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Appeal to find missing woman from New Cross

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Police are appealing to the public for help to find 38-year-old missing person, Deborah O’Connell.

She was last seen at home in New Cross on July 15, by a family member visiting from Ireland. She left the property saying that she had to go somewhere.

Deborah has links to Brent, Camden, Ealing, Hayes, Lewisham and Ireland.

A statement from the Met Police said: “Officers are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of a woman who is missing from her home in New Cross.

“Numerous tactics are being explored and a full trawl of available CCTV is being undertaken.

“Anyone who may have seen Deborah is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference 7804/17JUL24. For an immediate sighting, please dial 999.”

Further plans afoot for DLR extension to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead

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Transport for London (TfL) has published the consultation report on plans for a cross-river extension of the DLR from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead, via Beckton Riverside.

The consultation, launched earlier this year, received 1,254 responses from members of the public and 29 from a range of stakeholders including pan-London transport user groups, local businesses, environmental groups, politicians and adjacent boroughs. 

In addition to the consultation, TfL ran sample polling in locations in Beckton, Gallions Reach, Thamesmead and Abbey Wood where 85 per cent supported or strongly supported the proposals.

The proposed DLR extension from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside would connect two Opportunity Areas, key locations with potential for new homes, jobs and infrastructure, and four development sites.  This is one of a number of exciting opportunities to unlock the economic growth and housing developments the new government is prioritising.

A new DLR station would be built at Beckton Riverside, with a tunnel built under the River Thames linked to another new DLR station at Thamesmead. It would build on experience from 2009 when the DLR was extended to Woolwich Arsenal, tunnelling beneath the River Thames, with housing growth following in areas including Woolwich, Canning Town, and the Royal Docks.

The DLR extension would also directly support the creation of up to 10,000 jobs, benefitting London and the national economy, and it would provide quicker journeys to other parts of east London like Stratford and the Isle of Dogs, with direct connections to central London via the Jubilee and Elizabeth lines, transforming housing, employment and leisure opportunities for the people who live in the area.

Alex Williams, TfL’s chief customer and strategy officer, said: “It is great to see support to extend the DLR from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside, which presents a crucial opportunity to boost connectivity by linking two major growth areas with two new accessible stations.  

“We will now progress work on plans for the cross-river extension of the DLR, which could see customers benefit from the early 2030s, and continue to discuss funding options with all parties.”

Merritt Rock Founder Receives Best New Startup Award

Everton Rock, the Founder of Merritt Rock and a business acquisitions specialist, has been honoured with the Best New Startup award.

Everton was presented with the award at the Branded Retreat hosted by Big Business Events, founded by the esteemed Forbes Coach Adam Stott.

Everton has not only secured his own financial future but is now on a mission to empower others, particularly within the UK’s Black community. His journey from financial uncertainty to acquiring a six-figure portfolio of business assets is a powerful testament to resilience, education, and understanding the “language of money.”

Recent data shows that Black households have a median wealth of £137,000, significantly lower than the national average. Everton is committed to addressing this gap by sharing the knowledge and strategies that contributed to his success, with the goal of empowering others and fostering greater economic freedom.

Everton’s story begins in 2018, ten years away from retirement, with a pension pot that would not sustain the lifestyle he envisioned. Despite a decade of military service and years in the satellite broadcasting and digital media industry, Everton found himself at a crossroads, with just £17,000 in the bank at age 55.

Everton said: “I realised I had to do something drastic. I couldn’t face the idea of not fulfilling my potential, or worse, proving the naysayers right.”

Everton challenged himself to amass £5 million within five years. Without a clear plan, he immersed himself in learning the mindset and strategies of the truly wealthy.

He added: “It was like learning a new language. I had to shift from a consumer mindset to that of a capitalist, which was crucial in navigating the financial landscape.”

Everton’s journey was far from smooth. He cashed in his pension, putting everything on the line with no safety net. Investing thousands in courses, books, and mentors, he devoted 30 hours a week alongside a full-time job to mastering financial analysis, business valuations, negotiation, and leadership. His commitment paid off as he began confidently negotiating multi-million-pound deals, acquiring businesses, and securing a future of generational wealth.

