Loughborough Lightning have made two changes to their starting line-up for Saturday’s Allianz Cup clash with Trailfinders Women at Epinal Way (kick-off: 2pm). Head coach Nathan Smith has named the same backs division for a third game running as Lightning seek to build on their fantastic win against Harlequins a fortnight ago in their final match before the Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby gets underway next month. The two changes to the side that will be running out at Loughborough University both come in the forwards as Grace Clifford packs down at tighthead prop, with Isla Curphey rotating to the bench. Canadian second row Abby Duguid makes her second Lightning debut after returning to the Club in place of Lilli Ives Campion, who is rested for this Cup encounter. After impressing for Loughborough University at BUCS level, 18-year-old back rower Lucy Finch is set for her Lightning debut from among the replacements. Other changes to the bench from a fortnight ago see Phoebe Andrews and Issy Winter included. “I’m really proud of what this group has achieved during the period where we’ve had so many players away on international duty,” said Smith. “They have done extremely well and have no doubt created some selection headaches when we do start getting players back from their countries." “I’m delighted to see Abby Duguid make her second debut and to have the opportunity to work with her. Lilli has had a lot of game time and a big workload while away with England so it’s a great opportunity for Abby to show us what she can do.” Opponents Trailfinders Women are still searching for their first win of the Cup campaign ahead of participating in PWR for the first time this season. Smith added: “Ealing are going to be a great addition to the league and from what I have seen from them, they play rugby the right way and it should be a really good game on Saturday.” LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING vs TRAILFINDERS WOMEN Allianz Cup, Round 4 Saturday 28 October, 2023 Epinal Way, Loughborough University Kick-off: 2pm 15 Georgina Tasker (vc) 14 Ellen Scantlebury 13 Emma Hardy 12 Carmela Morrall 11 Bo Westcombe-Evans 10 Lia Green 9 Megan Davey 1 Katie Trevarthen 2 Kendall Waudby 3 Grace Clifford 4 Becky Boyd 5 Abby Duguid 6 Ellie Roberts 7 Sally Williams (c) 8 Maja Meuller Replacements: 16 Phoebe Andrews 17 Kath Baverstock 18 Isla Curphey 19 Issy Winter 20 Lucy Finch 21 Sarah Shrestha 22 Jess Weaver 23 Lucia Linn

More people will be able to see Smith Art Gallery’s distinctive art collection, thanks to a new digital guide. Calderdale Council has recently launched the free guide on Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies. The app is available to download from Google Play or the App Store, making Smith Art Gallery accessible for people who are unable to visit in person. It can also be used to enrich onsite visits through insights into the current displays and exhibitions, alongside highlights from the extensive art collection that is not currently on public display. Smith Art Gallery in Brighouse is currently displaying highlights from the Smith Collection. Alderman William Smith (1839-1922), Mayor of Brighouse from 1893-1895 and 1904-1907, and his wife Susannah (1838-1916) began collecting paintings in the 1870s from exhibitions around the UK. These paintings were representative of the time, and the couple bequeathed their collection, together with the Smith Art Gallery, to the people of Brighouse in 1907. The Smith Collection mainly comprises landscapes and portraits, but there are also some scenes from stories and religious iconography. You may be able to spot some notable figures and places represented in the paintings on display, such as Queen Elizabeth I, Hampton Court and Greenwich Hospital, London. The Council’s museums staff have also selected an artwork not on public display that they would like to highlight, in a demonstration of how the Bloomberg Connects app provides a deeper level of audience engagement with the Smith Art Gallery collection, both on and off-site. Cllr Jenny Lynn, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, said: “We are delighted to have joined more than 200 cultural organisations around the world on the Bloomberg Connects app. Bringing Calderdale’s distinctive art and culture to more people is a key part of CultureDale and our Year of Culture in 2024." “The free digital app is a great addition to our museums service, helping