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Saturday, January 11, 2025
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KYND Named by CNBC as a Leading InsurTech Innovator

KYND Limited, a frontrunner in cyber risk management, is pleased to announce its recognition in the inaugural CNBC World’s Top InsurTech Companies 2024 list. This prestigious accolade, presented by CNBC along with independent research firm Statista, highlights KYND’s significant growth and leadership in transforming the insurance market with state-of-the-art cyber risk intelligence, supporting informed and swift decision-making in the cyber insurance arena.

Based on a thorough analysis and evaluation of comprehensive and segment-specific KPIs for over 1,000 global InsurTech firms, CNBC and Statista have showcased the top 150 performers across six market segments. KYND was honoured in the Underwriting and Risk Analysis category, which includes companies employing advanced data analytics, machine learning, and other technologies to streamline underwriting, improve risk assessment, and enhance decision-making processes.

Amid the rising tide of global corporate cyber attacks, KYND steadfastly supports insurers at every phase of the cyber insurance lifecycle. KYND’s proprietary technology identifies “red risks” for insured and prospective organisations, signifying externally visible critical cyber vulnerabilities closely associated with losses and claims. Since its founding, KYND has been at the forefront of revolutionising cyber risk management for its global insurance clients, enabling them to pinpoint critical risks within their portfolios. This commitment and innovative methodology have led to the identification of an unprecedented 28 million high-risk threats. By leveraging this extensive insight and cyber risk intelligence, KYND sets a new benchmark in the industry, helping insurers accurately assess risk profiles, make better-informed and profitable underwriting decisions, and support their insureds in maintaining resilience throughout their coverage.

“It’s an honour to be recognised on CNBC’s inaugural World’s Top Insurtech Companies list for our innovative use of technology to help insurers globally underwrite and manage such dynamic risk as cyber,” said Andy Thomas, CEO of KYND. “This is a true testament to the team and innovation behind KYND’s cyber risk intelligence, working in close collaboration with leading insurance players globally, as we continue to expand our suite of powerful solutions targeted at our mission to make complex cyber risk easy to see, understand and manage – all while delivering unmatched value to our clients.”

For more information about KYND, visit: https://www.kynd.io/

Fairway Energy’s new chapter: Bigger office, expanded team and new capabilities

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In a significant step forward, Fairway Energy has announced its relocation to a larger office space in Liverpool, marking a new chapter in the company’s growth and commitment to providing energy-saving measures for homeowners and tenants across the UK.

This move is accompanied by an expansion of their staff and the introduction of a new service: Cavity Wall Insulation (CWI), aimed at broadening the range of insulation measures already offered.

According to ONS data, approximately 60% of homes in the UK are rated below EPC Band C. This means that these homes fall into the less energy-efficient categories of D, E, F, and G on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) scale.

This is a significant portion of the housing stock and highlights the need for expertise from companies such as Fairway Energy, in meeting this need.

Move to a bigger office

Fairway Energy’s decision to move to a larger office space is a testament to the company’s impressive growth trajectory. The new office, located in the North Mersey Business Center, offers state-of-the-art facilities designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

The spacious layout includes modern meeting rooms and open-plan workspaces, ensuring that the team has the ideal environment to thrive. The move reflects Fairway Energy’s commitment to investing in its future. With ample space to accommodate a growing workforce.

Expansion of the team

In conjunction with the move, Fairway Energy is expanding its team to support its ambitious growth plans. The company has actively recruited new staff members across various departments, including engineering, customer service, sales, and marketing. This strategic hiring initiative has bolstered the company’s expertise and capacity to meet the increasing demand for its services.

The addition of new team members brings a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to Fairway Energy. By attracting professionals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets, the company is enhancing its ability to innovate and adapt in a rapidly growing industry. This expansion is not just about increasing headcount; it’s about building a team capable of driving the company forward and achieving its long-term goals.

Introducing Cavity Wall Insulation (CWI)

Fairway Energy already offers a range of energy-saving measures, including the installation of energy-efficient boilers, solar panels, heat pumps, and a range of insulation for a property’s walls, floors and roof. These installations are predominantly carried out without the need for external contractors.

