Business London Press

B.I.G. Hairdressing Academy Wins National Award and Transforms Hair Training

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01/09/2025

B.I.G. Hairdressing Academy Wins National Award and Transforms Hair Training

B.I.G. Hairdressing Academy, based in Central London and founded by veteran stylist and salon owner Marie Biggerstaff, is redefining the future of hair education with a fresh approach that has already earned the prestigious Most Loved Brand Award.

With 35 years of experience in the industry and as the owner of the award-winning Boathouse Hair Rooms in Chatham, Marie established the academy to fast-track aspiring stylists into careers without compromising quality. Her 18-week programme goes beyond traditional NVQ qualifications, combining high-impact practical training with flexible online learning to equip students with salon-ready skills and confidence.

“We’re rewriting the script for hair training,” said Marie. “This isn’t just about an NVQ – it’s about producing confident, capable professionals who are ready to hit the salon floor from day one.”

The academy focuses on getting students job-ready as quickly as possible, offering mock trade tests that simulate real-life interviews and access to a free nationwide salon recruitment database. Every graduate leaves with a professional portfolio showcasing photography, testimonials, and detailed information about their style and technical abilities. Salons hiring graduates only pay a modest finder’s fee, helping students connect with workplaces that match their skills and personality.

Later this year, Marie and the academy will launch a subscription-based alumni community to provide ongoing mentorship and career support for newly qualified stylists.

With its innovative training model, strong salon links, and commitment to student success, B.I.G. Hairdressing Academy is setting new standards for UK hairdressing education and proving that passion and innovation are a winning combination.

JNJ Building Services Wins Best Community Impact Award and Gains National Recognition

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01/09/2025

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JNJ Building Services Wins Best Community Impact Award and Gains National Recognition

West London-based construction specialist JNJ Building Services Ltd has won the prestigious “Best Community Impact” Award and has once again been nominated for the coveted WHICH? Trusted Trader of the Month Award.

Founded in 2014, the family-run business has earned a reputation as one of West London’s most respected construction companies, specialising in high-value residential projects and maintaining consistently exceptional standards.

One of the company’s biggest differentiators is its client-first approach, led by founder Jamie, which includes a bespoke Interactive Project Roadmap. This system provides clients with complete visibility of each stage of their project, ensuring they always know exactly what will happen and when. The result is a smooth, stress-free construction experience.

In an industry where overspends caused by poor planning can exceed £150,000 and planning refusals often result in redesigns costing £100,000 or more, Jamie’s commitment to transparency and precision reassures clients that their investment is protected.

“Too many people come to construction full of anxiety because of past horror stories,” said Jamie. “My mission is simple: to remove uncertainty and replace it with clarity. I don’t just want to build homes. I want to build trust, so clients feel supported every step of the way.”

With 17 years of hands-on residential building experience, Jamie has become the go-to expert for homeowners seeking outstanding results without unnecessary stress. His approach turns what is often seen as a complicated and uncertain process into a clear, structured, and reliable journey defined by quality, safety, and trust.

As the company continues to grow, Jamie is expanding his focus towards bespoke property development while remaining committed to championing transparency, quality, and integrity across the construction industry. With awards and recognition continuing to build, the future looks exceptionally bright for JNJ Building Services.

LNC Services Founder Christopher Cullen Honoured with Prestigious Leadership Award

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01/09/2025

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LNC Services Founder Christopher Cullen Honoured with Prestigious Leadership Award

At a time when many businesses are prioritising cost-cutting, LNC Services is proving that profitability and people-focused values can coexist. The London-based commercial cleaning company has seen its Founder, Christopher Cullen, recognised with a prestigious Leadership Award for his dedication to ethical business practices and team wellbeing.

Operating across Greater London, with a particular focus on Zones 1 and 2, LNC Services was co-founded by Christopher Cullen, who left the late-night hospitality industry to establish a cleaning company built on fairness, quality, and respect. The mission: to raise standards in commercial cleaning while prioritising the dignity of both clients and staff.

