Sheffield Hallam University is joining Universities across Yorkshire in training science researchers of the future as part of a new government-funded regional biosciences partnership. The School of Biosciences and Chemistry at Sheffield Hallam will be part of the newly created Yorkshire Bioscience Doctoral Training Partnership (YBDTP), led by University of Leeds. The collaboration aims to equip bioscientists with the skills to understand living systems from the atomic scale to the whole organism and apply this knowledge to a vibrant bioeconomy in the Yorkshire region. The new partnership has been made possible through funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), alongside further investment from partner universities and industrial partners. The funding will allow Sheffield Hallam to support eight new students over the next four years. Professor David Smith, Head of Research in the School of Biosciences and Chemistry, said: “Being a partner in the YBDTP is an excellent opportunity for us to work alongside other universities in the region as well as industrial partners." "Through collaborations across Yorkshire, we will be opening our research labs to doctorial research students from a range of different backgrounds focusing on our expertise in the application of advance technologies and the mechanistic analysis of biological systems. Our students will train alongside the rest of the YBDTP cohort and can develop a range of skills and connections that will set them up for a bright future in science.” The partnership aims to widen participation to Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) funded doctoral training within Yorkshire and beyond, creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Thousands of doctoral students will be supported by UK Research and Innovation via two new schemes called doctoral landscape awards and doctoral focal awards. The awards replace the nine different schemes through which UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) currently supports doctoral training. The investment of more than £500 million will support doctoral students to develop their skills and experience in their respective universities’ areas of strength across the: Biological sciences Engineering and physical sciences Natural and environmental sciences Marking an important step in UKRI’s transition to a collective talent funding model, the joint BBSRC and NERC Doctoral Landscape Awards will invest £293 million in more than 2,300 studentships at 21 universities across five cohorts. Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, UKRI Chief Executive, said: “UKRI’s investments in Doctoral Training are pivotal for the UK’s research and innovation endeavour." “The awards provide funding for Universities across the UK to nurture a cadre of creative, talented people to develop their skills and knowledge, to build partnerships and networks, and to pursue the discoveries that will transform tomorrow, with diverse benefits for society and economic growth.”

Younger employees are disproportionately experiencing stress and burnout at work, new research from Avilio has found. The productivity and performance coaching provider commissioned an independent, nationally representative survey of 1284 UK workers, 739 of whom are in management positions. It found that two-in-five 42% of employees aged 18 to 34 have experienced burnout in the past 12 months, compared to 33% of those aged 35 to 54 and just 20% of those aged 55 and over. Moreover, a third (34%) of those aged 18 to 34 have taken time off from work due to stress, significantly more than the fifth (21%) of those 35 to 54 or the 10% of those 55 and over who have done the same. Signs of stress are also more prominent in management positions, this trend continues. 62% of managers aged 18 to 34 say they regularly work beyond their contracted hours, in contrast to 56% of those aged 35 to 54 and less than half (49%) of those 55 and over. Philippe Masson, CEO of Avilio, said: “For many people, the ages 18 to 34 are peppered with drastic change and major milestones in both their professional and personal lives. From transitioning into management roles, starting families and generally navigating greater responsibilities across the board, it is no wonder that they are especially vulnerable to stress and burnout." “Naturally, adjustment to these pressures isn’t easy, so employers must step up and strengthen their support systems. Indeed, a healthy and thriving workforce can’t be built on good intentions alone. To protect wellbeing and productivity, businesses must go beyond surface-level initiatives and implement practical, evidence-based solutions." “Ensuring any policies in place actually promote work-life balance, provide mental health support, and address the unique challenges of younger workers is essential. Businesses shouldn’t shy away from this, as it will dramatically improve their staff’s wellbeing and, ultimately, their productivity.”