Fairway Energy’s recent development is to bring their Cavity Wall Insulation (CWI) service in-house too. CWI is a highly effective method for reducing heat loss, lowering energy bills, and enhancing the overall comfort of indoor environments.

The result is significant energy savings for homeowners and tenants and a significant contribution to a more sustainable future. The company will leverage its expertise and cutting-edge technology to ensure that each CWI project is executed to the highest
standards.

Looking ahead

Fairway Energy’s move to a larger office, the expansion of its team, and the introduction of Cavity Wall Insulation services all signal a bright future for the company. These developments are not just about growth; they reflect Fairway Energy’s ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. By continually evolving and enhancing its capabilities, Fairway Energy is well-positioned to meet the needs of its clients and make a positive impact on the energy industry.

As Fairway Energy embarks on this exciting new chapter, it remains dedicated to its core values of excellence, integrity, and sustainability. The company’s leadership is confident that these strategic initiatives will drive continued success and solidify Fairway Energy’s position as a leader in the energy solutions sector.

Clients and stakeholders can look forward to many more groundbreaking achievements from Fairway Energy in the years to come.

New city office for London property consultancy

A property consultancy is ready to grow its influence in the capital and the South East as it opens a new office in the heart of London.

Fisher German is set to open its new office at Becket House (pictured) on Old Jewry on August 27, moving 55 staff from its old office on Ironmonger Lane just a short distance away.

The spacious, modern office spanning 6,000 sq ft boasts four meeting rooms, breakout spaces and a private terrace with views to St Paul’s Cathedral which make it welcoming for both staff and clients.

Services such as valuations, property management, commercial agency, investment, building consultancy, planning, sustainable energy, and more will all operate out of the new office as Fisher German aims to expand its influence both within London and in the wider South East region, with an ambitious recruitment programme underway, to grow the team in the capital.

The news follows Fisher German’s highly successful opening of its new Birmingham office in the city centre, which has seen it attract a number of talented new colleagues, and the reopening of its Manchester office in Deansgate following a high-quality refurbishment.

Andrew Bridge, managing partner at Fisher German, said: “This is an incredibly positive step and having a first-class office underlines our ambitions for our London operation. I am excited about what the new office holds for the firm and the opportunities it brings for expansion and future success. 

“This is a major milestone as we continue to develop and extend our offering in London and the South East. We have seen the positive effects of our Birmingham and Manchester expansions already, and I am sure that these will be mirrored with the move to Becket House in the City.

“After Fisher German’s merger with Matthews & Goodman in 2022, we have combined the established expertise in London in areas such as city office agency, investment and valuations with our knowledge in areas like planning and sustainable energy, which we are aiming to grow in the coming months and years.”

London Lions basketball team placed into administration

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London Lions – the British professional basketball team based in Stratford – has been placed into administration by a debenture holder of the club.

The team competes in the British Basketball League.

Hasib Howlader (pictured) and Nimish Patel, of Hudson Weir, have been appointed as joint administrators of the company and will run the business until a suitable buyer can be found. 

Mr Howlader said: “This illustrious basketball team was originally founded in 1977 as the Hemel Hempstead Lakers, and following an ownership takeover by Vince Macaulay the team relocated to Milton Keynes, where they were known as Milton Keynes Lions, winning its first trophy, the British Basketball League in 2008.

“Relocating again to London in 2012, playing its home games at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park the club launched a ladies’ team into the Women’s British Basketball League in 2017.

“With such a rich heritage and pedigree, this team has the support of the local community as its backbone and has a loyal fan base. We are now seeking a serious buyer to take the London Lions on the next part of its journey, to ensure this club continues to thrive and grow. The sale will include the assets of the business and all goodwill amassed over the last 47 years.

