| In a landmark move set to transform the streets of London, the Thames Estuary Growth Board, Thames Freeport, and the Port of London Authority have signed a ground-breaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement will reduce congestion and pollution by shifting a significant portion of freight transport from roads to the River Thames. Designed for scalability and commercial viability, this initiative marks a significant leap towards sustainable urban logistics, benefiting both London and the Thames Estuary. Following growing concerns about pollution and congestion in London, this partnership addresses the urgent need to reduce the number of HGVs on the city’s roads. Recent studies have highlighted the impact of traffic-related emissions on air quality and public health. By shifting a significant portion of freight transport to the River Thames and using sustainable vehicles for the last-mile delivery, this collaboration will alleviate road congestion, decrease pollution, and support the capital’s commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions. Kate Willard OBE, Thames Estuary Envoy, and chair of the Thames Estuary Growth Board, said: “This agreement is a major milestone in our journey to create a greener, more efficient logistics network. It demonstrates our unwavering commitment to fair, sustainable growth and ambitious innovation.” This collaboration aims to revolutionise river light freight on the Thames, ensuring it is commercially viable, designed to be easily scaled up, and anchored at the Thames Freeport. It supports regional Net Zero objectives and leverages existing infrastructure to provide long-term benefits for communities across the Thames Estuary and far into London. This MOU is part of a framework of activity led by the Growth Board under the RULE (Riverside Urban Logistics Environment) project. The RULE project is dedicated to developing a comprehensive river light freight solution, incorporating insights and expertise from a diverse array of partners, including boat operators, pier owners, policymakers, logistics service providers, last-mile delivery companies, and potential investors. The RULE project will be a critical vehicle for establishing a new standard for sustainable river freight transport. The group’s ambition is to see an initial 20million parcels moved annually on the river, generating £54 million in Gross Value Added (GVA), creating over 800 new jobs, and resulting in significant environmental benefits, including saving 2,284 tonnes of CO2 and 3.6 tonnes of NOx – with capacity to significantly scale this up further. |
Ground-breaking agreement signals new era for freight on the River Thames
7 Ways to elevate your London business travel experience
Are you planning a business trip to London in the near future? If so, why not make the most out of this wonderful experience? Let’s look at seven ways to ensure that your visit is nothing less than spectacular.
Taking in the atmosphere
Always make it a point to visit some of the most well-known attractions that the city has to offer. It is a good idea to consult with websites such as Visit London, as numerous recommendations can be examined with a single click.
Dress appropriately
It is no secret that London weather can be less than agreeable from time to time. Check weather forecasts well in advance so that you can choose the appropriate wardrobe, and avoid being caught by surprise.
Networking options
Any London holiday can represent an excellent way to establish powerful business connections. Spend a bit of time browsing through online networking portals, as you will often be able to connect with like-minded individuals, and even plan to meet upon your arrival.
High-class accommodations
Business travellers often prefer nothing less than the best when it comes to hotels. In order to avoid less-than-agreeable accommodations, it is wise to confirm reservations at high-end luxury apartments such as those found at https://londonservicedapartments.co.uk/aparthotels-london/. You can also narrow down
your options based on variables including location and date.
Take jet lag into account
If you will be arriving from abroad, jet lag could present an issue. It is best to prepare for this in advance; even if you might still feel a bit fatigued. Useful recommendations include remaining hydrated throughout the flight, and obtaining plenty of sleep well ahead the intended date of departure.
https://youtu.be/7vqfjBZ9864?si=P-dqC_DnH9t7msm_
Plan your itinerary
Many London business travellers will find themselves pressed for time due to hectic schedules. The best way to avoid becoming overwhelmed is to plan your activities; even if you are not entirely certain what each day will entail. The chances are high that you will be able to find room for some much-needed downtime. After all, any satisfying journey should involve a certain amount of enjoyment!
Take advantage of modern wireless technology
Smartphones can work wonders for any London visitor, and there are many travel-based applications which can provide valuable advice. From the most popular restaurants and meeting places to the latest corporate events or simply the best parks to enjoy a sunny day, a wealth of information is at your fingertips. The majority of these apps can be downloaded for free, and they are capable of providing personalised recommendations based on your input.
As the expression goes, it is always better to work smart as opposed to hard. Even if you will be arriving to London with business requirements in mind, there is no reason why this visit should cause undue stress. The tips and tricks mentioned above are great ways to start your trip off in the right direction.
Dash Couriers – The Sector’s Call to Truly Deliver
Dash Couriers Wiltshire Ltd, a Swindon-based delivery company, has taken a strong stance against the industry’s reliability issues.