Unlike many competitors, LNC pays its 70+ cleaning staff the London Living Wage rather than the minimum wage, in alignment with the Living Wage Foundation. This ensures financial stability and consistent work for employees. Every cleaner also undergoes full training and thorough background checks, guaranteeing professionalism and safety for clients.

“Happy, fairly paid cleaners do better work, and our clients see the results every day,” said Christopher Cullen. “We wanted to create a business that values people over margins; our team, our customers and their spaces.”

LNC goes beyond standard cleaning contracts by offering transparent pricing and highly personalised services. Clients receive clear invoices with no hidden costs and can contact Christopher directly via WhatsApp for quick support. The team also assists with thoughtful extras such as restocking fridges or accepting after-hours deliveries.

Clients frequently praise the company’s quality and attention to detail. Paul Berwick, South of England Business Estates Partner for E-Act Group, said:

“Christopher and his team are honest, reliable and available. Their attention to detail exceeds our expectations.”

Edward Morris, CEO of B_Together Nurseries and former owner of Three Little Birds Nursery Group, added:

“I have worked with Christopher and his team at several of my businesses. They provide consistently good cleaning services at fair rates which make them my go-to.”

Amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and increasing operational costs, LNC positions premium cleaning services as a strategic investment, not a luxury. Christopher Cullen’s recognition reflects his understanding that well-maintained workspaces improve employee morale, enhance efficiency, and align with forward-thinking business values.

“Businesses shouldn’t have to choose between value and values,” Christopher said. “We make it simple: transparent pricing, a fair deal for our team and exceptional care for every client.”

For more information, visit www.lnc-services.co.uk.

New Medical Consultancy Launched to Help UK Drivers Navigate DVLA Health Requirements

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01/09/2025

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New Medical Consultancy Launched to Help UK Drivers Navigate DVLA Health Requirements

A new team of independent medical specialists has introduced the Medical Fitness to Drive Consultancy (MFTDC) to assist drivers and businesses across the UK with medical assessments required by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The service is now live and aims to provide drivers with clear, reliable advice on medical fitness to drive, helping them retain or regain their licences.

MFTDC offers a wide range of services, including online consultations, vocational driver medicals, and training programmes for both individuals and organisations. Key services include:

Online e-Consultations – Virtual appointments designed to guide individual drivers on DVLA medical requirements linked to specific health conditions.
D4 Exams / Group 2 Medicals – Medical assessments for HGV and PCV drivers, including vision testing. Clinics are available in Cardiff, Bristol, Swansea, and Birmingham, with appointments offered seven days a week in the Cardiff centre.
Training & Education – Tailored sessions for drivers, clinicians, and businesses to enhance understanding of UK medical driving standards.

The Managing Director of MFTDC said:

“Many drivers face delays or confusion when dealing with DVLA medical rules. Our role is to make the process clear and straightforward. By combining medical expertise with practical guidance, we make it easier for drivers to understand their responsibilities and for businesses to meet compliance requirements.

We are taking decisive action to support the community we serve by launching the UK’s most affordable D4 medical exam. From September 1st to December 31st, 2025, MFTDC will be offering its comprehensive Group 2 D4 medicals, including the mandatory vision assessment, for just £39 across all its centres.

Our mission is to put clarity back into the system, provide trusted medical expertise, and help drivers get back on the road legally and safely.”

MFTDC highlights that all final licensing decisions rest with the DVLA.

For more information or to book a consultation, visit www.mftdc.co.uk.

Perry Burns Launches New Business Book as a “First-Aid Kit” for SMEs

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01/09/2025

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Perry Burns Launches New Business Book as a “First-Aid Kit” for SMEs

While many business books focus on large corporations, serial entrepreneur Perry Burns takes a different approach with his latest title, offering practical guidance tailored to the real-world challenges of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“101 Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Started My Business” launches on 1st September 2025 and is already being praised as a practical “first-aid kit” for entrepreneurs. Drawing from Perry’s 50 years of hands-on experience, the book shares valuable lessons, anecdotes, and “war stories” that resonate with business owners across sectors and organisation sizes.