“We are interested in talking to serious prospective buyers and whilst our focus is to sell the club to the best bidder, we are open to serious offers.“

Dave Antrobus: Strengthening Network Security with AI

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Did you know 75% of UK organisations faced a crisis in the last five years? Cyber threats are growing fast. The need for new solutions to protect networks is critical. Dave Antrobus, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Inc & Co, leads this fight. He uses artificial intelligence (AI) to improve cybersecurity. His work is changing how businesses keep their digital assets safe.

Dave Antrobus‘s knowledge in using AI against cyber attacks is a big change. His work is not just ideas but real actions that help a lot. By bringing AI into the picture, he’s creating new protection standards. This ensures strong defence against many cyber threats.

Dave Antrobus is a forward-thinking leader. His approach to AI in network security is important. His work is making cybersecurity better and more active. Let’s look into how AI and network security meet. This is through the great work of Dave Antrobus.

Overview of Dave Antrobus’s Contributions to AI and Network Security

Dave Antrobus is known as a tech leader, especially in AI and network protection. He’s made key contributions across several fields, mainly using artificial intelligence to improve security systems and protect complex networks. His work has changed how network security is handled and set new benchmarks in the industry.

Dave Antrobus focuses on combining AI with traditional security methods for stronger defence. This new method has made a big difference in tech and helped fight advanced cyber threats. With AI, he has made security actions more effective and accurate, thus strengthening network defences against new dangers.

Moreover, Dave Antrobus’s methods are very influential in the UK tech scene. His forward-thinking in dealing with cyber threats through AI has been crucial. His influence spans several sectors, like healthcare, where AI is expected to greatly improve services and patient care. Antrobus’s work highlights his aim to use AI for breakthroughs in security and innovation.

The Growing Importance of AI in Network Security

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming crucial in network security. Cybersecurity evolves quickly, making it hard for firewalls to keep up. The impact of AI in improving network safety is huge. AI-driven systems can quickly process lots of data. This greatly boosts their ability to find threats.

AI offers real-time responses to security risks. Tools like IBM’s Watson for Cybersecurity, Darktrace, and Cylance show this well. They monitor network traffic, analyse behaviour, and block malware effectively. This lets security teams focus on real threats, improving network protection.

AI’s predictive power is also key in cybersecurity. It can predict future threats by looking at past data. This helps organisations prepare for and prevent cyber attacks. This forward-looking approach is vital for keeping ahead of cyber threats.

AI is also great for automating routine security tasks. It makes threat intelligence and security measures more efficient and reduces human mistakes. This automation enhances cybersecurity in organisations a lot.

Yet, adopting AI in security comes with challenges. Issues like algorithmic bias and privacy must be dealt with. As AI technology improves, it’s critical for organisations to find a balance. They must maximise AI’s benefits while managing its risks, to keep the digital world secure.

How Dave Antrobus Integrates AI in Network Security Solutions

Dave Antrobus uses a complex approach to blend AI into network security. His methods focus on using predictive analytics, machine learning, and instant threat detection. These methods strengthen usual security actions. This mix offers a more effective and quick-response defence system.

Dave’s innovation lies in early threat detection. By studying big data across networks, AI can foresee and stop threats early. This reduces risks and cuts down on crises that hit 75% of UK firms in the past five years.

AI makes security solutions smarter and more flexible. Using tools like Microsoft’s Azure, which improved its predictive analytics for crisis handling by 29%, helps in quick reaction to threats. Being ready like this is key to keeping networks safe from complex cyber attacks.

AI is also used in real situations, like the UN using it to predict floods in South Asia. This shows AI’s role in not only cyber safety but also in managing crises in various fields.

Dave Antrobus is keen on advancing AI in security to make it both powerful and easy to scale up. With trends showing AI boosting company earnings, like AMD’s 2024 outlook, Dave’s efforts highlight AI’s role in better network protection and success.

By mixing AI with traditional security, Dave Antrobus is changing how network safety solutions work. This makes firms stronger and more ready for new cyber threats.

Real-World Applications of AI and Network Security

AI has changed how we protect our data and systems. It looks through vast amounts of data quickly. This helps find threats faster and more accurately than humans. Many case studies show AI can respond to security issues swiftly.

