Author: Sam Allcock

Postgraduate students at Oxford Brookes Business School (OBBS) took centre stage during the University’s annual Business Challenge Week, held from 17 to 21 June. The event saw students collaborating with businesses to tackle real-world issues, culminating in a showcase of innovative solutions at the University’s Headington Campus. The week-long event involved 45 students, including 12 from the University of Regensburg in Germany, a partner institution of Oxford Brookes. These students were tasked with developing strategies and recommendations for participating businesses, providing them with hands-on experience in addressing contemporary challenges across various industries. Dr Karla Zimpel-Leal, Senior Lecturer in Innovation and…

CloudPay Secures $120 Million Funding to Bolster its Global Customer Base Andover, UK, 8 August 2024 – CloudPay, the leading independent provider of global payroll and payment solutions, today announces the successful completion of a $120 million funding round led by Blue Owl Capital, with participation from existing shareholders Rho Capital Partners, The Olayan Group, and Hollyport Capital. This investment fortifies CloudPay’s capital base and provides flexibility for future growth initiatives. With a distinguished 30-year history, CloudPay has established a world-class customer base, collaborating with over 280 corporate clients to manage their payroll and payment requirements across more than 130…

In a pioneering move, Herringbone, a bespoke cabinet and furniture maker based in Canterbury, has become the first UK kitchen company to ban the use and sale of high-silica quartz. This decision follows concerning findings from various reputable sources, including a report from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and Australia’s recent announcement to ban high silica engineered stone due to health risks by July 2024. Owners Elly Simmons and William Durrant, driven by their commitment to health and safety, embarked on extensive research into the dangers of high-silica products. They consulted with stonemasons, both large and small, and…

In the ever-evolving world of beauty, nail art has taken centre stage as a vibrant form of self-expression. With a recent surge in popularity on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, the nail trends of 2024 are more captivating than ever. Fresh research from beauty and wellness marketplace Fresha reveals the top ten nail trends that have captured the hearts and hands of enthusiasts worldwide. Long Nails: A Statement of Elegance Topping the list with an impressive 11,287,446 combined views and posts on TikTok and Instagram, long nails have emerged as the most popular trend of 2024. This marks a…

In a bid to broaden its middle-grade fiction selection, Sweet Cherry Publishing, Leicester’s highly acclaimed independent publisher, has inked a 3-book agreement with Rutendo Dione. The forthcoming adventure series, named Presto!, provides a modern twist on cherished fairy tales such as Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel. Starting in Brixton, London, the series transports readers to far more magical realms! When 11-year-old Amber sees the Big Bad Wolf suddenly appear in her living room, she discovers that not only are fairy tales real, but her uncle is a thief who retrieves stolen items and missing persons from the…

A recent study by beauty and wellness marketplace Fresha reveals that CeraVe is the most searched skincare brand in the UK, highlighting the nation’s growing interest in skin health. The study utilised Google Keyword Planner data, analysing average monthly searches for over 50 popular skincare brands. This data was further cross-referenced with keywords related to specific products such as “cream” and “serum” to identify the most sought-after brands by Britons. Dominance of CeraVe CeraVe emerged as the clear leader with an impressive 136,992 average monthly searches. This figure is more than double that of the second most searched brand, Byoma.…

New data reveals that Netflix drama Shadow and Bone is the most mourned TV show cancellation in the UK, as Brits express their disappointment over the streaming giant’s decision. The information, compiled by casino comparison website InstantCasinos, highlights the series that viewers miss the most following their cancellations by either Netflix or Prime Video. The study examined 209 cancelled shows and analysed Google search data around each show’s cancellation, including queries such as “Will there be another season of [show]?” and “Has [show] been cancelled?” The findings indicate a significant level of public sentiment and engagement with these series. Shadow…

Trust Wallet, the world’s leading self-custody Web3 wallet and Web3 gateway trusted by over 130 million users, has introduced Trust Wallet Quests, a gamified education platform within the Trust Wallet mobile app. This platform encourages users to earn points while exploring and learning about Web3. Users can participate in task-based challenges ranging from quizzes to complex problem-solving scenarios involving various DeFi and Web3 activities. These tasks are designed to deepen their understanding of blockchain technology and decentralised applications (dApps), exposing them to exciting opportunities within Web3. As an incentive, users will earn Trust Points, a loyalty-based points system designed to…

Tech and AI skills are expected to become some of the most essential skills for graduates in the next five years, according to a new survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). ‘Technology/IT’ skills are projected to rise from being the 14th most critical skill this year to the 3rd most critical over the next five years. Additionally, recruiters believe that ‘AI’ skills will become the 4th most critical skill for graduates in the next five years, a significant jump from 21st place. Conversely, several traditionally valued skills, such as ‘teamwork’ and ‘project management’, are anticipated by recruiters to…

In an era where platforms like TikTok have significantly shortened attention spans, educators are increasingly challenged to engage students effectively. Traditional classroom teaching methods are becoming less effective for school-age and college students accustomed to consuming information through screens. In response, forward-thinking teachers and professors are turning to Pictory, an intuitive AI video creation platform, to transform their teaching methods and dramatically boost student engagement. Pictory’s impact is being felt across a wide range of educational environments, from primary schools to universities. Teachers using Pictory report unprecedented levels of student attentiveness and comprehension, making it a valuable tool in modern…