The Office for National Statistics has reported retail sales figures in Great Britain for January: Retail sales volumes rose by 1.7% in January 2025 following a decline of 0.6% in December Non-food store sales volumes fell by 1.3%, Food rose by 5.6%. Clothing sales volumes fell by 2.6% Retail sales had been expected to rise by 0.3% Charlie Huggins, Manager of the Quality Shares Portfolio at Wealth Club commented: "Retail sales volumes came in much better than expected in January, but this was largely due to a significant recovery in food sales. Non-food stores saw sales decline by 1.3%, with clothing sales especially weak - hardly a sign that consumers are feeling flush." "The large increase in food sales is clearly a positive for supermarkets, but it may be a worrying sign for other parts of the economy. More people eating at home is especially bad news for restaurants, pubs and bars. These sectors are in dire need of footfall, with their costs set to rise significantly in April following the Autumn Budget." "The decline in clothing sales - the worst performing category in January - is also a worry. Clothing is one of the first things consumers cut back on when they are feeling the pinch." "Overall, aside from the major supermarkets, few retailers will cheer these figures. With inflation still elevated, and the dire state of government finances suggesting further tax rises could be on the cards, UK consumers are unlikely to be splashing the cash in 2025."

UK fintech investment fell by more than a quarter in 2024, but still attracted more funding than those in France, Germany, China, India, Brazil and Canada combined. Total fintech investment in EMEA dropped to an eight-year low in 2024 and was down to $20.3 billion from $27.6 billion in 2023. The largest fintech deal in Europe in 2024 was the $560.6M sale of online bank, Knab, to Austrian financial firm Bawag Group. The largest deal in the UK was the $267M venture funding round by money transfer provider Zepz. Total UK fintech investment dropped to $9.9 billion in 2024, down 27% from $13.6 billion in 2023, according to KPMG’s Pulse of Fintech, a bi-annual report on fintech investment trends. Geopolitical uncertainty, high levels of inflation and the higher interest rate environment all contributed to more subdued levels of UK fintech investment, compared to the record highs in 2021. UK fintech investment in 2024 was at its lowest level since 2020 ($7.6 billion). Hannah Dobson, Partner and UK Head of Fintech at KPMG UK, said: “2024 was another tough year for fintech investment, which inevitably has led to some business failure and some consolidation. It has also sharpened the focus on a path to profit and cost control which positively leads to more sustainable saleable businesses in the longer term." “In EMEA, and particularly the UK, there are signs of a slow recovery in deals as the reduction in interest rates and more political stability leads to better certainty. The impact of regulation is an ongoing challenge for fintechs across EMEA as they face into new EU and UK regimes in areas such as AI and BNPL." “Despite the drop in investment, the UK remained the capital of European fintech in 2024, attracting almost half the entire funding of the EMEA region. We expect UK investment to remain relatively soft in the first half of this year, although it will likely begin to pick up as interest rates reduce further, with common consensus that this will be in Q3/Q4.” Total global fintech funding reached a seven-year low of US$95 billion in 2024 down from US$113.7 billion in 2023. The payments space continued to account for the largest share of funding among the fintech subsectors, with global investment in the payments space hitting $31 billion in 2024, up from $17.2 billion in 2023. Karim Haji, Global and UK Head of Financial Services at KPMG, added: “While global fintech funding dipped in 2024, it’s encouraging to see bright spots in some areas of investment. Payments continued to be the rockstar of the fintech subsectors, driven by late-stage deals and an increasing focus on consolidation, and regtech gained a lot of traction." "We are starting to see more deals coming through because of interest rate cuts in different jurisdictions and the lower cost of funding. However, we will have to wait and see if the changing world trading conditions impact inflation, interest rates and consequently these positive signs of market change.” 2024 Key Global Highlights: The Americas saw the largest share global investment, attracting $63.8 billion across 2,267 deals, including $50.7 billion across 1,836 deals in the US. Comparatively, the EMEA region attracted $20.3 billion across 1,465 deals, while the ASPAC region attracted $11.4 billion across 895 deals. Global M&A activity fell to $49.6 billion in 2024, down from $60.2 billion in 2023 as large M&A transactions remained in short supply. While global fintech investment fell from $51.7 billion in H1’24 to $43.9 billion in H2’24, the quarterly results provided a sense of positivity heading into 2025, with investment growing from $18.0 billion in Q3’24 to $25.9 billion in Q4’24. A similar trend occurred in both the Americas and EMEA regions; the Americas saw $31 billion in fintech investment in H2’24 — of which $20.2 billion came in Q4’24, while EMEA attracted $7.2 billion in H2’24 — of which $4 billion came in Q4’24. Global investment in crypto and blockchain rose from $8.7 billion in 2023 to $9.1 billion in 2024; four of the five largest crypto deals of 2024 occurred in H2’24.

