Business London Press

Lost in Translation? Employees say CEOs don’t speak their language of appreciation

Employment

News Desk

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21/03/2024

Lost in Translation? Employees say CEOs don’t speak their language of appreciation

A leading provider of employee benefit solutions has unveiled new study findings that showed significant disconnect between employee desires and the realities of work perks.

Boostworks examined ‘Beyond the Salary Slip’, which took into account the opinions of more than 3,000 HR professionals, C-suite and employee respondents.

The research, carried out by Opinion Matters, highlights the stark difference between what employees wished for compared to the realities of benefit schemes, including reward, recognition and wellbeing programmes.

The findings paint a compelling picture with a mere 40% of employee benefits being utilised, and 47% of employees feeling undervalued, believing leaders are out of touch with their reward preferences.

A concerning 54% of employees polled said they are rarely, if ever, consulted about benefits schemes that directly impact their work-life satisfaction.

While competitive salaries remain important, the study highlights that a staggering 92% of employees say benefits significantly impact their overall job satisfaction.

Boostworks CEO, Andy Caldicott, said: “This fulfilment translates to increased engagement, with strong benefits packages leading to a reported boost in employee productivity. The needs of today’s workforce are more diverse than ever. Gone are the days of a one-size-fits-all benefits approach. With Millennials and Gen Z prioritising student loan repayment assistance and mental health benefits alongside traditional offerings, a well-designed package caters to these evolving needs. Furthermore, the findings show a clear connection between strong benefits and business success.”

Other findings

Attraction and alignment: 63% of employees were attracted to their current job due to the company’s reward, recognition, and benefits programs. However, over two fifths (44%) of employees feel they do not get rewarded by their organisation at all for their accomplishments.

Recognition deficiency: 65% of employees believe improvements are needed to their organisation’s current reward and recognition programme. Furthermore, a concerning 44% of employees feel that they do not receive any recognition from their organisation for their accomplishments, contributing to a sense of unacknowledged efforts for 52% of employees (over the past 12 months).

Lack of understanding: Just under a quarter (21%) of employees admit to not fully understanding the reward, recognition, and benefits available to them through their employer.

Top priorities for recognition: Work anniversaries, birthdays, and significant life events such as births or adoptions of a child top the list of events employees believe should be recognised and rewarded.

Desire for tailored benefits: While 54% of employees currently have tailored benefits, the majority desire more personalised rewards, with 90% expressing a preference for immediate rewards that offer real-life benefits, such as extra days off or flexible working hours. Wellbeing and Development priorities are also considered priorities for employees: with a strong desire for non-monetary recognition supporting wellbeing (82%), career development opportunities (86%), and peer-to-peer recognition initiatives (83%).

Next generation wants and desires: Millennials and Gen Z employees want to see student loan repayment assistance and mental health benefits prioritised alongside traditional offerings.

Customisation

Andy added: “Promisingly, 72% of companies are actively planning to customise their benefits offerings, highlighting the strategic importance placed on attracting and retaining talent. The learnings from this research are clear – now is the time to reflect, recalibrate, and reinvigorate the strategies and programmes that will define your success in recognising and valuing your most important asset: your people.

“By offering a comprehensive employee benefits package that addresses the needs of a multigenerational workforce, businesses can position themselves as employers of choice. This translates into competitive advantage, allowing them to attract and retain top talent in today’s dynamic job market. To find out how to transform your benefits, rewards and recognition programmes download the full white paper here.”

Introducing Zena: Pioneering AI Consultations for Hair and Scalp Health

AI

News Desk

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21/03/2024

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Introducing Zena: Pioneering AI Consultations for Hair and Scalp Health

Zena represents a breakthrough in the realm of hair care, developed by the innovative minds of Matt & Gail Waterman, the driving forces behind Watermans. As an AI Hair Loss Consultant, Zena offers a new avenue for confidential, real-time advice on hair loss and scalp issues.

