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Wednesday, January 15, 2025
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New trio hire for property consultancy Fisher German

Fisher German is pleased to announce three promotions from their new London office, including a new salaried partner, following a strong period of success for the firm.

Fisher German has invited Ed Moore (pictured) to join the partnership, with Doug Gordon becoming senior surveyor and Simon Pratt being named head of IT change.

Ed, who joined Fisher German as part of the merger with Matthews & Goodman in 2022, has more than 20 years of experience in the industry and is delighted to have been invited into the partnership.

He said: “The merger has created the largest national firm of independent UK property consultancies and I’m proud to be actively launching and building on the existing central London agency presence.”

Fortuitous timing

He added: “It is fortuitous timing to become a partner during such an exciting period for the business and be part of a team able which can offer such a wide range of service lines from a growing office coupled with an enhanced wider national network.

“The core London and fringe office markets continue to witness the acceleration of tenants considering relocations enabling an upgrade to ‘best in class’ – often pre-fitted, landlord space with top-level sustainable and green credentials. 

“This is not surprising given the ESG drivers influencing a lot of Board decisions. Conversely, we continue to advise tenants who wish to explore ‘stay vs. go’ options with the possibility of landlord contributions unlocking latent value in existing premises. 

“In the short term, the Q4 seasonal ‘back to work’ footfall has risen yet again, and this is likely to prompt further review from tenants of their use of office space leading to increasing transactional volumes and continued trends moving into 2024.

“In the medium to long term, landlords holding a surplus of second-hand non-prime stock are likely to be looking hard at their assets and portfolios in terms of comprehensive refurbishment vs. re-purposing.”

Fisher German has promoted 39 colleagues across all areas of its business following another six months of success for the firm.

New office

The news comes after Fisher German announced it is opening a new office at 15 Colmore Row – a prominent address in the centre of Birmingham – as it looks to grow its presence in and around the UK’s second city.

Senior partner, Duncan Bedhall, said: “It is always a privilege to announce colleague promotions and to reflect on their achievements as they progress through our business. 

“Seeing such a variation of roles across the Divisions is reflective of our continued growth and the diversity of services we offer, and it’s great to see how much this has evolved over the last few years.”

Businesses advised how to ensure AI is used safely

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UK business leaders have been urged to follow five steps before implementing any new artificial intelligence (AI) programmes or technologies within their organisations. 

Patrick Wake, group director of information security at FDM Group has offered insights into what businesses should do to ensure that AI is used safely and effectively by their workforce. 

He explains that AI can support businesses in various ways, from automating repetitive tasks to enhancing customer service experience. AI algorithms can also analyse vast amounts of data quickly, providing valuable insights and aiding in data-driven decision-making.

Risks need to be managed

However, Wake says that if it is not implemented and used correctly, the use of AI in businesses can present certain risks that need to be acknowledged and managed.

For example, there is a potential for biased decision-making if AI algorithms are trained on biased or unrepresentative data, leading to discriminatory outcomes. Another risk is the possibility of privacy breaches when dealing with sensitive user data.  

Mr Wake said: “AI can optimise various business processes leading to cost savings and improved resource allocation. In turn, this allows businesses to gain a competitive advantage in their markets.

“But if used incorrectly or if business leaders don’t prepare their organisations properly before implementing these AI-led programmes and software, it can also present significant risks.

“However, businesses can address these potential risks by doing their research, providing effective training to staff, refraining from inputting sensitive information into AI systems, and verifying any information and responses produced by AI programmes.”

Five ways to ensure AI is being used safely in your business:

Do your research

When businesses are starting to look at implementing AI programmes, it’s vital that they do their due diligence. Does the programme have a good reputation? What is its data set based on? Does it have bias?

Doing ample research will also help businesses understand the specific needs and goals they aim to achieve through AI integration. This will enable them to identify the most suitable AI technologies and providers that align with their requirements, as well as assess potential risks, limitations, and ethical considerations associated with AI usage. This will all help businesses ensure compliance and avoid any potential negative consequences.

Train your workforce

Businesses need to recognise the impact that AI implementation will have on the workforce and plan for effective change management. They should also provide sufficient training and support to help employees adapt to AI technologies whilst ensuring that they understand the benefits and limitations of AI to foster a smooth transition.

Training staff before implementing new AI technologies will help familiarise employees with the capabilities and functionalities of AI systems, enabling them to leverage these technologies effectively. Training also ensures that employees understand the purpose and potential benefits of AI, encouraging acceptance and ultimately reducing resistance to change. Additionally, it equips staff with the necessary skills to operate, monitor, and interpret the outputs of AI systems accurately. 

