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etag appoints Eoin O Neill as group procurement category director

News

News Desk

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01/04/2025

etag appoints Eoin O Neill as group procurement category director

Drylining, insulation and M&E solutions distributor etag has appointed Eoin O’Neill (pictured) as group procurement category director.

Eoin will be responsible for creating cross-functional collaboration between etag’s UK and Ireland teams, combining strategic buying, planning, supplier management data analysis and more to help grow the business.

He started his career working in mechanical and electrical construction with AirconMech, before joining Irish-owned agricultural manufacturing firm Pearson International in 2011 as an Electrical Technician.

He progressed in the business over the following 10 years to Operations Manager, then in 2021, joined Etex as a Senior Buyer and Planner for the Irish market. Here, he led the company’s operational purchasing before being promoted to Strategic Buyer for both Ireland and the UK, tasked with enhancing synergies and creating efficiencies across the two territories.

As Group Procurement Category Director for etag, Eoin’s role will centre on engaging with suppliers to optimise the business’ product offering, ensuring it’s tailored to meet the demands of customers navigating changing legislation and building requirements.

Speaking of his new role, Eoin said: “Whether it’s the growing demand for high rise retrofit projects, or new government initiatives designed to create safer buildings, now more than ever our customers require a supplier that is knowledgeable about their evolving needs – but also competitive in terms of pricing and availability. This presents a clear opportunity for etag to capitalise.

“Providing the right solution, at the right time, at the right price, are the very fundamentals etag has been built on. I’m keen to use my experience to maximise the business’ previous successes, and ensure it’s centrally placed as a key supply partner for the businesses working on new building projects across the UK and Ireland.”

Tony Taylor, CEO for etag, said: “With both technical and operational experience, and having worked across both the UK and Irish markets, Eoin has the expertise required to help us identify ways to enhance our product offering and provide our customers with everything they need to perform to their highest ability. I’m very pleased to welcome him to the team and look forward to seeing the many brilliant ways he will influence our business.”

uBaaHaus unveils handcrafted walnut magnetic knife holder for stylish kitchens

Business

News Desk

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28/03/2025

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uBaaHaus unveils handcrafted walnut magnetic knife holder for stylish kitchens

uBaaHaus, a British e-commerce brand, has launched a new premium kitchen storage solution—a beautifully crafted magnetic knife holder made from solid walnut and oak.

Built in the brand’s own UK-based workshop, the knife holder features a carefully layered construction: a walnut body, oak detailing, and a concealed inlay housing a powerful neodymium magnetic strip. This setup offers full-length magnetic support while maintaining a clean, elegant look.

The product is made using a combination of modern CNC precision cutting and traditional hand-finishing methods. The walnut is machine-shaped, while the oak inlays and magnetic tape are applied by hand, ensuring each unit meets exacting standards.

Available in three sizes—30cm, 45cm, and 60cm—the holder is designed for chefs and home cooks who appreciate both form and function. Its clean design and durable materials make it an ideal choice for those who value lasting quality in their kitchen tools.

Installation takes just five minutes, and the magnet strength has been tested to ensure consistent grip across the entire holder. The use of brass hardware adds a final touch of refinement to the product’s overall aesthetic.

“We’re thrilled to bring this magnetic knife holder to market,” said Richard Smith, director at uBaaHaus.

“We saw a gap in the market for a well-crafted, UK-made option that maximises functionality. After several months of development, we’ve created a holder with a satisfying hold and release, where the full length is usable, blending quality materials with a design we believe stands out. This is just the start—we’ll keep refining and expanding our range.”

The walnut magnetic knife holder is now available for purchase on the uBaaHaus website. It joins the company’s growing lineup of thoughtfully designed home and kitchen accessories, each crafted to combine utility with style.

uBaaHaus’s launch adds a new option to their kitchen accessory collection, which has seen a steady or sustained interest in durable, locally made products. Since its founding in 2019, the company has focused on in-house design and batch manufacturing, believing this is the best way to maintain quality while streamlining the design and manufacturing process. By streamlining these variables, the company can reduce the timeline for launching new products, ensuring a faster yet controlled release. This approach allows the company to meet practical needs with functional, stylish solutions. This new product launch marks a step in its plan to broaden its UK-manufactured offerings throughout the year.

Orbital Enhances Global Payment Compliance via Strategic Alliance with Know Your Customer

News Desk

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28/03/2025

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Orbital Enhances Global Payment Compliance via Strategic Alliance with Know Your Customer

Orbital, a prominent platform for global stablecoin and traditional payments, has announced a new strategic alliance with Know Your Customer, an award-winning provider of KYB and digital onboarding solutions. The partnership is designed to fortify Orbital’s compliance systems, supporting faster client onboarding and bolstering the security and transparency of cross-border transactions.

