England Rugby have appointed Phil Morrow as the Senior Men’s head of team performance who joins Steve Borthwick’s coaching set-up from Saracens at the end of the 2024/25 Premiership season. “Phil is widely recognised as one of the most accomplished and respected figures in the game,” said Borthwick. “His track record of success with Saracens speaks for itself. Phil has dedicated his career to helping players maximise their physical performance and is known for his relentless drive and ability to push standards to the highest level." “I’m confident that England will greatly benefit from having Phil as part of the coaching set-up, and we are delighted he is joining later this year.” Morrow joined Saracens in 2011 as head of strength and conditioning, before being appointed to performance director two years later. Since then, he has been part of the coaching team that helped Saracens become one of the most successful domestic sides in modern history, securing five Premiership titles and three Champions Cup victories. In 2017, he was recruited to join the British & Irish Lions Tour to New Zealand as part of a three-man strength and conditioning team. Morrow brings 24 years of experience in strength and conditioning within professional rugby. He began his career with Ulster Rugby, where he played a key role in the team's 2006 Celtic League title win. In 2007, he joined the IRFU as their high-performance fitness manager, tasked with establishing physical development pathways for Irish rugby. In 2010, he was appointed head of fitness for the IRFU, where he oversaw the strength and conditioning teams across Ireland's four provinces and led the S&C programme for the national team, concluding his role following the 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign in New Zealand. “I’m incredibly proud to be joining England Rugby,” said Morrow. “I’ve worked in the Premiership for a long time and, week in, week out, I see the quality of the players we have in England. The clubs do an outstanding job of developing these players, and I look forward to working with them to help them reach their full potential." "Under Steve, the England team is in an exciting phase of growth and development, and I cannot wait to start contributing to the team’s future success." "I want to express my gratitude to Saracens' ownership for making this opportunity possible. I’d also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mark McCall. Having worked with Mark on and off for 20 years, he has been both an incredible colleague and a close friend. His support in this decision means a great deal to me."

FIFA and Netflix have signed a historic agreement relating to the exclusive rights in the United States to the 2027 and 2031 instalments of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in what represents a landmark announcement for women’s football. The FIFA Women’s World Cup will be the first competition to be acquired in full by Netflix, which further reinforces the tournament’s status as the single biggest women’s sporting event on the planet and provides an outstanding platform to further promote the game. The historic deal will provide US-based fans with unparalleled access to every match live and to immersive coverage, including star-studded studio shows in what is set to be an unprecedented celebration of the women’s game. The agreement includes Puerto Rico and covers all languages, with top-tier talent poised to feature in a dual telecast for both English- and Spanish-language broadcasts in the US. “This is a landmark moment for sports media rights,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “As a marquee brand and FIFA’s new long-term partner, Netflix has shown a very strong level of commitment to growing women’s football. This agreement sends a strong message about the real value of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game. FIFA and Netflix partnering together makes this a truly historic day for broadcasting and for women’s football. “Besides broadcasting the tournaments themselves, Netflix will play a key role in terms of bringing the fascination of women’s football to a multimillion audience in the lead-up to both final tournaments, thereby enabling us to further increase their appeal.” “I’ve seen the fandom for the FIFA Women’s World Cup grow tremendously – from the electric atmosphere in France in 2019 to, most recently, the incredible energy we saw across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand last year,” said Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria. “Bringing this iconic tournament to Netflix isn’t just about streaming matches, it’s also about celebrating the players, the culture and the passion driving the global rise of women’s sport.” Following FIFA’s decision to partner exclusively with Netflix, the 2027 and 2031 editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup are poised to reach even greater audiences and to set new benchmarks in terms of US engagement. The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™, which will take place in Brazil from 24 June to 25 July 2027, will see the 32 best national teams from around the globe compete for glory. The host nation(s) of the 2031 edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup will be decided by the FIFA Congress in due course. In addition to offering live coverage, Netflix will produce exclusive documentary series in the lead-up to both tournaments, spotlighting the world’s top players, their journeys and the global growth of women’s football. Netflix has proved its ability to tell compelling stories from the world of football through programming such as Under Pressure: The U.S. Women’s World Cup Team, Captains of the World (in partnership with FIFA), Neymar: The Perfect Chaos, Beckham, Sunderland ’Til I Die and Boca Juniors Confidential, with upcoming documentaries set to be released on Vinícius Júnior and José Mourinho.

