Business London Press

New BYD Harmony Showroom Opens in Canary Wharf, London

News Desk

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13/06/2024

New BYD Harmony Showroom Opens in Canary Wharf, London

BYD, the global leader in New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), has opened a new showroom in Canary Wharf. The launch event on 3 June was attended by over 100 elite guests from London’s business, financial, cultural, and media sectors, as well as leaders from the Chinese community in London.

At the opening ceremony, William Burton, Non-Executive Director of the British Tourism Board, praised BYD’s significant contributions to the new energy vehicle industry and shared his professional insights into choosing the BYD ATTO 3. He extended his best wishes for the new showroom and looked forward to BYD’s continued leadership in green travel.

Geetan Jessen, General Manager of Harmony Auto UK, said: “We are delighted to announce BYD’s presence in London’s financial centre of Canary Wharf.

“Our aim is that the BYD brand will create a synergistic effect with surrounding high-end brands, enhancing its brand image and appeal to consumers in the area.

“Launching a showroom in Canary Wharf is a huge step for BYD as it continues to expand its presence as an emerging electric vehicle brand in the UK.”

The showroom, operated by BYD dealer Harmony Auto, will initially feature three BYD models – the ATTO 3 crossover, the Dolphin hatchback, and the Seal saloon. All BYD models for overseas markets will eventually be showcased and sold from Canary Wharf.

Harmony plans to open additional BYD stores throughout the UK, with operations expected to start by the end of 2024.

Jack Feng, Chairman of Harmony Auto Holdings Co., Ltd., said: “We are thrilled to be running this outstanding new showroom in Canary Wharf, which is a huge step for BYD as a brand in the UK.

“We have ambitious plans to greatly expand our presence in the UK with more showrooms planned across the country as we continue to grow our fantastic relationship with BYD since we began our strategic partnership in 2023.”

For more information about BYD and its new Canary Wharf showroom, visit www.byd.com/uk/

Wheelchair Alliance Welcomes Tanni Grey-Thompson as New President

News Desk

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13/06/2024

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Wheelchair Alliance Welcomes Tanni Grey-Thompson as New President

Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson has taken on the role of president of the Wheelchair Alliance, an organisation dedicated to championing the voice of wheelchair users across England.

As one of the founding members of the Alliance and a wheelchair user herself, Tanni has campaigned relentlessly on key issues such as accessibility, equality, and welfare reform.

In her new capacity, Tanni, who secured 11 gold medals during her distinguished sporting career, will collaborate with Alliance members to advocate for wheelchair users, highlighting inequalities in provision and services and ensuring their voices are heard at the highest levels.

Tanni, who was made a Life Peer in 2010 in recognition of her achievements, said: “I am delighted to become president of the Wheelchair Alliance, particularly at such an important moment in its history.

“Since its launch in 2015, the Wheelchair Alliance has brought together wheelchair users, charities, representatives from the NHS, and trade to highlight the challenges faced by wheelchair users each and every day.

“Our latest report, the Value of a Wheelchair, showed that increasing spending on wheelchair provision by £22 million would unlock benefits to society worth more than £60 million each year. The report also highlights huge disparities in the time it takes for people to access wheelchair services and the support they need. The message is coming through loud and clear – it’s time for change and the Wheelchair Alliance is determined that change will happen.”

Chief Operating Officer of the Wheelchair Alliance, Nick Goldup, said: “We are thrilled that Tanni has agreed to become president of the Wheelchair Alliance.

“This is a pivotal moment for the Alliance, as we strengthen our collective voice to bring about real and meaningful change. While a great deal has been achieved already, there is still so much more which needs to be done to transform the experience for over a million wheelchair users and their carers.”

Procom and BBGC Announce Strategic Collaboration

Technology

News Desk

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13/06/2024

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Procom and BBGC Announce Strategic Collaboration

Procom Services, a leader in staffing solutions, is pleased to announce a strategic collaboration with BBGC, a key player in the business and technology consulting and services industry. This partnership represents a major engagement between BBGC and a staffing vendor in the United States, focusing on the Chicago and Houston markets.