Led by the husband and wife team Darren and Shani Moore, with Shani recently recognised as Female Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 by Great British Expos, Dash Couriers is celebrating four successful years in the sector.
With more than 25 years of industry experience, the company specialises in same-day and time-sensitive freight services across the UK. Their commitment was recently acknowledged with a bronze award for The NCDA Independent Courier of the Year 2024 at the National Courier and Despatch Association Awards.
Darren Moore, co-founder of Dash Couriers, stated: “In an industry where service levels frequently fall short, we prioritise driver welfare and accountability as core values, distinguishing ourselves from competitors.
“This dedication has allowed us to fill a gap in the market by delivering exceptional customer service. Our success is largely attributed to our fantastic team of dedicated drivers, who are committed to our mission.”
Recent data highlight the sector’s challenges, with a survey by Citizens Advice revealing that 57% of people experienced issues with late deliveries. Additionally, 31% of customers rated their delivery experience as poor due to inadequate service (Citizens Advice, 2023). In contrast, Dash Couriers consistently receives positive feedback for their reliability and efficiency, holding a 4.8* rating on Google Reviews, showcasing their dedication to excellence.
A customer shared: “Dash is growing on me more so because they have not just delivered, they’ve serviced a solution for us as a business and our customers. Being cheapest isn’t the best, being a brand isn’t the best – doing what you say you are going to do is best! If you need to get a parcel from A-B, try them.”
Dash Couriers offers a wide range of delivery options, from single envelopes to full truckloads of pallets, with collections available in as little as 30 minutes. This flexibility, coupled with meticulous attention to detail and a sustainable future plan, has made Dash Couriers the go-to choice for many organisations, including small businesses, global brands, the NHS, and local councils.
As Dash Couriers continues to set the industry standard for reliability and customer satisfaction, their commitment to excellence remains steadfast.
For more information, contact [email protected].
AA Power Marketing Celebrates Milestone in Service Expansion
AA Power Marketing is celebrating a significant milestone with the successful expansion of its services, set to transform the beauty and wellness industry. Spearheaded by the award-winning sibling co-founders Diana and Norberto Abreu, the company offers a fresh approach to the digital sphere for professionals and businesses.
To enhance its offerings, AA Power Marketing has introduced comprehensive branding and rebranding services. These services help clients develop brand books, logos, and an overall brand identity that resonates with their target audiences and sets them apart in a competitive market.
Alongside these branding services, AA Power Marketing now offers web development solutions. This new service ensures that clients’ websites and landing pages are professionally built and optimised for their specific business needs, providing a seamless and impactful digital presence.
The company is also excited to announce a strategic partnership with JD Content Creators. This collaboration will see AA Power Marketing leading business model planning, strategy, and funnel development to launch a new, comprehensive content creation service. This service will cover conferences internationally and provide top-tier business-to-business content solutions.
Reflecting the immediate client demand, the creative agency has already assisted Lily Aesthetic & Medical Group in rebranding from an aesthetic clinic to a corporate medical group. As a result, the client has reported a significant positive financial impact, with revenue increasing by up to 75%.
These exciting developments underscore AA Power Marketing’s unwavering commitment to supporting beauty professionals and businesses in thriving in the digital age. The company’s innovative approach and continuous growth demonstrate its dedication to excellence and industry leadership – most recently recognised by clinching ‘New Start Up 2024’, ‘Innovation 2024’, and ‘Best Newcomer 2024’ awards from Big Business Events.
For more information about AA Power Marketing and its services, please visit Instagram and TikTok @aapowermarketing or contact Diana Abreu at [email protected].
Eighty™ Recognised: Innovating High-Performance Coaching
Eighty™, under the visionary leadership of Anna Mosely, is revolutionising the high-performance training industry. Recently, the company clinched the Best New Product / Service award from Big Business Events, reshaping what high-performance culture means in the business world.
Anna Mosely’s journey from corporate exhaustion to acclaimed coach is truly inspiring. As a high achiever who grappled with perfectionism and work-life balance, Anna found a new direction with the help of a remarkable coach. Rebuilding her self-esteem, she founded Eighty™ to empower leaders and teams to realise their full potential. Her story is a powerful example of resilience and the transformative power of professional coaching.
Eighty™ distinguishes itself with a groundbreaking approach that integrates mental fitness with high performance. Its innovative 80% Rule methodology surpasses traditional training programmes, helping teams unleash their EXTRAordinary potential. This progressive strategy disrupts conventional thinking, encouraging a high-performance culture. Anna’s relatable, impactful style ensures a mindSHIFT in entire teams, leaving them energised and ready to deliver outstanding results.
