Author: Sam Allcock

Concinnity Genetics, a promising health tech spinout based in Edinburgh, successfully raised £3m in funding.The company, founded in 2023, focuses on developing breakthrough gene therapies with reliable control systems.The recent funding round was led by Eos Advisory, highlighting belief in Concinnity’s innovative approach.Key investors include Scottish Enterprise and Old College Capital, the University of Edinburgh’s venture fund.Concinnity’s advancing technology blends synthetic biology with AI, gaining recognition as a potential game changer in gene therapy.Edinburgh’s health tech sphere is abuzz with the recent success of Concinnity Genetics, a newly established spinout that has made waves by securing a significant £3m in…

Pour Moi’s collaboration with M&S has significantly boosted its sales and profits.The underwear retailer recorded a 66% increase in profits, reaching £3 million over six months.Sales surged by 12% to £20 million, largely due to the M&S platform.The partnership started in October 2023 with Pour Moi’s range on ‘Brands at M&S’.This collaboration secured over £5 million in sales through M&S alone.Pour Moi has experienced remarkable growth following its strategic partnership with M&S, marking a significant milestone for the company. The retailer reported a substantial 66% rise in profits, amounting to £3 million over the six-month period ending 30 September. Additionally,…

In today’s fast-paced world, ignoring the body’s signals to urinate can seem necessary for productivity. However, experts warn of the possible health risks involved. Delaying urination frequently can lead to severe consequences, from infections to long-term bladder issues.Understanding the mechanics of urination is crucial in recognising when one is putting their health at risk. Experts emphasise the significance of listening to our biological cues. Neglecting these can lead to preventable health problems.The Mechanics of UrinationWhen nature calls, the body’s complex neurological system springs into action to facilitate the process of urination. Messages are sent from the brain to the bladder,…

Air purifiers, initially popular during the pandemic, continue to offer benefits today. They help reduce allergens and irritants in indoor environments, contributing to better respiratory health. Their role goes beyond immediate crisis management, providing ongoing support in maintaining good air quality. Understanding their capabilities and limitations is crucial as we consider their place in everyday life.The pandemic highlighted the importance of clean air, driving interest in air purifiers. However, their relevance persists as they address not only virus transmission but also everyday pollutants. The question remains: what can air purifiers truly achieve, and how should they fit into our ongoing…

Asda has announced a seasonal offer, reducing key Christmas vegetables to 15p.This promotion runs from 19 to 24 December, both in-store and online.Included are carrots, sprouts, broccoli, parsnips, and for the first time, potatoes.The initiative aims to assist customers with affordable holiday meals amidst rising costs.Alongside this, Asda supports community initiatives to address loneliness.Asda has launched a Christmas promotion, offering key vegetables at just 15p to ease the financial burden of the festive season on its customers. The offer, available from 19 to 24 December, applies both online and in store, providing essential items like 1kg carrots, 500g sprouts, 360g…

Retailers face unprecedented data volumes, bringing both opportunities and challenges.Inconsistent or fragmented data can mislead decision-makers in the retail industry.Fabio De Bernardi highlights the importance of clean, actionable data for retailers.Retailers must overcome messy, unstructured data from various sources.A data-driven culture is essential for adapting and surviving in today’s market.Retailers today operate amidst a deluge of data, spanning customer behaviour to supply chain metrics. Despite the potential of this information, many retailers grapple with its sheer volume and complexity. As Fabio De Bernardi notes, the industry must transition from traditional data focuses, such as supply chain management, to incorporating marketing…

Ebay and Klarna have broadened their collaborative efforts, extending their Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services to new European territories.This initiative follows a successful introduction in Germany, now reaching consumers in the UK, Austria, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain.Shoppers can opt for several Klarna payment plans, offering flexibility from interest-free options to financed longer payment terms.A recent study highlighted a significant uptake of BNPL services among younger generations, driving such expansions.Ebay’s expansion into BNPL aligns with providing diverse payment solutions, meeting varied consumer preferences.After a promising debut in Germany, Ebay and Klarna have decided to expand their Buy Now…

Danyal Özdüzenciler, co-founder and CEO of Capsa AI, shares insights into successful entrepreneurship in the private equity sector.He emphasises the importance of working within a field that one comprehensively understands and has extensive experience in.Entrepreneurship demands immense dedication, often translating to long work hours and significant personal sacrifices.Building a business without a pre-existing network in the field can be particularly challenging for first-time founders.The necessity of being fully committed and passionate about solving particular problems is highlighted.In an insightful discussion, Danyal Özdüzenciler, the co-founder and CEO of Capsa AI, delineates the roadmap to effective entrepreneurship. He begins by stressing the…

The UK government is organising a mission to South Korea to bolster semiconductor R&D collaboration.British semiconductor firms are invited to engage in a three-day research programme with Korean counterparts.The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance ties with South Korea, a significant player in the semiconductor industry.UK’s renewed association with Horizon Europe is facilitating increased cooperation in semiconductor research.The programme focuses on advancing semiconductor technologies, including power electronics and smart networks.The UK government is actively seeking to strengthen its semiconductor industry ties by organising a research and development mission to South Korea. This initiative aims to foster collaborative…

Boohoo continues its defence against Frasers Group’s attempts to gain board influence ahead of a key general meeting.Boohoo’s board has rejected Frasers’ proposals to appoint Mike Ashley and Mike Lennon due to conflicts of interest.Frasers Group, holding 27% of Boohoo, has been criticised for selective governance commitments.Boohoo is open to a non-executive director from Frasers, but not Ashley or Lennon.Tensions rise as Frasers demands board changes, highlighting Boohoo’s past performance issues.Boohoo is steadfastly opposing Frasers Group’s attempts to appoint Mike Ashley and Mike Lennon to its board. These candidates are considered unsuitable due to inherent conflicts of interest stemming from…