Food has always been more than just fuel. It is culture, connection, comfort, and celebration. But in a world where convenience often trumps quality, and where ultra-processed foods dominate supermarket shelves, many people are beginning to rethink their relationship with what they eat. The rise of mindful eating is shifting the focus back to enjoying food with intention, understanding where it comes from, and appreciating the impact it has on both our bodies and the planet. One of the biggest changes in recent years is the growing awareness of food quality. The demand for fresh, seasonal, and minimally processed ingredients has surged, with consumers actively seeking out local produce, organic options, and farm-to-table dining experiences. This shift is not just about nutrition; it is about reconnecting with food in a way that respects the effort behind it. People are rediscovering the joy of cooking from scratch, learning traditional techniques, and taking the time to savour their meals rather than rushing through them. Sustainability has also become a key concern. The environmental impact of industrial food production—ranging from deforestation and soil depletion to excessive plastic packaging—is pushing consumers to make more ethical choices. Plant-based eating has moved beyond a niche trend and into the mainstream, with flexitarian diets becoming increasingly popular. It is no longer just about cutting out meat but about making more conscious decisions regarding where food comes from, how it is produced, and whether it aligns with personal values. Regenerative farming, which prioritises soil health and biodiversity, is gaining traction as an alternative to mass-scale agriculture, and small-scale producers are being championed for their dedication to quality over quantity. The way we socialise around food is also evolving. Long gone are the days when dining out simply meant choosing between a handful of well-established cuisines. Today, people seek immersive experiences—whether that means supper clubs hosted by independent chefs, interactive tasting menus, or hyper-local dining concepts that celebrate a region’s unique ingredients. Street food, once considered a casual option, has become an art form in itself, with markets and food halls showcasing everything from Korean BBQ to artisan sourdough pizzas. The diversity of flavours available today reflects a more adventurous and open-minded approach to food, with people eager to explore global cuisines from the comfort of their own cities. Drinks culture is experiencing a similar transformation. The rise of low- and no-alcohol options is reshaping social drinking, as more people opt for complex, well-crafted alternatives to traditional spirits. The days of limited choices in non-alcoholic beverages are over, with craft breweries, distilleries, and mixologists creating sophisticated alcohol-free cocktails, botanical-infused drinks, and zero-proof spirits that offer all the flavour without the hangover. At the same time, coffee culture has reached new heights, with speciality roasters, ethical sourcing, and experimental brewing methods becoming the norm. People no longer just grab a coffee on the go—they want to know where the beans were grown, how they were processed, and which brewing technique will bring out the best flavours. Ultimately, the shift towards mindful eating and drinking is about slowing down and making more intentional choices. It is about appreciating food not just for its taste but for its journey—from farm to plate, from bean to cup. It is about valuing quality over convenience, savouring experiences over consumption, and understanding that what we eat and drink is not just about personal preference, but about health, sustainability, and culture. As this movement continues to grow, one thing is clear: food and drink are no longer just essentials, but experiences to be cherished.

A herd of Exmoor ponies are making Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve, near Brighouse, their home for the winter, as part of a new nature recovery initiative. Calderdale Council declared an ecological emergency in 2021, acknowledging that the borough’s wildlife and wild spaces are under threat and face major challenges, many linked to habitat loss and the impacts of climate change. Protecting and restoring the borough’s natural grasslands, is one of the key themes of the borough’s Ecological Emergency Action Plan. The Council is working in partnership with the National Trust, and with the support of Natural England, on a project called ‘Reviving Calderdale’s Grasslands’, which seeks to reintroduce conservation grazing to sites across the borough. As part of this work, a herd of four Exmoor ponies have now arrived at Cromwell Bottom, being transported to the site with Natural England sponsoring a dedicated livestock trailer for the project. The Exmoor breed is able to play a crucial role in the project by sustainably grazing the grasslands, maintaining pasture and naturally supporting processes such as seed germination and enhancing biodiversity. They are extremely hardy, with a double winter coat, and are intelligent and adaptable, making them perfectly suited for the Yorkshire climate. Restoring natural grassland is part of work to protect Calderdale’s landscapes and wildlife and promote nature conservation. It has many benefits from enhancing climate resilience to supporting biodiversity. When managed well, grasslands can also reduce flooding by slowing water flow during heavy rain. Sadly, many of Calderdale's ancient grasslands and meadows are in poor shape. Some lack active management, while others are overused, causing these habitats and their wildlife to decline. In the past, large wild herbivores, such as red deer and wild horses, would have grazed on the land, but their long absence from the landscape has left a gap in natural grassland management. Exmoor ponies are able to thrive on poor grazing, serving as a natural substitute for their wild ancestors. The herd of ponies will remain at Cromwell Bottom until spring, helping to maintain and enhance important grassland habitats. Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Housing, Cllr Scott Patient, said: "If you’re a regular visitor to the beautiful Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve, you may just have noticed some new residents at the site, as we’ve welcomed a herd of Exmoor ponies." “The introduction of this hardy breed is supporting our work to address the ecological emergency that we face, restoring our important grassland habitats which are habitats for many plants and animals." “The way that Exmoor ponies graze makes them brilliant for grassland conservation and their efforts should encourage more wildlife and plant life at the nature reserve. This will support habitats for butterflies, moths, birds, mammals and fungi, whilst also improving soil health and boosting natural carbon storage.” Rosie Holdsworth, Countryside and Partnerships Manager for West Yorkshire at the National Trust, said: “We’re thrilled that our conservation grazing ponies are going to graze Cromwell Bottom as this is an exciting new stage of the project. We’ve seen the benefits they’ve brought to grasslands elsewhere in Calderdale including on our National Trust sites and look forward to seeing their habitat restoration efforts take effect at this new site." “As a hardy native breed, Exmoors are really well suited to conservation grazing and thrive on Calderdale’s species rich pastures. Moving the ponies to new sites provides new grazing and enrichment for them and they’re always excited to get out of the trailer and explore a new site.” Dr Rachel Palfrey, Senior Project Manager at Natural England, said: “Natural England is delighted to support this project enhancing nationally rare grassland habitats in Calderdale." "This forms part of our wider Bradford and South Pennines Nature Recovery Project, which aims to improve the quality and quantity of nature across Bradford and Calderdale.”

In the grand sweep of history, there have been moments that have tested the resolve of nations, the ingenuity of scientists, and the endurance of communities. Wars, pandemics, economic downturns—all have shaped the course of humanity. But none compare to the challenge we face today: the climate crisis. It is an existential threat that transcends borders, politics, and generations, demanding urgent action from every corner of the globe. From the Arctic ice caps to the Amazon rainforest, the Earth is sending distress signals. Temperatures are rising at an alarming rate, sea levels are creeping higher, and extreme weather events—once rare occurrences—are becoming the norm. In 2023, global temperatures shattered records, with parts of Europe, North America, and Asia enduring unprecedented heatwaves. Scientists have long warned that a rise beyond 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels will have catastrophic consequences, yet we are perilously close to that threshold. The consequences of inaction are already evident. Wildfires in Greece, Canada, and Australia have razed millions of hectares of land, displacing wildlife and communities alike. In the Horn of Africa, persistent droughts have pushed millions to the brink of famine, while in Pakistan, devastating floods in 2022 submerged a third of the country. Small island nations, such as Tuvalu and the Maldives, face an existential crisis as rising seas threaten to swallow their lands. Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is here, now, and its impact is devastating. Despite overwhelming scientific consensus, meaningful action has been sluggish. The Paris Agreement of 2015 was a landmark accord, uniting nations in a pledge to limit global warming. Yet, the promises made in Paris remain insufficient, with many countries failing to meet their emission reduction targets. Fossil fuel dependency continues to dominate economies, with coal, oil, and gas still accounting for nearly 80% of the world’s energy supply. Even as renewable energy sources expand, investments in new fossil fuel projects persist, undermining efforts to transition to a sustainable future. One of the greatest obstacles to progress is political will. Governments, constrained by short-term electoral cycles, often prioritise economic growth over environmental sustainability. In some quarters, climate denialism still holds sway, fuelled by powerful industries that profit from maintaining the status quo. Meanwhile, developing nations—those least responsible for the crisis—bear the brunt of its effects. Many argue that wealthy nations, historically the largest polluters, have a moral obligation to provide financial and technological support to those most vulnerable. There is, however, a glimmer of hope. Across the world, grassroots movements, activists, and young leaders are demanding change. Figures such as Greta Thunberg have galvanised millions to take to the streets, calling for urgent climate action. Sustainable technologies are advancing at a rapid pace, with solar and wind energy now cheaper than fossil fuels in many regions. Cities are reimagining urban life, embracing green infrastructure, electric transport, and circular economies. The corporate world, too, is beginning to recognise the imperative for change. Some businesses are leading the way with net-zero commitments, sustainable supply chains, and innovations that reduce environmental impact. However, corporate greenwashing remains a significant concern, with many firms making bold claims that fail to stand up to scrutiny. Real accountability and transparency are essential if businesses are to play a genuine role in tackling the crisis. Ultimately, the fate of the planet lies in the hands of individuals, communities, and policymakers. Consumer choices matter—opting for sustainable products, reducing waste, and embracing a low-carbon lifestyle can collectively drive significant change. Yet systemic transformation is crucial, requiring bold policies that phase out fossil fuels, protect biodiversity, and invest in clean energy. Time is running out. The next decade will determine whether we can avert the worst consequences of climate change or resign future generations to an increasingly hostile world. The science is clear, the solutions exist, and the urgency is undeniable. The question remains: will we act in time?

