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Historic “Brain Waves” Expedition Sets Sights on First Mixed-Crew Indian Ocean Crossing

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A team of four elite UK adventurers is preparing to undertake a world-first expedition across the Indian Ocean in June 2026. Known as the Brain Waves Expedition, the challenge will involve a 5,500-mile unsupported row from Australia to Kenya, making it the first time a mixed crew has attempted a continent-to-continent crossing of the ocean.

Over the course of approximately 100 days at sea, the crew will row in continuous two-hour shifts, day and night. They will face severe conditions including 40-foot waves, intense sleep deprivation, and the psychological demands of complete isolation. With no accompanying support vessel, the team must rely entirely on their own resources, with emergency assistance potentially several days away.

The expedition brings together four of the UK’s most resilient adventurers:

  • Glyn Roberts: An Ex-RAF officer and firefighter who brings elite tactical discipline and a lifetime of service to the vessel.
  • Billy Taylor (Skipper): A veteran of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, Billy has dedicated his career to raising awareness for mental health and neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Lara Vafiadis: A seasoned solo rower and the 23rd woman in history to row an ocean alone, having spent 98 days at sea during her 2023 Atlantic crossing.
  • Susannah Cass: A world-record-holding adventure scientist who previously skippered the first crew to row from Portugal to Brazil.

The journey will also mark a historic milestone for women in endurance sport, with Lara Vafiadis and Susannah Cass set to become the first women to complete a continent-to-continent crossing of the Indian Ocean.

Beyond the physical record, the team aims to raise £500,000 for two life-changing charities:

  • Rock 2 Recovery: Providing vital coaching and mental health support for veterans, 999 first responders, and their families.
  • Race Against Dementia: Founded by Sir Jackie Stewart, OBE, to accelerate the global search for a cure.

“Brain Waves’ row across the Indian Ocean demonstrates the spirit of courage and endurance needed to overcome great odds,” says Sir Jackie Stewart, OBE. “I am honoured to support such an inspiring endeavour as we accelerate the search for a cure in our Race Against Dementia.”

The crew will serve as “adventure scientists,” partnering with major institutions to conduct groundbreaking research:

  • Plastic Pollution: Collecting water samples for the University of Michigan to help develop satellite technology that can monitor microplastic concentrations from space.
  • Mental Health: In collaboration with Oxford Brookes University, the team will study how extreme physical exercise impacts symptoms of anxiety and depression.

As preparations continue, the Brain Waves Expedition is inviting commercial partners to support the mission. With previous campaigns reaching audiences of more than 27 million through major broadcasters and international media, sponsors will gain exposure alongside a project that combines exploration, science, and social impact.

Maher Ali Rusho to represent Bangladesh at Nobel Prize Teacher Summit 2026

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Bangladeshi scientist and education policy advocate Maher Ali Rusho has been selected as an International Delegate for the Nobel Prize Teacher Summit 2026, a high-profile international gathering that unites outstanding educators, researchers, and decision-makers shaping the future of education and innovation.

The selection recognises Mr Rusho’s sustained impact in science and education at a global level. Ranked 73rd worldwide among FDM–AM Scientists according to Elsevier Scopus citation metrics, he is widely known for his interdisciplinary research combining artificial intelligence and computational materials science. His work addresses AI-driven materials discovery, hydrogen energy systems, additive manufacturing optimisation, and multiphysics simulation, fields central to sustainable development and advanced manufacturing.

Mr Rusho’s academic and professional collaborations span North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. He works closely with institutions in the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, and Canada, reflecting his role as a globally engaged researcher. He is a member of several leading international organisations, including Sigma Xi, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Association for Computing Machinery.

Alongside his scientific contributions, Mr Rusho has emerged as a thought leader in education reform. His 2025 book, The Age of Merit, presents a policy-focused argument for merit-based education systems that align learning outcomes with future labour market and technological demands. His ideas have resonated with educators and policymakers seeking more accountable and innovation-driven education frameworks.

The Nobel Prize Teacher Summit recognises individuals whose work strengthens the connection between education, research excellence, and societal responsibility. Mr Rusho’s appointment as an International Delegate reflects his belief in education as a foundation for national progress and international cooperation.

His professional journey began in Bangladesh, where he contributed to the technology and research ecosystem through organisations such as Brain Station 23 and Intelligent Machines. During this period, he worked on applied technology projects and supported the development of research capacity within the country.