With stablecoins entering mainstream use, regulatory frameworks are tightening. Businesses operating in hybrid financial environments must adopt compliance tools that can keep pace. Know Your Customer is known for its real-time business verification capabilities and access to company registries across more than 140 countries. This global reach, combined with a strong focus on verified documentation, played a crucial role in Orbital’s decision to collaborate.

Claus Christensen, CEO and Co-Founder of Know Your Customer, commented: “Orbital’s forward-thinking approach to stablecoin and traditional cross-border transactions aligns perfectly with our mission of empowering businesses through best-in-class KYC/AML compliance technology. By integrating our advanced business verification and automation solutions, we’re confident that together we’ll set a new benchmark for frictionless, secure global payments that can meet—and exceed—regulatory expectations worldwide.”

By adopting Know Your Customer’s advanced verification tools, Orbital is now able to improve onboarding efficiency while preserving the highest standards of regulatory diligence. Gary Mushrow, Head of Compliance Product at Orbital, said: “Compliance isn’t about ticking boxes – it’s about ensuring the businesses we work with are legitimate and trustworthy. With Know Your Customer now part of our compliance stack, we are setting a new benchmark for secure and seamless cross-border transactions.”

Founded in 2017, Orbital is based in London, Tallinn, and Gibraltar, with a global workforce of over 120. In 2024, it handled more than $5.6 billion in cross-border transactions, both fiat and stablecoin. The company holds authorisation as a payment institution from the FCA, as well as regulatory approvals in Gibraltar, Estonia, and Switzerland.

About Orbital:

Orbital is an award-winning global payments platform with over 8 years of experience in orchestrating secure and seamless stablecoin and traditional payments for businesses globally.

Orbital equips B2B and B2C businesses with an all-in-one platform that offers named vIBANs, Stablecoin Wallets, and the ability to pay-in, payout, and exchange across all major stablecoins, traditional currencies, and over 80 exotic currencies, interchangeably.

Orbital’s multi-jurisdictional licensing framework, combined with compliance with international security standards including SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001:2022, CSA TPC, and Cyber Essentials Plus, enables the platform to seamlessly unify both stablecoin and traditional currency payments on a global scale.

For more information visit https://getorbital.com or follow Orbital on LinkedIn or X.

About Know Your Customer

Know Your Customer is an award-winning RegTech company specialised in next-generation business verification solutions for financial institutions and regulated organisations worldwide. For teams struggling with inefficient client due diligence and onboarding processes, Know Your Customer offers an intuitive digital compliance workspace that combines unmatched real-time registry data, covering over 140 countries, seamless integrations, and AI-powered smart automation. This streamlined approach transforms the compliance function at its core, allowing clients to customise their solutions by selecting only the functionalities they need, all accessible via a robust REST API.

Founded in Hong Kong in 2015, with a local presence in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Dublin, London, and Shanghai, Know Your Customer has built a global customer base across 11 verticals and 18 jurisdictions. The company also maintains a wide network of technology and data partners, ensuring high-quality entity data and enhanced compliance processes for its clients.

For more information visit https://knowyourcustomer.com or follow Know Your Customer on LinkedIn or X.

Uber Eats and Sabeny.com Unveil First Kosher Passover Shopping Delivery Across London in Response to Safety Concerns

Food & Drink

News Desk

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28/03/2025

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Uber Eats and Sabeny.com Unveil First Kosher Passover Shopping Delivery Across London in Response to Safety Concerns

Uber Eats has officially partnered with Sabeny.com — the UK’s premier kosher-only online supermarket — to launch London’s first-ever full kosher Passover delivery via a mainstream app. Though Sabeny.com has long delivered kosher products across the city, this new alliance offers their complete Pesach product range through Uber Eats, providing quick, on-demand access for families preparing for the Jewish holiday.

Following a rise in antisemitic incidents since October 7, many Jewish Londoners have raised concerns about their safety while shopping in person. This partnership directly addresses those fears by enabling a safe, home-based alternative for holiday preparations. Customers can order everything they need for Passover — or everyday kosher meals — through a trusted platform without needing to step outside.

Expanding Awareness of Kosher Delivery Options

While Sabeny.com has operated as a trusted source for kosher groceries online, many members of the community were unaware of its existence. This collaboration with Uber Eats brings the brand into the spotlight, leveraging an established delivery network to reach more people who value ease and trust in their shopping experiences.