Revolutionising Hair Care Through AI Integration Acknowledging the personal challenges associated with hair loss, the Watermans have ingeniously crafted Zena, an AI-powered platform designed to offer sympathetic and private counsel to those in need, eliminating the fear of judgment.

Trichological Wisdom at Your Fingertips Empowered by the knowledge of distinguished trichologists such as Dr. David Kingsley, Trisha Buller, Elizabeth Cunnane Phillips, and Dr. Jeff Donovan, Zena is equipped to provide guidance that is not only accurate but also reflective of the latest advancements in hair and scalp health.

Highlighting Zena’s Distinctive Advantages:

Prompt Consultations: With Zena, immediate advice for hair and scalp concerns is a reality, doing away with conventional waiting times.
Endorsed by Trichological Experts: Zena’s advice is informed by the profound insights of globally acclaimed trichologists.
Service Without Interruption: Zena is accessible 24/7, ready to support your hair care queries at any moment.
Trustworthy Advice: Zena’s foundation in a broad spectrum of trichological knowledge ensures reliable and consistent guidance.

Step Into the Future of Hair and Scalp Consultation with Zena Matt & Gail Waterman proudly invite you to explore the revolutionary world of Zena. This innovative service transcends traditional hair care solutions, offering accessible, expert advice to everyone, irrespective of time or location.

Embark on a transformative hair care journey with Zena, where state-of-the-art AI technology meets the profound knowledge of hair care experts.

Discover the transformative power of Zena for yourself by scheduling a complimentary consultation at https://watermanshair.com/pages/zena.

STARK Building Materials UK marks first anniversary with transformation plan

News

News Desk

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20/03/2024

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STARK Building Materials UK marks first anniversary with transformation plan

STARK Group, Europe’s leading builders’ merchant and distribution group, is celebrating its first 12
months of operating in the UK, with its CEO acknowledging the ‘decency, pride and passion
ingrained in the company’s DNA’ and the clear signs that the company is on track to transform ‘from
good to great’.

John Carter, CEO of STARK UK (pictured) has marked the anniversary, describing the past year as one that has
‘revealed brilliance at every level’.

Carter confirmed STARK UK’s Trust in Better strategy is well underway. He said: “This has been a
fast-paced year with an ambitious agenda. We’ve covered a lot of ground, and we are making good
progress on our journey of transformation.”

Key to the strategy is making sure local branches are at the heart of communities throughout the UK.
Carter believes branch managers are ‘managing directors in their own right’, with a focus on being
the number one builders’ merchant in every town and city.

He said: “We’re putting in place the right support and investment so that our branch teams are able
to provide the high-quality products, services and expertise that the UK’s professional tradespeople
need and want, so they can look after their own customers and grow their businesses successfully.
We’re proud to partner the trades, and that’s why it’s important that we continue with our plans,
and I’ve been delighted with the dedication and positive energy I’m seeing from colleagues, right
across the business.”

On March 1, STARK UK was officially established, with STARK Group having acquired a
collection of businesses from Saint-Gobain, including Jewson, Jewson Major Building Solutions,
Jewson Partnership Solutions, Jewson Civils Frazer, Minster, JP Corry, Normans and International
Timber. Carter was announced as the STARK UK CEO on the same day.

While the market conditions continue to be challenging for the industry as a whole, Carter explained
that STARK UK remains committed to ‘taking a bigger slice of the smaller pie’, following the lead of
STARK Group to become the number one builders’ merchant in the UK. He said: “We want to offer
the very best merchant service to our customers. Our ambitions are high and it’s an exciting time.”

Travel FX Marks Milestone with 20,000 Trustpilot Reviews, Showcasing Stellar Customer Experience

News Desk

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20/03/2024

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Travel FX Marks Milestone with 20,000 Trustpilot Reviews, Showcasing Stellar Customer Experience

Travel FX, at the forefront of online travel currency exchange in the UK, is proud to celebrate a landmark achievement in customer service excellence, having accrued an impressive 20,000 reviews on Trustpilot, the trusted platform for independent customer feedback.

