Author: Scott Dylan

The Welsh Government has announced a significant funding initiative worth £5m, aimed at supporting cultural and sporting bodies. This decision comes amid challenging financial climates faced by these organisations.Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Jane Hutt, outlined the allocation of funds during her visit to the National Library of Wales and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales. These institutions are among the beneficiaries of this crucial financial support.The Welsh Government’s strategic allocation of £5m underscores its dedication to cultural, historic, and sporting sectors. This funding seeks to address immediate financial challenges and build resilience, ensuring these institutions…

A strategic partnership promises to transform the operational landscape for SSO Logistics, enabling the company to expand its reach across Ireland. This initiative, backed by a seven-figure investment, aligns key expertise in logistics and customs clearance to enhance service delivery.Investment and Strategic AllianceSSO Logistics, based in St Helens, has secured a significant seven-figure investment to propel its business into new territories across Ireland. This ambitious expansion is facilitated by strategic partnerships with Irish Freight Solutions (IFS) and Allied Fleet Services (AFS), fostering a collaborative approach to logistics and customs services.Irish Freight Solutions, established in 2019, has swiftly risen to prominence…

Marks & Spencer has announced a series of updates to its digital platforms, aiming to enhance its market share in clothing and home.The retailer aspires to grow its clothing and home market share by 1% and boost its operating margin to over 10%.Currently, ecommerce accounts for 32% of sales in clothing and home, up from 22% five years ago.Today’s updates feature improved page load times and AI-generated product descriptions for 80% of items.The Sparks app, which dominates 44% of online sales, has witnessed a substantial increase in personalised content.In a bid to elevate its market presence, Marks & Spencer has…

Mercia Real Estate has embarked on a transformative student accommodation project in Birmingham, bolstered by a £32.5 million funding package.The development is set to convert former bank offices into over 400 modern bedrooms, reflecting a significant step in urban transformation. With construction underway, this initiative marks Mercia’s first foray into the burgeoning student housing sector.Mercia Real Estate, a renowned property investor and asset manager based in Birmingham, has secured a substantial £32.5 million funding package. This investment will facilitate the development of a new student accommodation project in Birmingham, set to transform former HSBC office buildings into a modern living…

A ‘remarkable’ Pictish ring featuring an ‘intricate setting’ has been discovered in Scotland by an amateur archaeologist. The ring, which has been buried for over 1,000 years, has sparked significant interest from experts.With a garnet or red glass centre, the kite-shaped ring was excavated at a fort in Burghead, northeast Scotland. This discovery was made possible by a dedicated volunteer, John Ralph, who has been participating in the site excavation.The DiscoveryJohn Ralph, a retired engineer and a graduate of the University of Aberdeen, made the astonishing discovery during his third dig at the Burghead site. Despite having been told he…

A cutting-edge carbon capture facility at the Protos energy hub in Ellesmere Port has been sanctioned by Cheshire West and Chester’s planning committee.The project promises to reduce enormous amounts of CO2 emissions and stands as a collaborative effort by Biffa and Encyclis, ushering a significant stride in the green sector.Located at Marsh Lane in Ince, the novel carbon capture plant, a joint venture between Biffa and Encyclis, aims to capture 95% of flue gases emitted by the neighbouring Energy Recovery Facility (ERF). This facility is groundbreaking in the UK, capturing an impressive 380,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, akin to removing…

Luxury car manufacturer JLR has announced a new initiative to support students from African and Caribbean backgrounds, in partnership with the Amos Bursary.The programme focuses on mentoring and development opportunities for 70 students, promoting diversity within the industry.JLR’s Commitment to DiversityLuxury car manufacturer JLR has pledged new funding to the Amos Bursary, a charity that supports education and career aspirations of individuals from African and Caribbean backgrounds. The initiative represents a strategic move towards fostering diversity within its workforce, focusing on roles in electrical and software engineering, digital sectors, and autonomous technologies.Through a £30,000 contribution, JLR aims to provide opportunities…

Able Humber Port is set to become a significant player in green logistics with the inception of the UK’s first electric HGV charging site by Milence.Milence’s initiative not only aligns with decarbonisation goals but also leverages strategic advantages to foster economic growth.Milence’s Landmark InitiativeDeveloper Milence has obtained the necessary planning approval to establish an electric heavy goods vehicle (EHGV) charging station at the Able Humber Port. With permissions granted by North Lincolnshire Council, the development is projected to commence its first phase in November. The initiative could transform logistics operations in the South Humber ports by facilitating the shift from…

Kontroltek, a Bridgend-based industrial repair firm, has embarked on a new chapter with a transition to employee ownership.This shift involves transferring the majority of the company’s equity to an employee ownership trust.Transition to Employee OwnershipKontroltek, an industrial repairs firm based in Bridgend, has recently transitioned to employee ownership. A significant portion of the company’s equity has been transferred to an employee ownership trust (EOT), a move facilitated by the corporate finance boutique, GS Verde Group.This strategic decision, while the financial specifics remain undisclosed, highlights the company’s commitment to its workforce. The establishment of an EOT ensures that employees have a…

French designer Haider Ackermann has been appointed as the new creative director of Tom Ford.Ackermann’s first showcase will be at Paris Fashion Week in autumn/winter 2025.Tom Ford’s brand was purchased by Estée Lauder for $2.8 billion prior to his departure.Peter Hawkings, former director, exited the brand unexpectedly in July after nearly 25 years.Ackermann expressed pride in honouring Tom Ford’s legacy and looks forward to the future.Haider Ackermann, a renowned French designer, has been officially announced as the new creative director for Tom Ford, a brand owned by Estée Lauder Companies. This appointment is a pivotal moment, highlighting Ackermann’s esteemed position…