Bitcoin reached a new all-time high on Monday, surpassing $110,000, ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. Nigel Green, CEO and founder of deVere Group , one of the world’s largest financial advisory and asset management organisations, predicts that the flagship cryptocurrency will continue its meteoric rise, potentially reaching $150,000 by mid-2025. This new milestone cements Bitcoin’s status as one of the most robust and sought-after assets in the current financial landscape. Nigel Green, renowned for his accurate Bitcoin forecasts, believes Trump’s return to the White House could mark the beginning of a Golden Age for cryptocurrencies. “President Trump’s return to the White House could signal the Golden Age for crypto as it’s anticipated to usher in policies favourable to the sector,” he asserts. According to Nigel Green, the incoming administration has hinted at plans that could dramatically reshape the crypto space. “Trump’s administration has signalled intentions to provide clearer regulatory frameworks, potentially setting up a national Bitcoin reserve, and installing a crypto council of top-level advisors. All of these steps are likely to encourage further institutional investment in digital assets,” he explains. The past year has already witnessed a significant increase in institutional adoption of Bitcoin. Major financial institutions have begun integrating cryptocurrencies into their portfolios, driving confidence in digital assets as a legitimate and valuable addition to investment strategies. This trend, combined with a surge in retail investor interest, has contributed to Bitcoin’s remarkable performance and set the stage for further growth. “Stubborn inflation and geopolitical uncertainties continue to affect traditional markets, leading investors to seek alternative assets. Bitcoin’s decentralized nature and limited supply position it as an attractive hedge against economic instability. The crypto’s resilience and potential for growth make it a compelling addition to diversified investment portfolios,” continues Nigel Green. However, Green cautions that while the outlook for Bitcoin is undeniably bullish, volatility remains a defining characteristic of the market. “Investors are advised to approach the market with a long-term perspective and to diversify their holdings to mitigate risks associated with price fluctuations. Short-term corrections are expected as part of the market's natural cycle, providing opportunities for strategic investments,” he affirms. The deVere CEO concludes: “The anticipated policies of the new administration, coupled with Bitcoin’s intrinsic qualities, are likely to solidify its status as a cornerstone of the modern investment landscape.”

The Drinks Trust, the drinks hospitality industry charity, is proud to launch its most ambitious campaign yet, Face It Together, with the goal of raising £1,000,000 to continue helping those in need. The drinks hospitality industry has long been a vital part of our culture and economy, playing a key role in shaping social traditions, building community connections, and contributing significantly to the economy. However, rising cost pressures continue to challenge the sector. This year, businesses will face further tough decisions to reduce expenses. The Office for Budget Responsibility predicts a decline in employment levels, and a recent survey by the BII reveals that one in four pubs anticipate having to close their doors. This in turn, will have a devastating impact on the people who work in our industry, whose financial resilience has already been eroded as a result of tough economic times in recent years following the ripple effect of Covid, rising energy and housing bills, and the current cost of living crisis that is still biting hard. According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 22% of working-age adults will experience poverty this year. To put that into context, that means that potentially 1 in 5 of our industry colleagues could face financial crisis in 2025. Nicky Burston, The Drinks Trust CEO comments: “On the back of Covid and the cost of living crisis, our colleagues’ financial resilience is at an all-time low, and the slightest drop in income for some can make the difference between being able to cope and sliding into poverty and debt." "Many of us know first-hand that circumstances can change on a sixpence, and it is vital that we are able to continue to provide immediate financial assistance to those who find themselves in urgent need, in their time of deepest crisis.” To address the urgent challenges faced by individuals within the drinks hospitality industry, The Drinks Trust has launched its transformative campaign, Face It Together. This campaign is designed to raise awareness of the financial vulnerabilities that anyone in the industry may encounter while fostering a sense of unity and collective responsibility. Face It Together serves as a call to action, reminding industry professionals that hardship can affect anyone, regardless of their role or experience. By coming together, we have the power to create meaningful change, ensuring that no one faces financial struggles alone. Through this campaign, The Drinks Trust aims to rally support, raise vital funds, and provide essential assistance to those most in need across the sector. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient industry where everyone is supported. Nicky Burston calls the industry for support: “We are all proud to be part of such a phenomenal group of people, for we know that the true strength of our industry lies in our ability to pull together. The combined power of our efforts is our unique alchemy that transforms each individual contribution into our collective force for widespread good. Let us stand together as we have done since 1886 to answer our biggest challenge yet." "We want to support our colleagues in their time of need with financial assistance and emotional well-being and inspire them with learning so that we can help them stay and thrive in the industry we all love.” Neil Barker, William Grant & Sons Managing Director and Drinks Trust’s Board of Trustee’s Chair adds: “‘The Drinks Trust has always been here to assist and stand by those in our industry who are facing what often feel like insurmountable problems. Despite the huge pressures we face across our sectors, there has never been a more important time to come together as an Industry and a Drinks Community and support our colleagues who are facing genuine difficulties. I would therefore be grateful for any help you can give us to support this important campaign.” To find out more how your business and your employees can become part of the campaign that will change the lives of many, please visit faceittogether.org.uk

