Author: Scott Dylan

A new initiative by Accenture aims to bridge the AI skills gap in the UK, focusing on inclusivity.The scheme promises free education and mentorship for individuals across the UK to enhance AI skills.8.5 million UK adults currently lack basic digital skills, risking exclusion from technological advancements.Women and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are underrepresented in the tech workforce.Industry leaders stress the critical need for digital skills to seize AI opportunities and future-proof the workforce.Accenture has recently introduced an ambitious initiative named ‘Regenerative AI’ to address the longstanding skills gap in artificial intelligence within the United Kingdom. This programme intends to…

The UK’s benefits system is under scrutiny, with calls for reforms to address worklessness.Lord Rose highlights the rise in economically inactive individuals since the pandemic.Quotes stress the need for a balanced approach to benefits, aiding those in genuine need while encouraging contribution.Concerns revolve around long-term sickness as a growing reason for economic inactivity.There is a decade or two ahead to rectify the labour market, starting with education.Lord Rose, the Chair of one of the UK’s largest retailers, has made a compelling appeal to the government for reforming the benefits system amidst a growing worklessness crisis. According to the latest figures…

Engaging in creative activities has been found to significantly boost well-being, equating to the benefits of employment, according to recent research.A new study reveals that arts and crafts help improve mental health by providing meaningful spaces for expression and achievement for the general population.Engaging with CreativityResearch shows that engaging in arts and crafts can significantly improve mental health by offering spaces for expression and achievement. According to Dr. Helen Keyes, head of psychology and sport science, these activities are not only accessible but also immensely fulfilling.The study, conducted by researchers including Keyes, found that creative activities boost well-being, challenging the…

JD Sports Fashion announces the appointment of Prama Bhatt as a non-executive director, enhancing its board with extensive US retail expertise.Prama Bhatt brings over 20 years of multi-channel retail experience, previously serving prominent roles at Kenneth Cole, Toys R Us, and Ulta Beauty.This move aligns with JD Sports’ strategic expansion in the US, following its recent acquisition of Hibbett sports retailer.The acquisition signifies a £4.7bn revenue boost in North America, escalating its sales share from 32% to 40%.Andrew Higginson, JD’s chair, emphasizes Bhatt’s deep understanding of the US market as a pivotal asset to the board.JD Sports Fashion has taken…

The beverage sector sees an exciting influx with the launch of new products by Twinings, NIO Cocktails, Skip, Shaken Udder, and Biotiful Gut Health.Twinings introduces a ready-to-drink Sparkling Tea range, blending teas, botanicals, vitamins, and minerals without artificial additives.NIO Cocktails debuts its lower-alcohol cocktail range featuring Cosmopolitan Next and White Lady Next, offering sophisticated flavours at reduced strength.Skip enters the market with CBD-infused sparkling drinks, promising compliance and efficacy alongside engaging flavours.Protein-focused Shaken Udder and organic-focused Biotiful Gut Health expand their flavour offerings, enhancing their product lines.Twinings has expanded its drink offerings by launching a new ready-to-drink Sparkling Tea range…

The sale of electric vehicle firm Arrival has encountered delays due to ongoing negotiations.Administrators are seeking a 12-month extension to accommodate the sales process.Arrival UK collapsed with over £1bn in unpaid liabilities.Non-core assets worth £7.4m have been sold by the administrators.Despite challenges, a core team of employees remains in place.The ongoing sale process of the electric vehicle firm Arrival is encountering delays as prospective buyers continue to negotiate the transaction terms with administrators. The administrators, namely EY, have moved to a due diligence phase after receiving non-binding offers. This step has prompted the need for a 12-month extension to the…

The closure of Scotland’s last oil refinery, Grangemouth, slated for 2024, threatens 400 jobs and heightens the UK’s dependency on imported fuel.Petroineos, a joint venture between Ineos and PetroChina, has announced the closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery, citing declining domestic demand for motor fuels, partly due to the impending ban on new petrol and diesel cars. Frank Demay, Chief Executive at Petroineos Refining, has noted that the demand for key fuels produced at Grangemouth has already begun to diminish. Mr Demay stated, “With a ban on new petrol and diesel cars due to come into force within the next…

This week witnessed a significant surge in UK tech funding, totalling £106.5m across 12 rounds.The health tech sector saw a notable event with PhoreMost, raising funds in a Series B round.Fintech company Twenty7tec secured growth equity, reflecting ongoing investor interest.Robotic warehouse firm Dexory achieved a major funding milestone with its £60m Series B round.The funding activities represent a 130% weekly increase, indicating robust investor confidence in UK tech.In a remarkable week for the UK tech industry, investments reached a total of £106.5 million, marking a substantial 130% increase from the previous week across 12 funding rounds. This surge underscores the…

DC01UK aims to build a massive data centre in Hertfordshire, requiring £4 billion in funding.The project director, James Craig, hopes to partner with US tech giants like Google, Amazon, or Microsoft.Craig admits no funding partner has been secured yet, but discussions are ongoing.Griggs, the developer, plans to convert local properties into data centres and innovation hubs.The UK government has expressed support, viewing it as a boost to the tech sector and local economy.James Craig, the director of DC01UK, has laid out ambitious plans to develop a colossal data centre in South Mimms, Hertfordshire, at a projected cost of £4 billion.…

OpenAI has introduced its latest artificial intelligence model, the o1 series, which features human-like reasoning and deliberate problem-solving abilities. This innovative model is designed to spend more time thinking before responding to queries, allowing it to tackle complex tasks and solve challenging problems in fields such as science, coding, and mathematics.The new o1 series aims to simulate a more deliberate thinking process, refining its strategies and recognising mistakes in a manner similar to human cognition. According to OpenAI’s Chief Technology Officer, Mira Murati, this model marks a significant leap in AI capabilities. Murati predicts that this advancement will fundamentally change…