Business London Press

Economic Pressures Lead Brits to Sideline Sustainability in Christmas Shopping, Manhattan Associates Study Shows

Business

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07/12/2023

Economic Pressures Lead Brits to Sideline Sustainability in Christmas Shopping, Manhattan Associates Study Shows

A new study by Manhattan Associates Inc. (NASDAQ: MANH) highlights a shift in British consumer habits this Christmas, with economic pressures leading to a decreased focus on sustainability. The survey, conducted by YouGov, found that amidst the cost-of-living crisis, 32% of Brits are not actively looking for sustainable products or brands for their holiday shopping.

Sustainable Shopping Takes a Backseat

Craig Summers, Manhattan Associates’ Managing Director UKI, MEA & Nordics, comments on the economic impact on consumer choices: “The golden quarter and holiday season is well underway but clearly the state of the economy is having an effect on customer behaviour – unfortunately, it looks as if cost is trumping sustainability just now.”

Despite the current trend, the study reveals that outside the festive season, British consumers still value sustainability, with a significant majority supporting sustainable packaging and product lifecycles. Furthermore, many are willing to adjust their shopping habits to lower carbon emissions.

Retailers’ Role in Balancing Sustainability and Cost

For retailers, the challenge lies in offering sustainable yet affordable options. They must consider sustainability from the start of the product design process and work towards greener supply chains. Summers reflects on the challenges faced in 2023: “This year has been tough for retailers and consumers across the board… While inflation is beginning to ease, the road to recovery will not happen overnight… but hopefully we will see greener shoots of recovery for the economy, and also consumer impetus for sustainability, return in the spring.”

LEAP Offers Free Energy and Money-Saving Advice to Residents of Kent and Essex

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06/12/2023

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The Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP), known for providing free energy and money-saving advice, has extended its services to the residents of London, Kent, and Essex. This expansion comes as part of the ongoing efforts to combat rising fuel poverty in the UK.

Residents in these areas who are facing difficulties with their energy bills or struggling to heat their homes this winter can now avail free advice from LEAP’s network of qualified energy advisors. They can also access support for energy efficiency and energy-saving technological enhancements.

The recent government announcement about a 5% price cap rise from the current rates is set to impact 29 million energy customers across the UK, with fuel costs anticipated to increase by £94 for direct debit customers. This rise is particularly concerning for households in Kent and Essex, where, according to the Office of National Statistics, areas south of Tunbridge Wells rank low in energy efficiency. National Energy Action has highlighted that nearly 6000 households in Harwich and North Essex are living in fuel poverty.

Vanessa Springham, Head of Marketing & Communications at LEAP, underscores the immediacy of the issue: “Fuel poverty is right on our doorstep. We are here to help local residents with free energy advice; it all starts with a relaxed, informal call. Anyone in the area who is struggling with the rising cost of energy bills is encouraged to get in touch. It’s about helping households minimise the risk of falling into fuel poverty and for those who are already in it, it’s reminding them that they don’t have to suffer alone.”

LEAP’s services are comprehensive, offering appliance support, energy advice, and access to energy efficiency funding schemes and boiler replacement. Residents of Kent and Essex are encouraged to contact LEAP through their website and schedule a call to benefit from these free services.

Study by OrderFlow Shows a Significant 52% Drop in Black Friday Searches Since 2019

Business

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06/12/2023

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Study by OrderFlow Shows a Significant 52% Drop in Black Friday Searches Since 2019

As the Black Friday sales era tapers off, businesses in e-commerce and retail across the UK are busy preparing to cater to the heightened seasonal demand and deciding on their promotional offers for the period.

OrderFlow’s recent data reveals a marked decrease in enthusiasm for the sales period in the UK as of 2023.

52% Decline in Black Friday Searches Since 2019

Data from Statistica indicates that in 2022, British shoppers spent a total of £8.71 billion during Black Friday. While this year remains an important period for sales, there’s evidence suggesting a diminishing growth curve.

Insights from Google Trends and Glimpse show significant spikes in Black Friday searches on the day itself, but post-2019’s peak, there’s been a consistent downturn in search volume, with 2023’s forecasts indicating another decrease.