Old security systems often signal false alarms. This burdens teams and hinders dealing with real dangers. But, AI systems lower these false alarms. They focus on actual threats. This lets security teams use their resources better.

AI also does routine security work automatically. It lets human experts work on harder problems. This boosts efficiency. AI watches user actions and spots unusual changes. This helps catch insider threats and hacked accounts, as many studies confirm.

AI systems can check files and code carefully to find malware, even new kinds. They are key in finding hidden attacks that old methods might miss. Also, AI looks at emails and websites for scams. It helps teach users about these dangers. This lessens the chance of successful hacks.

AI watches over network traffic to see any strange activities. It spots threats as they happen. This helps stop data leaks and unauthorized access. Tools like IBM’s Watson, Darktrace, and Cylance use AI to fight complex threats.

AI helps look for early signs of attacks. This means teams can stop threats early on. AI systems predict future threats by looking at past data. They spot patterns. As cyber dangers grow, using AI in protecting networks is crucial.

The UK Technology Landscape and Cyber Threats

The UK’s digital growth has led to major tech improvements. This includes work in artificial intelligence and handling data. Companies like Google and Microsoft are leading these changes. Google is creating a £790 million data centre in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire. Microsoft plans to spend £2.5 billion to double its data centre count in the UK in the next three years. But, this tech boom also brings challenges, especially with cyber threats.

The rise in cyber threats has made the UK boost its cybersecurity. AI plays a crucial part in spotting and stopping these threats. But using AI for security needs more energy and resources. This puts extra pressure on our already strained infrastructure.

UK data centres will need six times more power in ten years, stressing the need for eco-friendly tech. AI could use as much power as the Netherlands by 2027. The National Grid has shown concerns about AI’s big energy use affecting our energy systems.

Labour’s goal to make power supplies greener by 2030 might clash with AI’s energy needs. To help, developers are thinking of green solutions. For example, one data centre will turn half its site into a park and plant 140,000 trees to lower its environmental impact.

Data centres are moving from London to areas near Oxford and Cambridge. This helps spread out our digital resources. Housing Secretary Angela Rayner is tackling the effects of new data centres on the environment and infrastructure.

The UK is in a tricky spot. It must improve digital tech and fight cyber threats. At the same time, it needs to handle the energy demands to keep our cyber defences strong.

Benefits of AI-Driven Security Methods

Using AI in network security brings many benefits, like better threat detection. AI systems can look through lots of data quickly, spotting dangers faster and more accurately than before. This means organisations can realise and react to threats before cybercriminals do.

AI also offers improved threat intelligence by analysing data from various sources. It gives detailed insights into possible security weaknesses and threats. These insights help create strong defence strategies, keeping security measures current and effective.

AI is amazing at automating responses to cyber threats. It can act on threats right away, limiting damage and aiding quicker recovery from attacks. This swift action helps reduce the threat’s impact on an organisation’s work and sensitive data.

Additionally, AI helps cut down false positives, a big benefit in cybersecurity. Traditional security often triggers many false alarms, burdening security teams. AI’s more precision improves threat management by letting teams focus on real incidents needing attention.

AI’s predictive abilities are a key advantage in cybersecurity too. It uses past data to forecast future threats, helping organisations get ready for potential attacks. This foresight aids in creating preemptive security actions to stop cybercriminals.

AI enhances security operations by automating routine tasks. This frees up human analysts to tackle more complex challenges. It boosts the efficiency of security operations and makes sure human skills are used where most needed.

Examples like IBM’s Watson for Cybersecurity, Darktrace, and Cylance show AI’s real benefits in cybersecurity. These platforms demonstrate how AI improves threat detection, response, and security standards. The future looks promising for AI in cybersecurity, with more advanced algorithms, integration with new technologies like blockchain and IoT, and more automation to strengthen security further.

Challenges in Implementing AI in Network Security

Integrating AI into network security marks a major shift for many organisations. However, it brings challenges. The first issue is the technical difficulty of setting up AI. AI systems need a lot of computational power and infrastructure, which can be expensive.