“The experience was transformative,” says Everton. “I’ve learned that anyone can achieve financial success if they commit to understanding how money really works. It’s about more than just making money; it’s about creating lasting wealth and financial freedom.”

Everton is particularly passionate about sharing his journey with the UK’s Black community. “Growing up, I didn’t have a mentor who could teach me the language of money. I want to be that mentor for others now. Financial literacy is a key to breaking cycles of poverty and creating generational wealth, especially in communities that have historically been excluded from these opportunities.”

Reflecting on his journey, Everton added: “I want to show others that it’s possible to rise above any situation. I’ve made it my mission to empower people with the tools they need to succeed, no matter where they start from.”

Today, Everton continues to expand his portfolio, acquiring resilient business assets, and setting an example for others to follow. He remains committed to helping others achieve financial independence and aims to make a lasting impact on the Black community in the UK.

“Success is about more than just numbers in a bank account,” Everton concludes. “It’s about creating a legacy, and I believe that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve this if they’re willing to put in the work.”

For further information, visit www.merritt-rock.com

Police name man sought in connection with Stoke Newington murder

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Detectives investigating the fatal stabbing of a man in Hackney have named a man they want to speak to.

Kamar Williams (33), lives in the Isle of Dogs and is known to frequent east London and south-east London.

Members of the public have been warned that they should not approach Mr Williams (pictured) but call police immediately on 999 if they do see him.

Information to his whereabouts can be shared with the incident room on 0208 345 3715 quoting Operation Brooktunnel.

At 11.05pm on Tuesday, police were called to reports that a man had been stabbed in Northwold Road, N16.

Despite best efforts of the emergency services, Derek Neil Thomas (53) from Stoke Newington, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post mortem examination held at Poplar Mortuary on Thursday, gave the cause of death as a stab wound to the chest.

A 30-year-old woman was arrested on Saturday, on suspicion of assisting an offender and remains in custody.

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call the incident room on 0208 345 3715, 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD 8517/30Jul. Information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Multifunctional Consultant Receives ‘Best Story Award’ at Big Business Events

Raihan Islam, celebrated as one of the UK’s most versatile management consultants, has been awarded the ‘Best Story Award’ at Big Business Events.

Acting as a trusted Principal Advisor in a C-level capacity for numerous business owners, his journey has not only liberated these entrepreneurs to focus on their passions but has also enabled him to develop non-profits dedicated to mental health and international security.

The recognition at Big Business Events is a testament to his unwavering dedication and the impactful story of transformation and resilience that continues to inspire many.

Amidst the harsh winter of January 2022, the looming threat of a Russian invasion became a harsh reality for many in Ukraine, including Raihan and his family. The immense tension and concern for their safety led to a difficult decision: they left Ukraine, relocating temporarily to Istanbul before finally settling in London. Though Raihan was familiar with London, the transition was a new challenge for his family.

During this period, his passion for advocating democracy and international security, particularly through supporting Ukraine, intensified. However, his employment demands restricted his ability to fully commit to his family or his cause. Despite launching a podcast to support Ukraine, the content production pace was slower than desired. Tragedy struck with the loss of multiple relatives in Ukraine, both combatants and civilians, yet the family remained resilient.

In April 2023, Raihan left his employment as Senior Cybersecurity Product Manager at EPAM Systems, seeking greater time freedom. In May, during a therapy session discussing life changes, he received the devastating news of his brother’s death. Despite the proximity of his second child’s birth, he attended the funeral and returned just in time to welcome a beautiful baby boy. However, the prospect of growing his business, High-Velocity Startups, still seemed distant.

A turning point came in August when his wife, Mariana, introduced him to an event on monetising social media for business owners. This experience catalysed his growth as a business owner, leading to business coaching, expert speaker training, and significant networking advancements. He obtained executive training and certification as a Certified Chair™ through the Advisory Board Centre, renewed his Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification, and became Vice President of a local BNI chapter. Additionally, he honed skills in branding, marketing, sales, and public speaking through Big Business Events and Assets for Life.