Significant Agreement and Long-Term Engagement

This partnership marks a significant agreement, demonstrating a substantial engagement commitment between Procom and BBGC. The collaboration is long-term, with no fixed term, allowing both companies to adapt and grow with evolving business needs.

Why BBGC Partnered with Procom

BBGC chose Procom Services for its exceptional staffing capabilities, particularly in filling unique roles needed by BBGC’s clients. Procom’s extensive experience and strong capabilities make it the ideal partner to address these critical needs.

“This is an exciting partnership for both of us, and we are excited to leverage the market-leading staffing expertise of Procom and their team,” said Alec Frusher, Head of People & Talent at BBGC.

Shared Benefits and Future Prospects

The partnership is set to yield significant benefits for both BBGC and Procom Services. BBGC will enhance its ability to support clients by leveraging Procom’s expertise in sourcing hard-to-find roles, ensuring faster response times and higher client satisfaction. For Procom, this collaboration reinforces its market position and demonstrates its ability to partner with leading firms to provide high-quality job opportunities.

“Procom is excited to partner with BBGC, a distinguished leader in the consulting industry. Our shared vision and complementary strengths make this a powerful collaboration. Together, we will drive forward the success of BBGC’s clients by delivering top-tier talent and innovative solutions,” said Chris Beckage, Vice President at Procom.

TONI&GUY Summer Soiree Fundraiser Triumphs for King’s College Hospital

News Desk

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13/06/2024

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TONI&GUY Summer Soiree Fundraiser Triumphs for King’s College Hospital

The TONI&GUY Charitable Foundation is delighted to announce the resounding success of their Summer Soiree, a fundraising event aimed at supporting the TONI&GUY ward at King’s College Hospital. Held on 8th June 2024 at the Mascolo family’s estate, the evening featured immersive experiences designed to aid critically ill children, their families, and NHS staff.

Since its inception in 2003 by Toni Mascolo OBE and his wife Pauline, the Foundation has been committed to various charitable causes. The Summer Soiree showcased their enduring dedication to this mission.

Lilia Mascolo, Director and Trustee, expressed her happiness with the event: “We are thrilled with the incredible reception of our innovative summer soirée, a groundbreaking concept in immersive fundraising. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are deeply grateful for the generous support of our sponsors, who made this event possible. It was an honour to have the renowned Nobu Hotel London Portman Square serve their culinary masterpieces, adding a touch of elegance to the evening. We extend a special thanks to Steven Webster for donating a diamond for our exclusive raffle. The funds raised will make a significant impact on the TONI&GUY Ward at King’s College Hospital, and we are humbled by the community’s support for this worthy cause.”

The event, hosted by Pierre and Lilia Mascolo, featured 250 guests, including notable figures like Prince Jerome Luc Muniglia de’Giustiani and Karen Millen OBE. Andrea McLean hosted the raffle and auction, and Lettice Rowbotham performed on the violin.

Guests enjoyed canapés from Nobu Catering, with the Italian Chefs Association providing additional catering. Think Wine was the exclusive wine supplier, while Labo and Solaro Capri provided spirits and cocktails.

This event marked the first introduction of immersive fundraising experiences by the Foundation, offering guests interactive installations and unique activities to raise awareness and funds for the TONI&GUY ward. This new approach aimed to forge a meaningful connection with the Foundation’s mission.

Support from luxury brands and partners was vital in bringing the immersive experiences to life, contributing significantly to the Foundation’s efforts to support young patients at King’s College Hospital.

Proceeds from the Summer Soiree will benefit the TONI&GUY ward, ensuring the hospital continues to provide exceptional care for young patients. The Foundation’s ongoing support is crucial in maintaining high standards of treatment and facilities.

The TONI&GUY Charitable Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to all supporters, donors, and partners for their unwavering dedication. Pierre Mascolo, Chairman and son of Toni Mascolo, OBE, remarked, “Together, we can continue and carry on my mother and father’s legacy, creating a brighter future for seriously ill children and their families.”