An aspiring lawyer from Guernsey has taken a major step forward in her legal career thanks to a professional qualification gained during two years at Ellis Jones Solicitors. Daisy Kershaw is the second solicitor at the regional law firm to qualify by passing the two-stage Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). A member of the Wills, Trusts & Probate department and based in Ellis Jones’ Canford Cliffs, Poole, office, Daisy has been with the firm since January 2023. After graduating with a first-class honours degree in law from Bournemouth University in 2022, she joined as a paralegal and balanced her work with preparations for taking the SQE. During her university course, she did a two-year voluntary internship as a legal support administrator at BHSupport, a community interest company based in Southbourne that provides legal advice. While there, she gained practical experience mainly in family law. Before Ellis Jones, she also spent time as a paralegal at another legal firm, focused on residential conveyancing. She is the latest in a number of recruits and young lawyers who have been supported in their careers by Ellis Jones. The firm, which has eight offices in Bournemouth, Poole, Ringwood, Swanage, Broadstone, Wimborne and London, has a policy of providing training contracts and other professional development opportunities. Alongside senior staff, its 178-strong team includes graduates, legal executives, placement students and others with an interest in legal work. The first team member to qualify as a solicitor through the SQE route was Leah Sharman in the Banking & Finance Litigation department in 2024. Daisy, who is also Social Events Officer at the Bournemouth & District Junior Lawyers Division, paid tribute to Ellis Jones colleagues for supporting her as she balanced day-to-day work in the Wills, Trusts & Probate team with study for her SQE. She said: “Colleagues have been completely supportive and I think that the experience I have gained already will be invaluable in my career as a solicitor.” Ellis Jones Solicitors Managing Partner Nigel Smith said: “Daisy displayed both talent and enthusiasm as she worked towards and passed her SQE and qualified as a solicitor. We are delighted to help young graduates start and develop their careers and the relevant skills they need to progress.”

A team of young engineers from Bishopbriggs Academy is preparing to showcase their technical expertise on the national stage. Team Wyvern, a group of students competing in the prestigious F1 in Schools competition, has earned their place in the UK finals as one of three schools representing Scotland in March. F1 in Schools is an international STEM challenge that pushes students to apply engineering, physics, and business acumen in designing, manufacturing, and racing miniature Formula 1 cars. The competition demands precision, creativity, and an in-depth understanding of aerodynamics, with teams in a race to the finish to produce the fastest, most efficient model. The Bishopbriggs Academy team consists of six young people from across the school’s year groups.   They are: Alexander Cai, age 17, in 6th Year - Team Leader & Engineering Dearbháil McGory, age 17, in 6th Year - Design Engineer Tobi Falaye, age 15, in 4th Year - Finance & Sponsorship Manager Arwen MacArthur, age 16, in 5th Year - Social Media & Marketing Manager Jonah Brookes-Hefetz, age 17, in 6th Year - Manufacturing Engineer Zara Ahmed, age 16, in 5th Year - Graphic Designer Team Wyvern’s journey has seen success, with the crew securing a podium finish of second place at the regional finals and taking home the coveted ‘Fastest Car’ award. Their current project incorporates cutting-edge aerodynamic principles, precision engineering, and light-weight materials to achieve optimal speed and stability. The team’s meticulous approach includes iterative design testing, computational fluid dynamics simulations, and precision machining of components to enhance their car’s performance. The competition goes beyond science and engineering, with the team members responsible for sponsorship acquisition, marketing, and strategic branding to secure essential resources for their competitive journey. Limited facilities within their school means they rely on external support to access specialist tools and equipment to optimise their car's performance. With the UK finals in Sheffield fast approaching, Team Wyvern faces the challenge of further refining their car’s performance while balancing logistics, travel arrangements, branding and all the associated expenses. During a recent visit to Allied Vehicles’ Possilpark headquarters, Team Wyvern presented their project to a panel of staff and directors, including two of the company’s engineering managers. Recognising their passion, innovation, and technical expertise, Allied made the decision to sponsor the team with a £2,500 contribution, securing their path to the national finals. Ms Mairi Gilfillan, the Operating Teacher from Bishopbriggs Academy who supervises the team, thanked Allied Vehicles for the sponsorship, saying: “Bishopbriggs Academy are thrilled to partner with Allied Vehicles and have them join our journey towards achieving success in F1 in Schools. With their help and commitment to our team, they are not only providing us with resources and materials but also supporting the next generation of engineers.” Team Leader Alexander Cai, in sixth year, explained the impact of the sponsorship