Achieving a five-star rating from verified users, an outstanding 99% of the reviews for Travel FX are positive, with scores of 4 or 5 stars. This notable milestone firmly establishes Travel FX as the leading currency exchange provider in the UK on Trustpilot, boasting a remarkable TrustScore of 4.9 out of 5.0. Trustpilot is renowned for its stringent adherence to transparency, authenticity, and reliability, hosting over 45 million reviews covering more than 228,000 businesses globally.

“We are thrilled to have achieved this significant milestone on Trustpilot,” proclaimed Graham Tennant, CEO of Travel FX.

“This accomplishment is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service and value to our customers. We are deeply grateful to all our customers who have taken the time to share their positive experiences with us.

Travel FX prioritises customer satisfaction above all, committed to engaging with customer feedback, continually enhancing its service offerings, and driving innovation in the travel currency market.

Beyond providing favourable exchange rates and bespoke business solutions, Travel FX offers an array of convenient services, including home delivery of travel money, a currency buyback programme, and international funds transfer services.

As Travel FX reflects on this significant achievement, it reaffirms its resolve to uphold the highest standards of service, striving to consistently secure the trust and loyalty of its valued customers.

Groundbreaking Study Highlights Generative AI’s Impact on Financial Sector

AI
Finance

News Desk

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20/03/2024

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Groundbreaking Study Highlights Generative AI’s Impact on Financial Sector

Fifty One Degrees has unveiled a research study demonstrating that a vast majority, 84.6%, of operations within banks, insurers, FinTechs, and other entities in the Financial Services sector could significantly benefit from AI technology, potentially contributing an extra £41.7bn to the sector’s economic output.

The study indicates that deploying AI could enhance the efficiency of 8 out of 10 tasks, while slightly more than half could see a marked improvement in quality. GenerativeAI (GenAI), identified as the most potent AI technology for financial services, could positively impact 74.9% of tasks. Notably, the most substantial efficiency improvements are anticipated in internally focused tasks and processes, with a 41% gain, compared to a 34% gain in customer-facing tasks. Furthermore, GenAI is projected to boost the financial services sector’s economic output by up to 15%, equating to an additional £41.7bn.

Fifty One Degrees, an esteemed AI consultancy, has today released a pivotal research study revealing that nearly 85% of tasks and activities within financial services firms stand to gain from the integration of generative AI technology.

This meticulous study examined 311 tasks and activities across fourteen distinct functions within banking, insurance, and financial services firms, assessing the potential benefits of various AI technologies and estimating the extent of these benefits.

GenAI has emerged as the leading AI technology with significant potential to transform the Financial Services sector.

The findings suggest that GenAI Assistants, designed to aid team members in specific functional areas, could positively influence three-quarters of the tasks undertaken in financial and insurance firms. These assistants, specialized in particular policies, procedures, and regulations, are particularly effective in areas that process substantial volumes of natural language data, such as Compliance, Legal, Risk Management, and Underwriting. In some instances, AI assistants could enhance employee efficiency or automate workflows completely.

Moreover, the study identified other AI tools, often driven by Generative AI and Large Language Models, as the subsequent most impactful technologies, capable of creating efficiencies in 39% of activities. These tools encompass a range of applications, including AI-driven training programs, legal tools, financial tools, and more.

Teams focused on policy, data, technology, or customer relations are poised to experience the most significant benefits.

The analysis indicated that functions such as Analytics & Data Science, Technology, Customer Services, and Underwriting could see both an increase in efficiency and an enhancement in the quality of work through the adoption of GenAI. While areas like Compliance, Enterprise Risk, and Legal are expected to benefit primarily from efficiency gains, the improvement in work quality may not be as pronounced.

The economic implications of GenAI within the banking and financial services realms are profound.

Current research estimates that Generative AI could generate between $2.6 trillion and $4.4 trillion annually for global businesses. Specifically, within the Financial Services and Insurance sectors, this could translate to $200 billion to $340 billion, or 9 to 15 per cent of operational profits. With the UK’s financial and insurance industries contributing £278bn to economic output, a 15% uplift from GenAI could result in a remarkable additional £41.7bn. Given the financial sector’s substantial role in the UK economy, accounting for 8.3% of it and employing 2.5 million people, advancements in this field could have widespread effects on the broader economy.