In true entrepreneurial spirit, the road to publication wasn’t without its hurdles. A miscommunication with the publisher resulted in the wrong file being sent to the printers, causing a handful of typos in the first print. Perry has turned this setback into a teaching moment, introducing his SAFETY process (explained on page 203). As he jokes:

“Readers of the first edition have been the lucky recipients of the ‘E’ & ‘T’ parts of the process.”

Perry reassures readers that all significant errors have since been fixed but still encourages them to flag any they spot:

“It’s all part of the entrepreneurial journey,” he adds with a smile.

Covering a wide range of topics — from finance and leadership to the influence of AI and SEO on business — the book mixes practical strategies and checklists with humour, cartoons, and interactive QR codes. Perry also invites readers to share their own “war stories” for potential inclusion in future editions.

Beginning his career selling cash registers door-to-door, Perry later moved into retail technology and software before working across sectors including finance, professional services, and electric motorbikes. Promoted to his first board role in 1985, he has served on the boards of UK Finance and the Motorcycle Industry Association. Today, he continues to champion vision, strategy, and communication while embracing the opportunities offered by emerging technologies.

Availability & Links

Launch Date: 1st September 2025
Amazon: http://tiny.cc/101Amazon
Review Link: http://tiny.cc/101Review

Court Theatre Training Company Becomes First New Member of the Federation of Drama Schools

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01/09/2025

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Court Theatre Training Company Becomes First New Member of the Federation of Drama Schools

Court Theatre Training Company, one of London’s most vibrant and innovative drama schools, has officially joined the prestigious Federation of Drama Schools (FDS).

This achievement marks a historic moment, as it is the first time a new member has been welcomed into the Federation since its creation, further solidifying Court Theatre Training Company’s position as a leading provider of professional actor training in the UK.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be accepted into the Federation of Drama Schools,” said Paul Taylor, Executive Director of Court Theatre Training Company.

“This recognition validates decades of work by our faculty, alumni, and students and opens a new era of opportunity, visibility, and excellence.”

The Federation of Drama Schools is widely regarded as a hallmark of excellence within the performing arts industry. Membership assures students and graduates enhanced credibility, offering greater recognition with casting directors, agents, and producers across the sector.

Founded in 1989, Court Theatre Training Company has built a reputation for its professional-standard training, innovative outreach, and dedication to preparing students for long-term, successful careers in the performing arts.

Its acceptance into the Federation celebrates over three decades of sustained achievement and represents a significant shift within the UK’s drama education landscape.

With accessibility and inclusivity at the heart of its approach, Court Theatre Training Company offers a standalone audition policy, UKVI approval for international students, and a range of outreach initiatives — demonstrating its commitment to delivering future-focused and adaptable actor training.

About the Federation of Drama Schools

The Federation of Drama Schools was established in 2017. Evolving from a group of drama school training providers who came together initially in 1969 as the Conference of Drama Schools (CDS), the 22 member schools at the time offered courses in Acting, Musical Theatre, Directing and Technical Theatre training, which were accredited by the National Council for Drama Training (NCDT). In 2012, these 2 bodies merged to form Drama UK. In 2017, this organisation dissolved, and the Federation of Drama Schools was created.

The Federation of Drama Schools partners are institutions that provide conservatoire vocational training for those who want to be professional performers, theatre makers and technical theatre practitioners. The courses they offer are for the most part for students of 18 years and over, and are fully established, recognised and regulated as higher education qualifications.

Each Federation partner offers a range of different courses and programmes. They are also individual in terms of particular ethos and approaches- there is no ‘set’ programme or course of studies, just as there is no ‘fixed’ ideal of what characteristics make a great performer or performance maker.