The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend – 8 Reasons It’s a VR Game-Changer

Gaming

News Desk

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12/06/2024

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The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend – 8 Reasons It’s a VR Game-Changer

The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend, featuring Lucy Liu, is an innovative VR experience that plunges players into the life of Cheng Shih, the most powerful pirate in history. This award-winning game from Singer Studios is celebrated for its historical precision, engaging storytelling, and cutting-edge gameplay, making it essential for VR enthusiasts.

Here are 8 reasons why The Pirate Queen with Lucy Liu is the most important virtual reality game you’ll play:

You Step into the Shoes of a Legendary Pirate In The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend, players are transported to the 19th-century South China Sea, where they assume the role of Cheng Shih. Commanding over 1,800 pirate ships and 80,000 pirates, Cheng Shih was a formidable leader who instituted progressive gender laws, ensuring equal treatment for all under her command. Despite her significant achievements, her story remains relatively unknown. This game brings her legacy to life with meticulous detail and a compelling narrative, allowing players to explore the intricacies of her life and leadership.
There’s Meticulous Historical Accuracy Singer Studios has dedicated five years to ensuring that The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend is historically accurate. Collaborating with academics, researchers, and sensitivity experts, they have recreated environments and narratives that reflect real events. Chinese-German writer Maja Bodenstein led the narrative design, drawing from extensive research on Cheng Shih’s life and the British-China relations of the era. Every detail, from ship designs to in-game objects, has been carefully crafted to provide an authentic experience. The game’s environments are all designed to immerse players fully in the historical period.
Experience A Stellar Performance by Lucy Liu Lucy Liu’s voice performance as Cheng Shih adds depth and authenticity to the character. Known for her roles in Charlie’s Angels and Kill Bill, Liu brings nuance and emotion to the game. Critics have praised her performance, with one reviewer stating, “Massively talented [Lucy] Liu delivers a great performance as the leading lady.” Liu herself was drawn to the project for its engaging and educational storytelling, making her involvement a significant highlight of the game. Her portrayal of Cheng Shih is both powerful and relatable, drawing players deeper into the story.
Dive into the Qing Dynasty Set during a lesser-known period of the Qing dynasty, The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend offers players a deep dive into the historical context leading up to the Opium Wars. The game’s accuracy extends to objects, place names, locations, language, and historical events, making it an effective educational tool. As one reviewer noted, The Pirate Queen represents “the future of education,” seamlessly blending learning with immersive gameplay. Players can explore significant events and cultural aspects of the time, gaining a deeper understanding of this pivotal period in history.
It’s Crafted by an Indie, Female-Led Studio Singer Studios, led by Eloise Singer, is an indie, female-led studio dedicated to telling stories about little-known historical figures. Their unique approach combines immersive filmmaking with cinematic storytelling, creating narratives that inspire and educate. The passion and dedication of the team are evident in every aspect of The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend. The studio’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in their meticulous research and representation of historical characters and events.
They’re Expanding into a Major Franchise The success of The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend has paved the way for a broader franchise. Executive produced by Lucy Liu and Eloise Singer, plans are underway to expand Cheng Shih’s story into an animated film, live-action TV series, and graphic novel. This expansion will delve deeper into the rich historical context of the era, introducing Cheng Shih’s incredible story to a wider audience. This multi-platform approach ensures that the legacy of Cheng Shih reaches even more people, inspiring and educating through various media.
A New Era of Pirate Games The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend breaks the mold of traditional pirate-themed games by offering a non-violent, story-rich experience with a strong female lead. Its cinematic, narrative-driven approach sets it apart in the gaming industry, creating a new genre within pirate games and opening fresh possibilities for storytelling and gameplay in virtual reality. The game’s focus on character development and historical accuracy provides a refreshing alternative to the pirate games currently available.
Experience the Adventure Dive into the world of Cheng Shih and uncover the story of the most powerful pirate in history by playing The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend. This VR game is not just an entertaining adventure but a gateway to understanding a significant yet often overlooked part of history.