Over the last five years, hybrid and remote working have permanently altered the trajectory of office work, rendering meeting rooms obsolete. This means a lot of business plans and company updates now take place online, and the reality is that trying to collaborate with some people in physical spaces while others join remotely can make team meetings difficult to navigate so that they are engaging for both parties. So, how can companies that use hybrid or remote working models maximise productivity and inclusivity in virtual meetings while keeping them engaging? Raphael Allstadt, CEO of AI notetaker platform tl;dv , has provided his top tips on how companies can make virtual meetings more engaging with the use of tools like AI notetakers. What Are The Most Common Issues With Disengagement In Virtual Meetings? Disengagement in virtual meetings is a common occurrence and challenge for lots of businesses, and often stems from a mix of technical and communication issues. Allstadt explains that this can include, but is not limited to, lack of clear purpose in a meeting or participants not knowing what their role is, as well as overloading too many meetings at once, which can lead to Zoom fatigue, decreased focus and a lack of energy to concentrate on what is being discussed. As well, participants who work from home may experience more frequent interruptions from family, pets or their environment, as well as technical difficulties such as poor internet connections or audio problems that can frustrate participants and lead them to disengage. Allstadt continues that these issues can be easily resolved with the right approach and technology in order to make virtual meetings a success and useful for all those involved. What Are The Solutions? Consider Whether The Meeting Is Necessary When planning a virtual meeting, first consider whether it's actually needed or if the information could be shared effectively via email or instant message. Many organisations schedule frequent meetings to maintain communication, but sometimes a quick update on the team's messaging platform can be just as, if not more, effective at keeping employees informed and engaged. Sharing updates this way, rather than creating unnecessary meetings can also reduce the pressure of accommodating different time zones and schedules. Before scheduling your next meeting, pause and consider if it's truly required. Level The Playing Field With Technology Technology can also help create a more engaging and unified experience for virtual meetings. Tools like AI notetakers can work in the background, recording conversations, highlighting actions, and capturing feedback. This allows participants to focus on listening and contributing to the discussion without the distraction of note-taking. Features such as breakout rooms can also facilitate brainstorming sessions, while polls and surveys ensure everyone, regardless of location, feels included and engaged. Improve Meeting Structure A well-structured meeting can also keep team members engaged. Sharing clear objectives and an agenda beforehand, using an AI notetaker tool, can also help set expectations and encourage efficiency. (meetings should ideally be less than 45 minutes). You should also consider assigning roles within the meeting to both remote and in-office workers, as this ensures equal opportunities for participation. Use Games And Icebreakers Games and icebreaker activities are a great way to maintain engagement in virtual meetings, especially for hybrid teams. You want to avoid the meeting becoming a lecture where people passively listen and multitask. Start by asking a thought-provoking question as an icebreaker, or introduce games and quizzes throughout the meeting to test understanding of the material and encourage active listening. Request Feedback Finally, one of the best ways to understand how to keep hybrid employees engaged is to ask them directly. Gather feedback on what they feel is missing or what would help remote workers feel more included. This can be done through live feedback web chats during meetings, polls and surveys, or by using an AI notetaker platform to generate feedback and action points for future meetings.

P1 Contractors and Johnsons Nurseries are proud to have played a key role in the successful delivery of the landscaping and planting for the new Parkhead Health and Social Care Hub in Glasgow. This £72 million state-of-the-art facility, developed by hub West Scotland for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and constructed by BAM Construction, is Scotland’s first net-zero carbon in-operation health hub, setting a new standard for sustainable healthcare infrastructure. The Parkhead Hub brings together GP services, pharmacy, dental care, children’s services, mental health support, training and social work under one roof, making it one of the most significant health projects in Scotland. The facility will also include community spaces such as bookable rooms, a café and the relocation of Parkhead Library. The carefully designed green spaces surrounding the facility are essential in promoting well-being, biodiversity, and community engagement. As the lead landscaping contractor, P1 Contractors managed the full soft landscaping installation which included, soil preparation, groundworks, tree, shrub, herbaceous and bulb planting, turfing and grass seeding. Ryan Whitelaw from P1 Contractors said: “We’re proud to have played a key role in shaping the outdoor environment of the Parkhead Hub. Our work ensures that the facility’s landscape is not only functional but also a lasting green space for the community.” Johnsons Nurseries, a leading UK plant supplier, has enriched the Parkhead Hub’s landscaping with over 120 trees, including Acer campestre, Betula pendula, Pinus sylvestris, and Prunus avium. They also provided more than twenty-three thousand shrubs, grasses and herbaceous plants, featuring over four thousand Prunus Otto Luyken, one thousand eight hundred Pinus Mugo Mops, and thousands of Lonicera Nitida and Ilex aquifolium, creating a vibrant and sustainable green space. Johnsons Group Managing Director Graham Richardson said, " Supplying over 120 trees and more than 23,000 plants for the Parkhead Hub ensures a lasting green legacy for the community." "From trees to shrubs and herbaceous plants, each plant was carefully selected to enhance biodiversity, air quality, and well-being. It was great to work with our long-standing customer, P1 Contractors, on this transformative project, delivering high-quality landscaping that will benefit generations to come.” The Parkhead Health and Social Care Hub is a landmark project bringing essential services together in a net-zero carbon facility, setting a new standard for sustainable healthcare. Through collaboration between hub West Scotland, BAM Construction, P1 Contractors, and Johnsons Nurseries, it creates a welcoming space that will benefit the community for generations.

