Business London Press

SheerLuxe Founder to Continue AI Innovation

News Desk

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25/10/2024

SheerLuxe Founder to Continue AI Innovation

Georgie Coleridge Cole, founder of SheerLuxe, has promised to continue advancing the company’s use of AI technology, following mixed reactions to its new AI-powered fashion and lifestyle editor, Reem.

Launched in 2007 as an online retailer directory, SheerLuxe has grown into the UK’s top digital fashion and lifestyle publisher. The company now operates with a base in the Middle East, featuring an editor-in-chief and a fashion editor in Dubai, as well as a London-based managing editor, who previously served as editor-in-chief at Grazia ME.

SheerLuxe produces a daily digital newsletter covering an array of topics including fashion, beauty, culture, home, and travel. Additionally, the publisher releases specialised supplements dedicated to various interests such as weddings, parenting, mature women, younger readers, modern men, and a newly launched business edition.

This year, SheerLuxe made its first foray into Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the introduction of Reem Bot, an AI-powered fashion and lifestyle editor, supported by the SheerLuxe editorial team. Reem has been featured on the SheerLuxe website where her insights into her fashion and the latest trends are shared regularly.

Like SheerLuxe’s other editors, Reem provides recommendations across fashion, beauty, and travel, tailored to the platform’s audience.

Georgie Coleridge Cole commented: “The idea of introducing AI came from our desire to be at the forefront of the industry, to continue to push barriers and try new things – as we have always done.

“TikTok was new when we started experimenting with the platform and our efforts with it have had a hugely positive impact on the business, and that came from getting out there, pushing ourselves and giving it a try. With AI, it’s the same.

“Reem caused a stir because of concerns people have about job security and AI replacing humans but, in fact, developing Reem had quite the opposite effect – the workload involved with running her has actually created jobs. Look at the number of roles the birth of e-commerce and social media created.”

Undeterred by the varied responses to Reem, Georgie plans to continue exploring AI at SheerLuxe.

She said: “We are a well-known consumer facing platform, so it is hard to experiment quietly but ultimately everyone can and should be using AI in their businesses somehow. Whether you see it as a positive or a negative, it’s not going away.”

For more information about SheerLuxe, visit sheerluxe.com.

Can AI Help the UK’s Housebuilding Shortage?

AI
Property

News Desk

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25/10/2024

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Can AI Help the UK’s Housebuilding Shortage?

The UK faces a severe housing shortage, with government targets set to deliver over 300,000 new homes annually.

Although policy changes have been proposed, the property sector has historically struggled to adopt the technology needed to support these aims—until now.

Searchland, a London-based PropTech firm, has developed the UK’s first AI-powered Land Sourcing Assistant, changing the way developers locate and evaluate land for housing projects.

Mitchell Fasanya, CEO and Founder of Searchland, believes AI has the power to transform the property industry:

“The property industry has always been slower in adopting new technologies, particularly in the planning and development stages. With land teams more stretched than ever, we recognised the need for a tool that could boost efficiency.

“An AI programmed specifically to support housebuilders and developers is crucial to streamlining the entire land assessment process and focus on delivering homes faster.”

Historically, land sourcing has been a labour-intensive task, with developers required to explore areas, liaise with landowners, and rely on insider information.

These manual processes lead to delays, hindering the speed of housebuilding. Searchland’s AI Land Sourcing Assistant, however, aims to change that.

With conversational commands, the AI handles simple queries like, “Find sites larger than 10 acres with no prior development,” as well as more specific ones such as, “Find 5,000 sqm sites, free from planning restrictions, within five miles of a settlement.”

Using Searchland’s extensive database of land and property data, the AI returns the most relevant land options in seconds.

“While Searchland has been a reliable tool for land sourcing for several years, setting the right search criteria has always required specific knowledge,” Fasanya explains. “Our AI assistant removes that barrier by using the vast amount of data in Searchland’s system to identify opportunities developers may not have even considered. It simplifies the search process and pinpoints ideal parcels of land.”

By automating the land-finding process, Searchland’s AI allows developers to identify opportunities faster, enabling a quicker transition from acquisition to construction.

“AI is more than just a tool; it’s a game-changer,” Fasanya asserts. “With our AI assistant, developers can discover land opportunities faster, meaning we can accelerate the housebuilding process. We aim to help the industry meet government targets and ensure more people can access homes.”

For more on Searchland and its AI Land Sourcing Assistant, visit https://searchland.co.uk/.

SMEs Must Act Before Autumn Budget Hits Hard

Business

News Desk

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24/10/2024

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SMEs Must Act Before Autumn Budget Hits Hard

With UK insolvency rates reaching a 20-year high, Clarke Bell, a prominent insolvency firm, has warned that the forthcoming Autumn Budget could lead to a rise in business liquidations. The Budget, set for 30th October 2024, is expected to introduce new tax measures and spending cuts, which could place even greater financial pressure on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Businesses are currently three times more likely to enter liquidation compared to pre-pandemic levels. Clarke Bell urges directors to consider Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL) or Members’ Voluntary Liquidation (MVL) before their financial situation worsens.