on the Team’s operation: “We’d like to say a massive thank you to Allied Vehicles for their generous support of the Wyvern Racing Team and helping to facilitate STEM opportunities in our community." “Their commitment will not only help Team Wyvern Racing perform to the best of our abilities but also to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators. With their partnership, we can strive to win the competition, create a lasting impact on STEM education, and inspire local students to pursue careers in STEM.” The Bishopbriggs Academy team’s efforts highlight the dedication and ingenuity of young engineers striving to make an impact in STEM fields. Commenting on the high quality of team’s work, Greg Barnard, Mechanical Engineering Manager at Allied Vehicles, said: “To see this standard of research and engineering coming from young people of high school age is incredible, and the level of engineering, business and marketing skills that Team Wyvern presented to us was extremely impressive. It is refreshing to see a STEM initiative combining engineering theory with traditional and modern manufacturing methods, and, if these young people are any indication, the future of our industry is in safe hands. We are delighted to sponsor them in the UK finals and can’t wait to see them in action.” With Allied’s support, Team Wyvern is on track to go head-to-head with the best teams in the UK for the top spot on the podium.

His Majesty The King was given a glimpse into the future of JCB hydrogen power as he toured the company’s World Headquarters as part of its 80th birthday celebrations. As JCB prepares to mark the historic milestone, the company is developing an internal combustion engine which is powered by hydrogen, a zero-carbon fuel of the future. His Majesty was given an insight into JCB’s hydrogen technology by Chairman Anthony Bamford during a tour of the company’s Innovation Centre at Rocester, where he was shown one of the first JCB diggers to be powered by hydrogen – and how the machine can be refuelled simply and efficiently in a matter of minutes. The visit also helped to mark another milestone for JCB – the production of the one millionth JCB backhoe loader digger, an invention which replaced men with shovels, pickaxes and hods and mechanised the labour-intensive process of digging holes and earthmoving around the world. Lord Bamford said: “It is a real honour for us all that that The King has visited JCB to help us celebrate 80 years in business. It was also a great pleasure to show The King the progress we are making with hydrogen powered machines. Today was an occasion that will live long in the memories of everyone who was present.” The King was welcomed on arrival by Lord and Lady Bamford, George Bamford and JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald before going on a tour of the backhoe loader production line where he helped fit a wheel to a JCB digger. On a tour of the production line, His Majesty met apprentices Matthew Walker-Stack, 19, of Rugeley, Freddie McCool, 19, of Lichfield, and Eleanor Pitt, of Derby, who is only the second ever female welding apprentice to join the company. The King spoke to Richard Williams, of Stramshall, near Uttoxeter, General Manager of the Backhoe Loader Business Unit, who has worked at JCB for 38 years. He followed in his father Brian’s footsteps, who completed 33 years’ service as a JCB Production Foreman. Also introduced to The King were Richard’s wife Sarah, who has worked for JCB for almost 35 years and his son Josh, a paint plant operative and his daughter Kaitlan, who works in Production Support. The visit concluded in the main reception of JCB’s World HQ where The King was shown the one millionth JCB backhoe loader digger which recently rolled off the company’s Rocester production line. His Majesty was greeted by warm applause from more than 60 guests in the reception, who included members of two families who have a combined service to JCB approaching 1,000 years. Bill Boot first clocked on at JCB in 1949 and 27 members of his family have gone on to work at the company and nine current Boot family employees, including Bill’s great-grandson Leigh, were there to welcome The King. Ken Harrison, now aged 100, one of the last surviving members of the 1953 team which produced the first JCB backhoe loaders was also in attendance with family members. Ken and his relatives have amassed more than 350 years’ service to JCB. Also among the guests in the main reception were long-serving and retired employees and former JCB Academy students, including Rhys Bradbury, 29, of Derby. As a 15-year-old student Rhys had reported on the official opening of the Academy by the then Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall for the school’s newsletter. Rhys, who is now JCB’s Regional Sales Manager for Central Europe, Austria and Switzerland, said: “It was fantastic to be involved in today’s visit and a great start to JCB’s 80th anniversary year.” Also there was JCB-sponsored athlete Adam Burgess sporting his Olympic silver medal, which he secured in Paris last year in the slalom canoe event. His Majesty unveiled a plaque to mark his visit and as he stepped outside to leave, he was met by the cheers of thousands of flag-waving World HQ JCB employees who lined the route of his departure. Caption for attached photo : Lord Bamford explains to His Majesty The King the simple and quick process of refuelling a hydrogen backhoe loader.