But don’t just take our word for it — experience the adventure for yourself. Play The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend VR game and embark on an unforgettable journey.

Visier and The Access Group Join Forces to Deliver People Analytics in the UK

Business
HR

News Desk

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12/06/2024

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Visier and The Access Group Join Forces to Deliver People Analytics in the UK

Today at CIPD’s Festival of Work event, Visier, the globally recognised leader in people analytics and workforce solutions, announced a new embedded analytics partnership with The Access Group, a top provider of business management software across the UK, Ireland, USA, and Asia Pacific.

This partnership will enable thousands of The Access Group’s customer organisations to benefit from people analytics insights that were once exclusive to large enterprises. Visier’s Alpine platform and analytics engine is seamlessly integrated into The Access Group’s new AI-assisted PeopleXD Evo and PeopleHR Evo suites.

“Organisations who truly understand their people are best equipped to realise their full value,” said Zack Anderson, GM embedded, Visier. “At Visier, we strongly believe that businesses of all sizes should have access to people analytics. This partnership with The Access Group, our first of its kind in the UK, will extend in-depth employee data and insights to organisations who in the past may have primarily relied on intuition and instinct in their people related decision-making.”

CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, asserts that data is one of four types of evidence that people professionals need to be comfortable using to make sound business decisions.

“Regardless of the size or geographic location of an organisation, businesses are all facing the same labour challenges,” said Charles Butterworth, MD of Access People, a division of The Access Group. “I’m confident that bringing simplified people analytics to our customers will level the playing field, help their HR teams design and implement appropriate programs, and measure their effectiveness in delivering against overall business objectives.”

To learn more about Visier’s embedded partnerships visit: https://www.visier.com/embedded/

To find out more about the Access Group PeopleXD Evo and PeopleHR Evo solutions: https://www.theaccessgroup.com/en-gb/hr/software/reporting-analytics/

Scouty Revolutionises Visual Content Creation

News Desk

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12/06/2024

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Scouty Revolutionises Visual Content Creation

Scouty, an innovative platform in visual content creation, is revolutionising the industry by making top-tier shoot locations and essential production tools accessible to all. From 11th June 2024, Scouty will expand its offerings to include a comprehensive range of essential shoot-related supplies, simplifying the production process for creatives worldwide.

The landscape of visual content creation is changing rapidly. Once dominated by big-budget, large-scale production teams and their exclusive networks, the industry has experienced a profound cultural shift. With an unprecedented amount of visual content being produced, smaller teams must work faster to meet the demands of a content-driven world without sacrificing quality. Modern creative teams and individuals now thrive on the ability to streamline traditional production processes, a transformation championed by Scouty.

Since its launch in 2020, Scouty has been a driving force in the evolution of visual content creation, dedicated to empowering a global community of creatives by removing barriers to access and fostering an inclusive industry. This shift has been driven by providing tools that mirror recent industry changes; initially, access to unique shoot locations, and now, further refining production processes to enable all creators to bring even their most ambitious ideas to life.

Trusted by leading brands like Universal Music, the BBC, Object & Animal, Harper’s Bazaar, Gymshark, Huel, and numerous YouTubers, Scouty believes that creatives from all backgrounds should have the opportunity to create to the best of their abilities, not just those with substantial financial backing. Achieving this goal is rooted in an inherent understanding of modern content creation’s need for stress-free production with high-quality results and consistent success. Scouty has democratised the tools necessary to achieve this, allowing all creatives to add significant value to their work without relying on extensive industry networks, large budgets, or additional time constraints.

As a marketplace for visual content creators, Scouty has transformed access to premium shoot locations. Whether it’s a naturally lit minimalist home, a private jet, an industrial nightclub, or a 19th-century manor house, Scouty offers it all—and more.

Starting 11th June 2024, Scouty will enhance its offerings, further simplifying the production process with a wide array of essential shoot-related supplies. Covering all bases, the platform will provide props, as well as equipment including cameras, lighting, microphones, headsets, and more. Essentially, it becomes a one-stop shop for content creation.