Raihan has also featured on Sky News, talking about Cybersecurity and SEO in 2013.

This skill-building journey culminated in the significant transformation of his business into High-Velocity Startups, a full-time operation balancing business development and client value delivery. This transformation allowed him to support his wife’s professional journey as an events videographer and contribute to ComputerWeekly.com on startup growth. Over the past six months, he has doubled his revenue, won the Signature Solution Award from the Expert Speaker Academy, launched two podcasts called “Everything will be Ukraine!” and “High-Velocity Startups” podcast, and secured speaking engagements. These achievements have provided a platform where he promotes humanitarian non-profit charities including Voices of Children. This has inspired him to create a system for first responders, supporting mental health in highly sensitive roles, a concept he is currently developing.

Through these experiences, the consultant has learned the immense power of resilience and strategic networking. By leveraging his skills to help clients realise their dreams, he has also been able to realise his own.

For more information about support, visit: highvelocitystartups.com

Andreas Demetriou Receives Brand of the Future Award for 360 Shutters and Blinds Ltd

Andreas Demetriou, Founder of 360 Shutters and Blinds Ltd, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Brand of the Future’ Award by Big Business Events. This accolade recognises Andreas’s remarkable journey from his modest beginnings on a farm to building a successful business with a turnover nearing half a million pounds.

The Brand of the Future Award from Big Business Events, founded by Adam Stott, celebrates Andreas’s hard work and innovation. This recognition underscores the impact of his commitment to delivering high-quality products and exceptional service. Andreas’s belief in taking decisive action and not living with regret has been a driving force behind his success.

Andreas’s journey began on a farm in Cyprus before he moved to the UK, where he spent ten years mastering his craft as a carpenter, followed by eight years working as a blind fitter and learning the intricacies of the blinds industry. In 2021, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Andreas took a bold step, launching 360 Shutters and Blinds Ltd with little more than his expertise, substantial debt, and a determination to succeed.

Andreas said: “I started with nothing but debt and a dream. I was deeply in the red, but I knew I had the skills and drive to make it work.”

The initial years were challenging. Andreas faced the hurdles of establishing supplier relationships and building a customer base, with his first year marked by financial losses. Misguided advice to draw a high wage worsened his early financial difficulties, but seeking professional guidance helped him pivot his strategy.

Andreas added: “I had to sacrifice my earnings per job just to build my accounts and gain trust from suppliers. It was a difficult period, but my persistence and patience eventually paid off.”

His efforts bore fruit as he developed a strong portfolio and secured ongoing work with multiple companies, allowing him to enhance his business’s reputation and secure better discounts with suppliers.

Andreas’s effective time management and strong supplier relationships played a key role in his company’s growth. This exposure helped him build a robust portfolio and attract more clients, further strengthening his market position.

Andreas continued: “As I started to grow, I learned more about the products available and how to integrate them into my services. Making quick decisions and taking action became essential for progress.

“I want to take my kids to school without worrying about finances, and achieving this level of success is incredibly rewarding. This award reflects not just our past achievements but also our future potential.”

With the business now on solid footing, Andreas is focused on further growth and expansion. He remains committed to seeking new opportunities, continuing to provide superior service and expanding the 360 Shutters and Blinds team.

For more information, please visit www.360shuttersandblinds.com.

Sir Keir Starmer condones “far-right thuggery”

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Keir Starmer appeared at Downing Street to condemn the violent disorder which is causing damage and spreading fear.

Just a few weeks into the government, the new prime minister has been confronted with a murder of three girls in Southport and the aftermath of protesting and riots, following misinformation that a migrant was to blame for the atrocity.

Starmer has called for a coordinated police approach and has told Muslims that this behaviour does not represent Britain.

He said: “Make no mistake, whether it is in Southport, London or Hartlepool, these people are showing our country who they are – mosques targeted because they are mosques, flares thrown at a statue of Winston Churchill and a nazi salute shown at a cenotaph.