Supermarket Aldi has released a new haute-couture collection for London Fashion Week, made out of black bin bags. The new fashion line titled, ‘Trash-Chic’, has been designed to take aim at the expensive high-fashion industry and showcase that true style doesn’t need to cost the earth. Aldi teamed up with designer, Ethan Leyland, to create the new looks using the supermarket’s Everyday Essentials Refuse Sacks, made from 60% recycled plastic and costing just £1.25 a roll. Modelled outside London Fashion Week this morning, fashionistas were left gobsmacked as they were fooled into believing the new designs were created by a high-end fashion house. Video captured by Aldi’s Social Team shows ‘in-the-know’ fashion fans praising Aldi’s looks, before they were revealed to be bin bags from the supermarket. One fan claimed: “I just love what the piece is doing, it really speaks to me”, whilst another praised the bin bag looks as “so avant-garde! Where can I get my hands on the collection?”. The bin bag dresses were showcased by two models around Soho, complete with a bag accessory, also made from bin bags. The models caused a frenzy of activity with passersby this morning, with London Fashion Week goers desperate to get a glimpse of what was going on. Ethan Leyland is a womenswear designer who has previously created looks for the likes of Bjork, Jourdan Dunn and Jessica Chastain. Him and his team spent over 270 hours working on the designs, using over 100 Aldi bin bags in the final products. Ethan said: “As soon as Aldi approached me with this project, I knew I had to get involved – it’s been some of my best work creating these looks out of just bin bags and I’ve loved seeing the reaction to them. We’ve taken London Fashion Week by storm!” Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK,said: “When we labelled our Everyday Refuse Sacks as suitable for a variety of household uses, we really did mean it – from lining your bin, to becoming a runway-ready creation!" “At Aldi, we always look to offer our customers great value, and we’ve shown we can do this even when it comes to high-end fashion. Last year we took on Moschino, recreating its celery bag for a fraction of the price, and this year we’re taking it to one of the biggest fashion events of the year, with looks that only cost £1.25. Our new ‘Trash-Chic’ range is a testament to affordable chic, proving that we’ve turned affordability into an art form!”

Manchester Airport has announced it is to introduce a new barrierless system for vehicles dropping off and picking up passengers as part of its commitment to enhancing the passenger experience. The switch to a new barrierless drop-off and pick-up system will improve the overall experience for both drivers and passengers by streamlining the process. By removing the existing barriers, drivers will pass through more smoothly without the need to stop on exit, helping reduce congestion and improving traffic flow. The new technology will be managed through an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system like that already in use at some other UK airports and familiar settings like bridges and tunnels. It will come into operation in late March 2025. Cameras will identify cars by their registration number and automatically record who has used the pick-up or drop-off area. Rather than stopping at a barrier and paying as they leave the area, drivers will leave and then pay the charge by midnight the following day. They can do this over the phone or online. There will be no change to the existing charges. No payments will be made when exiting the area. Frequent users, including taxi drivers, will be able to set up an auto-pay account for future visits – more information about this will be available in the coming weeks. There will be prominent signs in and around the forecourt areas to remind drivers of the new system once it is introduced. Sue West, Manchester Airports Landside Operations Director, said: “Here at Manchester Airport we’re always looking for ways to make our passengers’ lives easier. By removing barriers in our drop-off and pick-up zones it will speed up the process and make it feel seamless.” "The barrierless system will be implemented across the various drop-off and pick-up areas around the airport in a phased approach over the last weeks of March and the start of April – exact dates will be communicated in the coming weeks.”

