Valentine’s Day has been dubbed a waste of money with novelty mugs and cheap underwear amongst the worst presents.
More than half of the 2,015 adults polled, said their partner should make more effort, rather than splurge on presents they don’t even want.
Respondents reported the rubbish gifts they had received included ‘wrong’ perfume, socks, candles and even, a car mat.
But while most said the day of lovers is a waste of time, one in three said they’d be gutted if their better half did nothing to celebrate.
Travel together
The research by Railcard.co.uk, found that one in five said a trip away would be the best romantic gesture with the Lake District top destination in the UK.
Relationship expert and coach, Sarah Louise Ryan, said: “Couples who travel together often end up more fulfilled and happier in their relationship.
“There are many reasons for this; inclusive of the fact it encourages communication and can deepen feelings of commitment as they plan their trips ahead of time, looking towards the future.
“Travel allows more opportunities for romance and time outside of the day-to-day routine, meaning romantic sparks can be reignited.
“Where flowers and chocolates can play a part, this Valentine’s Day I’d encourage all couples to carve out some time to book and experience a romantic getaway, whether for a day trip or a long weekend.”
The study also found 36% had considered a trip together as a way to rekindle a floundering relationship.
A recent survey by INTO, a leading international education services provider, has revealed that visa delays are a major challenge for students seeking to study abroad.
The research, which included 2,261 respondents from over 100 countries, explored the experiences of students enrolling in UK and US universities. The findings indicate that visa processing issues are becoming a significant barrier to higher education.
With stricter visa regulations affecting key study destinations, the problem is likely to continue into 2025, creating obstacles for students navigating the pre-enrolment process.
Among the key takeaways, 21% of students said that visa appointment and processing delays were the primary reason they postponed their university placement confirmation. The impact was particularly evident in South Asia, where 28% of students cited visa-related difficulties.
The challenges didn’t end there. 45% of students who missed their orientation blamed visa processing delays for their absence, reinforcing the need for a more efficient and predictable visa system to support international students.
John Sykes, CEO of INTO, said: “These findings serve as a powerful message for governments, educational authorities, and universities to work together in addressing visa delays, ensuring students are supported in their aspirations to study abroad. At INTO, we are dedicated to overcoming these challenges, driving positive change in international education, and continuing to create transformative opportunities for students to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.”
The survey also uncovered several other critical trends shaping the international education landscape.
Pre-arrival support makes a difference
The results underscore the need for visa support and pre-arrival services in creating a seamless experience for students as they begin their study abroad journey. To address the growing demand for such support, INTO has introduced a range of pre-arrival programs and support services.
Get Ready to Study: INTO developed the online learning course ‘Get Ready to Study’ to help UK-bound international students access key academic and personal tools to have a smooth transition into higher education and prepare for UK life and study. Students who participated in the program reported higher levels of satisfaction on arrival (89%) and preparedness for their studies (92%) compared to non-participants. These findings underscore the value of robust pre-arrival support in enhancing the student experience.
The high satisfaction rate from the program was reflected in the feedback, with one student commenting: “It prepares international students to know what they will face at INTO University Partnerships, and to acquire new skills.” Another student shared: “I was fully ready to start my program before my start date.”
PASS Program: INTO’s PASS Program was developed to provide an enhanced level of visa support and guidance for US-bound international students. The program is free of charge, with a central goal of ensuring higher education in the US is more accessible to international students. Our recent survey shows that 94% of students who participate in PASS have high arrival satisfaction.
It has helped more than 2000 students so far from India, Vietnam, Pakistan, Turkey, Kenya, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Kazakhstan – among many others – successfully obtain their F-1 visas.
Pablo, an undergraduate student at Oregon State University, said: “I think all students should speak with the PASS team before their first interview appointment, it is incredibly helpful.”
Automated Credibility Interview: INTO has developed an automated system that identifies UK-bound international students most likely to be viewed as ‘high-risk’ by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), offering a credibility interview as part of their visa application process.