All partner schools do adhere to shared principles and characteristics that underpin their training programmes, and these are used to underpin the consideration of new partners. These hallmarks outline the key elements of a professional training experience and are what might be expected from any course that is intended to prepare for a professional performance career.

Global Brand Builder Jeremy Price Leads Mission to Preserve Memories Through Print

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29/08/2025

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Jeremy Price, the business strategist behind the UK launches of household names such as Fiskars, Buff headwear, and Gerber’s Bear Grylls outdoor range, is championing a new mission to place print back at the heart of photography, ensuring families can preserve their most treasured memories for generations.

After three decades of building multi-million-pound brands — including growing Graphistudio UK into a £4 million business — Price has shifted his focus to coaching photographers, helping them create sustainable studios that offer far more than just digital files.

“Most of us live our lives on screens, but when you lose someone, it’s printed photographs you reach for, not files in the cloud,” said Price. “I want to help photographers create albums and portraits that become family heirlooms.”

His move from corporate boardrooms to creative coaching was inspired by personal tragedy, including the loss of his son in 2006. Through these experiences, Price discovered the profound power of tangible photographs and their ability to offer lasting comfort.

Through his work with Graphistudio and his own consultancy, Price has already supported hundreds of photographers, guiding them to build profitable, high-end studios while reviving the value of printed imagery.

“We’ve built an industry obsessed with digital, but legacy lives on in print,” he said. “I’m proving you can run a successful, thriving creative business and still put meaning first.”

Price’s coaching has helped photographers pay off mortgages, take long-awaited holidays, and build premium, confidence-driven businesses — all while producing work that lasts far beyond a screen.

With a 35-year track record of global brand launches and a reputation for reshaping the photography sector, Jeremy Price is now calling on creatives to build an enduring legacy — one that celebrates both their craft and their clients’ memories.

United Arab Emirates Crowned Best Retirement Destination for UK Expats

Lifestyle

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29/08/2025

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United Arab Emirates Crowned Best Retirement Destination for UK Expats

According to new analysis from Gibraltar Residency, the UAE has secured the top spot as the preferred destination for British retirees in 2025.

Researchers assessed 40 countries worldwide, measuring them against six critical retirement criteria: access to healthcare, tax advantages, cost of living, annual sunshine hours, visa and residency flexibility, and English language accessibility. The categories with the most influence were healthcare, taxation, and affordability.

The UAE came out on top thanks to its combination of financial incentives and lifestyle benefits. The country offers a zero personal income tax regime, world-class healthcare services, and year-round sunshine.

Its large, well-established expat communities also mean new arrivals can integrate easily, while English is widely spoken across business and healthcare settings. Together, these factors make the Gulf state an increasingly attractive option for UK citizens planning their retirement abroad.

The research highlights that retirement priorities are shifting. While traditional hotspots such as Spain, Portugal and France have long been popular, stricter visa rules post-Brexit and higher living costs have made them less competitive. Instead, retirees are looking further afield to destinations that combine financial security with a high quality of life.

The Top Five Destinations for British Retirees in 2025 Are:

United Arab Emirates – Favourable tax regime, world-class healthcare and abundant sunshine.
Thailand – Low cost of living, accessible residency options and a strong reputation for healthcare.
Malaysia – Affordable lifestyle, good healthcare and widespread English usage.
Mexico – Strong healthcare system, low living costs and vibrant expat hubs.
Gibraltar – Familiar legal and healthcare systems, tax advantages and sunny climate.

Interestingly, Gibraltar was the only European destination to feature within the top 10. Its strong appeal lies in its unique blend of British familiarity and Mediterranean lifestyle, coupled with tax advantages and healthcare aligned with the UK system. The June 2025 treaty restoring visa-free access to the Schengen area for Gibraltar residents also boosted its ranking, making it one of the few European options offering both financial and lifestyle security.

As retirees weigh up where to spend their later years, factors such as healthcare quality, affordability and ease of residency are becoming more influential than geographical proximity. For many, the UAE’s mix of sunshine, safety, healthcare excellence and tax freedom is setting a new benchmark for international retirement destinations.