Additionally, dealing with network security means handling loads of data quickly. This requires advanced algorithms and expert knowledge. Strategic planning is essential to navigate these challenges. Organisations should align their AI systems with their overall security goals. They must consider data privacy and the ethics of automated decisions. Bias in AI can affect threat detection, underscoring the need for varied data and clear AI models.

The nature of cyber threats is always changing. Thus, AI systems must constantly adapt to new attacks. This means regular updates and a team effort among security pros to exchange ideas. Tools like IBM’s Watson and Darktrace offer great help, but it’s important to know their limits.

To sum up, AI in network security offers many benefits and some hurdles. By tackling technical, ethical, and planning issues, organisations can strengthen their defences against growing cyber threats.

Future Trends in AI and Network Security

The world of AI and network security is on the brink of major changes due to new tech breakthroughs. AI will make it easier to spot dangers that humans might miss, ensuring faster and more accurate threat identification. This means organisations can be one step ahead, ready to tackle threats from cybercriminals.

One of the key advancements to look out for is AI’s ability to respond to threats in real-time. This quick shift from finding to dealing with threats will significantly cut the risk of damage. AI will also get better at telling real threats from false alarms. This allows security teams to focus on real dangers.

AI will soon be able to predict future cyber threats by looking at past data. This ability to foresee dangers will help organisations strengthen their defences. By doing routine security tasks, AI lets human analysts concentrate on more complex issues, making the whole security process smoother.

AI will bring more advanced machine learning for spotting threats. Plus, combining AI with new tech like blockchain and IoT will create stronger security systems. This combination will protect against a range of cyber threats, keeping systems safer.

AI is also going to help teach employees about cybersecurity. By promoting awareness and proactive measures, AI will play a big role in creating a security-minded culture. Tools that check network activity for unusual patterns will also improve security across the board.

The path to these tech advances isn’t easy. Companies must think about the costs of adding and customising AI models. Managing AI in-house offers more control but comes with complexity and higher costs. Yet, the growing role of AI in cybersecurity is undeniable, marking a significant shift in how we protect against cyber threats.

Dave Antrobus’s Vision for Future Safety in the UK

Dave Antrobus has big plans for safety and security in the UK, focusing on the latest technology. He believes in using artificial intelligence (AI) to make cybersecurity better in areas like healthcare and online shopping.

In the cybersecurity world of the UK, Dave sees AI as key to stopping threats and making digital systems stronger. He thinks that with the help of AI, we can predict and stop cyber-attacks before they happen. This could keep important data safe and systems running smoothly.

Dave also sees big changes coming to healthcare with the help of AI. By 2030, AI could bring £22 billion to the UK’s healthcare industry. It could make waiting times shorter, tests more accurate, and allow for constant monitoring of patients. This use of technology could change how we get medical care, making it faster and better for everyone.

For online shopping, Dave believes AI can help shops understand what customers want and make their shopping experience personal. Even though shoppers like personalized service, not many stores are using AI right now. This change could make more people happy with their online shopping, helping stores grow.

Dave also thinks that tech companies and healthcare providers can work together to make AI work better for everyone. This partnership could lead to new inventions and solve many current problems in cybersecurity and healthcare. He feels this teamwork can make the UK safer and more efficient, saving money and creating a strong plan for future safety.

Insights from Dave Antrobus on the UK Cybersecurity Market

Dave Antrobus is a leading figure in the UK cybersecurity market. His insights reveal key trends and opportunities linked to AI advancements. These are vital for understanding the market’s direction.

75% of UK organisations have faced crises in the last five years. Dave Antrobus highlights the importance of AI in tackling these issues. Companies like Microsoft have seen a 29% rise in predictive analytics use, showing AI’s role in crisis prevention.

AI is also changing military and strategic operations. It’s used in precision strikes and vital decisions, altering defence strategies. Dave Antrobus suggests using AI in cybersecurity for better monitoring and responses.

Dave Antrobus’s insights show a global increase in AI investment. AMD and Meta show how AI boosts revenue and ad growth. The UK’s cybersecurity market can gain a lot from AI’s progress.