In the global digital landscape, verifying one’s identity online should be frictionless, easy, and secure. But many onboarding processes fall short on one or more of these criteria. For example, a user’s documents might not be accepted in one specific region or country resulting in either extended identity verification times or denial of using an online service altogether. Moreover, centralized legacy systems that store sensitive user information may be vulnerable to data breaches, potentially putting users at risk of identity theft. along ID, developed by the international software company deverium, seeks to address these key challenges. It is a digital identity orchestration engine for cross-border identity verification (IDV), supported by a digital wallet. The product keeps data privacy at its core while enabling identity credentials to be shared and verified across borders, offering a solution that simplifies customer onboarding for businesses and empowers users with autonomous control over their personal digital information, all within one app. Reusable credentials for cross-border identity checks Existing identity verification systems often function well within a single country or region but falter when applied across borders—for example, a traveller may find that their national ID is not recognized when accessing services abroad, or a business expanding globally may struggle to verify the identities of international customers or partners due to lacking IDV coverage. This creates significant hurdles for businesses operating internationally and for individuals wanting to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. The new digital identity orchestration engine, alongID, is empowered by verified identity providers – GBG and Regula – who were the first to trust the product and have established strategic partnerships with deverium. This enables businesses to onboard users from diverse markets while ensuring compliance with local regulatory and security standards. Ihar Kliashchou, Chief Technology Officer at Regula says: “deverium is building the future of digital identity, and we’re pleased to support that vision. At Regula, we’ve built one of the most comprehensive identity document template databases in the industry - a vital resource that makes identity verification faster, more accurate, and more secure. By partnering with deverium, we’re bringing this vast database and our decades of expertise in document and biometric verification to power the next generation of seamless and trustworthy digital identity solutions.” Another persistent challenge for both users and organizations is the friction and costs associated with Know Your Customer (KYC) processes and frequent re-verifications. alongID aims to reduce the high costs associated with inefficient onboarding practices that reportedly cost European financial institutions over €5.7 billion annually. By enabling users to verify their identity once and reuse those credentials across multiple services, the new solution accelerates onboarding, improves customer experience, and contributes to a stronger bottom line for businesses by reducing onboarding drop off rates and expenses related to KYC processes. Edvardas Maslauskas, CTO of deverium says: “We are reimagining digital identity—because it’s no longer enough to rely solely on biometrics, KYC, or AML checks. For effective cross-border verification, an authentic mix of diverse attributes is essential. This, combined with our reusable credential system, creates a truly unique and globally applicable solution—one that solves a critical problem for individuals and businesses worldwide.” Addressing privacy concerns Data privacy is a major concern, with 92% of European consumers worried about mobile apps collecting data without their consent and 41% not wanting to share personal information with private companies. alongID aims to address such concerns for privacy and security through its distributed architecture and innovative use of cryptographic methods that improve system reliability and shift the control of user data from businesses to the hands of individual users. The use of zero-knowledge proofs is at the heart of the digital identity product’s approach to data privacy. This technology allows users to verify specific aspects of their identity, such as age or name, without disclosing full identity document information. This granular control over data sharing enhances user privacy, reducing unnecessary data exposure. “Unlike existing solutions, our digital ID orchestration engine leverages blockchain-based authentication and zero-knowledge proofs to ensure both security and user privacy. alongID enables users to manage their digital identity as well as their relationship with businesses from a single app, removing the need to oversee multiple different communication channels with each business. The alongID wallet serves as a secure repository for user credentials, giving individuals complete control over their digital identity,” says Edvardas Maslauskas. “Users not only decide what information to share and with whom, but also have the option to revoke access to their shared credentials at any time.” This focus on user privacy has not gone unnoticed by the market. “Since our initial announcement about receiving €2M in EU funding to develop the product, we are seeing significant enthusiasm from prospective investors and partners,” says Erika Maslauskaite, CEO of deverium. “The transformative potential of alongID’s privacy-first approach is evident in a market where trust and security are of crucial importance. Our strategic partnerships with global identity verification leaders like GBG and Regula demonstrate our commitment to building a robust, globally trusted ecosystem for digital identity verification. We are eager to showcase alongID for the first time to potential partners and investors on a broader stage at the upcoming Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.” A secure and interoperable approach to digital verification alongID ensures all processes are fully compliant, relieving businesses of the burden of keeping up-to-date with various ever-changing global regulatory frameworks, including GDPR, eIDAS 2.0, ISO and others. The alongID workflow engine further strengthens the product’s offering by allowing businesses to customize their verification processes to meet specific compliance requirements as well as connect to a broad network of verified identity verification providers. This adaptable workflow, similar to the flexible payment infrastructure offered by companies like Stripe and Klarna, allows businesses to select necessary verification steps and integrate seamlessly with their existing systems. This gives businesses operating in multiple markets the power to tailor their approach to local regulations while maintaining a unified, secure identity verification system. This adaptability is key to meeting the diverse needs of businesses across industries and geographies. Above Photo: Deverium CTO Edvardas Maslauskas and CEO Erika Maslauskaite

