food since 2021.The initiative aligns with Asda’s broader commitment to reducing food waste and sustainable practices.Asda has announced the extension of its partnership with Too Good To Go,…

Mulberry is navigating significant financial challenges this year.The luxury brand reported a pre-tax loss of £34.1m for 2024, a sharp fall from the previous year’s £13.2m profit.Group revenue fell 4% due to a tough second half, with UK and Asia Pacific sales particularly impacted.Despite setbacks, international sales saw an 8% rise due to growth in Sweden, the US, Australia, and New Zealand.Mulberry plans to raise over £10m to stabilise finances, with strategic reviews underway.Mulberry, a name synonymous with British luxury, is facing unprecedented financial difficulty, culminating in a reported pre-tax loss of £34.1 million for the 52-week period ending 30…

The latest review by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) reveals a notable decline in the number of complaints concerning barristers’ social media activities. This decrease, unexpected by the board, occurs amidst a rise in reports linked to contentious social and political topics.The review, covering the year leading to 31 March 2024, was presented at the recent BSB board meeting. It highlighted enhancements in productivity, timeliness, and response rates across various operational areas. Crucially, despite fewer complaints, a growing fraction addresses the intersection of barristers’ commentary and controversial issues.Of the complaints filed, many have stalled at preliminary assessment stages due to…

Bellway Homes has teamed up with Hunsley Primary School in Brough to help boost biodiversity around the school grounds. The homebuilder, currently developing properties in the nearby Palmer’s Grange estate, has donated 50 wildflower seed bombs to the school’s Eco-Team as part of an effort to rewild areas of the site. The donation is intended to support the school’s environmental initiative, encouraging the growth of native wildflowers, which are crucial for attracting pollinating insects such as bees. As pollinator numbers continue to decline globally, the school’s project aims to create habitats that foster these essential species. Emma Fitton-Cook, sales manager…

Chinese President Xi Jinping awarded the nation’s highest state honour, the Medal of the Republic, to 93-year-old Huang Zongde during a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Sunday. Huang, a decorated military veteran who enlisted in the Chinese People’s Liberation Army at the age of 17, was recognised for his nearly four decades of service, bravery, and dedication. His long military career has earned him numerous accolades over the years, but the Medal of the Republic stands as the pinnacle of his achievements. The ceremony was part of a broader recognition of 15 individuals who…

Manchester is spearheading AI and deep technology growth in the UK by fostering a robust tech ecosystem with strategic collaboration and investment.The city’s tech firms saw £532 million in investment in 2022, with significant growth expected by 2029.Greater Manchester received $57 million in AI investments in 2023, benefiting from a national surge in funding.Collaboration between universities and tech companies strengthens Manchester’s talent pipeline and innovation capabilities.The strategic development of Manchester’s tech ecosystem positions it as a leader in addressing complex challenges with AI.Manchester has positioned itself at the forefront of the UK’s AI and technology scene, primarily through its deliberate…

Alteri Investors, former owner of Missguided, is considering the acquisition of luxury footwear retailer Kurt Geiger.The discussions are currently in initial stages and open to multiple parties, not conducted exclusively.Cinven seeks an approximate £400 million from the sale of Kurt Geiger, having owned it since 2015.Kurt Geiger has posted significant profits recently, in contrast to a struggling luxury market.Bank of America is managing the auction process for Kurt Geiger, attracting various buyout firms and luxury groups.Alteri Investors, known for having previously owned Missguided, is exploring the possibility of acquiring the well-regarded luxury footwear brand Kurt Geiger. These discussions, according to…

In celebration of World Voice Day, Explorance, a leader in feedback analytics solutions, has initiated a new survey aimed at empowering students and employees to voice their challenges in providing feedback within educational and workplace environments. This initiative seeks to foster courageous conversations that contribute to creating safe spaces for dialogue in higher education and the professional sector. World Voice Day, celebrated annually, highlights the significance of voice as a powerful tool for change in our lives. It promotes the idea that everyone should feel encouraged to express their thoughts and opinions, especially on issues that matter to them. On…

Prince William and Princess Catherine are reportedly quite comfortable sharing their Norfolk residence, Amner Hall, with a ghost from the 16th century. The revelation comes from paranormal historian Richard Felix, who discusses the haunting in the new film The King of UFOs, currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. According to Felix, the couple embraces the supernatural, having experienced paranormal phenomena in their home. Felix states, “Most of the Royal properties are old, ancient. All houses where men have lived and died are haunted houses. Their buildings have history beyond anything. All of their properties have ghosts in them. They know…