Police are appealing for any possible victims who may not have contacted them already, to come forward after a man was convicted of child sex offences.

Mustafa Mehmet was found guilty of repeatedly raping a young girl in Hackney.

Mehmet (34) of Malden Court, N4 was unanimously found guilty of rape of a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, causing a child to watch a sexual act and assault (ABH) on December 6, at Wood Green Crown Court.

He has been remanded in custody and sentencing will be at the same court on January 31.

The sexual assaults and abuse took place over a three-year period from the mid-2000s and started when the child was eight years old.

Detectives from Central East’s Child Abuse Investigation Team have been working to identify possible further victims of Mehmet and encourage anyone who has been a victim of Mehmet to come forward and report to the police.

An investigation was launched after the victim reported the offences in 2019, leading to Mehmet being charge in January 2024. Local officers supported the victim throughout the investigation and trial, acknowledging the bravery it took to make the first steps in reporting the crime in the first place.

Detective constable Megan Davidson of the Central East Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “Mehmet is a dangerous and predatory sex offender.

“It has taken tremendous courage on the part of the victim to report this to the Metropolitan Police, without which Mehmet may not have faced justice.

“The Metropolitan Police Service tirelessly pursues those who commit violence against women and girls. Whilst we cannot reverse the impact that this abuse has had on the victim, this conviction will bring some justice to the victim.

“I remain concerned that Mehmet may have committed other offences that have yet to be reported to us. If you recognise this man as having had any relationship with your family and believe that you or a family member may have been a victim of his abuse, please contact us immediately.

“Specially trained officers will be there to listen to you and provide you with any support you may require.”

Call 101 to report information or visit:www.met.police.uk

A knife-wielding man who was covered in blood when confronted by brave officers has been jailed for life for a frenzied attack on two women.

Tito Eleto (30) of Radipole Road, previously admitted attempted murder, grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a knife for his actions that stemmed from a domestic dispute.

Investigating officer detective constable Lucas Pollard said: “This was a horrific attack on two woman which began on a doorstep and escalated into a fight for their lives.

“The women absolutely thought they were going to die – it must have been terrifying for them, not least as a six-month-old baby was also inside the property.

“I thank the neighbours who heard the women’s screams for help and called police. Those officers then confronted Eleto as he tried to flee and, despite Eleto being still armed with a knife, managed to overpower and arrest him. Other officers who helped the victims described the scene inside the property as “carnage”.

“This type of domestic attack has a long-lasting impact on victims and we will always do our absolute best to investigate and bring offenders to justice.”

The incident happened on December 4, 2023, at an address in Wandsworth. Eleto (pictured) arrived at the victim’s home and they had a doorstep conversation. He then asked the victim to remove the door chain so they could speak properly.

As soon as she did, he forced his way into the flat, kicking the door, and launched an immediate attack. The woman initially thought she was being punched but in fact Eleto was stabbing her.

The victim ran further into the property but was chased by Eleto who continued to attack her.

Eleto then turned his attention to the victim’s mother who was also inside and tried to stab her twice in the head as she came to the aid of her daughter. He succeeded in stabbing her in the armpit before returning to the first victim and stabbing her in the face.

He began to tire and the two women managed to get to a bedroom and lock themselves in with the baby. They screamed for help through a window and were fortunately heard by neighbours who called police.

The women had blocked the bedroom door with a cot but Eleto pushed through, still armed with the knife, and told them “everyone in the room is going to die”.

The victims begged for their lives and the safety of the baby, and Eleto eventually left the flat.

Police had raced to the scene and at the lift Eleto, covered in blood and brandishing the knife, was met by officers.

They used incapacitant spray when he refused to drop the weapon and then a Taser when he started to stab himself.

The officers managed to overpower him and he was arrested before being treated at hospital for his injuries.

Police found both woman inside – the victim in her 30s suffered deep cuts to her face, arms and neck. The other woman, in her 60s, had cuts to her arms. They gave immediate first aid before they were taken to hospital. The baby boy, whose mother was the woman in her 30s, was unharmed.