These applicants are notified and urged to complete the Automated Credibility Interview when they receive their offer letter. This allows them to schedule an appropriate time to complete a self-recorded interview which can be completed at a time that best suits them. This self-recorded interview system ensures that applicants are able to receive an offer swiftly and prevents further delays to the application process. Over 100 students have submitted their visa application following successful completion of the automated credibility interview task so far.
Increasing competition among study destinations
Over half of students considered alternative destinations before choosing the UK or US, with over 40% of those considering alternatives beyond the traditional “Big 4”— the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. Europe, in particular, remained a strong contender across all regions, reinforcing findings from INTO’s 2024 Global Agent Survey. This trend highlights a rise in students exploring options closer to home to benefit from lower study costs and cultural proximity, reflecting the increasing competitiveness of global education markets.
Beyond Europe, student preferences also followed similar regional patterns identified in INTO’s 2024 Global Agent Survey. Students from East Asia were most likely to consider Singapore and Malaysia, while students from the Middle East and North Africa mainly looked to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, and students from the China, Hong Kong, and Macau region gravitated towards Hong Kong.
Employability and career aspirations
Students indicated that the ability to secure internships, gain professional experience, and connect with employers while studying were among their top priorities. Around 50% say they plan to participate in work placements during their studies, while one-third intend to pursue post-study work opportunities through programs like the Graduate Route in the UK and OPT in the US.
This data reflects the growing emphasis on preparing students for the workforce in an increasingly competitive global job market and the critical role of employability-focused initiatives in attracting and retaining students. It also highlights the importance of ongoing support throughout their studies, ensuring access to work opportunities and career development while living in their chosen study destination.
Last year, INTO launched its Return & Connect initiative, a platform designed to support international students returning to their home countries after completing their studies overseas, connecting them with employer and alumni networks, for in-market work experience and post-study work placements both during and after their study overseas.
Shifting decision drivers
Beyond university rankings, factors like personal safety and employability have grown in importance over the past three years. Work experience opportunities are now the second-highest priority for South Asian students, while personal safety is a key consideration in the Middle East. Perceptions of safety and security, coupled with career prospects, are increasingly influencing students’ final choices.
“The insights from this survey not only help us understand the challenges faced by our students but also guide our efforts in creating impactful solutions,” added Sykes. “We’re proud of the work we do to support students, from pre-arrival programs to career readiness initiatives, ensuring their success both during and after their studies.”
“As a global leader in international student recruitment and support, INTO remains committed to addressing these challenges and creating seamless opportunities for students to achieve their academic and career goals.”
INTO connects ambitious international students with leading universities in the US, UK, and Australia. Since its inception in 2005, INTO has helped over 150,000 students from more than 180 countries achieve their dream of obtaining a degree from a world-class institution.
The City of London Corporation’s Planning Applications Sub-Committee has approved a 54-storey tower on the doorstep of UK’s busiest station, Liverpool Street Station.
Delivering almost 100,000sqm of future commercial space, economic and employment growth, an iconic new tower will become one of the tallest in the Square Mile.
Proposals submitted for the site at 99 Bishopsgate, will provide more than 8% of the proposed City Plan target of office floorspace, as the Corporation aims to deliver an additional minimum of 1.2m sqm, by 2040.
Responding to increasing demand for new office schemes of this kind, 99 Bishopsgate is set to achieve the highest level of sustainability credentials, whilst generating upwards of 7,500 jobs that are easily connected to local public transport routes, helping to maintain its international competitiveness, benefitting London and the UK’s economy.
According to global property consultancy Knight Frank, availability in newly constructed office buildings has fallen to 0.5 per cent in the City of London, causing prime rents in the area to rise 16 per cent over the past 12 months. It was also reported that the City’s tallest office building at 22 Bishopsgate, had recently become 100% let.
