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A Hampshire IT provider has acquired a ‘complementary’ firm in the East Midlands in a strategic move designed to boost nationwide growth plans. Ringwood-headquartered entrustIT has made Bedford’s DWM Technical Solutions its fifth wholly owned subsidiary. The acquisition expands entrustIT’s geographic footprint northwards and comes as the managed service provider prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary since incorporation. The agreement was negotiated with legal advice and due diligence from Ellis Jones Solicitors’ Business Services and Commercial Property teams. The share purchase will see DWM’s husband and wife owners Robert and Laura Munday remain in the short term to support the transition process. Robert will stay on for longer but reduce his involvement over time. DWM will continue to trade under its existing name with co-branding for IT services. entrustIT will take over DWM’s premises lease in Bedford with the whole DWM team remaining in place, creating a combined organisation of more than 75. Group Chief Executive Jeff Dodd, who founded entrustIT in December 2006 with his brother Matthew, said: “DWM is a natural fit with our business, strengthening our capabilities in IP integration. This partnership expands our reach in the UK and brings our combined team to over 75 people, enabling us to deliver even greater value to clients.” entrustIT provides transformation, operations, cyber security and ‘smart buildings’ services to clients with typically complex IT requirements and hundreds of staff, including at multiple sites. Core sectors include retail, leisure, manufacturing and law. entrustIT has been a long-standing client of Ellis Jones, a law firm which also has an office in Ringwood alongside bases in Dorset and London. Neil Cook, Partner, Solicitor and Head of Business Services at Ellis Jones, advised on the deal along with solicitor colleagues Clementine Saulnier and Howard Hasan. Neil said: “We carried out extensive due diligence and negotiated a robust share purchase agreement which provided our client with significant protections." “The outcome is a deal that supports entrustIT’s growth strategy and positions it well for the future by achieving substantial synergies with its new subsidiary.” For more information on Ellis Jones’ Business Services, visit here.

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of Joe Mellor on a one-year deal! Mellor becomes the 14th new face in the Kurt Haggerty era – linking back up with his new head coach along with the likes of Jayden Nikorima, Ethan Ryan and Loghan Lewis. Having come through the ranks at Wigan, Mellor debuted for Widnes Vikings, making 178 appearances, scoring 66 tries. Three years at Leigh Leopards followed, playing a vital role as Adrian Lam’s side won the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup and Betfred Championship in 2022, before lifting the Betfred Challenge Cup in 2023. Mellor then made the move to Salford Red Devils where he has spent the last two seasons, featuring as hooker as Paul Rowley’s side finished 4th in the 2024 Betfred Super League season. Joe Mellor said: “It’s good to be here, it’s a really exciting time, with the squad that has been put together it is nice to know a lot of the lads already here and I am looking forward to getting to know everyone." “It’s exciting times for the whole club, it’s exciting to be back in Super League and I wanted to stay in Super League as I still feel I have got a lot to offer." “Kurt being here was a massive draw, he knows how I like to play and I know the style of rugby he wants to play and having so many players familiar with him and his brand of rugby will certainly help." “For the lads making the step up it is a big step up to go from training 2/3 times a week and working to training full time, the lads have been talking about the intensity of training and the wrestle sessions but the step up is what was needed to get ready for Super League." “On a personal level I just go about my business I am not a shouter, I train hard and try lead by example and if people follow me that’s good but I won’t be rallying everyone I just do what I do and see where it takes me." “Everyone is working towards that first game, having now seen the fixtures we are away from home first and then we have couple of games after at home which will be massive for the fans to turn up knowing we’re back in Super League it is really exciting.” Bradford Bulls Head Coach Kurt Haggerty said: “I’ve worked with Joe at nearly every club I’ve been to and I’ve pushed to get him at every club I’ve been to because he understands the style of play I want. He is a fantastic person, the ultimate competitor and a very good, established Super League player. He can play in multiple positions and he knows my style, he is almost a Mr fix it who can play 6, 7 or 9, you could put him at full-back and he’ll do a first class job." "He has won numerous Super League games, he won the Challenge Cup a few years ago so this is a really big signing, a very important signing for us. He’s a player that probably goes under the radar, he is probably undervalued but he is someone I think highly of and I think he is a fantastic player.”