Exploring the Causes for the Decline

Current economic conditions in the UK might lead to a heightened sensitivity to prices, potentially making Black Friday deals more appealing. However, the increasing inclination to economize and lessen waste has resulted in a 31% jump in search volume for second-hand retailers like Vinted compared to 2021. According to PwC, only 20% of consumers intend to shop on Black Friday, with just 17% expecting worthwhile deals on the day.

This pattern points to a mounting apathy towards the sale period. Still, the data hints at a considerable upsurge in demand, affirming its importance for the sales of many e-commerce outlets.

Utilising WMS Software for Peak Season Management

Data from OrderFlow shows that the search term ‘WMS‘ often sees a spike following the sales period into the new year, as many look to revamp their stock management strategies during the less busy months.

Manleys Solicitors Secure Major Win for Footballer at Court of Arbitration for Sport

Sports

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06/12/2023

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Manleys Solicitors Secure Major Win for Footballer at Court of Arbitration for Sport

The Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland (‘CAS’), has reached a decisive verdict in support of a footballer who faced non-payment and threats of police intervention by his club. Represented by Manleys Solicitors, the footballer, with international caps, successfully fought for his right to end his contract and obtain substantial damages. The CAS, following a complex legal battle, upheld the player’s decision to terminate his contract, ordering the club to pay a significant compensation.

Instructed by Manleys was a renowned footballer, famed for scoring goals across Europe’s leading leagues. His January 2021 transfer, initially met with enthusiasm, quickly turned problematic as he faced astonishing non-payment from the country’s most successful club, a familiar name in European tournaments like the Champions League. His objections to the non-payment resulted in demotion to the U21 squad. The player, backed by a leading European agent, resisted; the situation worsened. He informed CAS about an incident where club officials coerced him to sign a contract in a language he didn’t understand, leading to a fine upon refusal. In an extraordinary turn of events, he faced threats from the club involving local police, causing him to leave the country. The club denied these accusations.

The player, fearing for his safety, departed the country unannounced, concerned about potential obstruction by local authorities. Having reached safety, he and his agent sought Manleys’ help to end his playing contract.

An initial victory at FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber was challenged by the club at the CAS, with the club demanding compensation for a lost transfer fee.

Manleys enlisted the expertise of Steven Flynn, a leading sports barrister in the UK from Kings Chambers and 2 Temple Gardens, noted for his CAS victories. Flynn was supported by the emerging legal talent, Rosie Knight (Kings Chambers).

The appeal by the club focused on whether the player was justified in leaving the country and terminating his contract without notice. The club argued for a 14-day notice period as per the contract, allowing them to rectify any issues, or alternatively, a 15-day notice under FIFA RSTP for wage-related terminations. They claimed entitlement to compensation for the loss of the player’s registration, implicating the player’s new club in the proceedings.

Using a mix of Swiss law, the club’s national law, and previous CAS decisions, the player effectively argued for his right to terminate the contract for just cause. While Swiss law highlights the need for forewarning an employer, the CAS determined this wasn’t an absolute must for just cause termination. The CAS found that the player had already notified the club of the contract breach by addressing the unpaid wages. The club’s argument of insufficient notice was deemed insubstantial. The CAS also negated the club’s right to demote the player to the U21 team. The club’s actions overall justified the player’s decision to end the contract.

The CAS awarded the player his unpaid salary until contract termination, compensation for his decreased earnings at the new club, and three months’ additional salary due to the salary-related termination. A costs order was also made against the club.

Steven Flynn, lead counsel before the CAS observed that, ‘This case was complicated by the different national laws and regulatory regimes engaged. The club sought to exploit apparent inconsistencies between the regimes to avoid responsibility for its actions. Thankfully we, as a team, were able to address the multi-jurisdictional issues and ensure that justice was done for player.’