In addition to its provision of much needed, best in class office space, the scheme would contribute an inclusive 7-day visitor destination experience, with a bespoke cultural offer in the form of a new pavilion building space, planned to be occupied by ‘Intermission Youth’, a charitable company set up to help disadvantaged young people through access to theatre.
The 99 Bishopsgate scheme will also deliver transformational public realm improvements that will be welcoming for all communities. A new network of pedestrian routes linking in to the recently consented 55 Bishopsgate and 55 Old Broad Street developments will see a 1013% increase in public space, linking into wider pedestrian routes from Liverpool Street Station to the City Cluster and beyond.
Added to this, a new retail, food and beverage hub will feature on the ground floor, acting as a ‘City Market’, complete with seating areas that will welcome visitors into the huge, new public space, that would transform the site into a gateway to the City Cluster from the north.
Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, Shravan Joshi, said: “A much-needed office development has been approved in the City of London and it speaks to the confidence that global investors have in the local real estate market, as well as the UK economy, more widely.”
“The 99 Bishopsgate scheme will also give the Square Mile one of the largest public realm upgrades from a single planning application, in recent history, increasing the ‘walkability’ of the City, so that it becomes a safer and more pleasant place to travel through.”
Police are appealing for the public’s help to find two teenage girls from Morocco who have been reported missing.
Douae (14) and Houda (15) were last seen leaving the hostel they were staying at in Tavistock Place, WC1, at around 8.30pm on Tuesday, January 28.
Both girls had arrived in London on Saturday, January 25, for a week-long stay as part of a student exchange programme run by an independent company. They were due to return to Morocco on February 1.
The programme the girls are on is not attached to a specific school and is run by a private company.
Detective chief inspector Sarb Kaur said: “We are appealing for any information about Douae and Houda’s whereabouts. They have travelled from Morocco and are in a city and country that is not familiar to them, so the longer they remain missing then the greater our concern for their welfare is.
“A team of detectives is working tirelessly to locate them and we are liaising with the Moroccan embassy and the company who organised the visit to ensure their families in Morocco are kept updated with any developments.”
Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote ref 01/7101825/25. For an immediate sighting of Douae and Houda, call 999 immediately.
A man and a woman have been jailed for murdering 38-year-old Sarah Mayhew (pictured) and preventing her lawful burial.
Steve Sansom (45) and Gemma Watts (49) dismembered Sarah’s body and dumped it over several trips, in plain sight of the public.
Sansom of Burnell Road, Sutton, and Watts of Holmbury Grove, Croydon, were sentenced to life imprisonment at the Old Bailey on Thursday. Sansom will serve a whole life order and Watts will serve a minimum of 30 years’ imprisonment. At an earlier hearing they both pleaded guilty to murder and preventing a lawful burial.
The pair were also sentenced to five years each for perverting the course of public justice, to run concurrently.
Detective chief inspector Martin Thorpe, who led the investigation, said:“I would like to send my deepest condolences to Sarah’s family and friends. A loss is always hard, but to hear about the way Sarah spent her last moments must be heart-breaking. I commend their bravery and strength throughout this investigation; we will continue to support them should they need us.
“Secondly, I would like to commend my colleagues from across the Met. The dedication shown to this investigation, which has been complex and challenging, has been extraordinary, they worked around the clock to pull together the evidence needed to bring this case to court.
“The investigation included viewing hundreds of hours of CCTV, extensive forensic examinations within the defendants’ houses, the searching of fields and rivers, witness accounts, and reviewing the defendants’ phones. These revealed messages detailing what the defendants planned to do to Sarah, with texts and voice notes recorded by the defendants themselves, also revealing their intention to carry out violent attacks on others.
“Sarah was a young woman who had the rest of her life ahead of her, before it was selfishly taken by Sansom and Watts for their own sadistic motive.