With the Budget fast approaching, UK businesses are already facing growing uncertainty. Rising operational costs, high interest rates, and inflation are putting immense strain on owners, and business confidence has fallen by 1.7% this year.

The government is expected to introduce fiscal measures that could worsen the situation for businesses, including:

Changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT), potentially aligning it with income tax and reducing available reliefs.
Potential increases in Employer National Insurance contributions, adding to operational costs.

John Bell, Licensed Insolvency Practitioner, Fellow of the ICAEW, and Senior Partner at Clarke Bell, remarked:

“With insolvency rates at record levels, the combination of existing financial pressures and new measures from the Autumn Budget could lead to a significant rise in business closures. Directors need to act now to explore their options.”

For solvent companies looking to close, Clarke Bell’s Members’ Voluntary Liquidation (MVL) service offers a tax-efficient way to wind down. However, with expected changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR), business owners may face higher tax bills if they delay the process.

John Bell adds:

“Directors planning to close their solvent companies should act swiftly, particularly in light of expected changes to Capital Gains Tax and BADR. Our MVL service ensures they can extract maximum value in a tax-efficient manner before any potential tax increases are implemented.”

For companies burdened with unsustainable debt, Clarke Bell’s Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL) service provides an organised and responsible way to wind down operations, allowing directors to protect themselves from legal consequences.

John Bell concludes:

“We’ve seen an increasing number of directors reaching out for advice on CVL. The process offers a solution for businesses that can no longer meet their financial obligations, helping directors close their companies in an orderly fashion.”

As the Autumn Budget approaches, Clarke Bell continues to provide expert advice to help businesses navigate these challenging times, offering both MVL and CVL solutions to meet the needs of solvent and struggling companies.

Tim Peake Headlines Adviser 3.0 in 2025

News Desk

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18/10/2024

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Timeline has announced its flagship event, Adviser 3.0, will return on 15th May 2025 at Magazine London. Designed to inspire financial planners, the conference will feature Major Tim Peake, the British astronaut, as the keynote speaker. He will be joined by other notable experts such as Dr Meghaan Lurtz, Abraham Okusanya, and Brett Davidson.

The conference will offer more than 20 sessions spread across five stages, allowing attendees to explore a variety of topics, including AI, technology, succession planning, client communications, and leadership. The focus will be on delivering practical advice that can be applied to everyday business challenges.

Timeline’s CEO Abraham Okusanya opens up the 2024 Adviser 3.0 conference

The day will also feature a Rio Carnival theme, adding a vibrant and energetic atmosphere to the proceedings. Alongside valuable insights, attendees can enjoy networking opportunities, excellent food, and an after-party that runs until 10:00 pm.

Abraham Okusanya, CEO of Timeline, shared his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to present such a rich and diverse line-up of speakers to the UK advice community. Major Tim Peake’s experiences are truly inspirational, and his insights will beautifully complement the practical sessions we have planned. After two years of learning and fine-tuning, we’re confident this year’s event will exceed all expectations. Tickets are on sale now – they won’t last, so don’t miss out on being part of something amazing.”

To learn more or secure tickets, visit the Adviser 3.0 website.

Doctors Secure £1.2M to Combat Educational Inequality

News Desk

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18/10/2024

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Doctors Secure £1.2M to Combat Educational Inequality

Two former NHS doctors have successfully raised £1.2 million in funding after leaving their medical careers to focus on solving educational inequality through technology.

Medly AI, co-founded in 2023 by doctors Paul Jung and Kavi Samra, was created with the mission of ensuring students from all backgrounds have equal access to personalised education. Having grown up in low-income families, both founders have personally experienced the widespread educational inequalities within the system.

Utilising cutting-edge AI, neuroscience, and established educational theories, Medly AI offers personalised, curriculum-based learning, positioning itself as the next generation of AI tutoring.

The app’s key features include AI-predicted exam papers tailored to specific exam boards, and the ability to take a photo of any exam question for immediate assistance and detailed explanations.

Since its initial launch, Medly AI has already helped over 10,000 students improve their GCSE results. Its adaptive learning technology provides tailored support, allowing students to address their individual needs and improve their academic outcomes.

Speaking about the company’s mission, co-founder Kavi Samra said: “At the heart of Medly AI is a mission to democratise education by making high-quality, personalised learning accessible to all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background.”

Kavi also emphasised the significance of the institutional support they’ve received: “Our institutional partners include UCL, Innovate UK, Microsoft, and Google, all of whom have contributed £400,000 towards our operational costs. On top of that, we’ve raised £1.2 million, with Eka Ventures leading the funding round. They share our passion for transforming personalised learning.”

