Author: Scott Dylan

Pennant International has made strategic senior appointments to enhance its leadership.Klaas van der Leest joins as a non-executive director, bringing extensive market experience.Darren Wiggins is appointed interim chief finance officer for a fixed term.These appointments aim to strengthen Pennant’s strategic and financial capabilities.Pennant seeks to drive growth and evolution of its integrated software suite.AIM-listed Pennant International has recently announced significant changes in its leadership team by appointing two seasoned professionals. Klaas van der Leest, who has been serving as the chief executive of Intercede, a cyber security firm, has joined the company as a non-executive director. His appointment is expected…

The British Footwear Development Trust (BFDT) continues its training grant programme, aiming to boost growth in the UK’s footwear industry.Grants are available for both individuals and businesses, offering formal training and practical experience.In 2023, the grant supported Fairfax and Favor’s product development team with various BFA courses.Applications for the 2024 grant opened on 2 September and will close on 30 September.The initiative is expected to positively impact talented individuals and the industry as a whole.The British Footwear Development Trust (BFDT) has reintroduced its grant programme, which is designed to foster growth, creativity, and innovation within the UK’s footwear sector. This…

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is steadfast in pursuing its legal claim for £3 billion against the estate of Mike Lynch, despite his recent passing. The lawsuit concerns allegations of fraud related to the sale of Autonomy to Hewlett Packard in 2011.Mike Lynch and his former CFO, Sushovan Hussain, were found liable for fraud in 2022, following HPE’s acquisition of Autonomy.Lynch’s death follows a tragic accident, but HPE’s pursuit of the lawsuit remains unchanged.The estate of Mike Lynch could face further legal proceedings depending on future rulings and potential appeals.HPE remains committed to seeing the legal case to its conclusion, with…

Concerns are growing as the UK government plans to increase the windfall tax on oil and gas companies.The Energy Profits Levy (EPL) is set to rise from 35% to 38% in November, potentially impacting the economic contribution of the energy sector.The Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) warns that these changes could lead to significant job losses and reduced sector investment.Business confidence in the UK is declining amid discussions of increased taxes and stricter employment rights.The Institute of Directors’ Economic Confidence Index showed a sharp drop in August, with decreased investment intentions and expectations.The UK government’s decision to increase the windfall tax,…

Young Londoners are driving the movement back to office work, reversing the trend of older employees favouring remote working. This demographic shift is contributing to the UK’s slower office attendance compared to global rivals. The effects on productivity and economic outcomes are being closely examined.The study covering cities like London, Paris, and New York shows London’s office attendance is notably low, ranking just above Toronto.Gen Z, particularly those in London, exhibit higher office attendance compared to their older counterparts, driven by home space and privacy constraints.Despite acknowledged benefits of office work, such as improved collaboration, attendance remains below pre-pandemic levels,…

Ogi, a leading alternative telecoms provider, has secured a £45m loan from Cardiff Capital Region, supporting its growth strategy.The funding will expand Ogi’s full fibre network across ten local authority areas in the region.This marks the Cardiff Capital Region’s largest loan, leveraging its £1.2bn City Deal investments.Ogi aims to provide extensive connectivity to underserved communities, enhancing economic prospects in the area.Strategic partnerships and additional investments are set to drive substantial regional development.Ogi, a prominent name in alternative telecoms, has successfully secured a £45 million funding deal from the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR). This significant investment is intended to bolster Ogi’s…

The High Court has made the decision to strike out a representative action intended for passengers affected by flight delays, citing financial motivations as the primary factor behind the claim.The case, introduced by Claire Smyth, aimed to secure compensation for individuals whose flights with major airlines, such as British Airways (BA) and easyJet, faced significant delays or cancellations from December 2016 to August 2022. However, the court found the primary motivation for the action questionable, as it appeared more aligned with financial gains for the funder rather than consumer redress.Master Davison expressed scepticism towards Smyth’s intentions, noting that the claim…

Leveraging advanced graphene technology, Haydale is piloting an underfloor heating solution with Jersey Energy Technologies.The technology promises up to 30% reduced operating costs compared to traditional systems.Aimed at improving energy efficiency in social housing, the trial takes place this winter.The partnership showcases potential for wider application across the Channel Islands.Success could lead to phased rollouts in various homes and buildings.Haydale, a leader in advanced materials and nanotechnology innovation, is entering a pilot trial in Jersey deploying its latest underfloor heating technology. This initiative is a collaboration with Jersey Energy Technologies, a start-up committed to energy efficiency. The underfloor heating system…

As Generation Z enters the workforce, they bring unique perspectives and priorities, accounting for 27% of the global workforce by 2025.82% of managers find Gen Z hires lack essential soft skills such as communication.Gen Z’s digital upbringing offers opportunities for businesses to improve efficiency and streamline processes.Prioritising training and development can lead to increased employee retention and satisfaction.Offering opportunities for growth and skill diversification is crucial for engaging Gen Z employees.Generation Z, poised to make up 27% of the global workforce by 2025, presents both opportunities and challenges due to their distinctive perspectives and priorities. A recent survey highlighted that…

A recent survey highlights the most troubling fridge practices in UK offices, revealing significant annoyance among employees.Mouldy food ranks as the top offending fridge habit, leading to workplace tension.Exposure to meat juice on shelves causes discomfort among half the respondents.Neglecting to cling-film open containers is a major workplace grievance.The survey underscores how poor fridge habits can strain professional relationships.A new survey has brought to light the most bothersome fridge practices occurring in office kitchens around the United Kingdom. Conducted by AO.com, the study underscores how poor fridge upkeep affects workplace harmony, with a staggering one in two respondents indicating they…