“Their sick and twisted desires were heard in court by her family. They listened to traumatising evidence which revealed that the two enjoyed the pain and torment that they put Sarah through.” No sentence can ever bring Sarah back or compensate for her loss.”
An investigation was launched following a call to police shortly after 9am on April 2, 2024, to reports of human remains found in Rowdown Fields in Croydon.
A forensic examination revealed the remains to be of Sarah Mayhew, who was living in Croydon at the time of her death.
Shortly after the first discovery, remains were also found in Mitcham in May 2024. A further examination revealed that the remains also belonged to Sarah.
The investigation revealed messages on Sansom’s phone which showed a conversation that suggested the pair wanted to murder Sarah. The conversation revealed that Sansom was going to invite Sarah over to his house to which Watts replied “only if it’s a deal she ain’t leaving in one piece” to which Sansom added “okay”.
Further messages sent indicated a sexual and sadistic motivation.
Sarah was last seen on CCTV entering a property in Sutton on March 8, 2024 accompanied by Sansom and his dog. It is believed that Sarah was murdered on this day.
Messages were found from the same date sent by Sansom who was trying to justify what they had done. The message to Watts said “we’re not evil, we’re not evil”.
Two days later, Sansom was captured on CCTV in a retail shop purchasing a hacksaw, blades and a bucket.
The pair then began their attempt to clean-up the crime scene and conceal their involvement in the murder. Watts was seen on CCTV in a retail shop buying multiple cleaning products such as bleach and scourers, a receipt was later recovered for these following a search of her property.
Further intelligence found that as well as the cleaning products, a silver incinerator bin was purchased to burn Sarah’s personal belongings, which were never recovered.
Officers discovered that Sansom and Watts travelled to and from Rowdown Fields using public transport on March 11, 2024 while carrying oversized shopping bags, which they appeared to have struggled to carry.
In April, parts of Sarah’s body were found in the same location.
It was also found that the pair travelled to the River Wandle with a suitcase. CCTV showed them returning from their journey with no suitcase. Sarah’s torso was then found in May in the same location.
Following the discovery of Sarah’s remains in April, Sansom was arrested at his home address on 6 April 2024 and Watts was arrested later on the same day.
A search of Sansom’s house found traces of blood in the same black bucket he had earlier purchased.
A forensic detection dog also indicated areas of interest, one being the bottom of a wall in Sansom’s bedroom – testing revealed extensive amounts of blood.
They were charged on April 9, 2024 and sentenced yesterday.
New data from Regtransfers highlights how the motoring industry is benefiting from China’s popular social media app, TikTok—but could threats to global accessibility create a power vacuum in marketing?
Social media has become an essential tool for business marketing, with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube driving significant audience engagement and revenue. In particular, and in our post-pandemic society, TikTok has stepped forward as a potent new platform for audience engagement.
According to the initial findings of a study from private plate suppliers Regtransfers, TikTok led engagement metrics in 2024, showing a 70.74% increase in follower counts over the course of 2024 and a 102% increase in likes across the 35 analysed brands. The research group in question – which ranged from the likes of Volkswagen, Skoda and Ford to Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini – grew their TikTok content libraries by an average 172% at the end of the year.
Most marketers—around 80%—expect consumers to make more direct purchases through social apps. Social media allows businesses to reach audiences efficiently, offering data-driven marketing strategies for measurable results. 90% of marketers report increased business exposure through social platforms, while 75% of internet users turn to social media for product research.
The study highlights TikTok’s impact on businesses, particularly in visual-driven industries such as automotive and retail. Notably, Skoda—whose account @skodauk had been dormant until early 2024—experienced a 301,900% rise in engagement within 12 months after engaging in regular activity. Additionally, Maserati saw a 355% increase in total likes, reaching 2.3 million by the end of the year. Collectively, the analysed brands gained 77.2 million likes, demonstrating TikTok’s role in brand visibility and audience growth.