Eleto was charged, remanded in custody, pleaded guilty and then appeared on Monday, at Kingston Crown Court.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum of 12 years for attempted murder of the victim in her 30s, five years to run concurrently for GBH with intent on the woman in her 60s and one year to run concurrently for possession of a knife.

A team leader at a London business has been named Apprentice of the Year by national trade body the BMF (Builders Merchants Federation).

Jordan Payne, branch team leader at Lawsons in Acton, was nominated by LEAP Apprenticeships for the award after achieving a distinction Level 3 apprenticeship.

Alongside completing a two-year team leader / supervisor course Jordan also stepped up to acting branch manager when needed.

Jeremy Norris, managing director at Lawsons, said: “As the branch supervisor, Jordan grew with confidence within the team, and I saw how he was passing on the knowledge and skills that he was learning and has learnt through the apprenticeship and work.

“Lawsons is committed to developing talent, nurturing and supporting the next generation of managers and department heads.

“Jordan has shown himself to be a disciplined, motivated and very able member of our team whom we will be delighted to see continue to develop his career at Lawsons. We heartily congratulate him on this achievement.”

Building on his successful apprenticeship and award-win, Jordan is now looking to his future career. He said: “This experience has allowed me to see how my career can develop.

“It creates an opportunity for me to develop even more and potentially manage my own branch one day.”

Jordan was announced as BMF Apprentice of the Year at the Federation’s annual Conference and Awards, hosted by Countdown’s Colin Murray and held at the Leonardo Hinckley Island Hotel in Leicestershire.

BMF CEO John Newcomb said: “Congratulations go to Jordan for the dedication and hard work that is recognised with this award.

“The BMF Annual Conference and Awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the suppliers, service members and individuals across the sector who contribute to creating excellence in building materials supply.

Pictured from left: Tim Rowbottom, managing director at Collier & Catchpole and BMF Apprentice of the Year Jordan Payne receives his award from Countdown’s Colin Murray

Running a small business often feels like navigating a labyrinth—rewarding, yet brimming with challenges. With limited resources, tight budgets, and fierce competition, the hurdles can sometimes seem endless.

One effective yet frequently overlooked strategy is joining a local business club. Whether it’s a chamber of commerce, a networking group, or a social club in London, these organisations can unlock opportunities you might never have imagined.

From expanding your network to boosting your credibility, here’s how small businesses can truly thrive
by becoming part of a local business club.

Build connections that work for you

One of the greatest advantages of joining a local business club is the chance to connect with people who can genuinely support your business’s growth. It’s not just about swapping business cards at events; it’s about building meaningful relationships. After all, who understands your local area better than other business owners in the community?

Networking events hosted by these clubs offer more than just a chance to mingle. They’re platforms for creating valuable partnerships, finding clients, or even discovering mentors. For instance, organisations like Business Networking International (BNI) operate globally, but their structured weekly meetings foster local connections.

Imagine a florist teaming up with a wedding planner or a graphic designer collaborating with a print shop. These connections often lead to referrals, joint projects, and even lasting friendships.

And it’s not all about business transactions. Sharing challenges, exchanging ideas, or simply discussing day-to-day hurdles with fellow entrepreneurs can offer both inspiration and reassurance.

Put your business in the spotlight

Standing out as a small business is no small feat, especially when competing against bigger, more established names. This is where a business club can be a game-changer. Many organisations offer their members visibility through online directories, newsletters, or social media posts, giving your business free exposure with minimal effort.

Membership in a well-regarded organisation also enhances your credibility. Customers tend to trust businesses affiliated with recognised groups, viewing it as a mark of professionalism.

Research from the British Chambers of Commerce, for instance, highlights that consumers are more likely to trust and support businesses associated with their local chamber. In this sense, membership isn’t just a badge—it’s a powerful trust signal that can make a real difference.

Learn, adapt, and grow

As a small business owner, you’re often required to wear many hats. But let’s face it, no one can be an expert at everything. That’s why the training sessions, workshops, and seminars offered by business clubs can be incredibly valuable. These events cover a wide range of topics, from improving your marketing strategies to understanding the latest tax regulations.