Leading British spring manufacturer and components supplier to the mattress and furniture industry, Spinks, has achieved a major milestone after receiving its 100th patent – demonstrating its ongoing commitment to innovation. The Yorkshire-based company has been granted its 100th patent around the world for a new coil design that will help improve the future of bedding and seating. Richard Essery, Chief Commercial Officer for Spinks, said: “This is a remarkable achievement for the business – few are able to accomplish such a feat, and we are incredibly proud to be leading the way for innovation within the industry." “Reaching such a significant milestone proves our true commitment and dedication to innovation, pushing the boundaries of new technologies, products and processes." “At Spinks we are constantly striving to create new, inventive products that our customers will truly benefit from, and over the years each patent has marked a step forward in our journey to redefine comfort.” The business submitted its first patent in 1996, for its successful Revolution pocket coil invention – a unique pocket spring within a pocket spring system that offers an unmatched level of comfort and support – which has proved to be one of the company’s most notable and successful creations, and is still widely used around the world. Spinks has continued to patent various microcoil inventions, including conical designs, miniature coil within coil models, and microcoils that feature fabrics on the top and bottom to provide different thermal characteristics. The company has also seen success with the introduction of its patent-pending pocket coiling machine, which aims to reduce energy consumption for the business by 60%, as well as minimising raw materials needed in the spring-making process. Now, in 2025, Spinks is planning to launch a number of new innovations that will again set new standards in coil technology for the furniture and seating industries. These designs – of which international patents have been applied for – include next-generation microcoil and core pocket spring systems, all featuring glue-free constructions.

Aon plc, a leading global professional services firm, has released results from its 2025 Human Capital Employee Sentiment Study The global study of more than 9,000 employees across 23 geographies, including the U.S., UK, Brazil and Australia, found that a majority of workers have their eye on their next move and do not feel motivated to grow their skill set as they prioritize well-being and work-life balance. Aon's study found that a staggering 60 percent of employees are already moving on and might or will definitely seek new employment in the next 12 months, revealing widespread dissatisfaction with their current job. Moreover, employees surveyed showed a low commitment to improving their AI skill set, as just over a third of employees globally feel motivated to develop new skills to stay relevant when asked about the new technology. At the same time, demand for flexibility is on the rise, as employees rank work-life balance benefits – such as job sharing or technology-free hours – as third overall most valued benefit. Gen Z employees rank work-life balance programs as their second most valued benefit, just behind medical benefits, and outranking paid time off, career development and retirement savings. Taken together, these results illustrate that employees around the world are reassessing their relationship to their employer and more broadly the "hustle culture" of burnout and "always-on" ethos that has defined recent years of discourse around the future of work – a phenomenon Aon calls the "Hustle Reset." "It's a common belief that the employee trends that took hold during the 'Great Resignation' of 2021 and 2022 are over, but our study results show a more nuanced picture of the workforce landscape," said Lambos Lambrou, CEO of Human Capital at Aon. "Despite cooling in the job market, employees are reevaluating their values and priorities and, as they look for their next move, prioritizing employers that will support their life outside of work." Aon's study results reveal that a strong company culture help employers recruit and retain top talent amid the "Hustle Reset." Behind competitive pay and benefits, employees seek businesses that are considered "a fun place to work" and "a strong fit with personal values" over all other factors when selecting a new role. Other trends identified in Aon's 2025 Employee Sentiment Study include: Executives and Employees Have Different AI Expectations : Twenty-two percent of founders and C-suite executives believe that AI will significantly replace jobs in their field, yet only 11 percent of entry-level employees believe the same. Entry-level employees are 64 percent more likely to be unsure of the impact AI will have on their roles and 31 percent less likely to think that it will create new opportunities that require new skills in their field. Hybrid Workers Feel the Most Valued : Hybrid workers feel the most valued by their company. Fully remote employees are 52 percent more likely to feel undervalued and office-based workers are 10 percent more likely to feel undervalued. Money Talks in the Talent War : Forty-seven percent of employees ranked the provision of better-than-average pay and meaningful benefits as the number one factor influencing their employer choice, but culture is also a key attractor. Considering this, it becomes even more important for businesses to use data and analytics to benchmark pay and benefits against market standards, ensuring they remain competitive. Aon supports this process through its Radford McLagan Compensation Database, which provides actionable insights into market trends and total rewards strategies to help companies attract and retain top talent. Too Many Employers Are Failing to Accommodate Differing Needs : Seventy-two percent of employees said personalization of benefits was important to them, yet only 41 percent of employees currently have a choice-based system of benefits. Ineffective Communication is Hindering Employee Utilization of Benefits : The study exposes vital gaps in communication between employers and their people. Even for commonly placed benefits, such as life and disability insurance, our results expose that only 38 percent of employees who consider life and disability benefits important believe they have access to them. "The results of our inaugural Human Capital Employee Sentiment Study reveal that employee expectations are shifting and the war for talent is far from over. Employers feel more pressure than ever to deliver a superior experience that retains strong talent," said Lisa Stevens, Chief Administrative Officer for Aon. "Our firm is ready to help leaders make decisions that move the needle and foster loyalty amid the 'Hustle Reset,' creating an environment where employees can thrive."