Nick Harding, co-founder and CEO of Fifty One Degrees, shared his insights: “The UK financial services industry is a powerhouse that fuels the local economy by servicing consumers and businesses, but is also the UK’s biggest export. Enabling this industry, which is so critical to our collective success, to remain at the forefront of technology is something we’re passionate about. Assertively adopting generative AI will enable UK financial services to grow further, enabling this vital sector to remain a global leader.

And this is just the beginning. This study represents the generative AI technology and tools that are available today. What we’ve experienced is rapid development and evolution of the technology and its capabilities, meaning the opportunity for businesses to benefit will only increase.”

Expansion of UK’s Self-Storage Sector Amid Housing Crisis Signals Approach to £1 Billion Revenue

Business

News Desk

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20/03/2024

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Expansion of UK’s Self-Storage Sector Amid Housing Crisis Signals Approach to £1 Billion Revenue

The Guardian‘s latest figures indicate that the UK’s self-storage industry is fast approaching a significant revenue milestone of £1 billion. This surge in growth coincides with the challenging housing market conditions, compelling many residents to face the daunting costs associated with moving or enlarging their homes.

With the average moving expense in the UK estimated at an eye-watering £12,000, the utility and affordability of self-storage solutions are becoming more pronounced.

Insights into Industry’s Growth Trajectory

The self-storage domain showcased remarkable growth in 2022, with a 6.5% rise in revenue reaching £990 million. This signifies the industry’s robustness and its increasing role within the economy.

The intensified quest for additional storage has seen both individual households and commercial entities across the UK taking up over 2 million sq ft of storage space, reaffirming the indispensable nature of self-storage solutions in contemporary life.

The sector is expected to maintain its growth momentum, with future plans indicating the establishment of more than 280 new storage facilities by 2026, thereby achieving a growth rate of over 10%.

Principal Factors Contributing to Industry Growth

A combination of key elements is driving the increased demand for self-storage, including:

The soaring housing costs and the shrinking availability of residential spaces are compelling individuals to look towards self-storage as a viable alternative.

The rising number of students opting to live away from home has also spurred the demand for dedicated student storage services.

Efficient Moving and Storage Strategies

To assist both individuals and enterprises in managing the logistical and financial aspects of moving and storage more effectively, The Box Co. offers essential tips in their guide ‘5 Tips for Moving House On A Budget’:

Declutter Before You Pack: Engage in a thorough purge of unnecessary items to streamline your move and lower costs.
Compare Self-Storage Options: Analyze various deals to strike the right balance between convenience and affordability.
DIY Packing and Moving: Enlist the support of friends and family for packing and moving tasks to circumvent professional charges.
Off-Peak Moving: Schedule your relocation during off-peak periods to take advantage of discounted rates.
Seek Out Free Packing Materials: Source free boxes and packing materials from local establishments and use readily available items at home to further reduce moving expenses.

Outlook for the UK’s Self-Storage Market

The ongoing expansion of the self-storage market is not only a response to the immediate storage needs of the UK populace but also an indicator of the broader housing crisis challenges. With the industry on the brink of hitting the £1 billion mark in annual revenues, the prospects for both consumers and self-storage service providers remain highly positive

Playfilled Marks International Happiness Day with New Wonder Dates Initiative

Business
HR

News Desk

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20/03/2024

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Playfilled Marks International Happiness Day with New Wonder Dates Initiative

On the occasion of International Happiness Day, Playfilled, an innovative startup infusing the principles of play into the workplace, is thrilled to announce its latest initiative, the “Wonder Dates” campaign. This novel campaign offers bite-sized creative networking sessions, now accessible to a global audience for a minimal fee of $1.