Kavi and Paul both come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and despite studying medicine at University College London, Kavi was often reminded of the significant disparities in the education system. His family couldn’t afford private tuition or the advantages many of his peers had.

Reflecting on his educational journey, Kavi added: “During my school years, I was acutely aware of the educational advantages that were out of reach for my family. I had to overcome these challenges through sheer determination and perseverance.”

“Our goal at Medly AI is to create a world where educational success is determined by passion and potential rather than socio-economic status.”

For more details about Medly AI, visit www.medlyai.com or visit its app store page.

NARMA Presents the Agal Collection

Fashion

News Desk

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18/10/2024

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NARMA, a design studio and atelier created by Nouf Al Rashed, unveiled its first capsule collection, the Agal Collection, during an exclusive showcase in London on Monday.

The name NARMA is a combination of two Arabic words – “Nar” (fire) and “Ma” (water) – representing the balance and harmony that underpin Nouf’s design approach. Her philosophy draws inspiration from a wide array of cultural and artistic influences, reflecting a rich blend of heritage and creativity.

Nouf’s work is marked by her passion for materials, with a keen interest in pushing boundaries through the use of unconventional elements. The Agal Collection, NARMA’s first womenswear line, is defined by the incorporation of the agal’s black cord, which features prominently throughout the designs. The collection is designed to be inclusive, moving away from traditional fashion and appealing to a modern, diverse audience.

A strong commitment to sustainability is at the heart of Nouf’s vision. Each garment in the Agal Collection is produced with environmental responsibility in mind, combining style and ethics seamlessly. Nouf’s passion for fashion, culture, and sustainability shines through in every piece.

Reflecting on the collection, Nouf Al Rashed said: “This collection embodies a woman who is in love with playful curiosity, and is a reflection of creativity, with both nature and nurture working together.”

She further explained: “Women were traditionally excluded from the Agal that is worn by men, so I wanted to bring in the idea of a woman’s crown. I have aimed to share this symbol of honour with a female audience, making it more inclusive and accessible to all. I hope for all women to become part of this exciting journey as The Agal Collection continues to make its mark across the globe.”

The collection was launched at Tristan Hoare, 6 Fitzroy Square, W1T 5HJ in London. Beyond fashion, it celebrates heritage, innovation, and a dedication to sustainability.

Liam Payne dies after balcony fall in Argentina

News

Helen Greaney

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17/10/2024

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Liam Payne dies after balcony fall in Argentina

Popstar Liam Payne has died after falling from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, yesterday.

The 31-year-old of former global boyband One Direction, had been on holiday with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy, and had been in Argentina earlier that month to watch his friend, Niall Horan, in concert.

Liam fell from the third floor balcony at Casa Sur where he was staying in Palermo.

Emergency crews said they had initially responded to a 911 report from the hotel manager of an “aggressive man who may have been under the effects of drugs and alcohol”.

When they arrived at the hotel, emergency services found Liam in an interior courtyard with “very serious injuries incompatible with life”. An autopsy will take place.

Fans of the singer held a candlelit vigil at the hotel overnight.

Rise to fame

Payne rose to fame in 2010, while competing in the The X Factor. He was placed in a band with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson.

They went on to become one of the world’s most famous boybands, selling more than 70 million records worldwide.

Liam enjoyed some solo success with his solo singles Strip That Down and Both Ways, following the band’s split.

He had a son, Bear, with former Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Tweedy, in 2017.

Tributes

Many celebrities have expressed their sadness on social media this morning, including Liam Gallagher who wrote on X, “Life is precious kids and you only get to do it ONCE, go easy LGx”.

Singer Olly Murrs, who appeared on The X Factor the year before Liam, said he was “lost for words” after describing the death as “devastating”.

WG Willow: Cambridgeshire’s Finest Handcrafted Cricket Bats

News Desk

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17/10/2024

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WG Willow: Cambridgeshire’s Finest Handcrafted Cricket Bats

Cricketers across Cambridgeshire have long trusted WG Willow to provide premium, handcrafted cricket bats and gear. With over 35 years of experience, WG Willow is led by Gary Sandford, a former minor county cricketer renowned as one of the best wicketkeepers at his level.

Gary’s passion for the sport, combined with his bat-making expertise, is evident in every bat he produces. Each one is carefully crafted to meet the highest standards of performance and durability. With his background in cricket, Gary’s attention to detail ensures that every bat is designed to cater to the specific needs of players, from professionals to beginners. WG Willow offers custom-made bats in a variety of grades, including Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3.

For cricketers seeking a personalised bat, WG Willow offers custom bat-making services, where players can choose from a range of shapes and sizes. Whether you need a lighter bat for speed or a heavier bat for more power, WG Willow will craft a bat suited to your style of play.