“I utterly condemn the far right thuggery we’ve seen this weekend. Be in no doubt those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law. Police will make arrests and convictions will follow. I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder either directly or taking part online, and then running away.

“This violent rob does not represent our country and they will be brought to justice.”

Monica Di Natale Honoured with Service Excellence Award as Tecla Languages Introduces Spanish Immersion Experience

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Tecla Languages Ltd is excited to announce that its founder, Monica Di Natale, has been awarded the “Service Excellence Award” from Big Business Events. This prestigious honour recognises Monica’s 17 years of innovative work in language education and her exceptional contributions to the field.

Since the founding of Tecla Languages in 2007, Monica has been a pioneering force in immersive language education. Her dedication and unique approach have set high standards across the UK, and this recognition from Big Business Events highlights the significant impact of her work. The award not only celebrates Monica’s achievements but also marks a key milestone in Tecla Languages’ journey.

The accolade is a testament to Monica’s continued commitment to excellence, further supported by her involvement with Big Business Events. Under the mentorship of Forbes Council Coach Adam Stott, Monica has gained invaluable insights into branding, social media, marketing, and business strategy. This mentorship has been crucial in shaping the strategic direction of Tecla Languages and enhancing its growth.

“Winning at Big Business Events is a tremendous honour and a testament to the dedication and passion that have driven Tecla Languages for 17 years,” said Monica Di Natale, Founder of Tecla Languages. “This award recognises our past achievements and motivates us as we work towards launching our new Spanish immersive experience. We look forward to providing UK students with a transformative learning journey in Spain, building on our proven model of immersive education.”

In addition to this accolade, Monica has announced the development of a new immersive Spanish language programme, set to launch in Spain next year. This new initiative will complement the company’s successful English language courses offered in the UK to foreign students. The Spanish programme aims to provide UK students with an authentic and engaging learning opportunity, reflecting the same immersive approach that has driven Tecla Languages’ success.

Tecla Languages’ approach to immersive education is supported by research from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), which shows that immersive environments can improve language proficiency by up to 30% more than traditional methods. Monica’s vision of combining personal dedication with innovative educational practices continues to drive the company’s success.

The forthcoming launch of the Spanish language experience highlights Monica’s commitment to delivering impactful and personalised learning opportunities. This new initiative will build on Tecla Languages’ reputation for excellence and further extend its reach.

For further information, please visit tecla-languages.co.uk.

Supporting Emerging Designers in the Furniture Industry

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Sketch Studios, a workplace furniture consultancy, is launching an initiative called the ‘Furniture Designer Spotlight’ to support the next generation of furniture designers.

This initiative is designed to showcase emerging talent within the furniture design field, particularly focusing on British designers who are either in university or in their final year of studies.

Through the Furniture Designer Spotlight, Sketch Studios aims to help upcoming designers bring their ideas to life, thereby fostering innovation and diversity within the ever-changing industry.

“Ultimately, we see this as a vital step in nurturing British design talent and ensuring the longevity of our industry,” said Sketch Studios Managing Director Fritha Selwyn-Jones.

The consultancy plans to partner with distinguished universities, manufacturers, and designers, leveraging its own influence to highlight budding designers.

The Furniture Designer Spotlight is not solely about showcasing new talent. Sketch Studios’ initiative is also in line with the increasing demand for sustainable solutions in the furniture industry, reflecting its commitment to environmental responsibility as a B Corp-certified company.

By featuring British designers and promoting local manufacturing, Sketch Studios hopes to encourage a shift in the industry towards locally-produced furniture, thereby reducing the environmental footprint associated with long-distance shipping.

Last month, the studio featured Aniela Goodenough, a recent graduate from Nottingham Trent University, who provided a glimpse into a designer’s mind focused on innovation and sustainability.

When questioned about integrating sustainability into furniture design, Aniela said, “Sustainability is not a choice; it’s a necessity. As a designer in one of the most resource-intensive industries, I emphasise the importance of conscious design choices throughout the entire process – from modelling and sketching to development and production.”