Founded in 2020 with the mission to inject creativity, connectivity, and curiosity into the corporate sphere, Playfilled has successfully collaborated with leading accountancy firms, multinational banks, and prominent tech corporations. These partnerships aim to introduce brief yet impactful moments of wonder and playfulness into professional environments. Pilot programmes have demonstrated that a mere 12-minute session can enhance participants’ mood and energy levels by up to 20%.

The modern workplace faces widespread challenges, including employee disengagement and a significant increase in burnout rates, surpassing those experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic. The necessity for creative solutions is evident, yet the demands of current workloads leave little room for such thinking. This situation contributes to the detriment of organisational health, with disengagement and high turnover rates potentially resulting in approximately $8.8 trillion in annual productivity losses.

Designed to foster stronger bonds among colleagues and corporate entities, Playfilled’s Wonder Dates aim to enhance teamwork and cultivate an environment conducive to positive change. These sessions, which can be conducted online or in person when feasible, pair participants randomly for a structured sequence of activities, including a warm-up, a creative task, and a cooldown, all within the duration of a standard coffee break. The campaign extends an invitation to the public, enabling widespread participation and interaction with other ticket holders globally. The launch coincides with International Happiness Day on 20th March 2024.

Pauline McNulty, Playfilled’s co-founder, shared her thoughts on the initiative: “Playfilled Wonder Dates are designed to counteract the everyday “drudge” with a short burst of creativity and happiness – in the time it takes to have a cup of tea.

“In my previous career as a Chief Risk Officer I discovered I was missing an element of fun and playfulness that would help me in my working life. We know that incorporating playfulness into work drives not just creativity but also commercial impact as happier, more engaged workers make for better performing businesses.

“This International Happiness Day we are calling on leaders and individuals alike to take a micro action for a ‘Happier Together’ corporate world and build the resilience needed for the change marathon ahead.”

Further information can be found on the campaign’s website at www.xwdr.global.

Storio Group Launches New Identity and Welcomes Fresh Leadership to Spearhead Growth

Business

News Desk

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18/03/2024

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Storio Group Launches New Identity and Welcomes Fresh Leadership to Spearhead Growth

Transitioning from its former identity as albelli-Photobox Group, the company encompassing Photobox UK and Bonusprint has been reborn as Storio group. This rebranding heralds a significant evolution within the European market for personalised photo products, underscored by an impressive annual revenue exceeding EUR 340M and a loyal customer base of over 11 million. Coinciding with this rebranding is a pivotal change in the company’s executive leadership, with Alessandro Coppo succeeding Tristan Money as CEO on the 8th of February, 2024. This transition is a cornerstone of the company’s strategic two-year plan post-merger, aimed at enhancing integration, driving innovation, and promoting sustainable growth.

The announcement of this transformative rebranding and leadership change was made during an engaging internal launch event. This event was simultaneously live-streamed from Amsterdam, London, and Barcelona, bridging all European offices and manufacturing sites in a unified digital celebration. This marked the advent of a promising new era for Storio group, with festivities resonating across all its locations.

Tristan Money concluded his notable nine-year tenure with the successful merger with Photobox in January 2022, handing over the leadership baton to Alessandro Coppo.

Alessandro Coppo joins Storio group with a rich backdrop of over 25 years in the industry, including significant roles at Boston Consulting Group and a noteworthy 17-year tenure at eBay. At eBay, he was instrumental in scaling the Classifieds Group’s revenues from $300M to over $1B, showcasing his strategic ingenuity in using technology to connect individuals and create secure, engaging commerce experiences. This wealth of experience positions him perfectly to lead Storio group into its next phase of growth and innovation.

As the incoming CEO, Alessandro is dedicated to building upon the solid foundations established by Tristan and the existing leadership, with the ambition of transforming Storio group into a leading and endearing brand that connects individuals with their most treasured moments.

The shift to Storio group signifies the company’s continuous evolution and its commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences. This rebranding symbolises the company’s dedication to pursuing innovation and growth within its industry. Central to Storio group’s new ethos is its purpose statement, “To Make Joy Unforgettable,” reflecting its mission to immortalise the special moments of its customers.

