Author: Scott Dylan

A revolutionary carbon capture facility is set to gain approval in Cheshire. This initiative aims to address climate change by capturing CO2 emissions.Cheshire West and Chester’s planning committee is reviewing the proposal for a facility at the Protos energy hub. This potential approval marks a significant step in UK’s carbon reduction efforts.The proposed carbon capture facility aims to cut down carbon emissions equivalent to removing 200,000 cars from the roads annually. It is a part of the larger Protos energy hub near Ellesmere Port. If realised, this facility would be a pioneering step towards achieving national carbon reduction targets.This ambitious…

Plans for a distinctive new skyscraper in Birmingham’s city centre have been recommended for approval. This bold proposal promises to reshape the skyline and bring numerous benefits to the area.The development, located on Bristol Street, Bromsgrove Street, and Essex Street, will include a 41-storey tower and aims to provide a substantial number of build-to-rent homes. The recommendation for approval is set to be reviewed by Birmingham City Council’s planning committee soon.The proposed skyscraper, with its bold architectural style, is expected to become a landmark in Birmingham, providing 550 build-to-rent homes. Of these, 31 units are earmarked as affordable housing, aligning…

British health insurance leader, Bupa, has launched a pioneering GP subscription service priced at under £20 per month.This cost-effective solution offers same-day appointments, prescription deliveries, and a dedicated 24/7 healthline, addressing the public’s demand for more accessible healthcare.A recent Bupa survey highlights the growing dissatisfaction with healthcare accessibility in Britain. Findings show that one-third of participants encounter difficulties in securing GP appointments, with some waiting up to a week. This subscription service is designed to alleviate these frustrations by offering more immediate access to healthcare professionals.The ‘Netflix-style’ approach allows users to enjoy these healthcare benefits from the comfort of their…

Drax has been fined £25 million for misreporting data related to its biomass operations. Ofgem’s investigation revealed issues with data governance.The energy company was found lacking in providing evidence about the types of wood used. The penalty underlines the importance of compliance with regulatory standards.Ofgem initiated the investigation following allegations that Drax was sourcing wood from unsustainable sources, including rare Canadian forests. The probe examined the company’s data submissions and found inadequacies. These issues called into question Drax’s compliance with clear legislative demands.Drax’s data governance and control mechanisms were found deficient. This led to inaccurate reports about the wood’s origins.The…

The recent financial report reveals a challenging year for the womenswear retailer Quiz, showing a decline in revenue and profit.Quiz experienced a decrease in revenue from £91.7m to £82m for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2024.The company reported a pre-tax loss of £5.2m, excluding a £1.5m non-recurring impairment charge.Gross profit also fell, though gross margin improved slightly to 62.2% from the previous year’s 61.6%.Quiz CEO acknowledges macro-economic challenges but outlines a strategic plan to enhance business performance.The fiscal year ending on 31 March 2024 was challenging for Quiz, a womenswear retailer headquartered in Glasgow with over 1,500 employees. During…

Strathberry, an Edinburgh-based luxury brand, strengthens its leadership team by appointing Martin Byrne as the new Managing Director.Martin Byrne brings extensive experience from Monica Vinader, Links of London, and Simon Harrison to Strathberry.Strathberry has experienced significant growth, reporting a 53% increase in turnover, reaching £27m for the 2024 financial year.The brand aims to achieve a £100m sales target in the next three years, supported by global demand and strategic investments.Founders Guy and Leeanne Hundleby express confidence in Byrne to drive future growth and capitalise on new opportunities.The appointment of Martin Byrne as the new Managing Director of Strathberry marks a…

The RAC has called for an end to the 5p fuel duty cut introduced in 2022. The organisation claims it costs the Treasury £2 billion annually without benefiting drivers, accusing fuel retailers of pocketing the savings.The suggestion comes amid claims of record-high profit margins for fuel retailers. Drivers are reportedly overcharged, despite the relief measures intended to reduce their financial burdens on fuel.Introduced in 2022 to alleviate the cost of living crisis, the fuel duty cut is costing the Treasury £2 billion per year. However, motorists do not seem to be reaping the benefits at the pumps. The criticism is…

British womenswear brand Rixo has transformed its temporary New York pop-up store into a permanent location.Situated at 19 Prince Street, the store opened initially on 22 April with a short-term lease.The store marks Rixo’s first physical retail space in the United States.Rixo’s US direct-to-consumer sales have increased by 174% year-on-year since August 2023.Co-founder Henrietta Rix expressed her excitement about the brand’s ongoing commitment to the US market.British womenswear brand Rixo has announced the transition of its New York City pop-up store into a permanent retail location. This strategic move was confirmed on 28 August and will solidify the brand’s presence…

A recent fossil discovery has unveiled a dramatic episode in ancient marine life. Over 15 million years ago, a now-extinct sea cow was preyed upon by both a crocodile and a tiger shark. This rare find offers an extraordinary glimpse into the predatory behaviours of the Miocene epoch.Anatomy of an AttackThe fossilized remains, consisting of a partial skull and 13 vertebrae, displayed three distinct types of bite marks. The shape, depth, and orientation of these marks indicated that two predators were responsible: a crocodilian and a tiger shark. The crocodile struck first, leaving deep tooth impacts on the sea cow’s…

Dudley is embarking on a significant journey towards modernising its transport facilities with the ongoing developments at the Dudley Interchange.Recent demolition activities, particularly of the outdated Farmfoods supermarket, mark a pivotal moment in this ambitious project.Demolition Marks a New BeginningOver recent months, Dudley has witnessed the dismantling of the former Farmfoods supermarket, a milestone in the journey towards a new transport hub. This demolition is significant not just for the physical space it clears, but for the forward momentum it represents for the town’s infrastructure improvements. The removal of existing bus shelters was part of this extensive clearing process.The aim…