Mark Manley, Managing Director at Manleys said: ‘I’m delighted for the player and his agent. Our team couldn’t believe what we were hearing when the player recounted his ordeal. He had been excited to join the most successful club in this country but it quickly turned into a nightmare. His decision to flea the country was more akin to a James Bond’ movie than a footballing issue! The player was one of the most impressive witnesses I have seen in Court. His agent, Roberto De Fanti, was an incredible support to the player throughout this ordeal, as was his new club. I’d like to thank them, my colleagues at Manleys, and Steven Flynn and Rosie Knight of Kings’ Chambers for their skills, expertise, tenacity and bringing a very successful conclusion to this long-running saga. Our website boasts that “we are in the results business” – I’m very pleased for this client that he’s ended up a fantastic and emphatic result.”

Triumph for Elizabeth Willetts, Investing in Women Founder, at The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards

Business

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06/12/2023

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Triumph for Elizabeth Willetts, Investing in Women Founder, at The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards

Elizabeth Willetts, leading the charge with Investing in Women, clinched the title of Services Industries Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 for the South East at The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Acknowledged as one of the entrepreneurial world’s most sought-after honours, this year’s edition of The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards attracted over 5,000 entries, underscoring its prestige.

A Celebrated Win Amidst Fierce Competition

Just making it to the shortlist is a remarkable achievement in itself, given the level of competition, thereby amplifying the significance of the victory for Investing in Women. James Watt of BrewDog, a previous winner, compared winning to “better than winning the World Cup”; while Steven Bartlett referred to the awards as “The Grammys of Entrepreneurship”, indicating the high status of the event.

The jury members said: “A timely business that deserves to be highlighted. This accolade comes as a recognition of the outstanding work by Elizabeth and the entire team at Investing in Women, highlighting their dedication to supporting and empowering women in the business world.”

Francesca James, who initiated The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, commented: “I am thrilled to witness the extraordinary achievements of this year’s winners. Their success stories are a testament to the dynamic and innovative spirit that thrives within UK entrepreneurship. These inspiring entrepreneurs embody the creativity, determination, and passion that are at the heart of our nation’s business success. Their accomplishments not only celebrate their own journeys but also light the way for future generations of innovators and business leaders”.

Richard Davies, Allica Bank’s CEO, remarked: “It has been a real honour to sponsor this year’s GBEA awards. Hearing the inspiring stories from this year’s winners really brings to life the important contribution British entrepreneurs make to our economy. At Allica, we couldn’t be more excited to see such a talented group of individuals making their mark in the business world, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on what they do next.”

Investing in Women, initiated by Elizabeth Willetts, is a pioneering job board and recruitment agency revolutionising the UK job market since its creation at Elizabeth’s dining room table amid the Covid pandemic in 2021.

With a mission to bridge the gap between skilled women, particularly mothers in their 30s and 40s, and leading UK employers, Investing in Women has emerged as a symbol of hope and opportunity. It specialises in linking candidates with flexible, remote, and part-time roles, focusing on the importance of a balanced work-life.

Under Elizabeth’s stewardship, Investing in Women has soared, forming partnerships with many renowned organisations in various industries. It has become synonymous with empowering women to balance professional ambitions with family life and personal aspirations. The organisation’s efforts to promote gender diversity and inclusion in the workplace have not only received widespread recognition but also made a real difference in the lives of many UK professionals.

The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards are instrumental in recognising and supporting entrepreneurs across the UK, fostering communities that back their growth at various stages. With its competitive nature and history of honouring businesses that become well-known, the awards are a hallmark of entrepreneurial excellence.

AMD Design Award 2023: A Platform for Sustainable Artistic Excellence

Business

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05/12/2023

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AMD Design Award 2023: A Platform for Sustainable Artistic Excellence

The AMD Design Award 2023, aimed at CG and media artists and creative students, has recently announced its winners, marking a successful conclusion to the event.

Esteemed for its emphasis on sustainable development and environmental care through digital art, the AMD Design Award has concluded its latest season. The competition, running from July 15 to October 15, attracted a myriad of digital artists focused on significant environmental themes.

The submissions varied widely, from designs for eco-friendly urban planning to concepts for zero-emission transportation and initiatives for responsible energy usage. The “Social Poster” category saw the most entries, illustrating the participants’ dedication to using art as a tool for social and environmental advocacy.