In addition to their signature bats, WG Willow offers a full range of cricket equipment, including premium pads and gloves for adults and juniors. They also provide a comprehensive bat repair service, helping cricketers maintain their bats in top condition throughout the seasons.

Gary Sandford’s legacy, as both a player and a batmaker, continues to inspire WG Willow’s success. His commitment to producing the perfect bat, along with his deep understanding of what cricketers need, has made WG Willow a standout in the cricket equipment industry.

For more information, visit Local cricket bat maker based in Cambridgeshire.

Contact Information
WG Willow
Website: https://wgwillow.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07722 963888

Centralise Reaches HubSpot Platinum Status in Record-Breaking Time – Less Than Three Months

Business

News Desk

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16/10/2024

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Centralise Reaches HubSpot Platinum Status in Record-Breaking Time – Less Than Three Months

UK-based HubSpot Partner Agency, Centralise, founded by former HubSpot employees Daniel O’Reilly and Calvin O’Callaghan, has achieved HubSpot Platinum Partner status in under three months. The agency, which onboarded its first clients in August 2024, swiftly grew and reached this milestone by October 2024.

Attaining Platinum status within HubSpot’s Partner Program involves achieving high levels of revenue, demonstrating expertise, and consistently delivering strong results for clients. Agencies must be certified in CRM, Marketing, Sales, Support, and Operations, as well as excel in complex migrations and integrations.

“We are incredibly proud to have reached Platinum so quickly – representing the top 3.5% of all HubSpot partners globally,” said Centralise’s Co-Founder, Calvin O’Callaghan. “Our focus on delivering value to customers within just two weeks has been a huge differentiator.”

Over the past three months, Centralise has led several major projects for clients such as Qogita, SecondHome, Saltus, and Propell.

HubSpot Partner Development Manager Niamh Gallen praised the agency, stating: “ambitious, innovative, and places client excellence at the epicentre of every one of their decisions. Centralise has demonstrated all the behaviours we seek in a top-performing partner.”

With these recent successes this means the team are expanding significantly:

Due to increased demand from existing customers for CRM management, Centralise is expanding the team further. By 2025, the team are hiring ten HubSpot Specialists and five Sales Specialists in Dublin to handle the growing workload.
Centralise is broadening its services to support HubSpot implementations and provide outsourced CRM administration for existing customers.
Recently, the agency launched its new website, Centralise.co, signalling a significant investment in growth and laying the foundation for its planned expansion into the Spanish market in Q1 2025.

For more information, visit www.centralise.co

The UK’s battle for burrito supremacy ends today

News

Helen Greaney

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15/10/2024

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The UK’s battle for burrito supremacy ends today

Just WHO is the UK’s master burrito maker?

The search for the UK’s Ultimate Burrito Master faces its thrilling conclusion in London, where the grand finale of the nationwide competition by Tortilla, the Mexican restaurant, is taking place today.

After months of fierce heats across the country, the final showdown will be hosted at Tortilla’s Leadenhall restaurant, with six finalists battling it out for the prestigious title of Burrito Master 2024.

These culinary champions have chopped, grilled, and wrapped their way to the top, and now they’re ready to prove they’ve got what it takes to claim the burrito crown.

Each finalist represents the best of the best that Tortilla offers from across the UK from Manchester, Lincoln, Stratford, Cardiff, Richmond, and Dalston.

With their unique flair and skills, they’ll face a series of challenges, all designed to test their expertise and creativity in crafting the perfect burrito.

In the first round, the contestants will showcase their ability to build and wrap the perfect burrito—turning it upside down to demonstrate flawless technique.

The heat will be turned up in the second round when the finalists create their ultimate taco, a blind round where the judges will step away, leaving presentation and portioning as key factors in scoring.

The third challenge requires them to design a picture-perfect burrito bowl, built to Tortilla’s high standards.

Finally, the contestants will let their imaginations run wild in the last round, where they’ll create their own signature dish, highlighting their personality, passion, and culinary knowledge.

Then one talented finalist will be crowned Tortilla’s Burrito Master of 2024 and rewarded with a fantastic array of prizes, including £1,000 in travel vouchers, exclusive Burrito Master merchandise, and Just Eat takeaway vouchers.

Judging the event will be a panel of experts, including Tortilla’s CEO Andy Naylor, food director James Garland, and head of brand standards & compliance, Kristal May.

CEO Andy Naylor said: “This summer we’ve been on the hunt for the ultimate Tortilla Burrito Master, it’s been fantastic to see all our teams get so involved and showcase their skill and craft in making our famous burritos.”

Tortilla Mexican Grill recently launched its first-ever app, introducing a new loyalty programme called The Burrito Society. This app brings together fans of Tortilla, offering rewards for loyalty and surprise perks that drop into the app for its most dedicated burrito lovers.

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