Mr Rusho later expanded his career internationally, holding professional and academic roles across Spain, India, China, Canada, Europe, and the United States. He is currently a co-founder of UntieAI in Canada, leading research initiatives in advanced artificial intelligence. His leadership has earned international recognition, including inclusion in Forbes India’s Trendsetters & Trailblazers 2024.

He also serves the global scientific community through editorial and peer-review roles with major publishers such as Nature, Elsevier, and MDPI, contributing to research quality and integrity.

His participation in the Nobel Prize Teacher Summit 2026 highlights the increasing global visibility of Bangladeshi scientists and their role in shaping education, innovation, and research worldwide.

Leap Forward Careers debuts to help UK jobseekers navigate an increasingly competitive market

A newly launched careers support service is aiming to assist graduates and professionals affected by redundancy as they attempt to re-enter or progress within the UK job market. Leap Forward Careers provides practical support including CV reviews, interview coaching, and LinkedIn profile guidance for candidates finding it difficult to secure interviews amid intense competition for each vacancy.

The service is designed to support two core audiences: recent graduates attempting to secure their first professional role in a highly congested entry-level market, and experienced employees facing redundancy or career transition who may not have applied for roles in many years. Both groups often encounter lengthy job searches and repeated rejection in the current labour market, where applicant numbers significantly outweigh available positions.

Leap Forward Careers was founded by Brian Berry, a careers specialist with experience across recruitment, team leadership, and application screening. Berry holds an LLB (Hons) and an LLM in Compliance and Regulation, offering insight into how employers assess candidates and make hiring decisions. Services include CV review and drafting, competency-based interview coaching tailored to UK recruitment practices, and LinkedIn profile optimisation to ensure consistency across professional platforms. A combined support package is available from £299.

“People often think they need to change everything about their career when, in reality, they first need clear, honest support on how to show their value to employers,” says Brian Berry, Founder of Leap Forward Careers. “Graduates and those going through redundancy tell me the same thing: they feel as if they are failing, when actually they have never been shown how the recruitment process really works from the inside.”

The service focuses on breaking down the recruitment process and replacing generic advice with practical, realistic guidance. Initial feedback from the Leap Forward Careers 4 AM Careers Clinic livestreams suggests that structured support can help candidates move from feeling stalled to securing interviews, often by reframing existing skills and experience rather than pursuing an entirely new career path.

Although Leap Forward Careers delivers its services online to clients across the UK, the launch is particularly relevant to competitive regional job markets such as Manchester, Lancashire, Leeds, and the wider North of England, where graduates and mid-career professionals face strong competition alongside ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

Graduates and professionals affected by redundancy who are struggling to secure interviews or job offers can find further details on services, pricing, and bookings at https://leapstartcareers.com/. Media enquiries should be directed to [email protected].

Oakheart Property’s Christmas campaign supports families with 1.5 tonnes of food donations

Oakheart Property has confirmed that its annual Christmas Foodbank initiative delivered more than 1.5 tonnes of food and essential items to families across Essex and Suffolk between November and Christmas. The campaign supported over 100 households, providing around five days of essential supplies per family, with donations received from clients, staff, and local partners.

Support was directed to a number of local foodbanks, including Chelmsford Foodbank and Colchester Foodbank, both members of the Trussell Trust, helping families manage rising pressures during the festive period.

“Thank you to Oakheart for their incredibly generous donation of over 120kg. This support is a huge help and will enable us to feed families well into the New Year.” Said Joanne, Volunteer at Chelmsford Foodbank

The initiative encouraged local residents to contribute by dropping off essential goods at Oakheart branches, offering practical support to those facing increased need during the winter months.

Donations were gathered and distributed ahead of Christmas, with strong engagement from communities surrounding Oakheart’s offices. As a result, food and household essentials reached families across the region at a time when foodbank demand continues to remain high.

Support was provided to the following organisations:

  • Find Ipswich (Ipswich)
  • Chelmsford Foodbank (Chelmsford, part of the Trussell Trust)
  • Colchester Foodbank (Colchester, part of the Trussell Trust)
  • The Porch Pantry (Mersea)
  • Storehouse Foodbank (Sudbury)
  • Gatehouse Foodbank (Bury St Edmunds)

Dan Mitchell, co-founder of Oakheart, said: “This initiative was about responding to a real need within the communities we work in every day. The level of support from our clients, colleagues and local partners was excellent, and it made a genuine difference to families across the region.”

The Christmas Foodbank campaign forms part of Oakheart’s ongoing community engagement, with further charitable partnerships planned through the Oakheart Foundation as the company continues its social value initiatives across Essex and Suffolk.