Sustainable hospitality developer Lamington Group has discovered evidence of a Roman road and buildings from the Roman and Anglo-Saxon/ Anglo-Scandinavian periods on the site of room2 York, set to open in 2027. The discoveries were made following in-depth archaeological investigations alongside the main contractor, Clegg Construction, and On-Site Archaeology. Artefacts, including pottery, building materials, metal objects, such as coins, and animal bones, were among the considerable number of fascinating finds. The discoveries have been excavated safely and are currently under further analysis. Once complete, the artefacts will be displayed at the Yorkshire Museum. Following this discovery and excavation, room2 enters the next phase of the project, a transition from early ground work to vertical construction. Michael Sims, Managing Director of Clegg Construction said: "Discovering such significant Roman and early medieval remains in the heart of York is a reminder of the city’s remarkable history." As the main contractor, we are proud to have facilitated the safe and efficient excavations. Collaboration between our site team and the archaeologists was key to achieving this balance, and we are pleased that the discoveries will contribute to a deeper understanding of York’s past for generations to come.” Robert Godwin, from Lamington Group, said: “Uncovering traces of York’s Roman and Anglo-Saxon / Anglo-Scandinavian past has strengthened our connection to the city and its layered history. We want room2 York to reflect that heritage and be a space where guests can experience the city’s story through design that’s both rooted in place, while also reflecting our commitments to sustainability and circularity.” Located inside the city’s historic castle walls, room2 York will offer 116 guest rooms with kitchens, meeting space, a laundry room and a gym. The property will be designed with a modern take on the city's medieval history, while also reflecting room2’s circular design philosophy through the in-house Circular Design Studio’s products, which are made from room2 coffee, plastic, and cardboard waste. York will also feature a Winnie’s Café and Bar, serving great food that’s fresh, thoughtful, and rooted in sustainability. The net zero property will be fully electric, targeting BREEAM Excellent certification and aligned with the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard for operational and embodied carbon. The development is the latest in a number of projects undertaken in York by Clegg Construction, which is a Midlands and Yorkshire-based construction firm with its headquarters in Nottingham. Last year the company completed a new Premier Inn hotel in York, on behalf of CBRE Investment Management.

Responding to the much anticipated Autumn Budget, Ross McNally, Chief Executive and Executive Chairman of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Chancellor had already said she would avoid putting further headline tax rises on businesses but nothing she has announced now will put a spring in the step of Chamber members." “They continue to face the impact of costs imposed in the previous Budget which will stay as a general drag on hopes for economic recovery. And it will be businesses that ultimately pay for the rise in the minimum wage coupled with the freezing of tax thresholds and higher welfare spending." “All of that simply piles more pressure on beleaguered firms responsible for payroll and tax receipts, essentially funding it out of earned income. There was precious little this time round that will transform the confidence of consumers, employees or employers, so to that extent it was a missed opportunity to create an economy that is moving." “Industrial strategy and efforts to stimulate international trade were hardly mentioned at all and we believe the Chancellor could have taken far more risks on business support and investment, tax breaks and, despite some lowering of costs for hospitality businesses, business rate reform." “Most businesses will continue to be cautious and lacking in confidence after. That said, there was some good news on skills with the announcement that funding will be provided to make under-25 apprenticeship training completely free for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises)." “We also welcome the commitment to increase defence spending and the Chancellor’s reference to Portsmouth as playing a key role in that sector. Overall, we don’t believe this Budget recognises that it is businesses which ultimately drive the economy and create the prosperity to fund those essential public services we all rely on." “We wanted to see business-friendly measures that support growth and turn around years of weak UK productivity, but what we have, at exactly this pivotal moment for an already stretched economy, is continuing cost pressure."