TikTok’s uncertain future at the hands of ongoing scrutiny marks a significant hurdle for businesses that rely on the platform for engagement and direct-to-consumer sales. The prospect of losing TikTok in key regions could disrupt digital marketing strategies, particularly if more countries consider similar restrictions.
“These are the initial findings of a broader study we’re engaged in around the social media marketing space, the results of which we hope to release soon”, said Regtransfers CEO, Mark Trimbee, “but with current news surrounding TikTok’s fate in the US, we felt compelled to share our initial discoveries”.
“While our research focuses on motoring brands, many other industries could be faced with negative impacts and a mass exodus if TikTok’s accessibility is restricted in the US. The digital world is now a vital part of our everyday professional and personal lives, and much of our decision-making around product purchases comes from online interactions.
“Businesses lean into the cross-border connectivity of social media platforms to engage with international audiences, showcase new products and create their own culture of customers – the potential loss of which could spell large problems in the short term.”
Contigo Mobility, a key player in electric vehicle (EV) mobility solutions, has announced the worldwide rollout of its AI-powered technology, CoMoAI. Over the next six months, all CoMo and CoMoTo fleet vehicles across the globe will be equipped with advanced front and rear-facing cameras, capable of capturing live video and images. These recordings will be automatically transmitted to a central server for processing and analysis.
This initiative is designed to revolutionise urban mobility by leveraging AI-driven insights to improve journey efficiency, enhance safety, and deliver real-time data on road conditions. At present, the CoMo and CoMoTo fleet is already integrated with IoT technology that tracks location, vehicle condition, battery performance, and riding behaviour. By incorporating high-resolution video analytics, CoMoAI will take mobility intelligence to a new level.
The AI-powered system will use machine learning to analyse collected video and images, assessing traffic flow, environmental conditions, and surrounding infrastructure. The goal is to provide riders and delivery service users with optimised route suggestions, allowing them to avoid congestion, detect obstacles, and navigate more efficiently. Furthermore, the data will contribute to improved safety measures, ensuring a more secure travel experience.
“Our vision is to transform mobility intelligence through real-time data collection and AI-powered analytics. By the end of 2025, we are targeting close to 100,000 CoMo and CoMoTo units actively collecting video and image data, making Contigo Mobility the largest moving data collector globally,” said Zuhri Yusof, CEO of Contigo Technology Group.
“Our AI-driven system represents a breakthrough in mobility intelligence. With CoMoAI, we are not only improving the user experience but also laying the foundation for advanced real-time road monitoring, traffic optimisation, and predictive analytics,” said Sudhir Abdul Rahman, CTO of Contigo Technology Group. “This technology will revolutionise how mobility data is collected and utilised, benefitting riders, city planners, and even third-party stakeholders who require real-time mobility insights.”
To launch the initiative, Contigo Mobility will commence a pilot programme in London, using the city’s dense urban environment as an initial testing site before expanding into key CoMo markets such as Indonesia and other international locations. The newly integrated cameras provide a 130-degree field of view in both forward and rear directions, with the natural movement of motorcycles further enhancing the system’s ability to map and analyse surroundings.
Beyond improving urban mobility, CoMoAI will also play a crucial role in fostering a safer and more intelligent transport system. The vast amount of data collected by the CoMo fleet will be available for third-party integration, offering valuable insights for urban planning, traffic management, and intelligent transport networks.
With this significant step, Contigo Mobility continues to establish itself as a leader in AI-powered mobility innovation, setting new benchmarks for efficiency, safety, and data-driven urban transport solutions.
In the relentless race of today’s business world, staying ahead often means finding smarter ways to operate. Imagine liberating your business from the clutches of cumbersome tech tasks and watching it soar towards unprecedented growth. This isn’t a dream; it’s the reality of strategic tech outsourcing. By entrusting specialized providers with non-core tasks, businesses can unlock a treasure trove of efficiency and innovation, propelling them forward in a fast-evolving market. What should your company delegate to these external wizards, and why? Get ready to explore how outsourcing can become your secret weapon for growth and success.