For example, many UK chambers of commerce offer tailored courses for small businesses, focusing on practical areas like cash flow management or social media optimisation. These sessions are often led by experienced professionals, ensuring the advice is not only relevant but actionable.

Beyond formal training, there’s the priceless benefit of informal learning. Simply being surrounded by seasoned entrepreneurs can provide insights and advice you won’t find in a textbook. Many clubs even offer mentorship programmes, connecting newer members with more experienced ones for guidance and support.

Amplify your voice

Small business owners often feel overlooked when it comes to local or national policy decisions. But by joining a business club, you become part of a collective voice. These organisations frequently advocate on behalf of their members, pushing for changes that can benefit small businesses, such as lower business rates or improved infrastructure.

Take the COVID-19 pandemic as an example. The British Chambers of Commerce played a pivotal role in lobbying for financial support for small businesses. By being part of such a group, your concerns gain weight, and you help shape the environment in which your business operates.

Save money and access resources

While membership fees might seem like an added expense, many business clubs provide benefits that can quickly offset the cost. These organisations often negotiate discounts on essential services like insurance, advertising, or office supplies, helping you cut down on operational costs.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), for instance, offers members access to legal advice, health and safety resources, and other essential services. For businesses operating on tight budgets, these perks can be a lifeline.

Some clubs also provide access to grants or funding opportunities. Whether you’re looking to purchase new equipment or launch a marketing campaign, these resources can give your business the boost it needs to grow.

Strengthen community ties

Small businesses are the backbone of their communities, and joining a local business club allows you to deepen those connections. Many clubs organise community events, charity fundraisers, or collaborative projects, giving members the chance to give back while increasing their visibility.

Sponsoring a local sports team or participating in a town clean-up, for example, shows that your business cares about more than just profits. These activities not only enhance your reputation but also build loyalty among local customers. According to the FSB, a large percentage of their members actively contribute to local initiatives, creating a win-win for businesses and their communities.

Enjoy the social benefits

Running a small business can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you’re the sole decision-maker. Business clubs offer more than just professional perks—they create a sense of camaraderie and belonging. Whether it’s a relaxed coffee morning or a formal gala dinner, these events provide a much-needed break from the day-to-day grind.

Some clubs even offer lifestyle perks, such as discounts on travel or leisure activities. These little extras can make membership all the more appealing.

Things to consider before joining

Of course, joining a business club isn’t a quick fix. To get the most out of your membership, you’ll need to actively participate—attend events, engage with other members, and contribute to initiatives.

It’s also essential to choose a club that aligns with your goals. Some organisations cater to specific industries, while others focus on general networking. Take the time to research your options and find one that suits your business’s needs.

Conclusion

Joining a local business club can be a transformative decision for small businesses. From expanding your network to increasing your visibility, saving money, and strengthening community ties, the benefits are vast and varied.

However, the real value lies in your level of engagement. The more effort you put in, the more you’ll get out of it. If you’re ready to grow your business and build lasting connections, why not give it a try? You might just find that a local business club is the missing puzzle piece in your journey to success.

A specialist events organiser based in Buckinghamshire is celebrating 10 years of success as one of the country’s largest organisers of live events for the trading card game Magic: The Gathering.

Axion Now has brought a unique approach to the world of trading card games in the UK by recognising the appeal of nationwide events that bring together both casual players and competitive players with a serious prize pool on offer.

Axion Now was the first company in the UK to introduce Magic the Gathering national event series ‘CommandFest’ and are the approved partner of Wizards of the Coast, the US-based creators of the Magic: The Gathering game. CommandFest is a tournament festival dedicated to the Commander format of Magic: The Gathering.

Growth of the company

Since the company’s inception in 2014, by joint founders Elizabeth Kolb and Francois Hauchard, the company has built a reputation as the place to go for the very best Magic: The Gathering events. As the company goes from strength to strength, they plan to organise bigger and better face-to-face events at exciting venues across the UK where players can gather to, ultimately, have fun. Already they have held successful events at iconic venues such as Edgbaston in Birmingham and Twickenham Stadium in London.