Sheffield Hallam University one of 26 universities that will support the country’s first NHS National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), which aims to transform national and international research and innovation for specialist rehabilitation. The NRC, based on the Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate, near Loughborough, is preparing to open to its doors to its first patients, and will be supported in its ambitions by an Academic Network of 26 universities from across the country. The NRC is a 70-bed specialist rehabilitation centre for NHS patients who have experienced life-changing illness or injury and will be run and staffed by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH). The Centre’s ambition is to become a world-leading national centre of excellence for rehabilitation, and to do this it will focus on three main areas: • Specialist rehabilitation • Research and innovation, • Education and training Research and innovation, and education and training, which will drive forward the national provision of rehabilitation, will be delivered through the NRC Academic Network. The initiative is led by NUH and includes Sheffield Hallam University along with 25 other universities from across the country, meaning hundreds of educators and researchers will be able to work with - and learn from - each other, to co-ordinate an overall approach to rehabilitation research. The intention is to also develop a national network for rehabilitation research, data, information and analytics. The NRC Academic Network will operate through a collaborative model, with the NRC coordinating research and education activities across a network of leading universities and clinical partners throughout the UK. This national approach will accelerate the translation of research into practice, ensuring patients benefit from the latest advances wherever they are treated. Professor Toni Schwarz, Dean of the College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “We are pleased to be an academic partner of the National Rehabilitation Centre and for our research and expertise to play a role in transforming rehabilitation outcomes across the country. Our involvement underlines Sheffield Hallam’s credentials in health research including our world-leading Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre which will be at the forefront of our work with the NRC.” Miriam Duffy, NUH’s Director for the NRC, said: “The NRC has become NUH’s fourth site and has been nearly ten years in the making. To see it finally open is a testament to the hard work and dedication of so many people." “We have huge ambitions for the NRC and believe it will help transform specialist rehabilitation as we currently know it, not only in the way that the rehabilitation is provided, but also through ground-breaking research and training." “At its core, the NRC is about transforming outcomes for people who have suffered potentially life-changing injury, trauma or illness – and making sure that they can regain a quality of life equivalent to or as close as possible to their life prior to injury or illness.” An online directory, that highlights the breadth of rehabilitation education and training offered by the NRC’s academic partners, has also been created. The directory is aimed at healthcare professionals as well as a range of other professions that will help the NRC lead the way in rehabilitation services. These include engineers/bioengineers, computer scientists, smart materials experts, research methodologists, health economists, medical statisticians, sport scientists, personal trainers, psychologists, and many others.

Responding to the Autumn Budget, Steven Martin, Senior Tax Manager at HWB Chartered Accountants, said: “I would have liked to see more simplification in the range of tax rates and allowances. Instead, there is more complication, with fine judgements needed about marginal rates when it comes to tax planning." “The heavy lifting on tax receipts for the government will come from the freezing of personal tax and pension allowance thresholds. With £70 billion in tax-raising measures in this Chancellor’s first two budgets there is little to support growth and business." “With inflation continuing to be stubborn, assuming people’s salaries keep up with inflation on every pay rise, the government will keep a larger proportion of take-home pay. By April 2028, it is estimated that around 780,000 more people will be paying basic rate tax which starts at £12,570. Nearly a million more will pay the higher rate, starting from £50,270." “Freezing thresholds risks an inflationary effect because it could drive up wage demands in the workplace to compensate for the extra income tax employees have to pay. Pensioners with no other income will also pay be brought into the tax net as pension income starts to exceed the personal allowance." “Individuals with investment income in the form of savings, property, and dividend income will also be hit with a 2% increase in the headline rate of Income Tax on their income. The Chancellor also announced that National Insurance relief on pensions contributions will be capped at £2,000. This could be a further disincentive to make provisions for their retirement, so creating an extra burden on the state when the generation, who should be saving now, hits retirement age." “If you are on the National Living Wage and working full-time with auto-enrolment for a pension, you won’t be affected, but everyone else in the workplace will. Essentially, while the Chancellor has not raised the rate of tax for employees, she has elsewhere by broadening the base of opportunities to collect more." “On Inheritance Tax, in my view she has corrected an anomaly and made the £1 million business property relief allowance transferable between spouses. This is a move that will be welcomed by many family businesses and farmers." “Less welcome by business will the reduction in writing down allowances for qualifying plant and machinery from 18% to 14%. A new 40% First Year Allowance for main rate expenditure will lessen the impact, however ultimately this is a tax-raising measure from business." “Among other tax-related measures, the Chancellor has introduced a further layer of complication, not least on the administration and make-up of ISAs. Our message, as ever, is to take professional advice on the tax aspects of financial planning especially now given the more complex set of applicable rates and allowances.” For more information, visit here . HWB Chartered Accountants, founded in 1985 and based at Chandler’s Ford, near Southampton, provides business and tax advice.