The rankings were based on weighted scores across healthcare (25%), personal tax rates (25%), cost of living (25%), sunshine hours (8.33%), residency options (8.33%) and English proficiency (8.33%).

Velocity OS™ Combines AI, Human Expertise, and a Fresh Partnership Model to Accelerate Business Growth

AI
Business

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29/08/2025

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Velocity OS™ Combines AI, Human Expertise, and a Fresh Partnership Model to Accelerate Business Growth

London-based High-Velocity Startups has announced rapid momentum for Velocity OS™, its intelligent business acceleration agent designed to close one of the biggest gaps in entrepreneurship today: effective implementation. Early traction demonstrates growing demand for a structured, guided approach that enables founders to move faster while maintaining quality and precision.

Historically, entrepreneurs seeking mentorship, tools, and resources have faced fragmented options, often limited to those who already know where to look. Velocity OS™ changes that, starting with the Business Offer Refiner™, which helps founders create client-ready offers within minutes. Complementary modules include the Magnetic Marketing Mapper™, Conversion Sales System™, and Legal Launchpad™, with the Finance Fortifier™ set to launch soon.

Together, these solutions simplify critical aspects of the business journey, empowering founders to navigate from strategy through delivery with greater clarity, confidence, and speed.

“Velocity OS™ is far more than just an app. It is an AI-first, human-guided experience that accelerates entrepreneurship,” said Raihan Islam, Founder and Principal Advisor at High-Velocity Startups. “Entrepreneurs are telling us they want more than ideas and inspiration. They want clear, actionable frameworks that keep momentum and reduce uncertainty.”

Now with Velocity OS™, founders can quickly define offers aligned with themselves and their ideal customers. Beyond this initial offer definition, they can extend its marketability through drafting content such as landing page copy, ad hooks, sales scripts and objection-handling responses. They can even draft initial versions of essential legal agreements such as terms and conditions.

To provide users with the assurance that they are not merely working with random AI outputs, they are also able to schedule time with an expert advisor through Velocity OS™ and review what the app has helped them create.

A central pillar in developing Velocity OS™ has been its collaboration with Fusion Flow Software, a leader in enterprise-grade ERP and AI systems. Diego Araujo, Founder and Chief Architect of Fusion Flow, emphasized the significance. He said: “Velocity OS™ demonstrates how small businesses can access the same level of responsible AI adoption that global enterprises demand. At Fusion Flow, we’ve helped boards and executives navigate AI governance at scale. Partnering with Raihan allows us to translate that rigor into the entrepreneurial world, making Velocity OS™ board-ready.”

The innovative Velocity OS™ is offered in different packages, with higher tiers focused on providing more done-for-you consulting services than solely advisory-level support. Its effectiveness has been validated through a series of webinars on ‘How to Win Over Your Ideal Customer by Proposing Irresistible Offers,’ during which automation-driven offer creation was compressed from weeks into minutes. The Irresistible Offer principle was originally coined by Mark Joyner and has been popularised by entrepreneurs such as Alex Hormozi and Russell Brunson.

Raihan’s perspective draws from his credential as a Certified Chair™ in the advisory board field, applying best practices in governance to the adoption of AI and automation, as well as his writing on entrepreneurship and innovation for ComputerWeekly.com. “Boards and their advisors need to understand the risks of AI adoption, but also the frameworks available to implement it properly,” he explained. “That philosophy of responsible adoption guides how we are building Velocity OS™ for entrepreneurs.”

The inspiration to build Velocity OS™ came from seeing too many entrepreneurs stalled between inspiration and action. “I noticed in both my advisory work and through my own entrepreneurial journey that people often knew what strategies to apply, but lacked the tools to take action,” Raihan said. “Velocity OS™ was designed to bridge that gap so that when founders imagine an offer, they can launch it the same day.”

To learn more about Velocity OS™, visit www.highvelocitystartups.com/velocity-os.