According to Dave Antrobus, AI will greatly influence the UK’s cybersecurity future. AI helps in managing security challenges, like the UN using it for flood control in South Asia. It promises faster responses and fewer vulnerabilities for UK firms.

In summary, Dave Antrobus’s analysis underlines AI’s key role in cybersecurity’s future. His advice urges ongoing AI investment and adaptation to protect against emerging cyber threats.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our discussion on AI in network security, its clear impact on cybersecurity’s future stands out. Starting from 2024, robust cybersecurity is more important than ever. This is due to more devices connecting to the internet and more complex cyber threats.

Dave Antrobus’s leading work shows AI’s power in boosting how we detect threats and respond instantly. AI is great at looking through lots of data, finding odd patterns, and spotting threats that people might miss. This approach makes cybersecurity faster and more focused, cutting down on mistakes.

Looking into the future, AI’s role in cybersecurity is set to grow, using better algorithms and working with new tech like blockchain and IoT. This growth, though, brings issues like biased algorithms and privacy worries. Yet, following advice from experts like Dave Antrobus on constant learning and valuing teamwork will help overcome these challenges.

To sum up, Dave Antrobus’s work shines a light on AI’s huge promise in making network security stronger. For organisations, staying ahead means focusing on AI and upgrading tech infrastructure. Embracing constant innovation and learning is key, with AI being a major driver in advancing cybersecurity.

Met Police thank people for “community spirit” in calm protests

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Last night, more than 1,000 police officers were deployed in London, ready to respond to events planned across the city.

Many businesses up and down the country chose to board up windows and close early yesterday, as thousands of police braced for further disorder.

Two large anti-racism protests took place in Waltham Forest and Finchley. The majority of people engaged with officers and complied with conditions. These events passed without major incident or disruption.

Similar scenes are playing out in other places around the country, including Bristol, Southampton, Birmingham, Liverpool, Sheffield, Accrington, London and Newcastle

Deputy assistant commissioner of the Met Police, Andy Valentine said: “Officers did face anti-social behaviour from a small group in Croydon who were not related to any protest, but were intent on causing trouble.

“Our top priority has been to keep our communities safe, prevent significant disorder and swiftly deal with any offenders. A number of arrests were made across the city this evening.

“We used a range of powers as part of our policing operation in order to keep people safe. This included the use of Section 60 and 60AA powers across various locations, giving officers extra powers to stop and search people and request the removal of face coverings. As a result, officers seized a number of weapons.

“I want to thank our communities for coming together across the capital and for showing community spirit this evening. I would also like to thank the committed officers who have been working hard to police London today, serving their communities and keeping people safe.”

Arrests made included 10 in Croydon for assault, violent disorder, breaching a dispersal order and going equipped for arson.

In Waltham Forest, there were four arrests made for carrying offfensive weapons (namely lock knife and golf club), being drunk and disorderly and obstructing a search.

One was arrested in Hounslow for possession of an offensive weapon.

INTO University Partnerships Introduces AI-Powered Admissions for International Students

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INTO University Partnerships, an international education service provider, has launched its cutting-edge AI-powered admissions processing system, designed to revolutionise university admissions for international students.

By incorporating artificial intelligence, INTO has streamlined the application process for talented students aiming to join top universities in the US, UK, and Australia.

This groundbreaking service reduces application processing time from weeks to just hours, while maintaining the highest standards of compliance, efficiency, and quality assurance.

“Our strategy is to create a differentiated market-leading admissions service that is valued, trusted and delivers for our partners,” said Andy Fawcett, INTO’s Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of Global Admissions.

“With our new AI-enabled admissions processing system, we are setting a gold standard for compliance, efficiency, and quality assurance, ultimately enhancing the enrolment prospects for both students and our university partners.”

The system offers significant benefits for students by providing faster turnaround times for applications and queries, and helping them secure offers through optimised application preparation.