Sentiment amongst retailers fell at the sharpest rate in 17 years, with a growing share of firms expecting their business situation to deteriorate over the coming quarter – according to the CBI’s latest quarterly Distributive Trades Survey. Retail sales volumes fell at a fast pace in the year to November, extending a period of weakness that goes back to mid-2023. Retailers expect demand to remain subdued heading into December, with sales set to fall again, albeit at a somewhat slower pace. With demand still weak and uncertainty mounting ahead of the Budget, retailers plan to pull back on both investment and hiring. Investment intentions remain historically weak and have now been negative for three-and-a-half years. In the near-term, firms also expect to trim headcount at a slightly faster pace next month. Key findings included: Retail sales volumes fell at a fast pace in the year to November (weighted balance of -32% from -27% in October) but are expected to decline at a somewhat slower rate next month (-24%). By seasonal standards, November’s retail sales were judged to be “poor” (-25%), to a somewhat greater extent than in October (-15%). December’s sales are set to disappoint seasonal norms to a comparable degree (-18%). Sentiment among retailers worsened in November to the greatest extent in 17 years, with firms expecting their business situation to deteriorate over the coming quarter (-35% from -10% in August). Retailers expect to reduce capital expenditure over the next 12 months (compared to the previous 12 months) to the same degree as reported in August (-42%). Investment intentions remained poor by historical standards (long-run average of -3%). Retail employment declined again in the year to November (-19% from -14% in August). Headcount is expected to fall at a marginally quicker pace next month (-23%) Retail selling price inflation fell closer to its long-run average in the year to November (+46%), slowing from a much faster rate in August (+65%), and bucking the trend of accelerating price inflation seen this year so far. Retailers anticipate selling price growth to ease again next month (+40%). Total distribution sales volumes (including retail, wholesale, and motor trades) fell significantly in the year to November at a slightly quicker rate to October (-35% from -30% in October). Sales are set to decline at the same pace next month (-35%). Alpesh Paleja, Deputy Chief Economist, CBI, said: “Retailers continue to grapple with a long spell of weak demand, as households remain cautious around day-to-day spending. With all eyes on the forthcoming Budget, uncertainty in the run-up has meant that businesses are holding back on plans for investment and hiring." “The Chancellor must avoid pulling the business tax lever once again, at risk of further curtailing firms’ efforts to build a more resilient, dynamic economy. Businesses want bold decisions to wrestle back the government’s fiscal headroom and get the economy on a solid path to prosperity. This includes finding a landing zone for the Employment Rights Bill that doesn’t harm job prospects or shortchange economic growth.” In addition, data from the survey showed: Online retail sales volumes  grew in the year to November at a moderate pace and for the second month in a row (+13% from +4% in October). Retailers expect online sales to surge in December (+50%), marking the strongest expectation since May 2021. Retailers’ orders placed upon suppliers  declined in the year to November at a similarly firm pace to October (-25%, from -28%). Retailers expect to reduce orders at a faster rate next month (-34%). Retailers reported that stock volumes relative to expected demand were broadly in line with the long-run average (+18% from +14%; long-run average of +17%) and are expected to broadly stay in this position in December (+16%). Wholesaling’s annual sales volumes fell in November at the same pace as October (-31%). The rate of decline is expected to remain steady next month (-34%). Motor trades sales volumes  contracted at an accelerated rate in the year to November (-55% from -29% in October) and are expected to plummet next month (-66%).