John Lamb Hill Oldridge confirms senior leadership change as Paula Steele steps into consultancy role

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John Lamb Hill Oldridge (JLHO), the UK’s leading specialist protection adviser, is entering a new phase of its development following the celebration of its 65th anniversary last year.

As part of this progression, the firm has announced that Paula Steele, one of its owners, will move from her position as Director into a consultancy role with effect from 1 January 2026. The change allows the business to continue drawing on her depth of expertise while aligning with an evolving professional focus.

Paula has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s culture, values, and long-standing client-first approach. Her career in financial services spans more than 40 years, beginning in 1984 with a management buyout of a company previously owned by John Lamb, from which the firm takes its name. During her tenure, she has guided the business through multiple strategic phases, including wealth management, protection brokerage, tax planning, and general insurance.

John Lamb Hill Oldridge has confirmed that the transition will have no effect on client relationships, operational continuity, or strategic priorities. The firm remains firmly committed to providing specialist, independent advice to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families.

Commenting on the transition, Ken Maxwell, Director at John Lamb Hill Oldridge, said:
“Paula has made an invaluable contribution to John Lamb Hill Oldridge over many years. We are delighted that she will continue to work with us as a consultant, supporting the team and the business as we move forward with confidence. The firm’s 65th anniversary last year was a significant milestone, and we continue to build on that legacy with the same commitment to excellence and client service.”

Paula Steele added:
“John Lamb Hill Oldridge has been a hugely important part of my professional journey. Over the past four decades, I have had the privilege of leading the business through many different stages—from wealth management to protection brokerage. I am proud of what we have built together and look forward to continuing to support the team in this new capacity.”

The move represents a further step in John Lamb Hill Oldridge’s long-term evolution, underlining the firm’s focus on continuity, resilience, and a clearly defined vision for the years ahead.

Trident Creative Leaders Introduce Grit & Pearl, a New Independent Global Agency

Grit & Pearl has launched as a new global creative agency founded by Trident’s Creative Leadership team. The agency combines the speed and adaptability of a startup with deep-rooted global creative expertise built through decades of award-winning work.

As an independent operation, Grit & Pearl is structured to work seamlessly with both emerging businesses and some of the world’s most influential brands. The agency is led by Rob Roach, whose background includes senior creative leadership roles at The Kraft Heinz Company and LPK, bringing a blend of corporate insight and creative ambition to the venture.

“Brand Managers need creative partners who push beyond the expected without completely losing sight of what the brand stands for. They need a team brave enough to go far but seasoned enough to lead the way.”

The agency’s client portfolio includes major global players such as SC Johnson, Procter & Gamble, and Unilever, alongside iconic consumer brands including Dove Men+Care, Grant’s, Popsicle, Glade, and Gain.

According to Rob, the launch of Grit & Pearl builds upon the foundation established at Trident, while creating space for a new approach better suited to today’s creative and commercial environment.

Grit & Pearl’s Creative Leadership team has been building and shaping the world’s most iconic brands for their entire careers. The creative leadership team is comprised of: 

  • Chantelle Gatton, a consumer-packaged goods expert with experience building wellness and personal care brands, will oversee creative pursuits as Creative Director of the Americas.
  • El Matanguihan, an industry influencer with successful tenures at Nice and Marks, will lead creative efforts as Creative Director of APAC.
  • Antony Smith, an Equator alum with a passion for visual storytelling, will guide the European creative team as Creative Director, Europe.

With offices located across Europe, Asia, and North America, Grit & Pearl partners with both multinational corporations and regional startups. While the agency’s goal remains the delivery of impactful creative, its structure allows it to operate without the inefficiencies often associated with large global networks.

The agency’s model focuses on streamlining support functions through technology, allowing creative talent to remain the primary investment.

“Many global agencies are mired in layers of unnecessary and costly support. We utilise technology in spaces where excessive administrative support is necessary so that our greatest investment matches that of our clients, the creative. Technology absolutely plays a role in creative development today; however, that visceral and passionate response to the expression of a brand. That takes soul. And this team has it in spades.”

Grit & Pearl delivers strategic brand and design solutions, supported by a state-of-the-art prototyping and sampling facility. The agency provides both digital and physical creative services, enabling brands to move from idea to market-ready execution within a single creative ecosystem.