people to enjoy Smith Art Gallery’s collections even if they can’t visit in person, and giving people on-site a greater understanding of the artworks. This is part of our priority to reduce inequalities.” Smith Art Gallery is also hosting the Calderdale Open Art exhibition, which showcases the winning entries from the Council’s recent Open Art competition for professional and amateur artists. The Mayor of Calderdale, Cllr Ashley Evans, officially opened the exhibition at a special ceremony for participating artists, their families and local dignitaries. The 87 works on display were selected from over 200 entered into the competition by more than 100 people from Calderdale and beyond. To mark Calderdale’s Year of Culture in 2024, the theme of this year’s competition was the borough’s landscape, people, history and heritage. Entries included paintings, photographs, digital art and textiles, and subjects ranged from Stoodley Pike to Anne Lister. The winner was William Morrison for his atmospheric oil painting, ‘Ovenden Moor, Halifax’. Catherine Hill was in second place with ‘Giant Cauliflower Harvest’ and third place went to Geraldine Smith with ‘Lumb Stone, Cragg Vale Coiners Walk’. The exhibition is on display at Smith Art Gallery until Tuesday 9 April 2024. Many of the works are available to buy, and visitors to Smith Art Gallery can also vote for their favourite artwork, which will be awarded the People’s Prize at the end of the exhibition. Find out more about CultureDale and the Year of Culture 2024 here

Denim has come a long way since its humble beginnings as sturdy workwear fabric in the late 19th century. Today, it's an integral part of the fashion world, beloved for its versatility, durability, and timeless appeal. This enduring fabric has managed to transcend generations and cultures, becoming an icon in its own right. A Fabric Born Out Of Necessity Denim's journey began in the mid-1800s when it was developed as a durable fabric for workwear, most notably for miners and labourers during the California Gold Rush. Its origins can be traced back to Nîmes, France, where it was initially known as "serge de Nîmes," later shortened to "denim." The fabric quickly gained popularity due to its ruggedness and resistance to wear and tear. The Denim Revolution Denim truly exploded into popular culture in the mid-20th century, thanks in part to iconic figures like James Dean and Marilyn Monroe. Films like "Rebel Without a Cause" and "The Misfits" made denim a symbol of youth rebellion and non-conformity, solidifying its status as a fashion statement. Denim's Endless Adaptability What sets denim apart is its ability to adapt to ever-changing fashion trends. Whether it's bootcut jeans of the '70s, acid-washed denim of the '80s, or skinny jeans of the 2000s, this fabric has been at the forefront of fashion for decades. Its versatility means that it's not limited to just jeans; denim jackets, skirts, shirts, and even accessories have all had their moment in the spotlight. Eco-Friendly Denim With sustainability becoming a top priority in the fashion industry, denim has also evolved to meet these demands. Brands are now using eco-friendly techniques such as organic cotton, recycled denim, and water-saving manufacturing processes. This shift towards sustainable denim not only reduces the environmental impact but also appeals to the growing eco-conscious consumer base. High Fashion While denim's roots are in workwear, it has undeniably made its mark in high fashion. Designers like Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Dolce & Gabbana have elevated denim to luxury status, creating couture denim pieces that command premium prices. These designer denim lines offer not just quality but a sense of exclusivity. Denim Today Denim's popularity continues to thrive in the digital age, with social media influencers and celebrities showcasing the latest denim trends to massive online audiences. Online shopping has made it easier than ever to find the perfect pair of jeans or that unique denim jacket. Denim's remarkable journey from utilitarian workwear to a fashion staple is a testament to its enduring appeal. Its versatility, adaptability, and iconic status in popular culture have ensured that denim remains a beloved fabric, constantly reinventing itself to stay relevant. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, there's no doubt that denim will continue to have a special place in our wardrobes and hearts.