This year’s competition saw substantial entries, primarily from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, with significant contributions from France, Spain, and Canada. In a first, the competition saw active participation from students in creative fields, with a special prize fund allocated for the best student submissions.

During October 15 to October 30, a panel of distinguished jurors evaluated the entries. The mission of the AMD Design Award is to encourage a synergy of artistic creativity and critical thinking, aiming to spur innovation and positive change in an era of global transformation. The jury for this year’s AMD Design Award included:

· Annibale Siconolfi — An Italian artist and architect, distinguished for his 3D environmental modeling.

· Sarper Baran — Founder of Artgrab.co and a veteran 3D artist with substantial expertise.

· Rolands Zilvinskis — Freelance 3D Artist and Motion Designer based in London, known for his sci-fi concepts.

· Manu VB Tintoré — A sculptor and painter, contemplating the future of humanity.

· Mickael Lelievre — A 3D modeling artist with over ten years of experience in the field.

· Matthew Betcher — A brand consultant with three decades of experience in sustainable solutions.

· Pick Keobandith — Ph.D. in art history, specialising in art and cultural diplomacy for fostering intercultural understanding.

Manu VB Tintoré, a sculptor, painter, and international agriculture engineer, reflects on the role of an artist in our ever-changing world: “How can we understand the role of an artist in this rapidly changing and endlessly mutable world? How can an artist’s work drive the essential changes humanity requires? Probably the binomial artistic creation — critical thinking constitutes one of the keys to promote. In this sense, the AMD Design Award stands out as one of the instruments to enhance this binomial and consequently influence the transition in which we are immersed. Young and experienced professionals, guided by the theme proposed by the contest, apply their creativity and intellect to generate innovations with implications for the design of a better future.”

This year’s winners are:

City category – Recognising the outstanding achievement in designing a smarter, more efficient city infrastructure with interconnected renewable energy systems, this nomination was awarded to Thomas Chamberlain‑Keen (United Kingdom), Alberto Petronio (United Kingdom) and Nick Leung (United Kingdom).

Transport category – Applauding the visionary work dedicated to zero emissions vehicles and sustainable transportation solutions, this nomination was awarded to Loic Bramoulle (France), Axel Sauerwald (Germany) and Mike Luard (United Kingdom).

Social Poster category – Commending the creative genius behind the artwork promoting responsible energy consumption by the Citizens of the Future, this nomination was awarded to Matteo Stella (Italy), Arad Safarzadegan (Germany) and Jeanne Plounevez (France).

Best student work – Celebrating the brightest emerging talents who have demonstrated exceptional creativity and dedication in the pursuit of sustainable design, this nomination was awarded to Jannes Ennen (Germany) and Artem Krylovskiy (Canada).

The winners in each category will receive fantastic prizes that include powerful AMD products, designed to propel the advancement of creative industries. The first-place prize is a Workstation PC powered by the AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ PRO 5965WX processor and Radeon™ PRO graphics card. The second-place winner will receive a Workstation PC equipped with the AMD Ryzen™ 7000 Series Desktop processor and Radeon™ RX 7900 Series graphics card. The third-place prize is a ThinkPad P14s Gen 3 featuring the AMD Ryzen™ 7 PRO 6850U processor. The Best student work prize is a $300 Gift Card for Learn Squared that can be used to access the latest and most valuable courses offered by some of the industry’s leading artists. With these facilities, the winners will supercharge their creative abilities, reaching new horizons in their work and unlocking the potential for groundbreaking innovation.

Additionally, each winner of the contest will receive an exclusive prize: access to a Windows 11 Pro for Workstations license, further enhancing their creative capabilities.

Rolands Zilvinskis, a dedicated jury member, expresses his honor in being a part of the AMD Design Award and wholeheartedly applauds the artists for their unwavering commitment to a sustainable and energy-efficient future. He reflects, “I was honored to be a part of the AMD Awards jury, and I am thrilled to recognise the commitment of these artists to a sustainable and energy-efficient future. Their proposals showcased unique ideas, creativity, and innovation that could potentially make a positive impact in the future.”

The AMD Design Award, with a focus on environmental sustainability and innovation, embodies a critical mission to advance to a better world. By embracing the responsibility to protect our planet and encourage energy-saving measures, AMD challenges artists to imagine a world with abundant alternative energy sources and explore how we can contribute to these changes.