Key features of INTO’s AI-powered admissions processing system include:

  • Seamless admissions for universities: INTO ensures a smooth application process by leveraging global reach and local expertise, delivering excellent admissions services tailored to university needs.
  • Automated AI-enabled admissions operation: The system provides fast, comprehensive, and automated application validation, ensuring applications are validated or offers are delivered within minutes, 24/7.
  • Full-service agent admissions portal: INTO offers an online admissions portal with full visibility of application status and transactional capabilities, making it the best and easiest partner to work with.
  • Data and information for insights: Insights from admissions data enable INTO to drive student engagement and improve enrolment yield.

The AI-enabled admissions process has been successfully rolled out for applications to university partners in the US and UK. The system utilises AI to read and extract data from application documents, applying over 60 rules tailored to individual university requirements.

Compliance, consistency, and quality are integrated into the system, enhancing service by immediately notifying agents of missing documents or data. With a remarkable response time of 30% within 1 hour, the system ensures efficient processing and enhances user experience.

“Working with INTO’s AI-powered admissions processing has significantly improved our application turnaround time and efficiency. This innovative system enhances our ability to attract and enrol talented international students while ensuring a smooth and compliant admissions process. We are excited about the positive impact it has had on our university’s recruitment efforts and look forward to continued success with INTO’s cutting-edge technology,” said Kristin Brymer, Director of International Admissions at The University of Alabama at Birmingham.

“Our AI-powered admissions processing system represents a significant milestone in our mission to provide innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the admissions process,” said Sharon Sundue, INTO’s Executive Vice President for North America.

“By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, we are not only streamlining operations but also providing our university partners with invaluable insights to drive student engagement and improve enrolment yield. This system reaffirms our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional value to our partners.”

Early results of the AI-enabled admissions processing system have been overwhelmingly positive, with over 25,000 applications processed so far. More than 30% of applications are processed within an hour. In some cases, such as conditional offers for the UK, the process allows offers to be sent out within minutes.

“We are thrilled with the early success of our new admissions operation,” added Mr Fawcett. “The positive feedback from our partners underscores the transformative impact of our AI-powered system on the application process, reducing turnaround times and instilling confidence in all stakeholders.”

INTO University Partnerships connects talented 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.

Homely Debuts Fully Digital Platform for First-Time Buyers

Whether at the beginning of their journey or nearly mortgage-ready, Homely aims to assist aspiring buyers in moving from renting to homeownership.

Homely is a free-to-use service dedicated to expediting the first-time buyer process, helping them secure their own homes faster than ever.

In an innovative move set to revolutionise the property market for first-time buyers, Homely – Your Way Home (accessible via the app store or https://homely.co.uk) has unveiled a free-to-use, fully digital, end-to-end platform. This platform merges advanced technology with a user-friendly design to simplify the journey to homeownership.

Homely’s goal is to make homeownership accessible to all, particularly those who have been priced out of the market.

“We believe that everyone deserves a place to call home,” said Steven Ward, CEO of Homely. “Our platform is designed to break down the barriers to homeownership, providing support, education, and resources to ensure our users can achieve their dream of owning a home.”

Homely’s platform is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and customer empowerment. By leveraging the latest in digital technology, Homely creates personalised plans for each user, tailored to their individual goals and aspirations, and supports them through every step of the homebuying process.

Homely’s intuitive platform assists users in improving their finances and simplifies the traditionally complex homebuying process. “Homely aims to takes out the pain and get users to mortgage much earlier than previously possible” said Ellis Scott, Co-Founder of Homely.

The launch of Homely marks a significant advancement in the property market, offering a modern solution to an age-old challenge.

“The property market has been ripe for disruption, and Homely is leading the charge,” commented Paul Birkin, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer. “We’re excited to see the positive impact our platform will have on the lives of aspiring homeowners.”

Homely is the first to market with a fully integrated platform, offering features such as:

  • A personalised plan for each user, tailored to their goals and aspirations
  • Connecting the journey from starting out to mortgage-ready
  • Building deposits by rewarding spending, plus that of friends and family
  • Enhancing credit scoring by verifying rental payment history
  • Education about the process and using AI to make the most of income
  • Pre-qualifying each user when mortgage-ready
  • The full connected journey, taking out the pain, all in one app.