Four companies have signed for a total of nearly 17,000 sq ft of Grade A office space at Bracknell’s 1+3 Arlington Square. The flurry of plug-and-play lettings by property consultancy Vail Williams and joint agent Fryer Commercial, with three completed and one agreed for November, follow two others since last November, totalling just over 6,700 sq ft. Andrew Baillie, an associate at Vail Williams specialising in commercial property across the South East, said: “Following a significant investment in top-quality refurbishment, 1+3 Arlington Square is proving popular with discerning companies looking to invest in stunning workplaces which support retention and talent attraction." “As well as the premium quality of each office, there is the advantage of shared amenities available across both buildings at 1+3 Arlington Square. These include a gym, padel court, café, expansive atrium/business lounge providing casual seating and meeting spaces, cycle racks and EV charging.” Andrew added: “We anticipate other signings in due course, with the six tenants signed up already accounting for nearly 24,000 sq ft between them. Bracknell, with its mainline railway station eight minutes’ walk away, and proximity to the M3 and M4, less than six miles away, continues to draw companies seeking accessibility to a wider catchment of staff and talent pool.” Lease terms range from five years to 10, with quoting rents of £30 to £34.50 per square foot, depending on fit-out specifications. The largest letting to date is to xe.com, a global financial services company which provides currency services and products, with 6,625 sq ft at 1 Arlington Square from November following office works. There were three lettings in September – 5,913 sq ft to pan-European distribution partner Albert Roger at 1 Arlington Square, 3,000 sq ft to Keenfinity, which provides safety, security and communication products and systems, at 1 Arlington Square and 1,400 sq ft to STEM recruiter ReeVR Talent at 3 Arlington Square. Telecoms service provider Connect 44, occupied 3,000 sq ft at 1 Arlington Square in March and One Media Services, the specialist technical AV distributor, moved into 3,713 sq ft in the same building last November. Anthony Rajwan, a director at Clim plc, which is leasing space at 1+3 Arlington Square to companies, said: “We are noticing that when companies are selecting their next office space, they are closely looking at the doorstep amenities on offer as these are seen to benefit employees and customers – and, crucially in today’s marketplace, help curate a memorable experience in the workplace.” Liz Thorn, Operations Manager at Connect 44, said: “Our move to 1 Arlington Square has been a resounding success. The building provides exceptional facilities for our staff, including the gym, padel courts and the Atrium Cafe, which offers an ideal setting for lunch, meetings and informal break-out sessions." “The surrounding green spaces, seating areas and fountain create a unique environment rarely found in a town centre location. The landlord and management team ensured a seamless transition and continue to provide excellent day-to-day support." “We believe 1 Arlington Square is the best workplace setting we viewed in Berkshire, and the staff are delighted with our choice.” EPC ratings for both buildings, which can fitted-out suites from 2,300 sq ft to 13,800 sq ft, are energy-efficient A. Joint marketing agents are Vail Williams and Fryer Commercial. 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.

Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) took a dozen of its members to visit one of the world’s most advanced satellite technology companies. They were able to promote their skills and capabilities to decision-makers within Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL). The firm has been at the forefront of satellite technology for 40 years and its products are constantly in orbit around the earth. Alan Fisher, CEO of FAC, said: “One of the things we do for our members is connect them with the big players within the aerospace, aviation, defence and space sectors. The UK’s SMEs are some of the best in the world at what they do and we assist them in their ability to grow and win contracts." “It was a superb day at SSTL and we had a tour of the facilities and were given presentations about its tech road map, its history and its strategy going forward. This knowledge and intelligence is valuable to our members because it enables them to better prepare strategies for the future." “SSTL is undoubtedly a world-leader and we are extremely grateful to them. All of our members who went enjoyed one-to-ones – or are preparing to do so.” Robert Elliott from SSTL who organised the visit said: “It was a great pleasure to welcome FAC and its members. Like all companies we rely on supply chains and we are always looking for companies with whom we can work." “Those who came on the visit displayed the type of innovation and clever thinking that the UK is famed for. We are hugely impressed with what FAC and its members are doing and are pleased that, like us, they understand that the sky is not the limit.” Photo: FAC members at SSTL