Marks & Spencer is teaming up with Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy and Prostate Cancer UK to encourage men to take ‘a brief check’ for prostate cancer. The initiative comes as latest data from the NHS shows 4,851 men in the North West are diagnosed with Prostate cancer each year, with 24% of those diagnosed once it’s too late. One in eight men will get prostate cancer and the condition affects millions of lives. M&S is calling on not only men to check their risk but the women in their lives to play a role in the conversation. M&S and Sir Chris Hoy will be encouraging men across the nation to use Prostate Cancer UK’s online risk checker – a quick and simple tool that enables men to find out their risk and what they can do about it. More than three million men have taken the Risk Checker since it launched in 2022, leading to thousands more men getting early, life-changing diagnosis. At the end of January, Prostate Cancer UK revealed that prostate cancer is now England’s most common form of cancer, with cases rising by a quarter between 2019 and 2023. As the UK’s largest retailer, M&S will harness the platform of its stores, website and social channels to drive a nationwide conversation about prostate cancer. This includes QR codes being rolled out in fitting rooms to all Clothing & Home stores and they will also be donating £4 per pack for all men’s Autograph underwear sales (excluding vests and socks) to Prostate Cancer UK until the end of March, to coincide with Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, further supporting the charity’s lifechanging work. Olympic Champion Sir Chris Hoy was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer in September 2023, without any symptoms. In the two months following Sir Chris going public about his diagnosis, 286,000 people used Prostate Cancer UK’s Risk Checker – 38,000 of whom had a family history of the disease, like Sir Chris. Sir Chris Hoy commented: “When M&S approached me, this campaign felt like a no brainer, I really believe that together, we can make a difference. It’s amazing to know that we’re going to raise vital funds for ground-breaking research into prostate cancer – but on top of that, we have the platform and opportunity to break the stigma and talk about it." “As men, we know we can be pretty poor at putting our health to the top of our priorities and are reluctant to talk about it, but prostate cancer often has no symptoms. Therefore, one simple check, really can save lives. So, my ask to everyone is to spark a conversation and check, mate.” Mitch Hughes, Menswear Director, Clothing & Home at M&S commented: “When Sir Chris Hoy was diagnosed with prostate cancer, it brought the condition front of mind for a lot of us and made men like me question, how would I know if I’m at risk? As the market leader in men’s underwear, we felt we had the opportunity to support his inspiring message. We’re very proud of our long-standing partnership with Breast Cancer Now and the impact we have made supporting women to check for signs of breast cancer, but there is more we can do to support men to check their risk of prostate cancer." “That’s why, I’m really proud that we have teamed up with Britain’s most decorated Olympian and Prostate Cancer UK, to spark a nationwide conversation and help more men check their risk – just as we launch our first men’s underwear campaign in over ten years.” Laura Kerby, Chief Executive of Prostate Cancer UK, said: "When Sir Chris Hoy went public with his prostate diagnosis last year, he made a huge positive impact for men everywhere. In the couple of months following Sir Chris's announcement, 286,000 people used our 30-second online Risk Checker. His bravery has inspired so many men to take action about their prostate cancer risk, and he has undoubtedly saved lives." "Prostate cancer doesn't give you signs or symptoms in its earlier stages when it's more treatable, so awareness is everything. That's why we're so excited to launch our partnership with Marks & Spencer, which will help us reach thousands of men on high streets up and down the UK, as well as raising vital funds for research projects like our landmark TRANSFORM screening trial.” 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer, and it's now the most common cancer in England. But the earlier you find it the easier it is to treat. To check your risk, visit Prostate Cancer UK here . If you are at risk, the first test for prostate cancer is a simple PSA blood test, and you have the right to get one for free from your GP. If you're concerned about prostate cancer, you can talk with Specialist Nurses on 0800 074 8383 or via the Prostate Cancer UK website.