As a small company one of their great advantages is to be able to conceive a new idea, put it into place quickly and make an immediate impact on what they can deliver for their customers. This agility and flexibility – found in so many SMEs – enables them to continuously improve and deliver better and better innovative events.

One of the key messages of Axion Now since the very beginning, has been to create happiness and enable people to have fun at their events. That’s a striking goal for a business to be focused on but is absolutely key to everyone working at Axion Now.

The company has brought together a huge cross section of people living in the UK but from many internationally different backgrounds and from all sorts of demographics. They have a genuine inclusivity at their live events where everybody quite simply shares the same passion for playing this exciting and challenging trading card game.

Looking to the future

Axion Now celebrated its 10^th anniversary in 2024 with a special event at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. More than a thousand players from across the country and beyond came together for challenging competitions with fabulous prizes, casual games, and met their favourite artists or traded their collectible cards. It was a fabulous end to the live events season for Magic: The Gathering.

The company will continue to expand its event offerings and are already planning for the 2025 season. As in 2024 they will be including live events for the Disney® Lorcana trading card game in addition to Magic: The Gathering.

There have been plenty of challenges for businesses of all sizes since the start of the Axion Now journey but the team successfully weathered those challenges and are looking forward with enthusiasm to the next 10 years.

The charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 to support a re-investigation into the murder of father and son Daniel and Liam Poole.

They are offering the reward for information given exclusively to the charity that leads to the arrest and conviction of any person responsible for their murder in Spain five years ago.

A decision to treat their disappearance as a murder investigation was made in 2022.

The pair, Daniel (46) and Liam (22) from Burgess Hill, West Sussex travelled to Malaga in Spain on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

They hired a grey Peugeot 308 with the registration number 0254 KTM when they arrived in the country. This car was never returned, and their luggage was left in their hotel, together with their passports. The vehicle was later found abandoned by Spanish Police.

A man from West Sussex and another from Merseyside were arrested on December 4, 2024, in connection with the double murder.

Annabelle Goodenough, Sussex regional manager at Crimestoppers, said: “This is a shocking and sad case and Danny and Liam’s family deserve justice, answers and closure.

“We know it can be hard for some people to speak directly to the police which is why our charity is here for you. We are hoping that with the passage of time it will be easier to share what you know. Crimestoppers has been passing on information about crime whilst guaranteeing anonymity since we were established decades ago. It’s a promise we’ve always kept.

“Our charity is completely independent of the police. You can make a difference by passing on what you know whilst being protected by our guarantee of anonymity. That means no police, no courts, no witness statements. Put simply, when you contact Crimestoppers online or on the phone, there’s no comeback.

“We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. We cannot trace your call or track your IP address. No one will ever know you contacted us. You may think your information is insignificant, however it could make all the difference, and you could be eligible for this reward.”

Crimestoppers, which is independent of the police, is supporting this investigation by offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information they exclusively receive that leads to the conviction of anyone involved in the murder of Daniel and Liam Poole.

The reward will only be payable for information passed directly to Crimestoppers and not to the police. A reward code must be asked for when calling the charity on 0800 555 111. If you contact Crimestoppers via the online form anonymously, the ‘keep in contact’ facility must be used and a reward code must be requested on your initial contact with the charity.

Productivity in project management refers to the efficiency with which resources (time, money, human effort) are used to achieve project goals and deliverables. Measuring productivity in this context involves evaluating how effectively tasks are completed relative to the resources consumed.

Project managers are well-used to managing the resources that they have available on a project but it’s important to focus on productivity to make sure those resources are delivering value-for-money.

Projects in some industries are notorious for going over budget or over-schedule (or both) and failing to deliver on promises (project scope). Just think HS2 if you want an example. That means project managers tend to focus on those three project constraints: Budget, Schedule and Scope. The perceived wisdom is this will deliver a successful, good quality project. This can be true, but without a focus on productivity the project may not have delivered good value, which would not suggest a “successful” project. That’s just one of the reasons that productivity must be measured and factored into every project during it’s lifecycle and into the final assessment of a successful delivery.