In a world where technology constantly evolves, some age-old crafts remain as timeless as ever. Knitting, a craft that has been practiced for centuries, not only produces beautiful and functional items but also weaves a sense of love and warmth into every stitch. Tom Daley, the British Olympic Gold Medallist Diver put knitting into the limelight as a way to relax from his daily training regime recently but for many the timeless pastime is something that has been something that has been done by family members for generations. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a novice, the love of knitting transcends skill levels, connecting generations and fostering a sense of community at the same time. Knitting is more than just a pastime; it's a therapeutic art form that allows individuals to unwind and destress. The repetitive nature of knitting helps to relax the mind, making it an excellent way to combat anxiety and stress. The rhythmic movement of the needles and the tactile sensation of the yarn provide a soothing experience, promoting mindfulness and mental well-being. Knitting also offers a canvas for creative expression. Knitters have the freedom to choose from a wide array of yarn colours and textures, as well as countless patterns to create unique and personalised items. From cosy sweaters to intricate lace shawls, each project becomes a labour of love, reflecting the knitter's personality and style. One of the most beautiful aspects of knitting is the way it bridges generational gaps. Grandmothers pass down their knitting wisdom to grandchildren, sharing not just patterns and techniques, but also the love and memories woven into each piece. Families and friends often gather for "knit and chat" sessions, creating lasting connections as they create together. Knitted items make heartfelt gifts. Whether it's a baby blanket for a new born, a scarf for a friend, or a pair of mittens for a loved one, a handcrafted knitted piece carries with it the love and effort of the maker. Gifting a knitted item is a way of sharing warmth, love, and care. In an era of eco-conscious living, knitting takes centre stage as a sustainable choice. Crafters often choose natural, ethically sourced yarn, avoiding the environmental impacts of fast fashion. By investing time and effort into knitting, individuals contribute to a more sustainable, mindful, and eco-friendly way of life. Knitting provides a profound sense of accomplishment. Completing a project, whether simple or intricate, instils a feeling of pride and satisfaction. Knitters see the tangible results of their labour, reinforcing their sense of purpose and achievement, with the end product being worn or gifted to provide someone else the pleasure of wearing something that was made with love just for them. The love of knitting extends far beyond the creation of cosy garments and accessories. It's a craft that nurtures well-being, connects generations, and spreads love and warmth one stitch at a time. As an age-old tradition, knitting is a timeless testament to the power of the human connection, the joy of creativity, and the comfort of knowing that a handmade piece is woven with love. So, pick up your needles and yarn and embark on a journey that's not just about creating garments but about creating cherished memories and connections that last a lifetime.

Independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame has agreed a new three year pouring rights partnership with Vanarama National League South team Maidstone United . Britain’s oldest brewer has been official drinks partner for the Kent club, known as ‘The Stones’, since it moved into the County Town’s Gallagher Stadium in 2012. The stadium’s clubhouse is named the Spitfire Lounge after Shepherd Neame’s award-winning beer range, and work has just finished on a stylish new Shepherd Neame-branded bar area at the ground, with three large screens showing live football. Fans are able to enjoy Spitfire Lager, Singha, Whitstable Bay Pale Ale, Whitstable Bay Blonde Lager, Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale and Orchard View. Shepherd Neame Chief Executive Jonathan Neame said: “We are delighted to continue our successful partnership with Maidstone United. The Stones are a fantastic club with an impressive commitment to their community and their loyal base of supporters. We look forward to joining them in celebrating the club’s achievements during the coming season.” Maidstone United co-owner Terry Casey said: "When Oliver Ash and I took over Maidstone United in 2010, Shepherd Neame was among the first companies to support our vision for the club. After more than a decade working together, we are incredibly pleased that our successful relationship is to continue for at least another three years.” Find out more about Maidstone United at https://maidstoneunited.co.uk/

A new range of creative educational resources is aiming to help people who suffer from low mood during the winter months to bring some light into their lives. Researchers from the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh led the development of the resources, which draw on the experiences of people living with Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, to help others deal with their winter depression. The Royal College of Psychiatry estimates that about three percent of the population experience SAD, suggesting that more than a million adults in the UK live with the emotional challenges, lowered mood, and feelings of anxiety that can occur during the winter months, when access to natural light is limited. The resources include a new online education course developed with cognitive behavioural therapy experts to help people recognise and tackle their SAD symptoms and a book guide on adopting new