Staffordshire boxing sensation Nathan ‘Hitman’ Heaney is pulling no punches when it comes to supporting JCB’s £2 million appeal for the NSPCC – with a donation of a prized pair of his gloves. Stoke-on-Trent born Nathan took time out from his preparations for his World Boxing Association’s Continental Europe Middleweight Championship title bid in Manchester next month to hand over the gloves for auction. The donation was arranged by Stoke-on-Trent based JCB supplier Rayne Precision Engineering through its insurance brokers and Nathan’s sponsors, Newcastle-under-Lyme based AMB Insurance Services. Rayne Precision Engineering Managing Director Andrew Simmill is spearheading his own fundraising drive to support the JCB NSPCC appeal, which has so far raised more than £2,000 – including a £500 donation from AMB Insurance Services. The £2 million JCB NSPCC Appeal is set to culminate in 2025 in JCB’s 80th anniversary year with all proceeds helping the charity’s work in North Staffordshire. Father-of-two Nathan, 35, said today: “I’m delighted to support the JCB NSPCC Appeal with this donation because it will help the charity’s work in the city that I know and love and where so much of my support comes from. It’s a sad fact that in our community there are children who are at risk and I applaud anything that is being done which can make them safer.” Nathan is also an ardent Stoke City fan and the plan is to auction the gloves at the Potters’ home game against Oxford United at the weekend – a game sponsored by Rayne Precision Engineering to throw the spotlight on the JCB NSPCC Appeal. Andrew Simmill said: “I’m very grateful to Nathan for giving his support to this cause. Nathan is a true local hero and when our community pulls together, we are a force to be reckoned with. We all want to help the NSPCC make a real difference to the lives of local children.” Nathan will enter the ring at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on February 8th to take on the current French champion Sofiane Khati. He has just single handedly delivered more than 1,500 tickets for the bout to the home addresses of his loyal North Staffordshire fans.