Garden Rooms 365 Introduces Free Air Conditioning on Selected Garden Room Projects

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Garden Rooms 365 has announced a seasonal promotion offering free air conditioning with selected garden room installations booked during the Christmas and New Year period. The initiative supports the company’s commitment to delivering garden rooms that remain comfortable and functional throughout the year, responding to growing interest in multi-purpose outdoor spaces.

As homeowners increasingly use garden rooms as permanent extensions of the home, their role has expanded well beyond occasional or seasonal use. These spaces now serve as home offices, gyms, studios, and living areas, making temperature regulation an essential design consideration. The inclusion of air conditioning is intended to address this requirement at the installation stage, rather than as a later upgrade.

The offer applies to qualifying projects confirmed within the promotional timeframe and includes the installation of air conditioning systems matched to each garden room’s specifications. Garden Rooms 365 has stated that system selection is based on room size and intended use, ensuring effective temperature control throughout the year.

“Homeowners are thinking more carefully about how they will use their space over the long term,” Mark Steven said. “This offer is designed to help customers plan for comfort and usability from the outset.”

The promotion reflects wider trends in home improvement, where functionality, energy efficiency, and long-term performance are increasingly prioritised by homeowners. Modern garden rooms are now expected to deliver the same levels of comfort and efficiency as internal living spaces.

Alongside its construction and design offering, Garden Rooms 365 has continued to enhance its digital strategy to support customer engagement and business growth. This has been achieved with support from One Base Media, which has helped strengthen the company’s online performance through strategic digital marketing initiatives.

The free air conditioning promotion is available for a limited period on selected garden room installations and is subject to availability. Full details on eligibility and booking timelines are available at https://gardenrooms365.co.uk/contact-us.

Fiore Aesthetics Secures Second Global Excellence Award for Patient Experience in 2025

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Fiore Aesthetics has been named Most Welcoming Aesthetics Clinic 2025 – Central London at the Global Excellence Awards, hosted by Global Health & Pharma Magazine (GHP). The recognition marks a second consecutive year of success for the clinic, reinforcing its reputation for high-quality patient care, ethical practice, and professional leadership within UK medical aesthetics.

The Global Excellence Awards celebrate organisations that show measurable influence and consistency across healthcare and life sciences. Fiore Aesthetics was selected after a detailed assessment by GHP’s in-house research team, which examined patient feedback, service delivery standards, and the clinic’s contribution to advancing the aesthetics profession.

Leading the clinic’s vision is Flavio Refrigeri, Clinic Director, Aesthetic Practitioner, and Trainer/Assessor. As a GDC-registered Dental Care Professional, Flavio brings regulated healthcare expertise to the clinic. As of December 2025, he has also established himself as an Official CPD Provider, enhancing Fiore Aesthetics’ standing as a centre for both treatment and education.

Flavio’s qualifications include an MSc in Healthcare Management & Complications, a BA (Hons), and advanced credentials such as OFQUAL (Qualifi) Level 7 and Level 5, VTCT Level 5 DET, and VTCT Level 4 in Laser & IPL. He is a Member of the Society for Education & Training (MSET). His combined academic, clinical, and educational roles reflect the clinic’s belief that excellence in aesthetics is rooted in knowledge, accountability, and continual improvement.

Speaking on the award, Flavio Refrigeri said: “Being recognised for a second year as the Most Welcoming Aesthetics Clinic in Central London is deeply meaningful to our entire team. Our focus has always been on creating a clinical environment where patients feel listened to, respected, and safe, while also investing heavily in education, standards, and professional accountability. This award reflects the collective commitment of our team to those values.”

By integrating patient-focused care with accredited education and CPD training, Fiore Aesthetics has positioned itself as a forward-thinking clinic in a rapidly evolving sector.

The clinic continues to provide services to patients across London and beyond, while playing an active role in shaping the future of the aesthetics profession through structured and recognised training programmes.

How ibex gale Is Changing the Future of Workplace Investigations

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Independent workplace investigations are evolving to reflect the changing priorities of modern organisations, and ibex gale is leading this transformation across the UK. With employee wellbeing, psychological safety and organisational culture taking centre stage, ibex gale supports employers in conducting investigations that balance procedural integrity with fairness, respect and trauma-informed practice.

A workplace investigation provides a formal framework for addressing serious workplace concerns, including misconduct, bullying, discrimination and whistleblowing. While these processes have traditionally focused on compliance, ibex gale is demonstrating a different approach. Its team of specialist investigators applies trauma-aware interviewing techniques, structured approaches to minimise bias and strong interviewee support, enabling sensitive cases to be handled with both accuracy and compassion.