A spa resort on Windermere has been voted the best in North West England at the 2025 Good Spa Guide regional awards ceremony in London.    Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa has won the accolade, beating off strong competition from a host of leading spas across the region.    The award recognises excellence across the UK spa industry, celebrating those who deliver outstanding guest experiences, world-class facilities and exceptional levels of care. It reinforces the position of the English Lakes Hotels venue amongst the best spas in the UK.    Organised in partnership with leading spa services provider ESPA and with Elemis as sponsor, the Good Spa Guide ‘Best Spa in the North West’ award was based on the organisation’s precise ‘bubble rating’ assessments, along with expert insights and opinions from its ‘spa spies'.    The awards judges commented on Low Wood Bay’s calm spaces, which soak up Lake Windermere’s tranquillity, with its panoramic views and surrounding fells elevating the whole spa experience for guests.    Gary Tennant from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues says: "It was great to attend the awards at L’oscar London near Covent Garden and fantastic to come top in the region. The finalists were chosen through rigorous appraisal rather than a consumer-voted process. This national recognition underscores our commitment to offering one of the most exceptional spa experiences in the region." “Last year we were the first in the North West to attain the prestigious ‘Five Bubble Luxury’ standard from the Good Spa Guide. Now we’ve gone a step further, not only because of our fantastic facilities and stunning lakeside location, but also because of our hard-working team." “This award is a real reflection of the whole team’s efforts, passion and commitment to creating amazing experiences. They are what make Low Wood Bay spa truly special, and I’m incredibly proud of everything they deliver day in, day out.” The hotel group’s operations director Michael Kay adds: “Standing out in such a competitive category is a testament to the dedication, expertise and passion of our spa team, who consistently go above and beyond to create moments of relaxation, renewal and wellbeing for every guest." “We are incredibly honoured by this achievement and grateful to our teams, guests and supporters, all of whom helped make it possible. This milestone energises us to continue innovating, investing and striving to remain a leading destination for wellbeing in the North West and beyond.”    Top Photo:  Low Wood Bay has won the best spa in North West England award from the Good Spa Guide (L-R) Gary Tennant, Annabel Berry, Michael Kay and Ilse Bujok.

The University’s Radiography (Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy and Oncology) Team won the Yorkshire and North Trent Radiography Team of the Year, recognising their outstanding contribution to education and workforce development across the radiography professions. The team is at the cutting edge of radiography training, delivering exceptional education across the career pathway for radiographers and sonographers. They are at the forefront of designing and delivering radiography degree apprenticeships, directly tackling the significant radiographer and sonographer workforce crisis. With over 20 years' experience educating thousands of practitioners across the UK, the team uses state-of-the-art simulation equipment to creatively build skill and confidence by providing facilitated hands-on experience. Following a research collaboration with the Society of Radiographers supporting the revised Education and Career Framework, the team has also pioneered the establishment of integrated placements across all four pillars of practice for undergraduate students, providing unique opportunities to gain leadership, research and education skills. Individual excellence recognised Third-year Radiotherapy and Oncology student Lamiya Khokon was named Learner of the Year, which recognises a student or apprentice who has demonstrated passion for the profession, excelled academically and clinically, delivered high levels of patient care, and contributed positively to the student cohort and wider radiography community. Lamiya's dedication to academic excellence, leadership in healthcare advocacy, and commitment to fostering inclusivity make her an outstanding role model. As Course Representative for Radiotherapy and Oncology at Sheffield Hallam, she has proven to be a strong advocate for her peers. She is a passionate member of the Equalise Network Women's Group, championing equality, diversity and inclusion within healthcare education and practice. Her influence extends beyond the university as an ambassador at Radiotherapy UK, where she promotes awareness of the profession and supports campaigns engaging the public with the importance of radiotherapy in cancer care. Lamiya has also been selected for the NHS England Midlands Shared Decision-Making Student Council, a prestigious group where she contributes insights into patient-centred care. Jo Lidster, Head of the School of Health and Social Care at Sheffield Hallam University, said: "We are incredibly proud to see our radiography team and Lamiya recognised at a national level. These awards reflect the excellence that runs throughout our radiography programmes and the passion of our staff and students for advancing patient care and the radiography profession." "Our radiography team's innovative approach to education demonstrates their unwavering commitment to addressing workforce challenges whilst maintaining the highest standards of education. Their work has a direct and positive impact on patient care across the UK and beyond." “Lamiya exemplifies everything we hope to nurture in our students – academic excellence, compassionate patient care, leadership, and a commitment to making healthcare more inclusive and equitable. Her achievements during her studies have been truly remarkable, and she represents the future of radiotherapy practice.” Melanie Clarkson, Senior Lecturer in Radiotherapy and Oncology, was also shortlisted for Radiography Professional of the Year and was highly commended at the awards. Professor Ricardo Khine, who nominated Melanie, said: “Mel demonstrates effective leadership within our profession by leading on a wide range of policies and strategies related to radiotherapy and advanced practice in therapeutic radiography at both a national and international level, influencing the educational and professional practice of therapeutic radiography practitioners across the globe.”