creative practices and finding community support during the shorter, darker, wetter months. A new web-based toolkit will offer guidance on how people can set up support groups in their own communities for people affected by SAD. The materials are one of the outcomes from a research project called ‘Living with SAD’ led by the Glasgow and Edinburgh academics. The project aims to start a new national conversation on SAD, which can have serious impacts on the mental and physical health of those who experience it. The project began last year with a national survey which asked people about their experiences of SAD and aimed to assess the severity of its effects on their lives. Many respondents reported that their lives during winter months were less social and less mobile, a feeling that was particularly pronounced in older people. Survey respondents also described persistent lack of motivation, energy, enthusiasm and confidence, and corresponding decline in positive relationships with friends, families and co-workers. During Winter 2022-23 ‘Wintering Well’ launched as a series of free workshops for people with SAD in the west of Scotland which brought together the researchers, an artist, and experts in cognitive behavioural therapy with Glasgow based volunteers who have experienced SAD. The group met regularly during the winter months to discuss their experiences of SAD and to design and take part in creative and outdoor activities during the daylight hours. The experiences of the participants have helped shape the content of the resources, which were officially launched at a public event in the University of Glasgow’s Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre on the day before the clocks change. Professor Hester Parr, of the University of Glasgow’s School of Geographical & Earth Sciences, is the Living with SAD project’s principal investigator. She said: “The Wintering Well workshops showed that people who live with SAD can deal better with their symptoms by being part of a community where they can meet regularly outdoors." “The feedback from participants clearly demonstrates that they felt better after taking part, and that they developed valuable new methods and practices to help them manage their mood during winter." “What we want to do with these resources is give people around the country new tools which will help them deal with the challenges of SAD, and when setting up their own local Wintering Well groups to connect and offer support.” Professor Hayden Lorimer, Chair of Human Geography from the University of Edinburgh’s School of GeoSciences and co-investigator on the project, said: “Reduced access to natural light during the winter months can have serious impacts on people’s mental health, particularly in Scotland where days can be shorter than elsewhere in the UK." “Part of the Living with SAD project is focused on exploring the impacts of limited natural light. It could be a problem that we will face more in the future as our planet warms and the boundaries of the seasons become less clear. We’re already seeing side-effects of climate change which affect access to light. Smoke from wildfires and pollution haze have the effect of filtering or blocking out sunlight.” Artist Alec Finlay participated in the Wintering Well workshops, and co-produced ‘Light is a Right: A Guide to Wintering Well’, the book which will be launched at the event. It features contributions from many of the participants in the workshops, and outlines creative ways to deal with the effects of SAD. He said: “This was a group of people willing to give of themselves, who had the courage and humility to share difficult feelings and shadow selves, and, in doing so help one another." “That ambition became a playful ambition to reshape an entire city according to our relationship to low winter light. I believe that similar co-created accounts should be made by a collective representing every illness, but especially those conditions which are not yet fully understood, explained, or easily curable.” Professor Chris Williams contributed to the workshops and helped develop the new online CBT resources, which will be hosted on the Living Life to the Full website. GP Gavin Francis said: “As a GP I see every year the way Scotland's winter can drag people down, making them feel tired, depressed, and lacking in motivation." “I'm delighted that this project is broadening awareness about the importance of light to health, and the way that it is helping people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder to find fellowship, encouragement and sustenance through the darker months of the year.” Neina Sheldon, founder of Make Light Matter, will be presenting at the launch event on her experiences of living with SAD. She said: "I am absolutely delighted that this project has shone a light into this vital but previously under-explored part of people's lived experiences. Light affects every cell in our bodies, so learning how to harness it to flourish all year round is important." “Whether you experience the full clinical presentation of seasonal affective disorder or you're at the milder end of the spectrum, the resources being launched will make a real and lasting impact on so many lives - not just empowering those directly light-affected to manage their symptoms more effectively - but in turn, their loved ones, employers and society as a whole." The Wintering well: Living with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) event is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science. The ‘Light is a Right’ book is available for free here The Living with SAD project is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and the Arts and Humanities Research Council, both of which are parts of UK Research and Innovation.