Here are some of ways productivity can measured within the field of project management:

Task completion metrics

These metrics focus on the progress and completion of tasks within the project’s defined scope. They include the Percentage of Tasks Completed which indicates progress toward project completion as a broad measure. This is not a perfect metric because it doesn’t factor in the complexity of individual tasks but is, nevertheless, useful in tracking progress. It is simply calculated as:

(Completed Tasks / Total Tasks) × 100

It is also useful to measure the Milestone Achievement Rate so you can assess the percentage of milestones achieved on time, according to the project schedule. Cycle Time is another important task completion metric as this is the time taken to complete a task or deliverable. Again, this is a simplistic metric but shorter actual cycle times than planned cycle times often indicate higher productivity. Just be aware that this metric is not incorporating any complexity measure to individual tasks. Complex tasks are more likely to over-run because of un-anticipated problems.

Resource utilisation metrics

These metrics assess how well project resources (human, financial, material) are used within a project. They include Resource Efficiency, which measures how effectively resources are converted into project deliverables. Also, Budget Efficiency, which evaluates, specifically, financial resource productivity as a percentage of the actual value of an output (in monetary terms) compared to the actual budget spent. A third key resource utilisation metric is Team Utilisation Rate, which indicates the percentage of time the team is productively engaged. It is simply a percentage of the billable hours compared to the total hours available.

Schedule performance metrics

These metrics focus on how efficiently time is used to meet deadlines and include Schedule Variance (SV), which indicates whether productivity is ahead of schedule (a positive SV) or whether there have been delays (a negative SV). Schedule Performance Index (SPI) is another valuable metric that determines if project tasks have been completed more efficiently than planned. Also, On-Time Delivery Rate, which reflects how well tasks have adhered to the project timeline.

Team performance

The productivity of individual project team members can be broadly measured by how many tasks they complete in a given time, whether tasks are delivered on time and whether delivery rate is increasing (or decreasing) over the course of the project lifecycle. A decreasing delivery rate can indicate that team morale is suffering and suggest there are issues with sustaining productivity levels. A well-motivated team with good morale amongst individual members is a fundamental part of successful teamwork on a project, which, itself, is essential for high productivity levels.

Quality assessment

It is, of course, essential to evaluate the quality of deliverables, which is a critical aspect of productivity. Metrics such as Defect Rate and Rework Percentage can be useful but, perhaps, the most important aspect of delivering quality is customer satisfaction.

By requesting regular feedback from both stakeholders and the project team you will be able to refine productivity measures and improve the quality of deliverables. Stakeholder feedback allows you to gauge satisfaction with progress, deliverables and quality. Whereas, team feedback enables you to understand any roadblocks or inefficiencies from the team’s perspective. Depending on the particular project and team members, use your judgement to decide if it may be worth requesting anonymous team feedback.

Best practices for measuring productivity

Every project should have clearly defined and measurable objectives in terms of scope, schedule, cost, and quality. On a typical project you will need to measure when tasks are completed, the resources used in completing tasks and whether they were delivered according to the project schedule. Once you have this data you will know iftasks are being completed as planned and if resources are being used efficiently, hence whether costs and timelines align with expectations. This will provide some indication during the project lifecycle if it is meeting quality standards.

Conduct periodic reviews (at the very least monthly) of productivity metrics, task progress, resource allocation and risks. This will assist with implementing continuous improvements during the project. It will also identify where there areareas of inefficiency such as underutilised resources or delays, including delays on inter-dependent tasks internal and external to the project. You will then be able to implement corrective actions, such as redistributing tasks or reallocating resources to get the project back on track.

There are plenty of tools that can be used to efficiently track project metrics, such as Microsoft Planner, Asana, Trello, Basecamp etc. By continuously monitoring and reporting these metrics you will be able to identify trends and areas for improvement, and align productivity metrics with the specific needs and priorities of the project.

By combining metrics with regular evaluations, project managers can gain a comprehensive understanding of productivity, and support data-driven decisions to optimise performance and ensure ultimate project success.