By stripping down the production process to ensure teams and individuals can optimise their output and significantly improve time management, this expansion marks the next step in the evolution of content creation; driven by creatives, for creatives.

“Scouty’s mission has always been to break down barriers and democratise access for visual content creation,” said Ryan Gannon and Nicolas Doeser, Scouty Co-Founders. “With the launch of our new services, we’re taking a significant step forward in ensuring that every creator, regardless of their budget or network, can bring their most ambitious ideas to life. By streamlining the production process and providing access to essential equipment and props, we’re empowering a global community to produce high-quality content more efficiently and effectively.”

Orange County CBD Secures Esteemed BRC Certification

Health

News Desk

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12/06/2024

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Orange County CBD Secures Esteemed BRC Certification

Orange County, a notable name in the health and wellness supplement industry, is pleased to announce its attainment of the BRC (Brand Reputation Through Compliance) Global Standard for Food Safety certification. This prestigious accolade highlights the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence, safety, and quality, making Orange County the only CBD manufacturer with its own in-house label to receive this certification.

The BRC Global Standard, acknowledged by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), serves as a benchmark for food safety and quality. It sets forth rigorous standards ensuring products are safe, legal, and of high quality. Achieving BRC certification involves a thorough audit process that evaluates supplier management, production processes, and hygiene practices.

With this certification, Orange County gains several significant benefits:

Enhanced Trust and Credibility: BRC certification enhances consumer confidence. Customers can trust that Orange County’s products meet the highest safety and quality standards, which is crucial in the health and wellness industry.

Market Access and Expansion: Many leading retailers and distributors prefer or require BRC certification. This certification paves the way for new opportunities for Orange County, facilitating market entry and strengthening its market position.

Operational Excellence: The certification process refines internal processes, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and adherence to best practices, thereby enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Risk Management: Complying with BRC standards helps Orange County identify and manage potential risks, reducing the likelihood of product recalls, legal issues, and reputational harm.

In the UK, only the top companies in the food, beverage, and health supplement sectors are BRC certified. These companies meet high consumer and regulatory expectations. BRC certification is vital due to the direct impact of products on consumer health and wellbeing.

With approximately only 20,000 firms globally certified under BRC standards, the certification stands as a key differentiator in the market. It underscores a company’s dedication to stringent safety and quality measures, essential for building long-term trust and loyalty among health-conscious consumers.

BRC certification marks a significant milestone for Orange County. The company plans to leverage this certification to broaden its product range and reach new customer segments. It also positions the company favourably in negotiations with major retailers, potentially increasing shelf space and sales.

Jewson Live comes down South for the UK’s professional tradespeople

Construction

Helen Greaney

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11/06/2024

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Jewson Live comes down South for the UK’s professional tradespeople

Jewson Live, the annual event for the UK’s professional tradespeople, is back – and for the
first time, is coming to the Westpoint Arena.

One of four Jewson Live shows hosted by national builders’ merchant Jewson – now part of
STARK UK – the event will take place at Westpoint in Exeter on Thursday, June 13,
running from 8am to 2pm, for customers across South West.

The event will cover three distinct areas – the Trading Zone, Future Zone, and Wellbeing
Zone. In each zone, high profile speakers and trade experts will share the latest industry
news and developments, detailing how they impact tradespeople on a day-to-day basis.

There will be product demos and exclusive on-the-day deals available from many of the 150
Jewson suppliers and partners exhibiting, as well as a wealth of competitions and
giveaways. The event will be hosted by cricketing superstars Matt Tuffnell and Darren
Gough.

The show will also be used to share Jewson’s company rebrand, with representatives of
parent group STARK UK taking to the main stage to explain more about the company’s
vision for the future. Attendees will also get a sneak preview of Jewson’s ‘branch of the
future’, which will provide insights into the transformation of the Jewson brand and how it is
changing to meet the future needs of the trades.