Bulou Mataitoga is set to make her 50th Loughborough Lightning appearance under the floodlights at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens on Friday evening (kick-off: 7.45pm). The USA international retains her place on the right wing and will lead out the team to take on Trailfinders Women in the 18th and final round of the 2024/25 Premiership Women’s Rugby season. Lightning’s first Friday night match at the Gardens is also the final time Lightning original Rachel Malcolm will wear an African Violet shirt, following confirmation earlier this week her eight-season stay at the Club is coming to and at the conclusion of the 2024/25 campaign. Head coach Nathan Smith makes four changes to the team that secured a fourth win in six games against Bristol Bears three weeks ago. Alev Kelter is restored to the starting line-up as she looks to add to her seven tries in ten outings this term. The USA international wears the number 11 shirt vacated by Krissy Scurfield, who is away with the Canada Sevens team in Vancouver. The backs division otherwise remains unchanged as Fran Goldthorp starts at fullback, Emily Scarratt and Carmela Morrall are partnered in the centres, and Meg Davey and Helena Rowland are the half-backs for a third successive game. Loosehead prop Anne Young and hooker Kathryn Treder are joined in the front row by Christine Belisle, who starts at tighthead prop with Laura Keates rotated to the replacements. Abby Duguid takes the place of fellow Canadian Courtney Holtkamp in the second row following the end of her short-term spell with the Club. She will pair-up with fellow lock Lilli Ives Campion. Blindside flanker Malcolm is joined by No.8 and fellow co-captain Daisy Hibbert-Jones on the back row, with Hallie Taufoou completing the trio in the place of Sadia Kabeya, who is rested due to an injury niggle. Amelia Williams, Kendall Waudby and Leia Brebner-Holden are the only surviving members from the replacements who defeated Bristol Bears in Round 16. They are joined by Keates and Becky Boyd – fresh from her first call-up to the extended Scotland squad ahead of the Six Nations. Haineala Lutui, aged 18, is in line to make her Lightning debut from the replacements, having caught the eye in recent weeks in BUCS Super Rugby action for Loughborough University. Another player who has shone in BUCS, winger/centre Ellen Scantlebury, is set to play her first Lightning minutes since suffering an injury in the reverse fixture against Trailfinders four months ago. The bench is completed by another young back, Evelyn Clarke, who last featured against Gloucester-Hartpury in Round 9. “We’re excited to play our first Friday Night Lights game at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens and we are focused on ending the 2024/25 season on a high,” said Smith. “It promises to be an emotional occasion as we say goodbye to Rachel Malcolm after eight fantastic seasons of service. We hope to give her a fitting send off in front of our fantastic supporters.” LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING vs TRAILFINDERS WOMEN Premiership Women’s Rugby, Round 18 Friday 21 February, 2025 Kick-off: 7.45pm 15 Francesca Goldthorp 14 Bulou Mataitoga – 50th Lightning appearance 13 Emily Scarratt 12 Carmela Morrall 11 Alev Kelter 10 Helena Rowland 9 Meg Davey 1 Anne Young 2 Kathryn Treder 3 Christine Belisle 4 Abby Duguid 5 Lilli Ives Campion 6 Rachel Malcolm (cc) 7 Hallie Taufoou 8 Daisy Hibbert-Jones (cc) Replacements: 16 Kendall Waudby 17 Amelia Williams 18 Laura Keates 19 Becky Boyd 20 Haineala Lutui – Lightning debut (#142) 21 Leia Brebner-Holden 22 Ellen Scantlebury 23 Evelyn Clarke