AMD extends its sincere gratitude to the esteemed partners — Armari, Chillblast, CyberPowerPC, InterPro Workstations, PCSpecialist, Scan Computers, and Strongbox Technology — for their invaluable contributions, empowering the next generation of innovative and sustainable designers.

The Rise of Supercar Sharing® in the Luxury Market

Travel

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05/12/2023

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The Rise of Supercar Sharing® in the Luxury Market

Since its foundation in 2021 in Zurich, Switzerland, Supercar Sharing AG has rapidly grown into a prominent entity in the luxury car-sharing and tourism industry within Europe. Its client roster is studded with celebrities and high-profile business magnates. The company is now strategising for international expansion, which includes developing franchise partnerships and inaugurating a leading showroom and car storage facility in Dubai. Furthermore, plans are underway to open a new branch in Mallorca by 2024, reinforcing its commitment to the luxury tourism sector.

In just two years, Supercar Sharing has attracted over a thousand members from the sports car community and has recorded portfolio order values surpassing 8 million CHF. A significant highlight is its exclusive co-ownership model for the Bugatti Chiron Sport, a pioneering venture in the co-ownership sphere of the sharing economy.

Supercar Sharing® is focused on setting itself as a durable leader in the luxury sharing market. With aspirations to open 30 more franchise areas within the next five years and expand its fleet to over 200 luxury vehicles and supercars, the company is poised for substantial growth.

Innovating with a Co-Ownership Model: Luxurious and Economical

The innovation at Supercar Sharing is embodied in its Supercar Co-Ownership System®. This unique system allows international customers to purchase ownership stakes, starting from a 10% share, in luxury vehicles such as those registered in Switzerland.

Co-ownership offers customers rights to use the vehicle, as well as voting and participation rights. The model brings numerous benefits:

Cost Sharing: The co-ownership structure enables the distribution of acquisition and operational costs of luxury vehicles among a limited circle of car enthusiasts, enhancing accessibility and fiscal prudence.
Professional Management: Supercar Sharing ensures professional management of the vehicles, covering maintenance to insurance, providing co-owners with a seamless experience.
Greater Cost Effectiveness: Co-ownership stands out as a more economical and sustainable option compared to individual buying, leasing, or renting of vehicles in the long run.

Holding brand rights in 31 countries, the company’s revenue streams include co-ownership, vehicle trading, memberships, rentals, and franchise partnerships.

Deivis H. Valdes, Supercar Sharing Group’s founder and CEO, shares his optimism: “We are proud of the growth and acceptance of our brand in the luxury car-sharing and tourism market so far. With our planned expansion and focus on franchise partnerships, we are confident that Supercar Sharing® will set the standard for the future of luxury sharing on a global scale.”

Deivis H. Valdes and Joschua Ammann, the primary shareholders of Supercar Sharing AG, are currently seeking franchise partners to globalize their successful business model.

The best Christmas booze for 2023

Blog

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01/12/2023

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We all love to unwrap a pair of new PJs, a bar of Toblerone and some jazzy socks on December 25.

But sometimes, a bottle of booze just does the trick. So welcome to our slightly funkier suggestions for alcohol gifts for Christmas.

And even if you don’t plan to gift alcohol, it’s great to have a fine stock in your Christmas locker, ready for Santa. Oh, and your other guests of course.

Pod Pea Vodka

Manchester-based Pod Pea Vodka is the perfect gift for spirit lovers looking for something unique this Christmas. And if you’re not sure you read that right in the first place, you did.

This is the first British vodka made from 100% British peas and yep, even tastes like peas. It’s super silky, with citrus notes, very fresh and with a subtle savoury note for spicing up that Christmas drinks cabinet. So whether you want to sip it or create your own Sex on the Pea-ch cocktail, the choice is yours.

Other than being Northern, the other great thing about this versatile drink is that steam heat is used during production resulting in a lower release of CO² emissions AND for every bottle sold in December, Pod Pea Vodka will donate £1 to Eat Well, a charity that supports people in poverty, providing up to 1,000 meals every week to those in need.

