Author: Scott Dylan

Nearly two million self-employed workers in the UK are facing a looming pensions crisis, driven by inadequate savings, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS). The IFS has issued a stark warning that without urgent intervention, these individuals could experience significant financial hardship during retirement.The issue arises as the majority of self-employed workers have not made sufficient pension contributions, with current trends indicating a substantial decline in savings rates among this group over the past 25 years.The latest report reveals that only 500,000 self-employed individuals earning more than £10,000 annually are contributing to a pension, leaving a staggering 1.8…

Explore the latest strategies in retail training amidst evolving shopper behaviours and technological advancements.The retail landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by emerging technologies and changing consumer expectations.Digital transformation necessitates agile training programmes for frontline staff to adapt effectively.Microlearning has emerged as a pivotal tool in equipping associates and managers with necessary skills.Real-world examples from leading retailers highlight the successful implementation of these strategies.The retail sector is experiencing a paradigm shift, primarily influenced by the rapid advancement of technology and shifting consumer expectations. The necessity for retail employees to remain agile and responsive to these changes cannot be overstated.…

The recent white paper from Automated Analytics argues that AI is not yet causing significant job losses.Despite AI’s adoption, 5,000 clients report no layoffs due to AI implementation.Business leaders express concerns about AI potentially eliminating more jobs than it creates.The UK is urged to adopt AI more enthusiastically to avoid lagging behind other nations.Lack of transparency in AI usage is cited as a major cause of confusion and mistrust.A new white paper by Automated Analytics posits that artificial intelligence (AI) is not currently responsible for significant job losses. This assertion is based on data from 5,000 clients who have incorporated…

In recent developments, the high street fashion brand Topshop has been at the center of acquisition talks involving major industry players.Asos, the current owner, rejected a joint offer from Shein and Authentic Brands Group (ABG) worth £215.5 million, despite its higher bid amount.The rejected bid was notably £80.5 million greater than the successful offer from Heartland, linked to the Holch Povlsen family.Asos opted to proceed with selling a 75% stake in Topshop to Heartland for £135 million, forming a strategic joint venture.The decision appears influenced by the recent challenges faced by Ted Baker, owned by ABG, impacting its retail stature.In…

Molly-Mae Hague is set to debut her own women’s fashion brand, Maebe, later this month.The brand is described as a contemporary womenswear line providing accessible luxury to a new generation.Maebe will operate as an online direct-to-consumer business, launching on 29 September.Speculation about Hague’s brand has circulated for months, bolstered by her Instagram activity.Hague previously worked with PrettyLittleThing and stepped down to focus on family life.Molly-Mae Hague is preparing to unveil her new fashion brand, Maebe, which aims to offer a fresh take on contemporary womenswear, making elevated style an accessible luxury for younger generations. This move marks her continued evolution…

Over a million low-paid workers in the UK are set to receive a substantial wage increase next year. The government has pledged to raise the national living wage to £12.10 an hour. This move is part of a broader effort to ensure a ‘genuine living wage’.However, while this increase is welcome news for workers, it has sparked concerns among business leaders. They argue that without proper support, mandatory wage hikes could place intense pressure on small firms.Government’s Commitment to Higher WagesThe Low Pay Commission has outlined plans for this wage rise following Labour’s directive to ensure a ‘genuine living wage’…

There is no doubt that as technology keeps transforming, so do the methods we use to protect our personal information.Conventional methods like PINs and passwords have, over time, been used to protect access to online accounts and services.The Rise of Biometric AuthenticationHowever, these methods are becoming less secure and more difficult to manage. In recent years, biometric authentication has emerged as a more secure alternative. Biometrics rely on physical characteristics, like fingerprints or facial recognition, which are unique to each person.These traits include fingerprints, facial features, and even voice patterns. With this system, businesses can securely manage and verify user…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is progressively becoming a cornerstone in modern iOS devices. With the anticipated arrival of iOS 18, AI capabilities on your iPhone or iPad are set to become even more advanced and integral to daily operations.This article explores six innovative ways AI can enhance your iOS experience, showing that you don’t have to wait for the latest update to start enjoying its benefits.Interact with Siri and Other AssistantsIn the past, manually searching for files and opening apps was the norm. However, digital assistants like Siri have revolutionised this process. Siri can understand and execute voice commands, offering a…

Choosing between edge computing and cloud computing depends primarily on the unique requirements of your business. As your company grows, you will encounter the challenge of managing substantial amounts of data efficiently and securely. Here, we analyse both computing paradigms to guide you in making an informed decision.Edge computing processes data close to its origin, utilising devices such as sensors, cameras, or machines. Instead of transmitting entire datasets to a centralised server or cloud for processing, edge computing handles this locally, thus saving time and reducing data transfer costs. Technologies such as 5G and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are increasingly driving…

Santander has revised its hybrid working policy for its UK office-based staff, necessitating an increased in-office presence.The new policy requires employees to work 12 days a month, translating to effectively three days a week.This move aligns Santander with an emerging trend among employers to boost on-site attendance.Santander’s policy change aims to offer a balance between flexibility and the need for in-person collaboration.The adjustment affects around 10,000 office-based employees but excludes branch staff.In a recent communication to its 10,000 UK employees, Santander announced a modification to its existing hybrid working policy. Previously, staff could work two days per week from one…