The academy’s programmes are crafted to equip teams with unique, straightforward, and memorable insights, tools, and takeaways. They offer leadership and emerging leader training, along with strategic consultation and support. These programmes have consistently delivered exceptional results, making Eighty™ a beacon of success for global corporate clients.
The positive impact of Eighty™ is evident in glowing testimonials from numerous prestigious organisations. Clients often commend Anna’s skill in simplifying complex topics, ensuring that concepts stick and promoting long-term learning and cultural transformation. Nicole Farncombe, former Head of People at ghd, remarked, “WOW, just wow, Anna Mosely, your session today was outstanding!” Tom Dove, Founder of Fraser Dove International, added, “Without doubt the best training I’ve had in my entire career.”
Beyond her professional success, Anna is a mumpreneur to two young daughters, demonstrating that balance and high performance can coexist. Her philosophy that “80% is enough” encourages individuals to work smarter, achieve mental clarity, and thrive in the ‘high-performance zone’. This approach fosters better decision-making, increased creativity, and reduced stress.
Eighty™’s recent award highlights its exceptional impact and the significant advancements it is making in the training industry. As more businesses experience the academy’s unique approach, it is clear that Eighty™ is not merely a participant in the market—it is redefining it.
For more information, visit www.eighty.academy or contact Founder Anna Mosley at [email protected].
Cornerhouse Unveils New Café, Bar, Food Hall and Event Space on Rye Lane, Peckham
The team behind the popular workspace, Market, in Peckham, is excited to introduce their new sister venture: Cornerhouse. This new addition, located at 133a Rye Lane, has transformed the ground floor into a café, bar, small food hall, and event space, opening this summer.
Cornerhouse continues to support small local businesses while offering the community a central place to eat, drink, work, and socialise in the heart of Rye Lane. The café and a range of food traders provide special working brunch and lunch menus throughout the week, with strong WiFi and bookable meeting spaces available, catering to both in-house workers and the wider working community. The space comes alive in the evenings and weekends with a line-up of talented chefs, bartenders, DJs, makers, traders, and collaborators, each contributing their own distinct energy and creativity. Current traders include The Porch, Nativo, Greek Kitchen, Young Nola and Taco Taco.
The inspiration for Cornerhouse stems from the historic Lyon’s Tea Rooms and Corner Houses, which were among the first businesses to occupy the building over a century ago. Traditionally, ‘corner houses’ were community hubs where people gathered to share news, reconnect with neighbours, or meet new ones.
August events at Cornerhouse include a Carnival warm-up party featuring Mister S, a Seafood Boil in the courtyard with Young Nola, and weekly sets from resident DJs like Handson Family and Talia A Darling.
Handson Family commented, “We have always been looking to do something locally, having done things all over London. It’s just beautiful to do something on your doorstep.”
Cornerhouse is a versatile venue for those working locally, meeting people, enjoying family time, or celebrating with friends, open day and night.
For more information, visit: https://www.ryelanecornerhouse.com/
UK Space Accelerator Announces Application Launch for Third Cohort
The UK Space Agency Accelerator has launched applications for its eagerly awaited third cohorts of the Leo and Geo programmes at the Farnborough Air Show on 22nd July 2024. This initiative, run in collaboration with the UK Space Agency, Entrepreneurial Spark, and Exotopic, aims to further develop a flourishing space ecosystem in the UK.
The Leo and Geo programmes offer unparalleled business mentorship, enabling space businesses to advance towards commercialisation. This initiative has cultivated a dynamic and diverse community of startups within the UK space sector, attracting entrepreneurs from a variety of adjacent industries.
The Leo programme is designed for entrepreneurs with a proof of concept who are keen to establish a high-growth, scalable space enterprise. Over a dynamic six-month period, successful applicants will engage in comprehensive workshops and personalised sessions with a select team of growth experts. These experts will assist in refining business models and strengthening product offerings to find a sustainable market pathway.
The Geo programme offers tailored support for entrepreneurs with proven market traction, ready to scale their operations. During this intensive six-month programme, participants and their teams will work with commercialisation specialists to strategically position their businesses for sustained growth.
The launch of the Leo and Geo programmes coincides with the release of the UK Space Agency Accelerator Interim Impact Report. This report details the significant impact the Accelerator has had on UK space startups, with key outcomes including:
- 76 UK businesses supported by the programme.
- £1.38m in funding secured, with an additional £23m in potential funding.