Buy from: Master of Malt, Selfridges, Amazon, from £37.45

Blood Monkey Irish Craft Gin

Yeah, yeah, everyone’s a gin drinker these days. It’s definitely getting more pretentious but Blood Monkey is here to cut the bull when everyone else is full of it.

This one is much more smoky than a traditional gin and very distinctive – a perfect warming tonic for darker nights. It starts off with a pang of lime but almost has a gunpowder feel to it with some pangs of caramel thrown in for good measure.

Bold and versatile, and lovely with a decent tonic but we say it’s best straight up without a cucumber in sight. Blood Monkey Irish Craft Gin is definitely a great gift for December 25.

Buy from: Master of Malt £37.50

Sea Change wine

What better gift to give than one that keeps giving? Sea Change is an award-winning ethically sourced, eco-friendly wine that directly supports global ocean conservation projects.

If you look carefully at the beautifully-illustrated labels you’ll spy the plastic hidden inside the creatures, illustrating the dangers of pollution.

And this year, the brand is offering up an array of special Christmas packs perfect as a gift or to accompany celebrations. With a wine for every taste, you could opt for the Merlot, crammed with summer berries and hints of green pepper for a full-bodied flavour that is easy to sup. We recommend the Christmas Day Pack featuring Sauvignon Blanc, Prosecco and Malbec.

Buy from: seachangewine.com, prices from £13.49

Bladnoch Whisky

If you need a gift for someone who’s a fan of a great single malt, consider Bladnoch Whisky – The Tasting Pack. In this pack, you’ll find the best of the Lowlands with three x 200ml bottles of the Samsara, Vinaya and Liora whiskies.

Distillery favourite Samsara is a full-bodied and fragrant blend of malts matured in ex Bourbon and ex Californian red wine casks. Matured in a unique combination of 1st fill Bourbon and 1st fill Sherry casks, expect notes of fresh apple, sweet floral grass and hints of chocolate for the Vinaya. And the Liora is golden yellow with aroma of oak and marshmallow, with a woody taste but sweet initially.

It’s a limited edition set and a fantastic way to sample a taste of three different single malts at incredible value.

Buy from: Bladnoch Distillery, £80

Personalised Champagne

Champagne Neveux-Rousseau is located in Jonquery, an area recognised for the quality of its Pinot Meunier, in the heart of the Marne Valley. Now a seventh generation family business, the purest traditions have been respected to ensure that your Champagne gift is produced to the highest standards.

This refreshing and lively Champagne, which has apple and lemon notes, comes with the added bonus of being vegan friendly and Say It With Champers can even offer a personalised Champagne label for that special someone. You can also upgrade to the Premium champagne.

Buy from: sayitwithchampers.co.uk, from £42.99

Salford Rum

The Salford Rum Company has launched this fruity number in time for the holiday season and it’s reminiscent of the northern childhood classic, hot Vimto.

A strictly limited edition, fusing locally-sourced blackcurrants with Salford’s celebrated and well-honed rum, the gorgeous new bottle is a must have for fans of the brand. So however you like to drink it – although in this case, can we suggest warmed in a winter cocktail… you’ll want to make sure if you’re not buying it as a gift, that’s it on your own list.

Buy from: salfordrum.com, £40

Leading the charge: Pioneers unite to shake up UK electric vehicle market

News Desk

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01/12/2023

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Leading the charge: Pioneers unite to shake up UK electric vehicle market

A major partnership that will significantly accelerate the rollout of the UK’s public and private
Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure has just been announced.

London-based tech-first utility company and the UK’s largest independent energy supplier, Pozitive
Energy, and leading Swiss energy management solutions provider, Landis+Gyr, have joined forces to
deliver the country’s most substantial gear shift in EV charging.

The partnership will see a unique delivery model rolled out across the country, with businesses able
to access the complete end-to-end EV charging infrastructure, including full installation and
management of Landis+Gyr’s premium EV charging solutions, fixed national pricing, ‘tap and go’
payment processes, and the ability to earn revenues or offset energy bills from chargepoint use.