Sketch Studios is inviting talented student furniture designers to take part in the Furniture Designer Spotlight and help build a more dynamic and sustainable future for the furniture industry.

Dave Antrobus: The Impact of AI on Entertainment

The global AI in Entertainment market is growing fast. From £94.3 million in 2019, it’s set to reach £1.79 billion by 2026. This shows how artificial intelligence is changing entertainment. Dave Antrobus, Co-Founder of Inc & Co, leads the way in using AI for media innovation.

AI is changing how we create and enjoy content. Before, TV scriptwriters worked long hours for little success. Now, AI can study what audiences like and make content just for them. This makes viewing feel special and unique for everyone.

Dave Antrobus‘s work uses AI to improve digital entertainment. AI helps predict hits and simplify film making. It’s starting a big change in the industry. Dave’s efforts are a glimpse of the future in entertainment, making it more exciting.

Introduction to AI in Entertainment

Artificial intelligence is now a key part of the entertainment world. It’s bringing new ways to enjoy and create content, thanks to UK’s tech progress. These innovations are changing entertainment in big ways.

AI’s role in entertainment started with simple suggestions. Now, it’s grown to complex systems that change how we make content and interact with it. Databricks is at the front, using Delta Sharing for better data sharing. This has greatly helped in reaching more people and using data well.

Open source connectors like Python and Apache Spark™ have also played a big part. They make it easy for companies to share and improve their data use. This step has pushed digital advancements in entertainment, with big names like Atlassian and Nasdaq working with Databricks.

AI’s impact in entertainment is huge. It leads to personal interfaces and allows for instant data analysis with tools like Tableau and PowerBI. This shows how artificial intelligence is changing the game. UK tech firms are leading these innovations, setting new benchmarks.

As AI grows in entertainment, it’s guided by strong ethical rules. The NO FAKES Act is an example, ensuring respect for intellectual rights and consent. AI’s role in entertainment is only getting bigger, promising more exciting ways to enjoy media.

The Role of Dave Antrobus in Media Innovation

Dave Antrobus is known for his big role in changing media with technology. He has worked on many important projects, bringing AI into entertainment. This has made things smarter and more fun.

His work started with a deep understanding of computer systems. He was always curious about new technology. Dave used AI to make media more exciting and engaging.

Dave has led many important projects. His ideas have made media sites work better and be more fun. He is good at seeing what will be popular next and using AI to get there.

He always thinks about the people using his technology. This has made technology easier to use in media. Dave’s work shows how the media’s future can be smarter and more focused on what users like.

Dave has worked on projects that make content more personal. They predict what users will like and make media more interactive. These successes show why Dave is a leader in making new media technologies.

How AI is Revolutionising Digital Entertainment

AI advancements are changing the digital entertainment scene. They’re making content creation and consumption different. Content personalisation is a major change. AI algorithms figure out what viewers like, tailoring recommendations to suit everyone’s tastes. This makes users more engaged. Netflix and Amazon Prime use this tech to make experiences better for users.

AI-generated content is another big leap. It can create scripts, music, and video clips. This is changing how content is made. It speeds things up and brings in new, creative ideas. Traditional methods might not think of these ideas.

Interactive experiences are getting better with AI. Virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri help users find and enjoy media easily. Video games are also using AI for more realistic worlds and smarter characters. This makes playing games much more exciting.

AI is used in making films and tailoring music playlists, like on Spotify. These uses show the real benefits of AI in entertainment. It makes things more immersive and suited to what you like.

AI can also work with big data to improve platforms. This is based on what users do and feedback. Google, for example, is making response systems better to cut down on harmful content. This highlights the importance of AI in making digital spaces safer and more fun.

AI in the Television Industry

AI is changing the TV industry by introducing new technologies. One innovation, AI scriptwriting, uses data to create shows that match what audiences like. This means TV producers can make personalised content that viewers really connect with.

Adaptive streaming is also changing the game. Platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime use AI to change video quality based on your internet speed. This ensures you always have a good viewing experience, keeping subscribers happy and engaged.