- Entrepreneur participation from 11 of the 12 UK regions.
- 50 new jobs created.
- 96% of participants developed a clear business model.
Mike Stephens, CEO of Entrepreneurial Spark, stated, “This report shows that we are already making a difference; catalysing investment, supporting the commercialisation of new technologies that will deliver mission capabilities, and championing space startups across the whole of the UK. This year, we will do even more to collaborate with adjacent sectors to share talent and opportunities, work even harder on inclusion, and connect even more investors with high-potential space entrepreneurs.”
Through its most recent Explore cohort and the upcoming Leo and Geo programmes, the UK Space Agency is furthering its commitment to supporting a thriving startup ecosystem within the UK’s growing space sector.
The Leo and Geo programmes offer a unique opportunity to join a valuable network, share ideas, and accelerate your business growth.
Applications will be open until 18th August 2024. They are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged as spaces are limited.
Learn more about the Leo programme here: https://www.ukspaceaccelerator.co.uk/leo
Learn more about the Geo programme here: https://www.ukspaceaccelerator.co.uk/geo
500 new jobs to be created as Kingston enterprise hub launches
A new workspace and enterprise hub, designed to give local people the support they need to start and grow businesses, has opened in Kingston.
Located on the ground floor of the John Lewis building on Kingston riverside, Town Square Kingston, is expected to help create at least 500 new jobs and boost the local economy by providing people with a closer-to-home place to work, and by fostering a supportive startup community.
Coworking and small business experts, Town Square Spaces Ltd (TownSq) will operate the hub on behalf of Kingston Council and recently unveiled the new space alongside its vision for supporting local enterprise.
The modern workspace will have five small and medium offices, a coworking space for up to 60 people, meeting rooms and an on-site cafe. The space will also offer its members access to one-to-one support, mentoring and business workshops.
TownSq’s hub manager for Kingston, Ryan Gough said: “We’ve already had a lot of interest from local freelancers and small businesses looking for affordable workspace so we’re delighted to open our doors for the first time.
“For us, a workspace is not just a place to work, but a place to work together. We find that when people from different backgrounds, businesses and industries share the same space there is a natural networking and sharing of experience that can lead to some incredible collaborations.
“As a freelancer or startup, there is nothing like having the opportunity to turn to your left and get advice from someone who has been running their own enterprise for years and already solved the very challenge you are facing – it can be a game changer.
“I’d encourage anyone with an idea or a desire to start their own business to come and take a look at our space. We can offer support to anyone in the early stages of their business; from the teams looking to collaborate with others, to the individual with a promising idea who can’t quite quit their day job yet – we can help.”
Town Square Kingston is at the heart of Kingston’s Riverside regeneration delivering a new creative and knowledge quarter on Kingston’s riverside, including Fusebox, a new cultural space, managed and led by Kingston’s homegrown youth arts charity, Creative Youth.
Cllr Andreas Kirsch, leader of Kingston Council, said: “We are proud to have been able to bring this underused space back to life, and look forward to encouraging the growth of local Kingston businesses, and seeing them flourish through this innovative new workspace.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for businesses to create high-quality opportunities for those who live, work, or study in our borough. This project is an important part of our vision to create a fairer and more inclusive economy in Kingston.”
Town Square Kingston has been supported and delivered in partnership with the BIG South London programme, a South London-wide drive to unlock knowledge-based economic growth in the area and has received from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Just Stop Oil supporters arrested following damage at Heathrow
Two Just Stop Oil supporters who sprayed orange paint around Heathrow Airport this morning, have been arrested.
The group – which is demanding a fossil fuel treaty to end gas and oil by 2030 – said two of its supporters had painted the entrance hall to Terminal five, as well as the departure boards in the departures lounge.
The Metropolitan Police and security arrived on scene within minutes and proceeded to cordon off the area.
Two woman were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and officers “remain in the area to deal with any further offences”.
The group issued a statement from one of the women (58) who said: “We are in the greatest crisis humanity has ever faced and governments are not doing what is needed to protect us. Ordinary people have to stand up and make their governments do the right thing, because without pressure from us, they won’t. I feel so angry and betrayed that politicians have let this happen when they’ve known about climate breakdown for over 50 years.
“Fossil fuel companies are maxing out profits, while hundreds of millions of people pay the price with their lives! Our government must commit to signing a legally binding fossil fuel treaty to end the extraction and burning of fossil fuels by 2030 – and it must support poorer countries to get off fossil fuels too.”
The Oil Kills international uprising has been taking action at airports around the world. Twenty-one groups across 12 countries have taken action at 18 airports so far.