Upon taking up his new role, Alessandro Coppo shared, “It’s a thrilling time to lead a company that sits at the intersection of digital and physical realms and whose products have a deep level of emotional connection with its customers. Our commitment to innovation and personal connection is unique, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by Tristan and the team. Our new brand identity and values will be central to our commitment to customers and employees.”

Alessandro Coppo – Chief Executive Officer

Tristan Money commented on the strategic changes, “The launch of Storio group and the welcoming of Alessandro Coppo as CEO, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Since the merger of albelli and Photobox Group 2 years ago, we have worked diligently to integrate our operations and set a clear path for the future. Alessandro’s experience and vision align perfectly with Storio group’s mission, vision, purpose, values, and proposition.”

Under its revamped identity and with fresh leadership at the helm, Storio group is positioned to strengthen its market position, introducing innovative offerings to elevate customer experiences and foster growth, in line with its newly articulated purpose, values, and EVP.

Medicana Health Group Responds to Rising UK Demand for Premium Private Healthcare

News Desk

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18/03/2024

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Medicana Health Group Responds to Rising UK Demand for Premium Private Healthcare

As a foremost healthcare provider encompassing various disciplines, Medicana Health Group is broadening its services within the UK, capitalising on its profound expertise to cater to the growing demand for high-calibre healthcare.

Medicana Health Group, a premier multidisciplinary healthcare provider, is set to extend its services to the UK, importing its renowned patient-focused approach and customised care. This strategic move addresses the surge in individuals seeking private insurance and healthcare solutions in the post-COVID era. Central to Medicana’s ethos is a pledge to grasp and cater to the unique needs of each patient through “active listening and personalised attention,” ensuring a bespoke journey from the initial consultation through to post-treatment care. Medicana Health Group is on course to enhance the private healthcare landscape in the UK significantly.

By prioritising “active listening and personalised attention at every stage of the patient’s journey,” Medicana Health Group guarantees a highly personalised and meticulously orchestrated experience for each patient, mirroring the success of their approach in Türkiye to revolutionise private patient care in the UK.

Venturing into the Expanding £282 Billion UK Sector

Following the pandemic, the UK’s private healthcare sector witnessed a revival in 2021 and 2022, partly due to an increase in self-funding patients. An unprecedented number of individuals are now opting for private treatment, eager to avoid the NHS’s extended waiting periods and access the independent sector’s superior quality and expertise. The Akeso report estimates the UK’s total healthcare spending in 2022 at £282 billion, with around 80% from public sources and 20% from private contributions.

Capitalising on this upward trend, Medicana plans to apply its vast expertise and broad spectrum of care services to penetrate the burgeoning private healthcare market in the UK. Introducing its validated care model, encompassing everything from cutting-edge diagnostics to specialised treatments, Medicana is poised to fulfil the escalating demand for premier private healthcare. The group’s dedication to excellence, coupled with its innovative patient care approach, makes Medicana an apt solution for the UK’s healthcare requirements.

Catering to 5.5 Million Patients Each Year

Annually, Medicana Health Group offers top-tier healthcare to over 5.5 million patients globally, including those at its 16 hospitals equipped with extensive bed capacity. This underscores their vast experience in providing superior care and their ability to address the varied needs of an international patient demographic. Medicana Health Group’s foray into the UK market is expected to herald a significant shift towards more empathetic, effective, and personalised healthcare, initiating a new era in their pledge to improve patient welfare and global healthcare standards.

With a legacy spanning over three decades, Medicana’s medical prowess covers an extensive range of specialities, delivering cutting-edge services in fields like Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Organ and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Neurosurgery, In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), Genetics, Cardiovascular Surgery, Orthopaedics and Traumatology, and Obesity Surgery. Since 2016, Medicana Health Group has broadened its educational initiatives, encompassing everything from preschool to university education on both national and international stages.