Using audience analytics, broadcasters can now tailor their shows and ads better. They analyse viewer data to understand what people want to watch. Innovations like NBCUniversal’s AI chatbot, OLI, show how AI can improve how we interact with TV.

To sum up, AI is reshaping TV by making content creation and delivery smarter. Thanks to AI in scriptwriting, streaming, and analytics, broadcasters can now focus on what viewers truly want. This is making the TV industry more efficient and focused on the audience.

The Future of Fun: AI in Interactive Media

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing how we have fun, especially in games, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). AI’s power lets us create personal and interactive stories. This is starting a new entertainment era, with users becoming part of the action in changing virtual worlds.

In games, AI is key for creating smarter, adaptive challenges. It looks at how players act and what they like. Then, it changes the game to match each player. This keeps the games fresh and exciting, making players eager to see what’s next.

AI and virtual reality are taking us to new worlds. They use complex algorithms to make realistic places that react to the player. This blend makes VR environments feel more real and engaging, enriching the VR adventure.

Augmented reality (AR) is also improving with AI. AR apps mix digital images with our world, creating interactive scenes. This combination opens up new ways to tell stories and play games, growing the entertainment world.

As AI gets better, its role in fun and games grows. We look forward to entertainment that’s more about us, more immersive and interactive. This future blurs the line between reality and digital worlds, offering new exciting ways to have fun.

AI’s Influence on the Music Industry

Artificial intelligence is changing the music industry in big ways. It is making processes easier and bringing in new ideas. This leads to important music industry innovation. AI’s role in AI composition is notable. It lets computers create new tunes. This gives artists and composers a new partner in creativity.

AI also improves music recommendations. It looks at what each person likes to listen to. Then, it creates playlists just for them. Spotify and Apple Music use this to make listening better for everyone.

AI is also finding new talent. It searches social media and streaming platforms for up-and-coming artists. This helps labels and agents discover new talent quickly. It ensures talented artists gain recognition faster.

AI’s influence reaches many areas of the music industry. It offers great possibilities for growth and innovation. As AI gets better, it will change how we make, share, and enjoy music. This will make the music world more exciting and diverse.

AI in Film Production

Artificial intelligence is changing film production in big ways. One key change is in AI-driven effects. These allow for amazing visuals that used to take a lot of work. Now, artists can use AI to make realistic CGI much faster, saving time and money.

AI also changes how filmmakers choose their actors, through casting decisions. By analysing lots of data, they can figure out the best actors for roles. This approach helps predict what audiences might like, leading to more interesting and relatable characters.

Furthermore, AI is great for making box office predictions. It looks at past data and trends to guess how well a film will do financially. This helps movie studios plan better marketing and decide when and where to release films to make the most money.

But AI’s role in film production isn’t just about efficiency; it affects creativity too. Filmmakers can try out new story ideas, visual styles, and edits with AI’s help. As AI gets better, its influence on both the creative and business sides of movies will keep growing. It’s becoming a crucial tool in the film industry.

Ethical Considerations of AI in Entertainment

AI is changing the world of digital entertainment, and looking at its ethical side is important. Issues like data privacy, bias in algorithms, and who’s responsible for AI’s actions need clear ethical rules. This makes sure AI platforms respect consumer rights and gain their trust.

When it comes to AI in entertainment, keeping user data safe is key. There’s a big risk of people’s information being misused. So, strong steps are needed to keep user data safe and secure. It’s also important that people know how their data is used. This lets them make choices about their privacy.

Addressing bias in AI systems is another big challenge. Biases can unfairly influence what content gets recommended or created. By focusing on making AI fair and unbiased, we make sure everyone is treated equally. This helps in creating a diverse and inclusive digital space. Also, the world is working towards AI that respects human values, as seen in the Special Issue on Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence in the Future Internet journal, due by 31 March 2025.

Knowing who is responsible when AI is involved in content creation is key. Clear guidelines defining accountability help everyone understand their role. This protects consumers and supports AI’s positive growth in the entertainment industry.