Rethinking Priorities: Navigating Core and Non-Core Tech Tasks
To make the most of outsourcing, it’s essential to distinguish between core and non-core activities within your business. Core activities are those that directly contribute to customer satisfaction and profitability, and these should generally be kept in-house. However, in a world where even routine tasks like systems maintenance can be pivotal for growth, the lines can blur. Consider outsourcing non-core tasks such as tech support or data entry to specialized providers. This allows you to focus your resources on strategic priorities, ultimately boosting efficiency and competitiveness. By evaluating each task’s impact on your overall strategy, you can make informed decisions that optimize performance and cost management.
Innovate and Thrive: Unleashing Potential Through Tech Outsourcing
Outsourcing tech tasks isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s about fostering innovation and efficiency. By partnering with specialized providers, you gain access to a wealth of skills and perspectives that can accelerate your innovation cycle and keep you competitive. Outsourcing enables businesses to focus on core competencies while entrusting complex tech tasks to experts. With the IT outsourcing market projected to grow significantly, it’s clear that businesses are increasingly relying on outsourcing to enhance their technological capabilities. This strategic approach not only boosts operational efficiency but also ensures your business remains agile in an ever-evolving tech landscape.
Financial Freedom: Reap the Rewards of Outsourcing
Outsourcing tech functions can lead to substantial financial benefits, notably increased cost efficiency. This strategy isn’t just about trimming costs; it’s about reallocating resources to focus on core business goals. By outsourcing, you can access specialized skill sets without investing in training or permanent hires, allowing you to benefit from expertise that might otherwise be financially out of reach. This approach can significantly ease budget constraints, offering a smart financial pivot that aligns with modern cost-conscious business operations.
Securing Success: Battling IT Threats with Outsourcing
Managing IT security can be daunting, especially for small businesses with limited resources. By outsourcing your IT security tasks, you can leverage the expertise of skilled professionals to manage cybersecurity threats and regulatory requirements efficiently. This strategy not only provides cost savings and access to advanced technologies but also ensures continuous protection against sophisticated cyberattacks. Additionally, keeping up with evolving security standards becomes manageable when specialized providers offer tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. Outsourcing can enhance your security posture while freeing up resources to focus on core business activities.
Growth Unleashed: Seamless Expansion Through Outsourcing
Outsourcing is a powerful tool for scaling your small business operations without the strain of long-term commitments. By engaging external experts, you can access a broader pool of specific skills essential for adapting to market demands without the hefty costs of hiring full-time staff. This approach allows you to respond efficiently to changing needs, optimizing your resources and enabling you to focus on strategic initiatives like product development and market expansion. Outsourcing empowers you to drive business expansion while minimizing risks and maximizing operational efficacy.
Crafting Winning Partnerships: Choosing the Right Outsourcing Allies
Choosing the right tech outsourcing firm is critical to ensuring your business needs are met efficiently. Start by clearly defining your project requirements and ensuring the provider has the technological expertise to handle those tasks. Evaluate the company’s financial stability and pricing to ensure they align with your budget. Consider cultural alignment and geographical location, as these factors can impact collaboration and communication. Lastly, ensure the provider offers robust post-development support to address any issues that may arise after project completion, safeguarding your investment and operational continuity.
Video Strategy: Making the Call on Outsourcing
When deciding whether to outsource your marketing videos, consider the scale and quality of the content you wish to produce. If high-quality videos are essential for your marketing campaigns, outsourcing to a specialized agency can provide access to fresh ideas and advanced capabilities, though it may require more intensive communication efforts. Conversely, if simplicity is your goal, leveraging existing resources in-house to make video online can be a viable option. These tools empower you to add audio, change video speed, animate elements, and more, saving both time and costs. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your brand’s specific needs and available resources, ensuring control over your marketing strategy while optimizing budget and time management.