Keep private information safe

Businesses should refrain from uploading or inputting sensitive or private information into AI systems or chatbots to safeguard the privacy and security of their data. This is crucial to mitigate the risk of unauthorised access, data breaches, or misuse of sensitive information. 

By avoiding the inclusion of personal data, businesses can protect customer privacy, maintain compliance with data protection regulations, and mitigate potential legal and reputational risks. It is important to prioritise data protection measures and ensure that AI systems are designed and implemented with strong security protocols to maintain trust and confidentiality.

Verify information and responses

It is vital for businesses to verify the results, information, and responses generated by AI or chatbots to ensure accuracy and reliability, as generative AI systems can sometimes produce incorrect or biased outcomes due to limitations in training data or algorithmic biases. By verifying the outputs, businesses can avoid misinformation, prevent potential harm to customers, and uphold their reputation. 

Regular monitoring and verification will also help identify any system errors or anomalies, allowing for timely corrections.

Cite sources

Businesses should cite their sources when publishing data or information collected by AI systems to ensure transparency, credibility, and accountability. Citing sources allows others to verify the accuracy and legitimacy of the data, promoting trust and reliability. It also helps prevent the spread of misinformation and enables others to build upon the research or findings. 

    How employers can attract younger generations into their industry

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    As school leavers continue to navigate their post-exam career options, a recent survey by Grant Thornton reveals that young people have misconceptions about careers in accountancy.

    These create barriers that make certain roles and future careers seem unattainable to younger people. 

    Neil Finegan from DLC Training, who specialises in learning and development, has shared key priorities employers across all industries must consider in order to attract Gen Z into their workforce.

    Embrace online platforms

    “In the last year, #careeradvice has had 10,000 posts on TikTok across the UK with 120 million views – 69% of whom were aged 18-24. This should tell employers exactly where they need to reach out and place their brand to attract a younger generation of talent.

    “Sharing advice and information on your sector in digestible content is an easy way for you to reach a younger audience and attract them to your sector.”

    Offer diverse career pathways

    “Many young people still believe they have limited options once they’ve left school to build a career. Providing a range of pathways to access your company means you will attract younger talent who may not have a CV of experience, who may not have had a successful exam period or who have an interest in the industry.”

    Be transparent about professional development

    “Learning and development should be a huge part of your business, anyway, but this needs to be crystal clear to younger generations early on. Mapping out the progression individuals should expect from their role, advertising a range of courses they can take to continuously grow and being transparent about what learning opportunities are available will demonstrate how serious the business takes professional development and will attract a younger audience.

    “The generation of self-improvement, Gen Z are attracted by opportunities and extra training they can add to their CV – companies that get this will offer more attractive traits for new talent.”

    Create an inclusive workplace

    “Gen-Zs value a workplace that values its people. By creating an inclusive workplace for all ages and backgrounds, you will not only progress your business to where it should be in 2023, but you’ll find a new wave of talent who appreciate it, too. Empower employees, offer a diverse leadership team and create a culture of inclusivity.”

    Offer flexibility

    “It’s no surprise that working for a distance learning provider, I would champion flexibility, but this is becoming ever popular with younger generations, too. Creating a work environment that is understanding of life outside of work, is flexible in where and how its employees can contribute, and who even allows remote working is going to attract the new talent in the post-covid work landscape.”

    Discover more employment advice for HR professionals and business leaders on the DLC Training website.

    Stanislav Kondrashov’s Perspective on Traditional Art in the Modern Digital Landscape

    Stanislav Kondrashov has recently unveiled his latest publication, titled “The Forgotten Art of Calligraphy.” In an age dominated by digital communication, Kondrashov passionately argues that the ancient art of calligraphy remains a pertinent and eloquent means of expression.

    Kondrashov embarks on a journey through the rich historical tapestry of calligraphy, tracing its origins across various ancient civilisations, from the dynasties of China to the empires of Islam and the medieval Europe. He underscores that calligraphy has always been a revered practice, transforming text into a captivating art form. For Kondrashov, it is the intricate details in calligraphy that hold its true beauty. Each stroke, line, and dot is meticulously crafted, forming what he describes as a delicate dance of the pen on paper.

    The publication illuminates the meditative nature of calligraphy, highlighting its requirement for patience and intense focus. This meditative quality, according to Kondrashov, immerses artists in a state of mindfulness. He asserts that calligraphy serves as a tactile bridge to history, allowing practitioners to engage with centuries-old traditions and cultural subtleties.

