Author: Sam Allcock

Jones AV, an operating theatre technology firm, secures major investment for expansion.The company, based in Wirral, has been awarded a ‘significant six-figure’ backing.River Capital provides this investment to boost the tech specialist’s innovation.Jones AV aims to enhance its proprietary software with the new funding.This growth will create six additional jobs within the year.Jones AV, a Wirral-based company specialising in audio-visual technology for operating theatres, has received a ‘significant six-figure investment’ from River Capital. Founded in 2008 by Director Ingo Aicher, Jones AV has established itself as a pioneer in medical audio-visual integration, with its technology currently installed in over 600…

Cornish Lithium’s Trelavour pit receives ‘project of national significance’ status, enhancing UK’s domestic lithium supply.The mine is set to produce 25,000 tonnes of lithium annually by 2030 for electric vehicle batteries.Ministerial oversight aims to fast-track planning approval, reducing reliance on imports.This initiative supports the shift towards electric vehicles, with a target of 100% EVs by 2035.Cornish Lithium could fulfil over half of UK’s lithium needs, supporting various technologies.Cornish Lithium’s Trelavour pit has been designated a “project of national significance,” a decision that accelerates its planning process by placing it under ministerial oversight instead of local authorities. This move recognises the…

The Trelavour pit, operated by Cornish Lithium, receives special status to enhance the UK’s electric vehicle ambitions.Cornish Lithium aims to supply 25,000 tonnes of lithium per year by 2030 to support domestic EV battery production.The site has been classified as a ‘project of national significance,’ accelerating the planning approval with ministerial oversight.Lithium from Cornwall could reduce UK reliance on imports, lowering both costs and carbon emissions.UK’s electric vehicle quotas are set to surge, heightening the demand for a reliable lithium supply chain.Cornish Lithium’s Trelavour pit has been granted special status, signifying its pivotal role in supporting the United Kingdom’s electric…

The National Farmers Union (NFU) president has voiced concerns over Defra’s handling of its agricultural budget, which was underspent by £358m over three years.The NFU describes this financial oversight as a significant blow to farmers during a time of income instability.The Basic Payment Scheme was discontinued in 2023, but replacement schemes remain incomplete, leaving potential funds unused.NFU urges the government to allocate the unspent budget to support the struggling farming sector.The new Defra secretary is urged to ensure future budgets support necessary agricultural investments.The National Farmers Union (NFU) president, Tom Bradshaw, has raised alarms regarding the Department for Environment, Food…

Amazon Web Services (AWS) announces a significant £8 billion investment in the UK’s digital infrastructure, aiming to drive economic growth and job creation.The investment is expected to support over 14,000 full-time jobs each year within AWS’s data centre supply chain.AWS’s total UK investment is projected to exceed £11 billion by 2028, building on its initial investment since 2020.The move is seen as a crucial part of the UK’s economic revival, with a £42 billion impact from cloud computing recorded in 2023.AWS is committed to furthering digital transformation and AI education, having reached over 31 million learners globally by mid-2024.Amazon Web…

A growing trend sees UK workers opting out of traditional office Christmas parties.A survey reveals 87% of employees favour bonuses or gift cards over parties.63% of employees prefer no work-related festive celebrations at all.Personal costs for Christmas parties are on the rise, with employees spending an average of £37.Workplace Christmas parties are facing extinction as more employees desire personal time.In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the preferences of UK workers regarding office Christmas parties. A survey conducted by gifting and reward specialists Love2shop indicates that a significant 87% of employees now express a preference for receiving…

New research conducted by the University of Salford highlights the significant pressures UK working women face as they juggle conflicting roles.The study involved 34 interviews and examined emotional and role conflicts experienced by women at home and work.Many women employ self-initiated strategies to manage conflicts, despite negative emotional repercussions.The lack of organisational support exacerbates the burden on these women, leading to considerable stress.The research aims to raise awareness and promote open dialogue about these challenges in the workplace.Recent research from the University of Salford has brought to light the significant pressures faced by working women in the UK, as they…

Rightmove has dismissed a £5.6 billion bid from Rupert Murdoch’s REA Group, citing concerns over the proposal’s perceived opportunism. Analysts note the offer included a 27% premium, which led to a significant increase in Rightmove’s share price. The board of Rightmove unanimously rejected the bid, stating it undervalues the company’s future potential. Observers are closely watching the deadline for a formal offer.Rightmove’s board unanimously rejected a £5.6 billion offer from REA Group, describing the proposal as opportunistic.The rejected bid included a 27% premium, causing Rightmove shares to rise significantly.REA Group, aiming for a London Stock Exchange listing, faces a deadline…

UK’s quantum computing sector is at a critical crossroad, facing potential declines without sufficient funding.Co-founders of Phasecraft express concerns over government withdrawal of £1.3 billion funding.The UK risks falling behind the US and China in quantum computing capabilities.Funding cuts could hinder the UK’s competitive edge in a rapidly advancing industry.The UK government reaffirms its commitment with new investments despite cuts.The UK’s quantum computing sector is currently at a crucial juncture, as highlighted by the founders of Phasecraft. Ashley Montanaro and Toby Cubitt, from a firm originating from University College London and the University of Bristol, have raised alarms over the…

Recent advancements are reshaping the fuel and convenience store sector, offering enhanced transactional capabilities and customer experiences.A new platform is enabling seamless integration with various payment systems, enhancing the ease of fuel and other purchases.The introduction of self-service options for fuel payment is revolutionising customer interactions within stores.Added features such as car wash integrations are streamlining consumer experiences.These innovations allow retailers to adapt swiftly to changing market demands across multiple regions.Recent developments in the fuel and convenience store industry are significantly transforming how retailers operate and cater to their customers. Enhanced transactional capabilities are at the forefront of this transformation,…