In the landscape of modern business, where agility and adaptability are paramount, outsourcing tech-related tasks emerges as not just a strategy but a catalyst for transformation. Embrace this powerful approach to unburden your team from routine technical duties and ignite a culture of innovation and growth. The key lies in discerning which tasks to delegate, crafting partnerships with the right providers, and harnessing the newfound freedom to pursue your business’s core missions. By leveraging outsourcing strategically, your business doesn’t just keep pace with the competition—it accelerates towards achieving new horizons of success. Now is the time to turn potential into prowess, and vision into reality, through the smart move of outsourcing.
Oxford Leadership, a globally recognised consultancy specialising in purpose-driven transformation, will mark its 20th anniversary in 2025. Over the years, the organisation has partnered with leading companies such as Adobe, Virgin Media O2, Maersk Group, McDonald’s, HSBC, Telefonica, L’Oréal, NXP, BASF, Unilever, JCET, Sky, eBay, and other Fortune 50 and FTSE 100 firms.
Founder Brian Bacon reflected on this milestone, stating:
“We are proud to have built a global alumni network of over 1 million purpose-driven leaders and facilitated more than 300 successful business transformations across 20 countries. In celebration of this significant milestone, we are making key enhancements to our Board and global management team to further strengthen our commitment to senior leadership development, courageous culture transformation, and executive coaching.”
In line with these changes, Brian Bacon will step back from daily operations to take on the role of Board Chairman and lead the C-Suite Leadership Council. Under his leadership, Oxford Leadership has developed methodologies from over 100 corporate transformation and performance acceleration projects across 28 countries, helping senior executives enhance their critical thinking and emotional intelligence to navigate today’s complex business landscape.
Oxford Leadership remains dedicated to its goal of fostering a worldwide network of 1,000,000 purpose-driven leaders working towards ‘transforming business for good.’ To support this vision, the organisation has announced several leadership transitions:
Kyle Hermans, currently Senior Partner and Client Director for North America, will oversee Global Growth, Programme Leadership, and Executive Coaching.
Jonathan Yukawa, Managing Director (Digital, Marketing, and Brand), and Alice Chilver, Client Director for the UK & EU, will be appointed to the Group Board of Directors.
Speaking about these appointments, Brian Bacon remarked:
“After 20 remarkable years at the helm, I believe it is time to pass day-to-day leadership of Oxford Leadership to the next generation of management.
“Kyle Hermans has made a significant impact in designing and delivering transformational leadership programmes for our prestigious global clients over the past two years. He has earned the respect of our clients, core team, and international consultants.
“I am equally delighted to welcome Jonathan Yukawa to the Global Board of Directors. He has been my trusted partner for 16 years and will continue to lead our Digital business while overseeing Membership, Brand, and Marketing.
“Additionally, we are thrilled to welcome back Alice Chilver FCIPD MBA, who played a pivotal role in Oxford Leadership during our formative years. After spending the last four years as Head of People and Organisational Development at Oxford University, Alice now serves as Client Director for UK-EU and will join our Global Board of Directors.”
Oxford Leadership remains committed to enabling leaders to harness the power of purpose to drive business transformation and performance. The organisation’s leadership programmes continue to serve as a foundation for many corporate universities, reinforcing its position at the forefront of executive development. Looking ahead to 2025, Oxford Leadership is focused on aligning people, purpose, and strategy to drive socially responsible performance and navigate change globally.
Consultancy firm AESG has made a trio of senior appointments, marking a significant step in its mission to make a strong impact in the UK built environment sector.
Elisabeth Montgomerie (pictured) has joined the business as sustainability director, tasked with creating impactful strategies that achieve transformational sustainable outcomes. An expert in decarbonisation, biodiversity and social value, Elisabeth’s most recent role was with a global multidisciplinary consultancy where she was sustainability lead and associate director for sustainable building design.