London Gatwick could support more than 28,000 additional jobs across the UK, through a 61% increase in inbound tourism, if its Northern Runway plans are approved.   The airport is proposing to bring its existing Northern Runway into regular use alongside its Main Runway – plans which would facilitate a significant increase in inbound tourism to London, the South East and the UK more widely.   A report by Oxford Economics highlights that international visitors arriving via Gatwick are likely to increase from 5.6m in 2019 to 9m in 2038, 1.6m more than without the Northern Runway.   By 2038, this uplift in tourism would also generate £8.74billion of Gross Value Added (GVA) through increased spending of international visitors, amounting to nearly £2 billion more than without the Northern Runway development.  As a result of increasing numbers of international visitors, there will be 130,700 jobs by 2038, both directly and indirectly supported by Gatwick-facilitated tourism. This compares to the 84,100 jobs in 2019, and 28,700 more than without the Northern Runway.  Under London Gatwick’s plans, regular use of the Northern Runway for departures will increase the airport’s capacity, seeing throughput increase to around 75.6m passengers and 382,000 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) in 2038, and around 80.2m passengers and 386,000 ATMs per year in 2047. Many of these additional slots would support long-haul services from high-spending markets such as the USA, Middle East and Asia.   Alison Addy, Head of External Engagement and Policy, London Gatwick said: “With inbound visitors to the UK forecast to reach 37.5million this year – and a significant proportion of these travelling to London and the South East - it’s clear the significant contribution London Gatwick plays in supporting the thriving tourism industry, alongside local, regional and national economies. " “Businesses and individuals associated with the tourism industry – from family-run B&Bs and independent taxi drivers, to major tourist attractions and hotel chains – already benefit from having London Gatwick facilitating visitors from around the world." “We are confident that by bringing our existing Northern Runway into regular use – and by offering more global connections – we can further boost this vital part of our local, regional and national economies, and the hundreds of thousands of jobs the tourism industry supports.”  Gavin Stewart, Executive Director, Brighton & Hove Economic Partnership said: “The addition of the Northern Runway at London Gatwick brings with it an opportunity for our region to capitalise significantly on the increase in inbound tourists.  The South East has so much to offer. From days out on the coast to exploring the National Park, to wine tourism, fascinating market towns and thrilling city experiences. Our unique heritage offer, attractions, hospitality and retail can only benefit from the uplift, helping the region to remain competitive and sustainable over the next decade and beyond.”  Fran Downton, Chief Executive, Tourism South East said: “The long-term sustainable development of London Gatwick plays a fundamental part in the economic prosperity of the region. The growth plans for the Northern Runway will inevitably support and drive the visitor sector, its businesses, its employment, and the green agenda to the benefit of the South East.” London Gatwick is investing in its long-term future and its planning application to bring the airport’s Northern Runway into regular use has recently been accepted for detailed examination by the Planning Inspectorate. This low-impact plan will improve resilience, reduce delays, and provide a significant boost to the national and regional economy by supporting trade, tourism, and new jobs.   Members of the public, including local residents and other stakeholders, have until 23:59 on 29 October 2023 to register with the Planning Inspectorate and provide a summary of their views on the airport’s application.