One of The Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation’s nominated charities for the 2024/25 season, Heartwize, recently delivered CPR training to members of our Men’s First Team squad and Academy players at LCFC Training Ground. The session equipped the players with basic life support skills, including adult and child hands-only CPR techniques, and was held ahead of our Premier League game with Brentford on Friday, a fixture dedicated to the charity. The players also learned how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and gained valuable insights into post-incident welfare considerations. Heartwize, established in 2014 by cardiologists Prof. William Toff and Dr. Doug Skehan, has grown into a volunteer-led programme with over 80 people giving up their time to support their mission, which is to train as many people as possible. This starts in schools and extends into communities by showing people how to give lifesaving CPR and to effectively use defibrillators. This approach has already enabled them to reach over 60,000 people across Leicestershire, alongside significant outreach among schools, businesses and sports clubs. The result is an improvement in cardiac arrest survival rates through this vital education and engagement. Ricardo Pereira, our Men’s First Team ambassador for the Heartwize fixture, said: “This kind of training is so important - not just for us as players but for anyone. Knowing how to perform CPR or use a defibrillator could mean saving someone’s life in a critical moment." “In an emergency situation, having the training and the confidence to step in could make all the difference. Everyone can learn this and we’re really proud to be helping Heartwize reach as many people as possible.” The session in Seagrave emphasised the importance of swift, confident action during medical emergencies, highlighting how simple interventions can save lives. It is through practical, small-group teaching just like this that Heartwize equips participants with the hands-on skills needed to take decisive action when it matters most. By partnering with Leicester City, they have a further platform to show how dedicated training sessions on early CPR and defibrillation can drastically improve the chances of survival. Prof. William Toff from Heartwize added: “The players demonstrated exceptional focus and enthusiasm during the training, understanding the critical importance of knowing how to respond in a cardiac emergency. “Cardiac arrests can happen to anyone, at any time, and immediate intervention is often the difference between life and death. By learning hands-only CPR, how to use an AED, and the necessary steps to take after an incident, these players are not only equipped to act in emergencies but are also advocates for wider community awareness.”

A new study has identified which Premier League stadium is the best for fans, with Anfield taking the top spot. The study, conducted by sports betting and casino experts FIRST.com , looked at five factors, including the price of a season ticket, the percentage of five-star Google reviews, and the price of a pint, and assigned each Premier League stadium a score out of 100 to determine which are the best for fans. Anfield is the best Premier League stadium for fans, with an index score of 75.77 out of 100. Home to Liverpool, the stadium has a capacity of 61,276 and boasts 87% of Google reviews with a five-star rating, with 33 pubs within 1km of the venue. The average price of a season ticket here is £816.10, while a pint is £4.40. Following in second is the home of Liverpool’s big rivals Manchester United. Old Trafford has an index score of 73.01 out of 100. The famous old stadium holds up to 74,310 punters and 81% of Google reviews rated the venue five stars. A season ticket at Old Trafford is an average of £798, with a pint costing £3, and 11 pubs located within 1km of the stadium. The GTech Community Stadium ranks third, with an index score of 71.93 out of 100. The stadium, which is home to Brentford, has a capacity of 17,250 visitors and was found to have 76% of its Google reviews rated five stars. A season ticket costs an average of £553.33 and a pint at the venue will set visitors back £4. For those interested in grabbing a drink before or after the game, there are 14 pubs within 1km of the stadium. The City Ground is placed fourth, with an index score of 68.38 out of 100. Home to Nottingham Forest, the stadium has a capacity of 30,404 and 81% of Google reviews rated it five stars. A season ticket will cost an average of £667.50 for fans, with a pint costing £5.20. There are also 11 pubs within 1km of the stadium. Rounding out the top five is Molineux, with an