Three in four shoppers believe AI advances have made scams more convincing, fuelling Black Friday fraud fears according to latest research from Barclays. Key Findings: Just one in three are confident they could spot an AI scam when shopping online Gen Z are most likely generation to avoid online shopping due to scam fears, at 34 per cent Amid growing online distrust, scammers are turning to text to target victims directly, with average monthly reports originating via text/SMS more than doubling since 2023 Ahead of Black Friday, the UK’s busiest retail event, new research shows that AI is making consumers more susceptible to purchase scams. As fraudsters change tactics and turn to SMS/text to directly target victims, Barclays is urging deal-seekers to act with caution to stay protected when shopping in this year’s sales. Three in four UK adults (75 per cent) believe AI advances have made online scams more convincing, while just 36 per cent feel confident they could spot an AI-generated scam. Shoppers say AI is making fake reviews (47 per cent), fake websites (45 per cent) and fake social media ads (37 per cent) harder to spot. Half (50 per cent) are more worried about falling victim to a scam than they were 12 months ago – despite three in four (73 per cent) typically doing some form of research before committing to an online purchase. These shoppers most often look at customer and product reviews (48 per cent), however they may rely on them less going forward if they struggle to distinguish between those that are authentic and those that have been created using AI. Gen Z Leads Retreat From Online Shopping Amid Scam Fears One in three (34 per cent) Gen Z adults now avoid online shopping due to scam concerns – the highest rate of any generation and 12 percentage points higher than older age groups (22 per cent). Gen Z are also most likely either to have lost money to a shopping scam or to know someone who has (35 per cent), more two times higher than Baby Boomers (15 per cent). FOMO has a part to play; 54 per cent of Gen Z say they feel pressure to purchase sale items quickly to avoid missing out. Scammers Are Turning To More Direct Channels Barclays proprietary data shows fraudsters are increasingly turning to direct and trusted channels to target victims. While social media remains the biggest source of purchase scams, average monthly reports originating via text/SMS have more than doubled when comparing 20251 to 2023, increasing text/SMS’ share of total purchase scam claims to 8 per cent in 20251 (up from 3 per cent in 2023). Similarly for digital-native Gen Z adults, the share of text/SMS scams has increased from 3 per cent to 9 per cent over the same period of time. This comes as proprietary data from Barclays shows the typical (median) value of a shopping scam has increased 43 per cent when comparing 20251 to 2023, despite the average monthly volume falling 14 per cent, highlighting that shopping scams are becoming higher value despite fewer people falling victim. The Demand For Collaborative Action Is Clear Eight in 10 (81 per cent) believe more work should be done to protect consumers from scams, while 79 per cent agree that tech companies need to be doing more to prevent scams from occurring on their platforms. Almost half of consumers (45 per cent) would even feel comfortable with tech companies and banks sharing personal data with each other, if it was done to prevent them from falling victim to a scam. Kirsty Adams, Fraud & Scams Expert at Barclays, says: “Scammers are adapting fast, using increasingly sophisticated tactics to exploit shoppers during peak sales periods. Acting quickly without checking can lead to serious financial loss. My advice is simple: pause, verify, and never share sensitive information unless you’re certain the retailer is genuine.” Kirsty shares her SAFE guidelines to help shoppers stay alert and avoid falling victim to purchase scams: S – Stop and research Before clicking on a link or entering payment details, pause and check. Verify the retailer’s official website, look for secure payment options, and read independent reviews. A few minutes of research can prevent a costly mistake. A – Ask someone you trust If a deal looks too good to be true or you’re asked to pay through unusual methods, speak to a friend or family member. They may spot warning signs you’ve missed. F – Flag unrealistic offers Be cautious of offers that promise huge discounts or pressure you to act immediately. Scammers often use urgency to push shoppers into quick decisions. E – Ensure secure processes Legitimate retailers will never ask for bank details via SMS or social media. Always use official payment gateways and avoid sharing personal information through unsecured channels.