“This partnership is a game-changer,” said Sol Gross, Director of Sabeny.com. “For the first time, Jewish families in London can rely on Uber Eats to bring a full range of kosher Passover products straight to their doors. No more last-minute rushes, we’re making Pesach shopping simple, efficient, and stress-free.”

Digital Tools for Timeless Celebrations

As more families turn to online services for everyday needs, this partnership ensures that keeping kosher traditions doesn’t have to mean sacrificing convenience. From preparing for Seder night to sourcing trusted kosher staples, the Uber Eats and Sabeny.com collaboration offers a secure, fast, and modern way to honour Jewish customs in today’s fast-paced world.

jaam automation accelerates into the age of agentic AI

Technology

News Desk

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28/03/2025

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jaam automation accelerates into the age of agentic AI

Specialists in business process automation, jaam automation, have announced a significant expansion into the realm of agentic AI, marking a bold evolution in their service offering.

Effective immediately, jaam will begin integrating agentic AI into its process automation frameworks. This new capability will enable intelligent, real-time decision-making within automated systems, offering a powerful new layer of autonomy and operational efficiency that reduces the demand on human resources.

Andrew Murphy (Murph), Chief Strategy Officer at jaam, commented: “Agentic AI has exploded onto the scene and is poised to be the biggest enabler in automation that we have seen in over a decade. The jaam team are experts in process automation, and we know that this technology is the next step in unlocking smarter, more dynamic business processes. We are here to help our clients harness its power today, while laying the groundwork for even bigger possibilities tomorrow.”

With a track record of delivering high-impact automation solutions through leading tech partners, jaam is now ready to enhance and extend these systems using agentic AI. The aim is to build on current automation infrastructure and dramatically amplify the benefits delivered to clients.

For companies already using low-code automation tools such as Nintex and Microsoft, the new offering provides an opportunity to embed AI agents into precise points of the workflow. For new clients, jaam will deliver strategic insight to pinpoint where agentic AI can be most transformative and how it can be implemented securely.

Graham Penman, Chief Technology Officer at jaam, shared: “Going forward, agentic AI will be a critical component of our business process automation solutions. The ability to have AI agents operating independently, setting their own smaller tasks to achieve bigger goals and continuously improving – all within the limits set – will create process automation systems that are faster, more accurate and capable of proactive problem-solving. It’s a very exciting time.”

Alongside deployment, jaam will also offer ongoing services to support and maintain agentic AI systems. These include dedicated agent management, platform updates, support for users, and continuous optimisation to keep systems efficient and effective.

Andrew Murphy added: “Above all, the team at jaam automation thrives on innovation, and agentic AI is one of the most exciting advancements we’ve seen. It’s transformative, it’s redefining automation and it’s unlocking a whole new world of possibilities. Just like AI itself, we’re evolving our company to stay at the forefront of automation and to help businesses take advantage of the full potential of this technology.”

For full information about the company’s move into agentic AI and the new solutions now available, visit the updated jaamautomation.com.

BBGC and ClearDox Collaborate to Deliver AI-Led Innovation for Global Commodity Businesses

News Desk

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27/03/2025

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BBGC and ClearDox Collaborate to Deliver AI-Led Innovation for Global Commodity Businesses

BBGC, a trusted name in CTRM and data consultancy, has entered a strategic alliance with ClearDox LLC, a front-runner in Commodity Intelligence technology. The partnership brings together technical innovation and practical expertise to redefine operations within the commodities space.

The collaboration is a direct response to growing demand for smarter, tech-enabled operations. By pairing ClearDox’s AI-driven intelligence platform with BBGC’s implementation and advisory experience, clients across the globe will benefit from streamlined processes, insightful analytics, and enhanced operational resilience.

“We are excited to partner with ClearDox to bring their innovative Commodity Intelligence technology to our clients,” said Amir Soufizadeh, Director at BBGC.
“This collaboration allows us to offer a powerful combination of AI and expert consultancy, enabling commodity businesses across the globe to optimise their operations and achieve significant competitive advantages.”

ClearDox’s platform uses artificial intelligence to automate workflows and surface valuable data insights, empowering middle and back-office teams to make more efficient, data-led decisions. When integrated with BBGC’s industry knowledge, the result is a comprehensive offering tailored for commodity traders, processors, and producers alike.

“Partnering with BBGC is a significant milestone for ClearDox,” said Rick Nelson, CEO at ClearDox LLC.
“BBGC’s deep understanding of the commodities industry and proven implementation expertise will accelerate the adoption of our AI powered commodity intelligence platform, enabling more businesses to harness the power of data and technology.”