index score of 67.82 out of 100. Home to Wolves, it has a capacity of 31,750 visitors, with 76% of Google reviews rated as five stars. The club charge an average of £774.86 per season ticket, and a pint will cost fans £4. Within 1km of the stadium, there are 29 pubs for those interested in a pre or post-game drink. The top 10 Premier League stadiums for fans: Rank Football Stadium Football Club Index Score (out of 100) 1 Anfield Liverpool 75.77 2 Old Trafford Manchester United 73.02 3 GTech Community Stadium Brentford 71.93 4 City Ground Nottingham Forest 68.38 5 Molineux Wolves 67.82 6 St. James' Park Newcastle 64.43 7 Portman Road Ipswich 60.00 8 Selhurst Park Crystal Palace 59.79 9 Etihad Stadium Manchester City 55.60 10 King Power Stadium Leicester City 52.18 Ranking sixth is St James’ Park, with an index score of 64.43 out of 100. Home to Newcastle, the stadium has a capacity of 52,305 and 78% of Google reviews are rated as five stars. A season ticket will cost fans an average of £812 with a pint costing £4.90. As well as this, there are an incredible 106 pubs within 1km of the stadium. Portman Road ranks seventh, with an index score of 60.00 out of 100. Home of Ipswich, it has a capacity of 29,673, and 70% of Google reviews are five stars. The average price of a season ticket is £530.93, and a pint costs £3.50. Within 1km of Portman Road, there are 30 pubs. Selhurst Park is placed eighth, with an index score of 59.79 out of 100. Home to Crystal Palace, the stadium has a capacity of 25,486, and 73.06% of Google reviews are five stars. A season ticket here will cost fans £622 on average, with the cost of a pint being £5. Within 1km, there are eight pubs situated by Selhurst Park. The Etihad Stadium comes in ninth, with an index score of 55.60 out of 100. Home to champions Manchester City, it has a capacity of 53,400 and 77% of Google reviews are five stars. They charge an average of £848.75 per season ticket and a pint will cost fans £4.60. There are six pubs to choose from within 1km of the stadium. The King Power Stadium is tenth, with an index score of 52.18 out of 100. Home to Leicester, this stadium has a capacity of 32,262 visitors. 74% of Google reviews are five stars, and season tickets are priced at an average of £628.07 for fans. A pint costs £5.80, and within 1km from the stadium there are seven pubs. The bottom three Premier League stadiums for fans: London Stadium ranked as the worst Premier League stadium for football supporters with an index score of 18.94 out of 100. Home to West Ham, the stadium scored 4.4 out of 5 on Google and just 64% of reviews were rated five stars. The club charges an average of £946.25 per season ticket, a pint will cost fans a rather pricey £6.30, and there are only 10 pubs within 1km of the stadium. Ranking second from the bottom is Craven Cottage, with an index score of 27.83 out of 100. Home of Fulham, the London-based stadium only has 71% of Google reviews rating it five stars. A season ticket here will set you back an average of £1,230.77, with a pint at the venue costing £5.50. There are 11 pubs within 1km of the stadium. Rounding out the bottom three is the Emirates Stadium with an index score of 31.77 out of 100. Arsenal’s home ground recorded 76% of Google reviews rated as five stars and an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. The club charge an eyewatering £1,394.47 per season ticket on average, a pint will cost fans £6.30, but within 1km of the stadium, there are 36 pubs. Speaking on the findings, Ekaterina Boboleva, CEO of FIRST.com said, “Each club's unique combination of these factors can highlight where they place emphasis: A club with high Google ratings but high costs might focus on premium experiences, while clubs with affordable ticket and pint prices may prioritise accessibility for the average fan, and proximity to pubs shows whether clubs cater to convenience and pre/post-match culture." “This analysis shows the importance of the fan journey—not just the 90 minutes on the pitch but the broader context of attending a match. It paints a picture of what makes football a communal, accessible, and enjoyable spectacle across the Premier League.”