A Heathrow spokesperson said: “Working with partners we have quickly resolved a protest incident in Terminal 5 and all involved have been removed from the airport.
“The airport continues to operate as normal and passengers are travelling as planned.
“We are in full agreement that the aviation industry needs to decarbonise, but unlawful and irresponsible protest activity is not the way forward and will not be tolerated.”
Trends to Watch Out for When Creating Legal Marketing Strategy
In this highly competitive era staying ahead of the competitors. If you are in the legal field you need to market yourself or your law firm in a way that people start trusting your expertise. Even if you achieve success with your marketing strategy you may need to scale it up.
But how? Here’s how you need to monitor the growing trends in the industry and start utilizing those to create the finest strategy for yourself. This article will discuss the currently growing trends you should focus on while creating a legal marketing strategy.
Trends That Are Key to a Successful Legal Marketing Strategy
Emphasis on Digital Transformation
Digital transformation can be achieved through employing AI, automation, and chatbots which lead to increased efficiency and customer involvement. These technologies streamline processes such as instant response systems and develop an overall better client experience thereby enhancing your legal marketing strategy with modern expectations in mind.
In order to establish your authority within the sector, it is important to develop useful and informative content that may include videos, blogs, and podcasts among others. This approach brings in potential customers who seek valuable insights about what’s going on inside the business thus reflecting on your knowledge and reliability in matters of law.
Personalization and Client-Centric Approaches
Customer satisfaction can be increased by using data analytics to offer personalized communication based on individual customer needs. Consequently, clients feel a personal touch in terms of communication leading to stronger relationships besides other services such as understanding their unique legal issues.
By constantly updating one’s social media pages and regularly posting engaging content helps boost visibility for your firm as well as interacting with clients and creating brand awareness. Regular updates capturing relevant information for viewership purposes help various users register with a particular law firm hence raising its popularity.
Local SEO and Voice Search Optimization
When optimizing for local search or voice search queries, it ensures that potential clients find you easily. Specifically targeting people from nearby areas will result in more searches leading to greater chances of being contacted by such prospective customers.
In marketing, trust, and credibility are established by conforming to ethical standards. In the legal industry, openness in communication that is truthful and compliance with advertising laws is vital for maintaining a good reputation over time.
Compliance with regulations and protection of customer information can only be achieved if data privacy and security are given priority. This emphasis on the safety of information creates trust through customers’ confidence in you as a service provider who cares about confidentiality.
Potential clients are engaged through video content such as live streaming or educational videos which help in creating trust. Through this approach, legal technicalities could be communicated simply via videos that result in better comprehension by clients thereby making them feel emotionally connected.
To attain a seamless client experience, omnichannel marketing encompasses all channels. As a result, it ensures consistent messaging and branding across touch points leading to greater satisfaction among clients hence building loyalty.
Benefits of Creating a Legal Marketing Strategy Following the Latest Trends
Using new trends makes your advertising efforts remain fresh and relevant, catch the eye of clients, and make them stay engaged. With interactive materials and innovative strategies, customers will have a sense of being in touch with you hence fostering stronger bonds as well as increasing their loyalty.
Staying trendy enables attracting clients who are interested in modern legal services that are rendered in an innovative manner. By implementing state-of-the-art marketing methods, you can ensure that your firm will stand out from the crowd thus appealing to the larger population.
Incorporating recent tools and approaches into marketing processes simplifies them thereby reducing costs while improving general efficiency. Automation gadgets together with artificial intelligence can perform monotonous jobs so that your team can concentrate on more important tasks like developing business strategies or interacting with customers.
Big data analytics combined with AI gives useful insights about customer behavior which can be used for targeted marketing through personalization. Having knowledge about your customers’ desires as well as preferences helps deliver better services and enhance communication aimed at enhancing customer retention.
Your firm’s visibility and reputation can be enhanced by continuously applying the latest trends, thereby creating a strong brand identity that is widely known in the legal industry. A distinctive brand built on modern marketing principles will capture attention and generate trust with potential clients.
Adopting up-to-date marketing methods has the ability to increase conversion levels leading to more loyal customers. For instance, businesses that personalize their marketing messages see a 20% increase in sales on average, according to McKinsey. Successful tactics such as individualized touch-points and focused promotions improve the chances of converting prospects into buyers.
Conclusion
Don’t lag behind when it comes to creating a legal marketing strategy. Up-to-date information is necessary for the success of your business. Your firm can get closer to the clients, make things easy for them, and remain competitive in the market by using these trends.