Regional law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors is celebrating its second helping of independent praise from top legal directories in less than a month. The prestigious Chambers UK Legal Guide 2024 has ranked the firm in two separate practice areas with five individual lawyers recommended and three listed as ones to watch for the future. Both the Family and Commercial Litigation teams are recognised for their strengths in technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence and commitment. The lawyers individually ranked for excellence in the Family team are Deborah Leask, Sean McNally and Katie Taft, all Partners at the firm. Partners Lauren Day and William Fox Bregman are also mentioned as notable practitioners. Research specialist Chambers and Partners, which publishes the guide, is also tracking William, litigation Associate Solicitor Conor Maher, employment lawyer and Partner Kate Brooks and the wider Litigation department as potential future rankings. The success comes just weeks after the latest Legal 500, a separate independent guide, placed Ellis Jones as a ‘top tier’ firm for dispute resolution in Commercial Litigation and endorsed individuals and departments across seven categories including, for the first time, Property Litigation. Ellis Jones Managing Partner Nigel Smith said: “Like Legal 500, Chambers’ rankings are based on rigorous, in-depth research including detailed interviews and thorough analysis of capabilities, expertise and sector presence." “It’s a significant achievement to gain any ranking in Chambers just as it is to be listed in Legal 500." “Our successful showing in both these leading guides is testament to the talent, hard work and commitment of the stellar team of people I am privileged to work with." “The fantastic results we have achieved this year are a definitive mark of excellence that really sets us apart from other firms.” Chambers and Partners has been publishing detailed rankings of lawyers, legal departments and law firms for more than 30 years. Its findings are acted on in 70 countries across 200 legal jurisdictions throughout the world. The directory conducts tens of thousands of interviews a year with in-house counsel and third-party experts such as barristers and accountants. Listings in Legal 500, published annually in more than 90 countries, are also based on third-party insight including client feedback gained from testimonials and interviews. Both guides inform instructions from commercial and private clients, corporate counsel, professional advisers and other referrers of legal work. Ellis Jones, with more than 170 staff including 21 Partners, has five offices across the south coast in Bournemouth, Canford Cliffs (Poole), Ringwood, Swanage and Wimborne as well as London.

Over £6,000 has been raised by Ryman team members in support of Starlight Children’s Foundation. On Sunday 15th October, the leading high street stationery sent 14 team members on an expedition to climb Snowdon, or Yr Wyddfa, in Snowdonia National Park, Gwynedd. The team set out to raise funds for Starlight, the UK’s leading charity for children’s play in hospitals and hospices. With an original goal of £1,000, the Ryman team more than quadrupled their target, raising an impressive £4,052 to date. The Theo Paphitis Trust has also committed to matching up to £200 per volunteer to support the charity initiative further, raising the total to almost £6,000. Head of Marketing at Ryman, Chloe Danskin, said: “Braving 2-degree temperatures and an arduous climb to the top of Snowdon, we’re so proud of Team Ryman team for their efforts to support Starlight Children’s Foundation." “Two Ryman team members went above and beyond in their efforts to fundraise, taking a daring plunge into a freezing lake in order to raise extra funds!" “At Ryman we understand the great importance of children’s play, so it’s a great honour to be supporting Starlight. Thanks to the team’s efforts and the generosity of every person that donated, we’re able to support Starlight efforts to provide play for children facing illness.” Starlight is the UK’s leading charity for children’s play in healthcare. All donations will help support families and children in hospitals and hospice to experience the power of play, boosting their wellbeing and resilience during illness.

Offices with onsite facilities such as gyms, nap rooms, gardens, cafes can help employees enhance their overall well-being, productivity, and work-life balance. These amenities can promote physical fitness, mental relaxation, and social interaction, fostering a healthier and more enjoyable work environment. Studio Alliance , a European alliance of workplace experts have looked into the advantages of the most popular office space benefits , and which of the world’s most successful businesses offer these. Most Popular Onsite Office Amenities Looking at the world’s top 10 most successful companies which are ranked by sales, profits, assets, and market values, Studio Alliance uncovered the top 5 businesses with all-inclusive offices. Studio Alliance then researched the benefits these offices provided and utilised search volume to determine the most in demand. By looking at monthly search data they were able to uncover the most popular office amenity trends for offices with the top five being a garden, nap pods, games room, gym and coffee bar. Benefits Of The 5 Most Popular Onsite Office Amenities 1) Garden: Gardens in an office space provide employees a respite from the daily hustle and bustle which can lead to reduced stress levels and improved mental well-being. While contributing to a more appealing and vibrant workspace. 