Gusts of up to 70mph and heavy rain will bring potentially "dangerous" conditions and travel disruption to parts of the UK later this week, forecasters have warned. Personal injury attorneys John Foy & Associates reveal what to do if you are ever involved in a car accident. If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, injured in an accident, and looking at thousands of dollars in repair and medical costs, there are steps you can take to protect your legal rights and potentially claim compensation. Carry Recording Equipment In Your Car In case you are involved in or a witness to an accident, it’s a good idea to carry recording equipment in your car. Things like a phone camera, pencil, and paper can all be used to document evidence and take notes. Hopefully, you won’t need them, but it’s good to be prepared. You should also bring your driver's licence, proof of insurance, and registration whenever you are driving. Emergency tools like flares and orange cones can also be helpful at the scene of an accident. Make sure your phone is fully charged before setting off on a car journey in case you need to call for an ambulance or the police. Pull Over And Call The Police If you’re involved in an accident, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. Then, call the police to report the incident. Even if the accident seems minor, it’s important to have this report as evidence. You can get a copy of the report from the local law enforcement later. Stick to the facts about the accident when speaking to law enforcement. It’s easy to feel upset or emotional when in a car accident but avoid admitting fault or apologising to the other driver. Ask the police for their names, badge numbers, and the incident report number, and write these down. Speak to the other driver and exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance information. Try to stay calm and polite and avoid assigning blame or apologizing. Record The Incident If you or any of your passengers are injured, take photos if it is safe to do so. Speak to witnesses and write down their names and contact information. Take photos or videos of the scene of the accident, as well as any damage to the vehicles. Take lots of pictures from different angles to get as full a picture as possible. Make a note of the date, time, and location of the accident. After the incident, you can also keep a record of how it has impacted your day-to-day life and if it has caused you stress or any other difficulties. Keep all this information in a safe place. If you’ve made paper copies, keep them securely filed until you need them. If you store your notes on a computer, having your files backed up is sensible. Call Your Doctor Drivers and passengers with serious injuries will likely go straight to the hospital. If your injuries are minor, you may be tempted to go home and forget about them. Even if this is the case, seeing your doctor as soon as possible after the accident is important. Some injuries can take time to show up, so you should see a medical professional even if you’re only in a small amount of pain. This ensures that you get the proper treatment and have a record for future claims. Begin The Claims Process Whoever is at fault, you will need to contact your insurance company to let them know about the accident. Give them all the information that you collected at the scene of the accident. Check with your insurance company the amount of time you have in which to report an incident, as it can vary from provider to provider. If you decide to pursue a claim against the other driver, you could also contact a car accident attorney. They will investigate, calculate losses from medical expenses and vehicle repairs, and negotiate for your compensation. A personal injury expert at John Foy & Associates says, “Being in a car accident is a traumatic experience, and it’s important to be prepared and know what steps to take in the event of an accident." “Documenting the scene, seeking medical attention, and understanding the claims process can significantly impact your ability to protect your legal rights and receive fair compensation." “We hope that by following these guidelines, drivers will feel more confident and better equipped to handle such stressful situations." “Ensuring you have the right tools and knowledge can make a considerable difference in the aftermath of an accident.”

Property consultancy Vail Williams has made four strategic mid-year promotions as business demand continues to grow. These include a regional managing partner, new head of development, new partner and a surveyor. Charlie Nicholson has been named Vail Williams Regional Managing Partner for the Surrey region, based in Woking. He has 20 years’ experience in the UK property market, specialising in the acquisition and disposal of commercial property. Charlie is a driven commercial property agent with expertise in the disposal of office, industrial and mixed-use schemes across the Surrey, Thames Valley and Heathrow regions on behalf of both occupiers and landlords. He also represents a number of businesses in the acquisition of premises or development land for design and build opportunities. His experience includes leasing campaigns across various mixed-use business parks, and, as a partner within the agency team, developing a solid corporate client base. David Podesta, who has been promoted to Head of Development and is based in the firms South Coast region, joined the firm as an Associate in 2024, and has more than 25 years’ experience in the property sector. He has worked extensively in residential development and also as an estate manager for a Russell Group University. Based in Southampton, David is experienced in both residential and commercial asset classes, and his property background includes expertise in estate/asset management, lease advisory, disposals and acquisitions, facilities management and, most recently, residential development. David has particular expertise in the purpose-build student accommodation sector, having worked on projects that have delivered in excess of 2,500 beds of student accommodation – including both direct let and those with university lease/nomination agreements. He also has a specific interest in regeneration and working with clients to master plan their