John Carter, CEO of STARK UK – which acquired a collective of businesses, including
Jewson, from Saint-Gobain in March 2023 – said: “Jewson Live has long been recognised
as one of the standout exhibitions in the construction calendar. With the industry facing a
particularly challenging period, we believe this is the perfect time to support the UK’s
tradespeople even more and host a series of live events that builders and tradespeople can
look forward to and get a lot out of.

“We’re proud to partner the trades and that’s why we’re offering not one but four regional
events, including our final stop here in Exeter, to give our hardworking customers and
industry friends a great day out. Our branches are at the heart of communities, so it makes a
lot of sense to take Jewson Live on tour – bringing it closer to the people we work with every
day. We’ll bring our suppliers and partners on the road with us, so existing, returning and
prospective customers in and around the South West can enjoy all the benefits of Jewson
Live much closer to home.

“Each of the Jewson Live On Tour events have been informative, productive and invaluable
for tradespeople who want to grow their business. As well as that, they’ve been exciting and
a lot of fun. We can’t wait to welcome the tradespeople of Exeter and the wider South West
region to the Westpoint area for what promises to be our best Jewson Live yet.”
Register here for Jewson Live at the Westpoint Arena.

Cristiano Ronaldo Tops the List for Most Googled Teeth at Euro 2024

News Desk

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11/06/2024

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Cristiano Ronaldo Tops the List for Most Googled Teeth at Euro 2024

With Euro 2024 approaching, 365 Teeth Whitening, a leading UK specialist in home teeth whitening products, has examined combined search engine data from Google and other top search engines to identify the Euro 2024 player whose teeth are most searched for.

The European Championships, second only to the World Cup in terms of global football viewership, is one of the most significant events in the football calendar. With an estimated 5.2 billion cumulative event views for Euro 2020, it’s easy to understand why footballers capture the public’s imagination, whether it’s because of their sporting abilities, relationships, fashion, or beauty routines.

Unsurprisingly, the top player is arguably the most recognised footballer worldwide. Cristiano Ronaldo, the 39-year-old Al Nassr forward from Portugal, was the clear winner, generating nearly seven times more search traffic/interest than the second-ranked player (7100 searches per month on average).

In second place was Harry Kane, the 30-year-old Bayern Munich forward from England (1000 searches per month on average). Sharing third place were Declan Rice, the 25-year-old Arsenal midfielder from England, and Bruno Fernandes, the 29-year-old Manchester United forward from Portugal (650 searches per month on average).

Some additional findings from this analysis include:

Eight of the top ten ranked players are from England
Seven of the top ten players are forwards/strikers
Manchester City FC had the most players in the top ten (3)
The average age of the top ten ranked players is 28
The oldest player in the top ten rankings is 41 (Pepe, Portugal) while the youngest is 16 (Lamine Yamal, Spain)

Sarah Hagan, Brand Director at 365 Teeth Whitening, commented:

“The Euro’s is one of the most watched international football tournaments on the planet, with many of the best football players in the world competing against each other for the title of European Champions. With approximately 5.2 billion combined event views for the last tournament, you can see why the Euro’s have become one of the key events of the international football calendar.

Here at 365 Teeth Whitening, we wanted to find out which player in Euro 2024 had the most interest from the public with regards to their teeth. It’s no surprise that arguably the most recognised football player for the last 15 years came top of our rankings, but our research also showed that if a player does play for their national team during a huge international tournament like the Euro’s, then the public will search for more information about them and their teeth.”

About 365 Teeth Whitening

365 Teeth Whitening has one mission: to bring the best-branded teeth whitening products to their UK customers, at the best possible prices. Additionally, their goal is to provide their UK customers with the quickest and most effective delivery via a world-class and secure website that offers a fantastic user experience.

365 Teeth Whitening is swiftly becoming one of the UK’s most popular online beauty brands, gaining a reputation for excellent teeth whitening products and customer service.

To find out more, please visit https://365teethwhitening.co.uk

Significant Agreement and Long-Term Engagement

Why BBGC Partnered with Procom

Shared Benefits and Future Prospects

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