2) Nap Pods: Nap pods in an office space offer employees a valuable opportunity to recharge and boost productivity during the workday, resulting in improved focus and cognitive performance. They also demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance. 3) Games Room: Games rooms in office spaces offer an outlet for employees to relax and unwind, fostering a more positive work culture and reducing stress. Offices can encourage team bonding and creativity leading to improved morale. 4) Gym: A gym in the office promotes employee health and well-being, which can boost overall productivity. Gyms also show commitment to employee health, creating a positive work environment. 5) Coffee Bar: Coffee bars within an office provides a convenient and social hub for employees, fostering spontaneous interactions and idea-sharing which can lead to increased collaboration and innovation. The Most Successful Companies With In House Benefits Take a look at some of the facilities available to employees at some of the most successful companies in the world today: JP Morgan Chase , market value of $399.58B: Located in the heart of New York City's financial district, the headquarters of this financial firm is situated within a stylish and contemporary skyscraper. Within the headquarters, employees can enjoy a range of amenities, including fitness facilities and yoga rooms, prayer spaces, a food hall, and outdoor areas, contributing to a healthy work-life balance for its staff. ICBC , market value of $203.01B: The ICBC headquarters in Beijing is a massive, modern skyscraper located in the bustling central business district of the city. Its sleek glass façade and imposing height make it a prominent and easily recognizable landmark in the city. The building also offers employees access to amenities like a fitness centre, swimming pool, spa, and wholesome dining options. Alphabet (Google) , market value of $1340.53B: Alphabet's headquarters in California, also known as the Googleplex, is a sprawling, colourful campus located in Mountain View, nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley. The buildings are a playful mix of modern architecture and green spaces, creating a vibrant and innovative work environment. Office amenities include laundry, games room, free food, and gym facilities. Microsoft , market value of $2,309.84B: The Microsoft headquarters in Washington is a sprawling, modern campus nestled amidst lush greenery in Redmond. Its iconic design features sleek glass buildings that reflect the natural surroundings, creating a tech oasis. Features included within the office to benefit employees include a post office, mini spa, food venues and gym facilities. Samsung Electronics , market value of $334.31B: The Samsung Electronics headquarters in South Korea is a sleek, modern skyscraper located in the Gangnam district of Seoul. It stands tall with a futuristic design, featuring reflective glass facades that give it a contemporary look. Amenities for the headquarters include game rooms, quiet zones, basketball court and outdoor spaces.

A landmark international study has identified a link between Rugby Union career length and the risk of the degenerative brain condition chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). In a world-first collaboration between leading laboratories at the University of Glasgow, Boston University and the University of Sydney, researchers find new evidence to link playing rugby – either at amateur or an elite level – with risk of developing CTE. Led by Prof Willie Stewart at the University of Glasgow, the work follows major findings from his group last year which reported neurodegenerative disease risk among former Scottish international rugby union players approximately two and a half times higher than expected. CTE is a degenerative brain condition which has been shown to be, at least in part, a result of exposure to repeated head impacts and head injuries. Over the past decade or so, there have been increasing reports of the unique pathology of CTE following postmortem examination of the brains of former contact sports participants, including football, American football, boxing and rugby. This latest study, which is published in Acta Neuropathologica , looked at the results of detailed postmortem brain examinations of 31 former amateur and elite rugby union players whose brains were donated for research purposes to one of three leading centres in the UK, United States, and Australia. CTE was found in around two thirds (68%) of the brains examined, and in both amateur and elite players. Importantly, risk of CTE pathology was associated with length of a player’s rugby career, with each additional year of play adding 14% to risk of CTE. Player position or level of participation, either amateur or elite, did not appear to influence risk of CTE. The current study, which is the first research collaboration between these leading international research groups, is a continuation of the University of Glasgow’s ground-breaking research into brain health outcomes associated with traumatic brain injury and contact sports. Among sports, rugby union is known to have a high risk of mild traumatic brain injury (concussion), with injury rates highest in the professional game. To date, the only recognised risk factor for CTE is traumatic brain injury and repeated head impact exposure. Professor Willie Stewart, consultant