landholdings in order to optimise the value from urban brownfield sites. Matt Doe, who has been promoted from Associate to Partner in Vail Williams’ Thames Valley region, is a lease advisory expert and is responsible for supporting our occupier and landlord clients with their lease review, renewal and restructuring needs. He joined Vail Williams in 2021 from Smith Price RRG, where he spent seven years specialising in lease advisory work for owners and occupiers of retail property across the UK. In his role at Vail Williams, Matt is responsible for helping landlord clients to maximise their rental income, whilst supporting occupier clients in mitigating their occupational costs at rent review and lease renewal. Based in Reading, he also provides advice in relation to lease restructuring opportunities, with a focus on the industrial and office markets in the South East. George O’Connor, who has been promoted to Surveyor level 2 in the Surrey region, joined Vail Williams in 2021 as a graduate surveyor having graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a degree in real estate. Based in Woking, he supports the wider agency team in the renting, letting, acquisition and disposal of commercial property. George provides multi-disciplinary commercial agency services across the Surrey region and progressing towards his qualifications with the support of Vail Williams. Matthew Samuel-Camps, Vail Williams Managing Partner, said the promotions were thoroughly well deserved and recognised ongoing hard work and individual contributions to the firm’s continued business success. “I firmly believe that Vail Williams is nothing without its people and thus it is very much incumbent upon us to develop and retain our top talent to provide the impetus to further grow the business across all sectors." “These four promoted colleagues add significant value to our business and we congratulate them for this career advancement. They are part of a very talented, dedicated and hard-working team across all disciplines at Vail Williams.” Vail Williams last year reported its best ever year, with increased revenues of £18.3 million for 2022-23, up 5% over the previous financial year. Growth continued in line with the current three-year business plan and included the highest grossing single quarter since 1988 when the firm was founded. The firm also announced that it had reduced its carbon emissions by 42% since starting its journey towards net zero by 2030. It again voluntarily published its annual Carbon Reduction Statement. Vail Williams’ full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy.

Leading UK technology consultancy highlights why empathy and business-led solutions are creating success beyond their cookie-cutter, bloated approach counterparts. As heightened inflation and economic uncertainty around the UK persists, the Management Consultancies Association (MCA) have reduced growth predictions for consultancies. Originally forecasted at 11%, the MCA now predicts a 6.4% in 2025 and a small increase of 8.7% in 2026, suggesting trends including AI and digital transformation may take the backseat in business priorities. “It’s easy to focus on efficiency and overlook the importance of human connection, but in today’s whirlwind of business hustle, prioritising empathy can add to your customer service strategy and elevate your consultancy service to the next level,” said Jon Bance, Chief Operating Officer at Leading Resolutions . “Far from a soft approach, empathy can provide the much-needed antidote to uncertainty many companies may feel when working with larger consultancies - while simultaneously boosting engagement and creating a competitive advantage.” With the growth predictions insight, Jon believes that the return of investment of empathy will outweigh the benefits of technology solutions when it comes to efficient client service and loyalty. “Consultants must be able to provide expert opinions and strategies to mitigate potential issues but must first understand what is being asked of them and discover the ‘why’ behind the project. This is where empathy becomes a paramount characteristic in being a great consultant.” “By understanding the driving forces behind customer needs, firms can effectively showcase the value of their product or service. When clients feel consultants truly understand their situation and are working to achieve their goals, they are more likely to be open and honest in their communication." “This not only leads to a stronger rapport but also a more productive relationship between consultants and customers with increased alignment on goals and reduced conflict overall. Teams can offer tailored services to meet their specific needs – something that can’t be copied by a competitor or replaced by technology." “Whilst larger consultancies can cover large-scale operations and multi-functional issues, a top-down approach can misunderstand the best outcomes for businesses on an individual level." "An independent consultancy can offer unbiased, client-centric advice without conflicts of interest. This more agile approach enables the delivery of high-quality services while developing closer client relationships that add to their appeal, ensuring we give tailored advice that aligns with your needs.” Jon continues by describing how the barrage of technology and AI can’t mute out the importance of the human touch in service delivery. “It's easy to get derailed by data, AI, and new technology. While such tools can enhance efficiency, they can never replace the personal touch that comes from a human connection. Experienced firms can integrate their tech intelligence with customer needs to set the business apart in an age of increasingly automated customer service. This empathy-led transformation means examining how to solve problems with human beings at the center and technology is the enabler.” “In a world full of options, building trust is what will bring clients back to your firm. Businesses aren’t happy with feeling side-lined by getting invested in “The A team” only to be switched for the “C team” after 3 months." "Matching experience of the digital technology landscape with an approach tied directly to that business’ culture and goals is key for effective technology consultancy that lasts for the future.”