Benefits of this partnership include:

Process Automation: Reduce manual intervention with intelligent, AI-supported workflows.
Data-Driven Insight: Unlock predictive capabilities to support strategic planning.
Seamless Integration: BBGC ensures the smooth deployment of ClearDox across existing CTRM platforms.
Scalable Solutions: Global reach and adaptability for businesses of all sizes.

The partnership sets the stage for a new era of digital transformation in commodities, giving businesses the tools they need to operate more intelligently and competitively.

Continue Arcades Expands to Taunton, Offering Unlimited Gaming on East Street

News Desk

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27/03/2025

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Continue Arcades Expands to Taunton, Offering Unlimited Gaming on East Street

Continue Arcades is bringing its unique gaming experience to Taunton with the launch of a second venue on East Street. The new location builds on the success of the Plymouth site, offering unlimited access to a variety of retro and modern games under one roof.

Visitors can enjoy an extensive selection of machines, including classics like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Street Fighter IV, alongside modern arcade titles and pinball favourites. The pricing model is simple: one entry fee – £13 for adults (16+), £10 for children aged 4–15, and free for under 4s – provides full access to every game, encouraging a more relaxed and extended stay.

Founded by Austin Wood, Continue Arcades was developed as a community-first alternative to coin-operated arcades, with a focus on accessibility and fun. Inspired by his time in the US, Wood wanted to reinvent disused spaces into inclusive venues for social gaming.

“Continue Arcades is about bringing people together through gaming,” Wood said. “We wanted to create a space where everyone, regardless of age or gaming experience, can enjoy themselves without the constant need for coins.”

The Taunton branch also offers a variety of drinks including soft options, beers, ciders, IPAs, and pre-mixed cocktails. Unlimited warm popcorn is available at a modest additional cost. The environment is designed to be family-friendly while still appealing to seasoned gamers and casual visitors alike.

Doors officially open on 4 April, with regular hours of operation: Sunday to Thursday from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm, Friday from 11:30 am to 11:00 pm, and Saturday from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm.

The expansion reinforces Continue Arcades’ mission to create welcoming, all-ages entertainment spaces where gaming nostalgia meets new-gen excitement.

Makwana Solicitors Secures Fast Closure of MHRA Case for Family-Focused Entrepreneur

Hospitality

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27/03/2025

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Makwana Solicitors Secures Fast Closure of MHRA Case for Family-Focused Entrepreneur

A small business client has seen a swift and successful resolution to an MHRA investigation, thanks to prompt legal action from Makwana Solicitors, who resolved the matter in just a few days following instruction.

The case centred around a young business owner who also acts as the sole carer for his family. The MHRA had contacted him after discovering he had inadvertently been selling a prescription-only medicine online without proper authorisation. He ceased all related activity immediately upon being informed and fully engaged with the agency’s process.

Makwana Solicitors quickly assembled and submitted a robust response to the MHRA’s Compliance Notification. The firm presented the client’s early cooperation, his personal situation, and the absence of intentional wrongdoing. Their detailed representation included records of product sourcing, testimonials, medical documents, and forward-looking plans for compliance checks and audit systems.

The MHRA reviewed the submission and opted to close the investigation shortly thereafter, choosing not to take further action.

The client later shared his appreciation, stating: “Very professional service from Shella and her team – the matter was resolved with MHRA within a matter of days. You can tell that Shella and her team really care about their clients. This is something that I have rarely seen from others and I am very thankful for their service.”

Commenting on the outcome, Shella Makwana, Principal Solicitor, said: “This case demonstrates how timely, transparent, and expert legal representation can make a decisive impact during regulatory investigations. We’re proud to have supported our client through a challenging experience and to have achieved a fair and proportionate resolution.”

Makwana Solicitors specialises in guiding small businesses and individuals through MHRA-related investigations, compliance procedures, and potential criminal exposure tied to commercial practices. For further details, visit www.makwanas.co.uk

Chancellor announces £4.8 billion of benefit cuts in Spring Statement

News

Helen Greaney

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26/03/2025

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced benefit cuts worth £4.8 billion as she outlined her economic plans for the UK in her Spring Statement.

Meanwhile, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), responsible for assessing government spending plans, released its latest economic forecasts.

It revealed taxes will rise from 35.3pc of gross domestic product (GDP) to a new high of 37.7pc in 2027-28.

The chancellor blamed increased global uncertainty as the OBR halved Britain’s growth forecast for this year to 1%. Inflation is forecast to average 3.2% this year, up from 2.6% previously forecast.

However, the OBR indicated that without taking action, Ms Reeves would have missed her goal of balancing the nation’s books.

She also told the House of Commons that the government would be running a budget surplus of £6 billion by 2027-28, adding: “I said at the election that we could not simply tax and spend our way to prosperity. We need growth.”