Digital Displays Boost Sales in 70% of Restaurants

In a bold effort to enhance customer experience and streamline operations, restaurants across the UK are adopting cutting-edge digital technologies.

From immersive video walls to interactive digital kiosks that personalise orders, and even video tables offering an engaging dining experience, the industry is undergoing a significant digital transformation.

The results speak for themselves:

· 70% of restaurants report that their digital signage has increased sales

· 63% of people reported that digital signage catches their attention

· Digital signage increases customer satisfaction by 46%

· 52% of viewers remain engaged with digital signage

This trend is not only modernising the dining experience but also indicates a broader move towards technological integration in everyday life, making dining out an interactive and memorable event within a competitive landscape.

63% of people have indicated that digital signage captures their attention, drawing them inside and encouraging them to stay longer. This increased engagement often leads to longer dining times, resulting in more food and drink orders, thereby boosting revenue for restaurants, hotels, and other eateries.

The global market revenue for restaurant kiosks, the digital self-service ordering screens utilised by many global fast-food brands, is projected to reach $45.32 billion by 2028.

Additionally, it has been noted that digital signage attracts 400% more views compared to static displays and maintains a viewer retention rate of over 50%.

Who is leading this digital transformation? At Benihana in Covent Garden, guests are treated to a visual display with a video wall that showcases the culinary skills and professional profiles of their chefs, adding a personal touch and creating a unique dining experience.

At Walt Disney World’s Epcot, the Space 220 restaurant offers an out-of-this-world dining experience, making guests feel as though they are dining among the stars.

Fast food chain McDonald’s was one of the first to introduce touchscreen kiosks in 2015, improving customer convenience and transaction speed.

The renowned sandwich brand Subway has installed over 6,400 digital menu boards, providing a convenient way to instantly alter the menus depending on the time of day and highlight different promotional offers that can be easily switched on and off.

Neil Sewell, Director of AnyPlace Media Group, commented: “We believe in the power of technology to transform the dining experience and that’s borne out by the statistics about order values and revenue. It’s encouraging to see more and more restaurants adopting an innovative approach in their restaurants. Our digital signage solutions not only modernise a space but also create unforgettable moments for your customers. It’s time to embrace the future of dining with digital solutions!”

Emoov Emerges from Griffin Property Co. with a Fresh Brand

The Emoov Online Estate Agency, formerly Griffin Property Co., is excited to unveil its newly rebranded online platform, Emoov.co.uk. This significant update comes after months of hard work to enhance user experience and streamline the journey for buyers and sellers across the United Kingdom.

Emoov.co.uk, as a premier online estate agency, provides a modern, user-friendly website to simplify the sales and lettings process. Focused on exceptional service, Emoov maintains the personalised care and expertise that Griffin Property Co. was known for as a family-run business.

“Rebranding to Emoov.co.uk reflects our dedication to providing a modern and efficient service in the competitive online estate agency market,” stated Nick Neale, Managing Director at Emoov. “While our name has changed, our core values remain the same. We continue to operate as a small family business, focused on building lasting relationships with our clients.”

The revamped website boasts an intuitive design, advanced search features, and extensive resources tailored to users’ needs. Whether you are a first-time buyer, an experienced seller, an investor, or a landlord, Emoov.co.uk offers full support and guidance throughout the sales and lettings journey.

With the rebrand, Emoov has updated its packages to offer market-leading products, enabling sellers to list their properties on all major UK portals from only £295 in advance or £795 on a no-sale, no-fee basis. Lettings packages start at £39.50.

Emoov Online Estate Agency serves the entire United Kingdom, providing clients from all regions with superior estate agency services backed by a dedicated team. The family-oriented values that guided Griffin Property Co. continue to be central to Emoov’s mission, ensuring a reliable and personable experience for all customers.

For more information, visit www.emoov.co.uk to see how the new Emoov Online Estate Agency can help with your estate agency needs.