Author: Brendan Yates

First Compliance Group, a specialist in compliance, training, and regulatory safety, has acquired Wrexham-based Duct Hygiene Ltd in a move designed to expand its national footprint and strengthen its position within the ventilation and cleaning sectors. The value of the seven-figure deal has not been disclosed, but the acquisition is expected to play a key role in growing both companies’ reach across the UK. Founded in 2004, Duct Hygiene provides ventilation and kitchen extraction cleaning services to help businesses comply with food safety regulations and the Building Safety Act. The company also offers fire damper inspections and compartmentation services, working…

A new educational initiative, the Jiangcun Academy, is under development in Kaixiangong Village, Wujiang District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province. The project, which began construction in February 2024, aims to honour the legacy of renowned Chinese sociologist Fei Xiaotong by promoting his scholarly contributions and supporting rural revitalisation efforts. Fei Xiaotong, a pivotal figure in Chinese sociology, conducted extensive research in Kaixiangong Village, also known as “Jiangcun,” between 1936 and 2002. His influential works, including “Peasant Life in China” and “From the Soil: The Foundations of Chinese Society,” were inspired by his visits to this village, making it a crucial site…

The traditional Saturday job, once a staple for young Brits seeking to earn extra cash, appears to be falling out of favour as Generation Z increasingly turns to side hustles. New research from GoDaddy reveals a significant shift in how young people are approaching work and entrepreneurship. The survey, which questioned over 1,000 Gen Z individuals in the UK, finds that 58% of respondents would rather run their own business than work in conventional part-time roles such as those in retail or hospitality. This preference is driven largely by financial concerns, with 69% of Gen Z citing financial security as…

As the summer months approach, many motorists are gearing up for road trips and visits to friends and family. However, the warmer weather can pose specific challenges for your vehicle. Vytas Palovis, VP of Growth at car parts marketplace Ovoko, shares essential summer car maintenance tips to keep your vehicle in top condition. 1. Monitor Engine Coolant Levels The risk of your car overheating increases in the summer, making it crucial to check your engine coolant. Over time, debris can turn the coolant brown or muddy, and it can become more acidic, potentially causing corrosion. Palovis advises draining and replacing…

A new study has curated a list of songs designed to aid insomnia   The study used Spotify data to uncover which songs are most often used to facilitate a deep sleep  Apocalypse by Cigarettes After Sex is the number one song for preventing restless nights  The ranking includes tracks from artists Coldplay, Bon Iver and Mitski   New research has revealed the songs most often used by Spotify listeners to fall asleep to, with Apocalypse by Cigarettes After Sex taking the top spot.   The experts at BedKingdom.co.uk analysed public Spotify playlists featuring terms like ‘falling asleep’ and ‘napping’ in their titles. The…

A recent study has shed light on the habits that Britons are most eager to abandon, with fast food emerging as the most common target. The research, conducted by Go Smoke Free, analysed Google search volumes for over 820 terms related to habits people wish to quit, across various UK cities. According to the findings, the quest to cut out fast food dominates, with approximately 43,000 monthly searches from individuals seeking ways to quit this unhealthy dietary habit. This trend is particularly evident in London, Bristol, and Nottingham, where residents are notably keen on shifting towards a healthier lifestyle to…

A new study has identified the UK cities most affected by allergies, with Bolton emerging as the most allergy-prone location. The research highlights significant regional variations in allergy-related search behaviour, suggesting that some cities are particularly susceptible to allergy-related issues. Conducted by thermal imaging experts Tester.co.uk, the study analysed average monthly search volumes for a range of allergy-related terms, such as ‘asthma attack’, ‘allergy testing near me’, and ‘antihistamine tablets’. The data reveals that Bolton leads the list with an average monthly search volume of 3,428 per 100,000 people, indicating a high level of allergy concerns among its residents. In…

Reselling concert tickets online can be lucrative, but it comes with significant risks. Not only customers, but sellers too can fall prey to scams. As payment fraud attempts surged by 71% among US businesses in 2023, as reported by Business Wire, it is crucial for ticket resellers to remain vigilant against fraudulent activities that could lead to financial losses. Dennis Pederson, CEO of PayFasto, outlines three prevalent payment scams that independent ticket resellers should be aware of and provides strategies to mitigate these risks. Whether you are trying to sell a ticket for the Eras Tour date you can no…

The Landscape of SEO Companies in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide In the digital marketing world, the importance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) cannot be overstated. As businesses strive to enhance their online visibility, attract more organic traffic, and ultimately drive sales, SEO becomes an indispensable tool. The UK, with its dynamic and diverse business environment, is home to numerous SEO companies that cater to a wide range of industries. This article delves into the world of UK SEO companies, exploring their roles, services, and how businesses can choose the right partner to achieve their digital marketing goals. The Role…

In the aftermath of its crackdown on password sharing, Netflix has reported a surge of over 13 million new subscribers during the three months leading to the end of December. This growth, the highest for any quarter since 2020, is expected to prompt the streaming giant to consider fresh price increases. Netflix implemented a policy last year that disallowed users from sharing passwords with individuals residing outside the same household. Co-CEO Greg Peters noted that the company had temporarily halted price increases during the rollout of this paid sharing policy. With the completion of this transition, Netflix is now set…