Reeves said additional savings would be clawed back from Universal Credit (UC).

She added: “The OBR (Office for Budget Responsibility) have said that they estimate the package will save £4.8 billion in the welfare budget, reflecting their judgments on behavioural effects and wider factors.

“This also reflects final adjustments to the overall package, consistent with the Secretary of State’s statement last week and the Government’s Pathways to Work Green Paper.

“The universal credit standard allowance will increase from £92 per week in 2025-26 to £106 per week by 2029-30, while the universal credit health element will be cut by 50% and then frozen for new claimants.”

Tom Clougherty, executive director of the Institute of Economic Affairs think tank, said: “The chancellor is right to cut spending rather than raise taxes again, and the cuts she has made are welcome. There is, nevertheless, a sense of unreality about all this. Policy is being determined by an arbitrary, moving target – a fiscal rule – rather than with any long term, principled strategy in mind.

“When you look at the sluggish growth forecasts, and the enormous liabilities the state will encounter as the population ages, Britain’s cycle of fiscal events feels a lot like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.”

Mike Parkes, technical director at GoSimpleTax, said: “The chancellor once again mentioned plans to tackle tax avoidance and evasion, announcing further investment into HMRC to raise an additional £1 billion. While this is likely to be aimed at serious and intentional offenders, it’s a reminder that it’s more important than ever for self-employed people to stay on top of their finances and tax obligations to avoid falling foul of any clampdowns.”

There were also plans announced to raise defence spending to 2.5% by April 2027, funded by international aid cuts, while NHS England is be scrapped, with savings to fund patient care directly. It was also muted that a plan to cut civil service costs by 15%, would save £2.2 billion by the end of the decade.

The OBR said that housebuilding will reach a 40-year high, hitting 305,000 homes a year by the end of the forecast period.

The government will launch a construction training package to train up to 60,000 workers to build the homes, as well as investing an additional £2 billion in social and affordable housing.

Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns for Propertymark, said: “The Spring Statement had a clear focus on the vital role housing plays in the UK economy and as part of the UK Government’s plan for growth, so it is encouraging to hear that planning reforms will boost national income.

“However, workforce challenges remain and it’s vital that local councils have the resources required to deliver effective planning and infrastructure so communities up and down the country and the wider economy really benefit.”

XFrame wins Sustainable Innovation of the Year Award

News

Helen Greaney

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26/03/2025

0

XFrame wins Sustainable Innovation of the Year Award

XFrame, the pioneering force in modular construction, has achieved a remarkable double victory at the prestigious Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) Awards.

The company secured both the Sustainable Innovation of the Year and the Innovation of the Year accolades, for its revolutionary approach to sustainable construction, reinforcing its position as a true disruptor in the industry.

FIS Awards celebrate excellence in the interiors and fit-out sector, honouring organisations that push the boundaries of design, technology, and sustainability.

XFrame’s cutting-edge approach to construction—centred around reusable and adaptable framing solutions—has set a new benchmark for sustainability and efficiency, making a significant impact on the industry’s future.

Bridgehead Agency is proud to be a component of XFrame’s success – a strategic collaboration that has played a pivotal role in propelling XFrame’s innovations onto the global stage.

As an expert international growth consultancy, its expert guidance and market insights has enabled XFrame to expand its reach, achieve industry recognition, and position the company at the forefront of sustainable construction technology.

XFrame’s solutions challenge traditional construction methods by introducing fully reusable, low-carbon framing systems that drastically reduce waste and improve efficiency. The company’s modular designs allow for rapid assembly and disassembly, offering an adaptable and circular solution for commercial and residential developments.

These innovations have garnered significant attention, not only for their environmental impact but also for their ability to drive cost-effectiveness and operational flexibility in construction projects.

Carsten Dethlefsen, co-founder and managing director of XFrame, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the recognition gained through winning the FIS Awards. XFrame may be new to the UK market, however has been delivered extensively across Australia and New Zealand so presents a ready made circular building solution.

“We look forward to leveraging the exposure FIS has provided us and rapidly growing into the UK market through our partnership with Bridgehead Agency”.

Paul McIntosh, founder and CEO of Bridgehead Agency, said: “XFrame’s vision aligns perfectly with the growing global demand for sustainable and circular construction solutions. Our collaboration has been centred on accelerating their impact and bringing their groundbreaking technologies to a wider audience.

“These awards are well deserved and highlight the industry’s recognition of XFrame’s game-changing innovations.”

With this latest achievement, XFrame continues to lead the charge in sustainable construction, proving that innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

As the company looks to the future, it says its commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions remains stronger than ever.

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