While the plans to capitalise on technology and AI to support the NHS are welcome news, the employment crisis for clinical and non-clinical roles in healthcare needs to be prioritised. That’s according to the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo). In its submission in response to the Big Conversation, the trade body for the professional staffing sector called on the Government to consider core solutions to the worker crisis in healthcare, including: Boosting collaboration : Forming a partnership with NHS employers and other stakeholders is required to deliver the long-term workforce plan in a timely manner. This should include collaboration with those that will be crucial in supplying the non-clinical staff needed to drive digital transformation in the NHS. Reforming hiring practices : Focusing on temporary staff reforms to reduce "off framework" placements without eliminating agency worker access altogether. Improving compliance and standards : Officials should mandate that NHS employer standards are in line with Government requirements and compliance is consistent across providers and frameworks. Developing a Digital Work Passport : This would hold key credentials for workers to help make hiring easier, faster and safer. Utilising a blended workforce : The Government must recognise the value of a blended, flexible workforce and ensure attractive pay rates and good working conditions for all. Understanding the reality of costs : The NHS and Government departments need to conduct independent research to understand the true cost of compliant framework recruitment. Mandating social value in supply chains : "Social value" must be driven across the supply chain, for example by sharing contractual risk and bearing increased statutory costs, such as employer NICs increases. All too often the SME recruitment company on-framework is expected to bear employer costs within its commercial margin. Supporting skills and training : Rolling out the Growth and Skills Levy, based around modular, universally transferable training and qualifications that are accessible to permanent and temporary or agency workers. Creating flexible visas for skilled workers : Which will provide a short-term visa route for highly skilled foreign professionals who remain critical to the running of the NHS and the provision of unique services. Shazia Imtiaz, General Counsel at APSCo comments: “The plans to modernise technology usage in the NHS are certainly a step in the right direction for an organisation that is essentially on its knees." "However, the biggest issue that needs addressing urgently is the employment crisis. There’s a range of barriers that are preventing some of the immediate solutions from being rolled out, including a lack of standardisation in compliance and regulation across frameworks, as well as limitations on agency or international worker usage." “We are urging the Government to consider how it can make recruitment fairer, safer and faster for clinical and non-clinical role in the NHS, without overburdening both the existing workforce and the staffing businesses that are so critical to the healthcare sector.”

In 2024, the average global temperature exceeded the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold above pre-industrial levels for the first time. Companies must speed up their net zero efforts to curtail the impact of worsening climate conditions. The tech sector contributes significantly to the trend of increasing carbon emissions and although tech companies have ambitious net zero targets, they are far from reaching actual net zero, says GlobalData , a leading data and analytics company. GlobalData’s latest report, “ Net Zero Strategies in the Tech Industry ,” analyses the net zero strategies of the 20 largest tech companies globally, including consumer electronics manufacturers, semiconductor companies, software companies, and hyperscale cloud providers. The report found that despite tech companies having ambitious net zero targets, they are still far away from reaching actual net zero. AI Data Centres Growth in artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly increased the demand for data processing capabilities and capacity, leading to the expansion of data centres globally. These data centres consume vast amounts of energy and water and contribute significantly to CO2 emissions. Initiatives to make data centres more sustainable include increased use of renewable energy, new cooling technologies, and design optimization. Carolina Pinto, Strategic Intelligence Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The global efforts to adopt renewable energy is causing a huge strain on the existing energy supplies and electricity infrastructure. Growing data centre demand is only worsening this pressure." “Data centre investment is unlikely to fall in the next five years. Alongside the increase in energy demand, construction and manufacturing emissions also significantly contribute to data centre-related pollution.” Overreliance On Low-Quality Energy Certificates And Carbon Offsets The primary net zero strategies in the tech industry are the transition to renewable energy to reduce energy-related emissions and the use of carbon offset credits to offset residual emissions. Although the transition to renewable energy is crucial to reduce emissions, many tech companies rely on untraceable energy attribute certificates to claim renewable energy use. All the leading tech giants also purchase carbon offsets to offset non-energy-related emissions, typically buying carbon offset credits from nature-based avoidance offsets. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) recommends that to reach net zero, companies should reduce emissions by 90% between 2020 and 2050 and offset 10% of the residual emissions. All tech companies that purchase carbon offsets offset a larger share of their emissions than recommended by SBTi. As a result, SBTi removed its approval of over 200 companies’ net zero commitments, including Microsoft, Netflix, and X in March 2024. Pinto concludes: “While the tech industry is more advanced in its net zero journey than other industries, it is clear that many tech companies prioritize financial solutions over the adoption of more sustainable practices to reach net zero.”