ONEEV Launches to Revolutionise EV Charging Across the UK and Ireland

Business

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29/08/2025

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ONEEV Launches to Revolutionise EV Charging Across the UK and Ireland

ONEEV, the smarter and more rewarding EV lifestyle app, has officially launched across the UK and Ireland with the goal of reducing range anxiety and transforming the way drivers manage their electric vehicles. Founded by Tim Moore and Lyndon Gough, the platform addresses key pain points for EV owners, including unreliable charging access, hidden costs, and complex payment processes. Through ONEEV, users benefit from real-time charger availability, transparent pricing, secure in-app payments, and a dedicated marketplace for EV products and lifestyle services.

The launch marks the culmination of an 18-month journey that began in April 2024, when Moore and Gough discovered the challenges facing EV drivers firsthand. Within just 24 hours of receiving their new vehicles, they encountered the same frustrations experienced by millions across the UK — from unreliable charging apps and confusing pre-payment systems to unclear tariffs and the absence of a centralised hub for essential EV services.

By May 2024, the pair realised these issues extended beyond charging. EV owners often lacked guidance on home charging solutions, insurance, tyre replacements, servicing, and even roadside recovery coverage. As lifelong friends and new EV enthusiasts, Moore and Gough decided to reimagine the entire EV ownership experience, developing ONEEV as a comprehensive, driver-first platform designed to simplify life for EV owners.

“The cars were cutting-edge, but the ownership experience felt clunky and disconnected,” said Tim Moore, Co-Founder of ONEEV. “We set out to create one platform that would transform not just charging, but the entire EV lifestyle.”

The founders combined their complementary experience: Lyndon Gough, with a track record of building and scaling successful businesses, and Tim Moore, who spent years shaping global brands with a focus on customer-first innovation. Together, they assembled a team of developers and researchers to reimagine the EV experience — and bring ONEEV to life.

While others raced to roll out infrastructure, Moore and Gough put drivers first, focusing on accuracy and usability. In testing, they discovered that charge point data provided was only around 65% reliable – meaning drivers faced a one-in-three chance of failure or frustration. When they raised the issue, data hubs dismissed the concerns, claiming no other roaming partners had a problem and that this level of accuracy was acceptable. ONEEV refused to accept that. Instead, the founders delayed launch and invested heavily to raise accuracy to 99.8%, setting a new benchmark for the industry, resulting in a better experience for the customer.

If the data is broken, the driver experience will be broken too,” said Co-Founder Lyndon Gough. “We took the harder path – self-funding, pushing partners for higher standards, and refusing to cut corners – because we knew drivers deserved better.

A Platform Beyond Charging

The result is ONEEV: a premium lifestyle platform built by EV drivers, for EV drivers. Key features include:

Real-time access to charge points with 99.8% accuracy.
Transparent live pricing before every session.
Secure in-app payments designed to safeguard customer transactions.
Instant digital receipts, designed with business users in mind.
Connected lifestyle services: Carefully selected partners offering everything from reliable home chargers and specialist insurance to performance EV tyres, premium roadside recovery, bespoke accessories, and even EV-friendly travel experiences. By consolidating these services, ONEEV positions itself not just as another charging app, but as the central hub for EV living.

The UK EV market is accelerating, with SMMT reporting a 17% rise in new electric registrations in June 2025 alone. However, consumer confidence continues to be challenged by poor charging experiences, lack of infrastructure visibility, and fragmented service offerings. ONEEV aims to restore trust and convenience by creating a single, reliable platform.

ONEEV’s Promise

ONEEV’s founding principles are rooted in a belief that EV drivers deserve better than subpar experiences. The platform was created to put drivers firmly in control of their journeys and offer fewer, smarter features that simply work.

Build a connected, reliable, and rewarding EV lifestyle. Moore and Gough summarise their mission simply: ONEEV was born from lived frustration but built with purpose – for every driver who has been stranded, confused, or let down. We see you. We were you. And we built ONEEV for you.

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