neuropathologist and Honorary Professor at the University of Glasgow, lead author of the study, said: “In this study, we have combined the experience and expertise of three leading international brain banks to look at CTE in former rugby players." “These results provide new evidence regarding the association between rugby union participation and CTE. Specifically, our data show risk is linked to length of rugby career, with every extra year of play increasing risk. Based on this it is imperative that the sport's regulators reduce exposure to repeated head impacts in match play and in training to reduce risk of this otherwise preventable contact sport related neurodegenerative disease.” In this latest study, the average rugby career length was around 18 years, with an equal number of forward and backs. Twenty-three (74%) played rugby exclusively as amateurs, with 8 (26%) reaching elite level, either as professional or representative internationalists. Ann McKee, MD, director of the BU CTE Center and UNITE brain bank, and co-author of the study, said: “CTE is a preventable disease; there is an urgent need to reduce not only the number of head impacts, but the strength of those impacts, in rugby as well as the other contact sports, in order to protect and prevent CTE in these players.” The director of the Australian Sports Brain Bank, Associate Professor Michael Buckland, points to the conclusions drawn by the Australian Senate Inquiry into Concussions and repeated head trauma in contact sports. He said: “The findings of the recent federal government inquiry are unambiguous: there is clear evidence of a causal link between repeated head trauma and concussions and subsequent neurodegenerative disease such as CTE. Sports regulators need to develop and implement CTE risk minimisation protocols as a matter of urgency.” Brain autopsies for the study were accessed from three international sites: the Understanding Neurologic Injury and Traumatic Encephalopathy Brain Bank (UNITE), Boston University School of Medicine, the Glasgow TBI Archive (GTBI), University of Glasgow and the Australian Sports Brain Bank (ASBB), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and University of Sydney, Australia. The paper, ‘Risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in rugby union is associated with length of playing career’ is published in Acta Neuropathologica. The work was funded by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute on Aging, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, The Concussion Legacy Foundation, Nick and Lynn Buoniconti Foundation, Andlinger Foundation, and an NHS Research Scotland Career Researcher Fellowship. The ASBB is supported by Sydney Local Health District and unrestricted philanthropic donations.

Former double-weight world boxing champion Nigel Benn was a huge hit at an event hosted recently in Leicester by Ingeus , which delivers justice services across the city. More than 60 guests joined Nigel at the Voluntary Action Leicester office on Newarke Street. They included people on probation and youth programmes; Ingeus peer mentors and staff with lived experience of the criminal justice system; and representatives from the police, prison service, and violence reduction network. Attending on behalf of Ingeus partner Pure Insights International , he spoke candidly about his own life and talked at length with those attending. Now living in Australia, Nigel was born in East London and described the repressed anger he felt after the death of his 17-year-old brother when he was just eight years old; a traumatic event that rocked his family. He recalled the self-discipline he learned serving in the army and how he transferred this to his boxing career, winning his first 22 fights by knockout and earning him plaudits as one of the greatest Super Middleweights of all time. Yet describing how his chaotic behaviour almost cost him everything, including the loss of his family, Nigel spoke with emotion about his love for his wife, and his faith. The former champion has since dedicated the last 20 years to charity work, counselling people with addiction and marital issues. He is visiting the UK to support his son Connor Benn, a welterweight fighter, with whom he shares ‘an breakable bond’. “My faith and family have given me the chance to re-build my life,” said Nigel. “The high I get from helping others means more to me than any of my boxing accolades." “Changing your mindset can help you achieve anything and if I can influence just one person’s life for the better then that’s good enough for me.” Working with specialist partners and the probation service, Ingeus delivers Commissioned Rehabilitative Services to help people on probation settle back into their communities across the East Midlands. Support with physical and mental wellbeing is crucial to remove obstacles to rehabilitation. Pure Insights International provides counselling services to Ingeus participants. “Nigel’s courage and resilience shone through; you could hear a pin drop at times,” says Adam Hart, Chief Operating Officer of Ingeus UK, who attended the event. “We were delighted he could spend the afternoon inspiring and motivating our participants – they were hooked!” As part of its Commissioned Rehabilitative Services contract, Ingeus delivers personal wellbeing services in the East Midlands (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire), West Midlands (Staffordshire, Warwickshire), Yorkshire and the Humber (West Yorkshire, Humberside) and the North East (Northumbria).