Infrastructure expansion

Not only will this make EV charging as accessible and easy as possible for both businesses deploying
it and their customers who use it, but it will also help expedite the expansion of the UK’s EV
infrastructure, which continues to lag behind other European countries.

Nathan Daniels, head of electric vehicles at Canary Wharf-based Pozitive Energy, said: “Our
partnership with Landis+Gyr represents the largest advancement in the UK’s EV market in decades, and will see us together, driving forward Britain’s ability to reach its Net Zero and low carbon targets.

“For too long, the country’s EV charging infrastructure has presented a barrier to consumer
adoption. Working with Landis+Gyr to develop this unique approach to EV charging will see UK
businesses gain access to revenue generating charge points, while also offering drivers access to a
much more robust and easier to use charging network thus benefitting us all in an expanding EV
infrastructure.

“As a tech-first energy supplier to businesses, we are in a unique position to deliver a future-proof
EV charging solution, that ensures all regulatory and legislative changes are accounted for while
providing unrivalled automation and ease of use.

Largest network

Once deployment has been completed, the partnership will see Pozitive Energy provide the largest
network of EV chargers in the UK.

Rob Harper, director of sales, UK & Ireland, Landis+Gyr, said: “This partnership provides
business customers with a unique no-regrets decision to boost the growth of a much-needed EV
charging infrastructure.

“The installation of Landis+Gyr chargers and all supporting contactless payment terminals means that drivers can pay without the need for a mobile application. The deployment of the EV chargers is being managed by both company’s advanced IT capabilities.

“We are looking forward to watching the growth of the network as we look to manage energy better.”

Over the next five years, Pozitive Energy expects to install 30,000 of Landis+Gyr’s electric vehicle
charging units across the UK, which will make it one of the UK’s largest Charge Point Operators
(CPOs).

Genie AI Innovates Faster Legal Document Negotiation with New Feature

AI

News Desk

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01/12/2023

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Genie AI Innovates Faster Legal Document Negotiation with New Feature

Genie AI, a pioneering AI legal tech firm based in London, has debuted an innovative method for negotiating legal documents, focusing on individual clauses.

The new system enables users to quickly and visually gauge the progress of document reviews by selecting from three icons: “Agree, disagree or unsure”. This feature modernises the traditionally slow process of legal document negotiation.

The conventional practice of waiting for complete document reviews from each party often led to extensive delays. This process, unchanged for three decades, involved multiple emails, various document versions, and significant time wastage. Genie AI’s solution allows for real-time, asynchronous document review, with parties able to approve or reject different sections and clauses simultaneously. This approach breaks down documents into more manageable parts, leading to quicker and more precise outcomes.

Genie AI’s platform has made negotiating clauses more efficient, though users also have the option of private document review. The system is particularly helpful for managing the review of lengthy documents over several sessions.

Rafie Faruq, CEO of Genie AI, remarked: “The end goal is to create a whole new mode of negotiation, reduce back and forth and save hours of time for every business deal. We want to not just help businesses reduce their costs and get their legals done faster, but create a whole new way of working that improves the structure of legal deals from the ground up.”

Genie AI’s “Review” feature for its 40,000+ users also identifies and annotates high-risk clauses, ensuring users are cautious before agreeing. The “Ask” feature further allows users to revise clauses they disagree with, without incurring legal fees.

Dr Max Grell, CEO of Blakbear, said: “When reviewing long documents – and whilst collaborating with team members – it’s hard to keep track of which clauses have been approved or agreed and which still need review. Being able to tick, cross or have an icon to say we’re unsure on a clause level makes me want to use Genie instead of Microsoft Word for legal agreements.”

Furthermore, this feature sets the stage for future AI negotiation tools, as it provides the foundational infrastructure for Genie’s AI to engage in negotiations.

Genie AI’s SuperDrafter toolkit, currently in its Beta phase, is being offered for free. In-house lawyers, business managers, and freelancers can sign up for their free account at https://app.genieai.co/signup.

Pod Pea Vodka

Blood Monkey Irish Craft Gin

Sea Change wine

Bladnoch Whisky

Personalised Champagne

Salford Rum

Infrastructure expansion

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