Sheffield Hallam University has appointed Professor Sarah Pearson as Dean of Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange (RIKE). Professor Pearson has been at Sheffield Hallam since 1997 and brings over 25 years’ experience of research leadership to the role. She has overseen more than 30 projects in social policy research and evaluation and has led major evaluations of public policy across a range of agendas including anti-poverty, community regeneration and support for vulnerable groups. Prof Pearson is currently Co-Director of the Centre for Collaboration in Community Connectedness, a £10m UK Research and Innovation-funded project led by Sheffield Hallam University which brings together partners from research, community, policy and civil society to develop and scale up successful community leadership approaches. Prof Pearson has also served as Director of the Social and Economic Research Institute at Hallam and has previously acted as Deputy and Interim Director of the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. Professor Pearson said: “I am delighted to be taking up the role of Dean of RIKE and looking forward to leading us through the next phase of our RIKE strategy implementation, which will continue to reflect our ongoing commitment to sustainable and high-quality research with impact." “My priority is to ensure that our operationalisation of the RIKE strategy supports our research communities to respond to both the opportunities and challenges that the current context presents.” On announcing Professor Pearson’s appointment, Professor Liz Mossop, Sheffield Hallam University Vice-Chancellor, said: “I am delighted with the appointment of Professor Sarah Pearson to the Dean of Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange role. Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, having led numerous significant national research projects during her 30-year career. “I look forward to working with Sarah in further enhancing our reputation as a leading applied research university, developing innovative, practical solutions to some of the biggest economic, social and health challenges facing society today.” Professor Pearson will officially take up the role on 1 February.

Retailers reported a moderate fall in year-on-year sales volumes for December, according to the latest CBI Distributive Trades Survey. This marked the third month in a row in which annual sales declined. Firms do not expect their fortunes to turn around in January, as they anticipate sales volumes to contract again. Key Findings Included: Retail sales volumes declined in the year to December at a moderate rate (weighted balance of -15% from -18% in November). The sales downturn is expected to ease slightly in January (-11%). Sales volumes were judged to be ‘poor’ for the time of year, to a similar extent as in the previous month (-23% from -22% in November). Retailers expect sales to remain below seasonal norms in January, but to a lesser degree (-18%). Internet sales volumes declined modestly in the year to December (-8% from -12% in November). Retailers expect online sales to grow at a gentle pace next month (+6%). Total distribution sales volumes (includes retail, wholesale, and motor trades) fell at a fast pace in the year to December (-30% from –17%). Firms expect sales to contract at a broadly similar rate in January (-33%). Martin Sartorius, Principal Economist, CBI, said: “Retailers have endured a gloomy festive period, with annual sales declining for a third consecutive month. Looking ahead, retailers expect sales to fall again in January, while wholesalers and motor traders are braced for sharper sales declines." “Firms across the distribution sector will be glad to see the end of a difficult 2024, but the new year is not set to bring relief. Measures announced in the Budget will push up businesses’ employment costs, and consumer spending is expected to remain modest as incomes growth slows." “The Government can take steps to support firms’ confidence by implementing a faster, more transformative timetable for business rates reform and developing a long-term, modern industrial strategy to unlock innovation, attract investment and drive sustainable economic growth.” In addition, data from the survey showed: Orders placed upon suppliers declined at a stronger pace in the year to December (-26% from -13% in November). Retailers expect to reduce orders at an even quicker rate in January (-45%). Retail stock volumes remained high relative to expected demand in December, (+13% from +21% in November; long-run average +17%). Stock positions are set to be broadly similar in January (+12%). Wholesale sales volumes declined in the year to December at the fastest rate since January 2021 (-32% from -10% in November). Wholesalers expect an even sharper decline in sales next month (-36%). Motor trades sales volumes fell in the year to December at the fastest pace since October 2022 (-58% from -38% in November). Motor traders anticipate sales will fall again in the year to January, marking the weakest expectation since June 2020 (-76%).

Hampshire farm shops are reporting record-breaking footfall amid supermarket challenges, 77 Januaries on from the opening of the UK’s first supermarket. The British public has experienced supermarket shopping frustrations due to supply chain disruptions, driving many to turn away from supermarkets and return to the reliability of local farm shops. While many mainstream supermarkets faced egg shortages in 2024 due to a global outbreak of bird flu, Westlands Farm Shop’s egg stock remained intact due to partnerships with local suppliers in Claytons Eggs in Romsey and Vale Farm Eggs in Winchester. Westlands Farm Shop welcomed more than 7,000 customers to its store in December 2024 on Winchester High Street - selling more than 500 loaves of freshly baked bread, 400 boxes of free-range eggs and 300 locally sourced steaks. Westlands Farm Shop also sold a record-breaking 5000 pigs in blankets before Christmas. Graham Collett, owner of Westlands Farm Shop, said: “Supermarkets, which once promised convenience, have proven to be increasingly unreliable in recent years." “More and more people are turning to local farm shops like ours, not only for the dependable availability of fresh produce and high-quality goods but also to support sustainable, local farming practices." “While supermarkets rely on importing soft fruits from overseas, we’re proud to use recycled rainwater to irrigate our crop, producing delicious strawberries and raspberries every season." “We are proud to offer diverse and quality produce, with highlights such as British free-range meats, daily-baked bread, and freshly harvested fruits and vegetables sourced within a 40-mile radius.”