“Our goal is to uncover the truth while minimising harm and delivering fair, impartial and evidence-based investigations,” said Shelley Morgan, Joint Head of Investigations at ibex gale.

Through their specialised services in grievance and disciplinary investigation support, sexual harassment investigations, and whistleblowing and protected disclosure cases, ibex gale has become a trusted partner for organisations seeking both clarity and care in their internal processes. Their approach actively reduces re-traumatisation, ensures confidentiality, and allows employees to feel heard and respected, not interrogated.

This focus on trauma-informed HR investigations is more than best practice, it’s fast becoming a strategic necessity. Employers who take a purely procedural approach risk not only flawed outcomes, but reputational damage, legal liability and internal distrust. Recent cases across healthcare, education and the charity sector have highlighted the consequences of poorly managed investigations, with significant fallout for both staff and leadership.

ibex gale supports clients ranging from SMEs to FTSE-listed firms, often stepping in when internal teams are too close to the issue or lack the specialist expertise required. Their work spans investigations, employee relations, culture, change and governance and assurance.

Crucially, they offer a fresh, people-first methodology for handling bullying, harassment and discrimination investigations, helping businesses maintain fairness while managing risk. 

As public scrutiny grows around how organisations handle complaints, there is increasing pressure for employers to move beyond ‘tick-box’ HR responses and adopt more thoughtful, values-led practices. In this environment, ibex gale’s trauma-informed investigation approach offers more than legal defensibility; it builds trust.

Whether an investigation involves senior leadership, safeguarding concerns, or long-running internal disputes, the team at ibex gale brings clarity, independence and care to every step of the process.

About ibex gale

ibex gale is a specialist consultancy of HR professionals and former employment lawyers, with expertise in workplace investigations, employee relations, workplace culture, change management, and governance. Committed to trauma-informed practices and psychological safety, ibex gale partners with organisations to deliver investigations that combine professional rigour with compassion.

Powered Up Conference Hits Full Capacity Ahead of 2026 Event as New Partners Are Confirmed

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Organisers of the Powered Up Conference have announced that the 2026 event has reached full capacity, alongside the confirmation of new industry partners, underscoring the growing urgency around clean mobility, fleet electrification and transport finance.

Powered Up: Finance, Fleet & the Future of Clean Mobility will take place at the London Transport Museum, welcoming senior decision-makers from across automotive, finance, infrastructure and public sector organisations. Demand for the invite-only conference has exceeded expectations, with all delegate places now allocated and a waitlist available via Eventbrite for those hoping to attend should places become available.

Event Director Harrison Hughes said the rapid sell-out reflects both the strength of the programme and the quality of organisations backing the event. He explained that Powered Up is intentionally curated to ensure meaningful dialogue, and that reaching capacity at this stage signals just how central these discussions have become to the future of the sector.

In addition to the capacity announcement, organisers have confirmed two new partners joining the 2026 edition of the conference.

Geely Auto UK will attend as Automotive Partner, marking a notable moment for both the event and the brand’s continued expansion in the UK market. Delegates will be able to see the all-new Geely EX5 on display during networking breaks throughout the day.

Michael Yang, General Manager of Geely Auto UK, said the company’s involvement demonstrates its commitment to the UK market and to fleet customers in particular. He noted that Geely’s approach goes beyond vehicle sales, focusing on delivering more complete new energy vehicle ownership and usage solutions as the business grows.

Barron McCann has also joined Powered Up as an Official Partner, adding its expertise in technology-led field services and EV charging infrastructure to the programme.

Hughes said Barron McCann’s work in EV charge point solutions represents the type of delivery-focused approach that Powered Up seeks to highlight, especially when it comes to infrastructure reliability and real-world execution.

Scott Watson, Managing Director at Barron McCann, said the company is proud to support the conference as part of its mission to drive a sustainable future through innovation and technology. He highlighted Barron McCann’s expanding role in EV charge point installation, repair and maintenance, supporting charge point operators in meeting OZEV operational availability targets through its established field service capabilities.

Powered Up 2026 is supported by a number of leading partners. Organisers have thanked Close Brothers Asset Finance as Headline Partner, alongside Shaftesbury Capital PLC, Westminster City Council, the London Transport Museum and Everything Electric for their continued involvement.

With delegate places filled, new partners confirmed and industry interest continuing to grow, Powered Up: Finance, Fleet & the Future of Clean Mobility is set to deliver its most impactful event to date.

The official waitlist is available via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/powered-up-finance-fleet-the-future-of-clean-mobility-tickets-1540641763989