During her time there, she led the upskilling of more than 1,200 team members in sustainability practices and developed and executed sustainability strategies for landmark building projects in the UK, Middle East and Africa.
Amy Koerbel is AESG’s new director of façades. With more than 25 years of experience in architectural engineering, technical design and strategic leadership, Amy will spearhead AESG’s façade consulting services in the UK and beyond, with a particular focus on forward-thinking sustainable solutions for retrofits and new build construction projects.
Her previous roles, including Head of Façades and Architecture + Design Practice Director at AECOM, demonstrate her strong track record in leading technical and multidisciplinary teams in delivering award-winning projects. Her knowledge and skills will enhance AESG’s capabilities in tackling complex façade projects while contributing to the firm’s growth in the key markets.
Sandra Rubiano joins Amy in the AESG Façades team as associate director of façades. With experience at engineering agency Clarkebond and as senior façade engineer for CBRE, Sandra brings invaluable expertise to enhance AESG’s integrated services for our clients in the UK façade remediation market. Alongside this she will lead the development of cutting-edge façade engineering solutions, overseeing the successful delivery of AESG’s façade projects to best practice standards, inspiring innovation from within the team, and expanding the business’ market presence in the UK.
Committed to delivering projects that are equally visually striking, safe and environmentally responsible, AESG is made up of a high calibre leadership team and numerous dedicated specialist consultancy teams. Together, they work across the world on projects in the building, urban planning, infrastructure and strategic advisory sectors. The business provides expertise in sustainable design and engineering for mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire safety solutions, as well as specialist façades, security, acoustics, and waste management services.
Saeed Al Abbar, CEO at AESG, said: “In line with the UK government’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, we have made a conscious decision to scale up and enhance our existing provision of sustainability consultancy and building design and engineering expertise in the UK to support existing and future clients better.
“Adding these three remarkable individuals to our team demonstrates the level of conviction behind that choice as they will add an immeasurable amount of gravitas to our offering.
“Our mission at AESG is to pair technical knowledge with practical experience to deliver best-in-class consultancy and solutions to our prestigious clients and make a tangible difference to their sustainability strategies. Collectively, Elisabeth, Amy and Sandra bring a new level of excellence to our business, and their passion to continue driving change in the industry makes them an ideal fit for AESG.
“Their appointments also demonstrate our steps to champion diversity and inclusion in the industry as we believe different ideas, experiences, and viewpoints are integral to success. We recognise the true value that women bring to leadership roles in organisations like ours and feel incredibly lucky that a trio with such extraordinary talents are part of our team.
“I wish Elisabeth, Amy and Sandra the best of luck in their new roles and look forward to working closely with them.”
Detectives investigating a rape in Westminster have released an E-FIT image of a man they are working to identify.
A woman reported walking alone along Bradiston Road, W9, when a car, believed to be a dark coloured Audi A3, stopped at the junction ahead of her.
An unknown man pushed the woman from behind into the vehicle, then drove away with her inside before raping her.
After the assault the woman was pushed back out of the vehicle not far from where she’d been picked up.
The incident happened at 9pm one evening in March 2022. The incident was reported in June 2022, and the victim has been reporter ever since.
Detectives have released an e-fit of the man they urgently need to trace.
He was described as speaking with a Jamaican accent and believed to be in his late 30s, tall with short dreadlocks, and a significant facial scar.
Detective constable, Leon Riley said: “If you recognise the man in the image please contact us without delay.
“We have been carrying out extensive enquiries since the incident and we continue to support the victim who, as far as possible, has been trying to live her life as normal since it happened.
“It was a horrifying ordeal for her and we thank her for supporting the investigation to trace the man responsible for assaulting her, and now helping us build an e-fit of the suspect.
“Women should be able to walk alone without fear and we are dedicated to protecting women and girls from predatory offenders such as this.
“Anyone who recognises the man, or has information, please contact police on 101 quoting 6533840/22.
“Or, to remain completely anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.”
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