Chiltern Arts Launches Exciting 2024 Festival: Delving into ‘Human Stories’ via Music, Literature, and Cinematic Narratives, Plus a Novel Youth Engagement Programme

News Desk

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18/03/2024

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Chiltern Arts Launches Exciting 2024 Festival: Delving into ‘Human Stories’ via Music, Literature, and Cinematic Narratives, Plus a Novel Youth Engagement Programme

Chiltern Arts is ecstatic to present the ‘Human Stories’ theme for its eagerly awaited 2024 festival, happening from 10th to 17th May. The event will showcase a splendid mix of musical concerts, mesmerising poetry readings, and compelling literature discussions. Renowned musical talents like The Gesualdo Six, I Fagiolini, violinist Fenella Humphreys, and the Carducci String Quartet will perform alongside contemporary literary figures Roger McGough and James Runcie. This edition of the festival is particularly focused on capturing the imagination of young attendees, aged 9 to 14, through the groundbreaking ListenUp & ListenIn initiative, designed to foster the next wave of cultural enthusiasts.

ListenUp & ListenIn seamlessly integrates with the festival’s varied agenda, upholding the charity’s core principle of making music accessible by eliminating the barriers of concert etiquette and musical knowledge, thereby attracting a wide and inclusive audience. This effort is supported by the ‘Sponsoring a Seat‘ programme, which allows patrons to contribute to expanding the initiative’s reach to include more young participants.

Naomi Taylor, the visionary Founder and Creative Director, shared her excitement: “We’re so excited to be in the pilot phase of this project, taking steps to nurture a love of culture in young people that is so essential for a resilient cultural sector. I always try to plan thoughtful programmes with human experience at their heart — programmes that are designed to spark curiosity and inspire creativity. I hope that integrating literature into our events, and developing enjoyable and interesting online resources will offer new perspectives, both for our new young audiences, and our existing audiences.”

This year, Chiltern Arts adopts an innovative approach by dedicating two days each to the towns of Henley-on-Thames and Princes Risborough, along with their neighbouring villages, before concluding the festival in Hughenden and Marlow. This immersive strategy provides a novel festival experience, with ‘Festival Passes’ for these specific locations offering a 20% discount on ticket purchases for either the Henley or Risborough Passes.

The festivities commence in Henley on Friday, 10th May, with a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea on The New Orleans, Hobbs of Henley’s premier vessel, accompanied by Roger McGough’s poetic brilliance. The evening will see an energetic performance by a trio of chamber musicians, delivering a varied musical and poetic repertoire.

Saturday, 11th May promises an array of musical delights, starting with the Brompton Quartet’s renditions of Mozart and Haydn in the morning, followed by the Natrio Trumpet Trio’s performance in the afternoon, and culminating with The Gesualdo Six’s evening concert featuring French compositions and Fauré’s Requiem, in collaboration with the Chiltern Arts Festival Chorus, under Owain Park’s leadership. Applications for the Festival Chorus are open until March 31st: register today to be part of this fabulous event.

The festival then transitions to Princes Risborough on Sunday, 12th May, beginning with a performance of French Fables at Bledlow’s Holy Trinity Church, followed by a cinematic portrayal of Fanny Mendelssohn’s life, starring pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason. The day ends with an immersive exploration of Bach’s world through music and literature by violinist Fenella Humphreys and novelist James Runcie.

The following day, Monday, 13th May, offers a guided poetry walk amidst nature, an afternoon session on Dimitri Shostakovich by BBC’s Stephen Johnson, and an evening concert intertwining Shostakovich’s letters with his evocative string quartets, performed by the Carducci Quartet and featuring actor Anton Lesser.

The festival’s concluding days will feature poetry and spoken word in Hughenden on Thursday, 16th May, and a performance by the Alinde Wind Quintet, celebrating Czech music. The festival’s grand finale in Marlow on Friday, 17th May will be marked by a performance from I Fagiolini, showcasing Italian choral masterpieces from the 17th Century, including works by Monteverdi and Orazio Benevoli.

Don’t miss this cultural extravaganza at the Chiltern Arts Festival. For more information and to book tickets, please visit chilternarts.com.

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