Conister Bank Limited (“Conister”), part of Manx Financial Group PLC (AIM:MFX), is delighted to announce the launch of a new easy-to-use online deposit system for its UK retail customers. The launch follows the success of its digital distribution channel on the Isle of Man, which now accounts for over 70% of the bank’s lending. The new system delivers a customer-centric range of competitive deposit products, offering self-service options, swift account opening, and mobile access for a seamless experience. Early feedback shows 62% of users rated customer support 5/5, highlighting its responsiveness and helpfulness. Historically, the majority of Conister’s deposits were raised in the Isle of Man, despite a significant portion of its lending being in the UK. The bank’s strategic goal is to expand its lending and deposit base in the UK by leveraging the deposit-taking permissions granted last year by the Bank of England and the FCA to further support its lending divisions. Haseeb Qureshi, Chief Operating Officer at Conister Bank, said: “We are pleased to expand our easy to use digital offering for retail customers in the UK. Our digital platform has been designed to be simple and efficient, while continuing to provide personalised service, building on the established Conister values our customers have come to rely upon. Digitalisation is instrumental in taking the business forward as it will enable us to scale in our target markets. However, it is important that our offering is the right one for our customers, in line with the values and culture that we have strived to achieve for our existing business with regards to deposits.” Founded in 1935, Conister Bank has a strong history of deposit-taking and lending. With its UK deposit-taking licence granted in 2023, Conister is well-positioned for growth, expanding from its Isle of Man roots. The bank currently holds over £0.4 billion in deposits and serves over 100,000 customers. Douglas Grant, Group CEO at Manx Financial Group PLC, commented: “Gaining our UK deposit permissions from the Bank of England and the FCA is great third-party testament to the robustness of our business plan and our governance. The raising of deposits will allow Conister to continue to support the underserved SME market which is the backbone of British manufacturing and services." "We remain committed to providing innovative financial products, reinforcing Conister’s legacy of personalised service, to both our deposit and lending customers."

71% of business leaders think that employers should have the flexibility to decide whether adult apprentices should be required to undertake English and Maths qualifications, according to a recent poll by the Institute of Directors . The December 2024 survey of 496 IoD members also found that a third (34%) of respondents thought that this flexibility would make their organisation more likely to offer an apprenticeship. Alex Hall-Chen, Principal Policy Advisor for Skills at the Institute of Directors, said: “Apprenticeships are a vital tool in tackling the UK’s persistent skills shortages, yet apprenticeship starts have almost halved since 2015. Removing any unnecessary barriers to apprenticeship uptake should be a priority for the government." “This research shows that giving employers flexibility when it comes to English and Maths qualifications for adult apprentices has the potential to be an impactful first step in reversing this decline." “While it is crucial that literacy and numeracy skills are embedded in all apprenticeships, employers are well-placed to judge whether English and Maths qualifications are the most appropriate route to evidence or develop the literacy and numeracy skills needed for success in the given career path.” Full Results 497 responses from across the UK, conducted between 13-30 December 2024. 13% ran large businesses (250+ people), 18% medium (50-249), 21% small (10-49 people), 36% micro (2-9 people) and 11% sole trader and self-employed business entities (0-1 people). Do you think employers should be able to decide whether apprentices over the age of 18 should be required to undertake an English and Maths qualification as part of their apprenticeship? Yes 71% No 14% Don't Know 15% Would this flexibility make your organisation more or less likely to use apprenticeships? More Likely 34% No Change 55% Less Likely 14%