    In the midst of our digital era, Stanislav Kondrashov contends that calligraphy is experiencing a renaissance. He emphasises the modern applications of calligraphy, with its stylistic elements gracing everything from wedding invitations to corporate logos. Personal expression is a central facet of this art, as Kondrashov underscores that each calligrapher infuses their work with their unique personality.

    Beyond its aesthetic allure, the publication explores the therapeutic aspects of calligraphy. The graceful and deliberate movements involved can offer solace and grounding, serving as a form of healing. Kondrashov further notes that calligraphy transcends the realm of mere lettering; it is a holistic celebration of culture, history, and human creativity. By engaging in calligraphy, individuals not only enhance their handwriting but also unlock a doorway to a vast world of creativity, exploring various styles, scripts, and techniques.

    Stanislav Kondrashov concludes his publication with a call to action, urging readers to embrace calligraphy and ensure that this ancient and exquisite form of writing does not fade into obscurity. He invites readers to delve deeper into the importance and relevance of calligraphy by accessing the full publication and watching the accompanying video.

    Stanislav encourages everyone to explore his social media channels and access additional insights and content on his website, www.stanislavkondrashov.com.

    From Malawi Beach to UK Stages: Gasper Nali and His One-String Babatoni Guitar Tour with Reggae Poet Michael Mountain

    North Malawi’s very own Gasper Nali is embarking on a remarkable UK tour featuring 21 electrifying performances, accompanied by celebrated Reggae Poet Michael Mountain.

    Gasper Nali has earned acclaim from renowned publications like Songlines and RootsWorld for his distinctive and high-energy dance music, all of which is played on his handcrafted one-string Babatoni guitar. Notably, his Babatoni is believed to be the largest of its kind globally, making his instrument as unique as his talent.

    Nali passionately describes his creation: “This guitar I make myself. The name is babatoni. I also bring that mgolo (large bass drum). I cut two pieces out of an old oil barrel, one for the mgolo and the other for the guitar, and then I add the bluegum (eucalyptus fretboard) and wrap them with cow skins. And I make a kick pedal to beat the drum. You cannot buy a babatoni, that’s why I make it all myself.”

    Gasper Nali’s journey to becoming an internationally touring artist is an inspiring tale of resilience. Hailing from rural Northern Malawi, one of Africa’s poorest regions, Gasper originally performed alongside his two brothers, busking in nearby villages. Tragically, after the untimely passing of his brothers, Gasper took it upon himself to carry forward their musical legacy.

    The turning point in Gasper’s career occurred when a video of his performance, posted on social media, garnered an astonishing 18 million views. It was then that Gasper caught the attention of music project manager Mattias Stålnacke, who collaborated with the artist to professionally record his music. Their partnership continues to thrive, boasting over 1 million streams on Spotify alone.

    Gasper Nali is set to grace stages across the UK in September and October. Below, you can find the tour dates:

    Tour Show Dates:

    • Suffolk – John Peel Centre – October 7th
    • Colchester – Colchester Arts – October 8th
    • Settle – Victoria Hall – October 10th
    • Bury – Bury Met – October 11th
    • Hebden Bridge – Trades Club – October 12th
    • Newcastle Upon Tyne – Star & Shadow Cinema – October 13th
    • Glasgow – Hug & Pint – October 14th
    • Brighton – The Rose Hill – October 18th
    • Manchester – The Vale – October 19th
    • Isle of Man – Centenary Arts – October 20th
    • Whitby – Musicport Festival – October 21st
    • Northampton – Gabribadi Hotel – October 22nd
    • Liverpool – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall – October 25th
    • Weston-super-Mare – Loves Café – October 26th
    • Bristol – Lost Horizon – October 27th
    • Aberystwyth – Art Centre – October 28th

    Don’t miss this opportunity to witness Gasper Nali’s incredible musical journey from the shores of Malawi to the stages of the UK.

    Pochettino: Injury boost for Chelsea ahead of Burnley clash

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    Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino reveals club captain Reece James, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah are all back in partial team training, with Carney Chukwuemeka close to returning too. However, there is still no timescale on the return of vice-captain Ben Chilwell.

    The West London side have struggled with injuries so far this season, with Pochettino unable to field a full-strength starting eleven, but the Blues boss is hopeful he will have a fully fit squad as soon as possible.

    Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Poch said: “We are really happy with how he [James] is recovering.

    “He is doing well, and we hope after the international break he will be available after his suspension (is up).”

    Pochettino does, however, have striker Nicolas Jackson back after serving his one-match ban, but with [Armando] Broja scoring and back fit after a long time out, who does the Argentine pick?

    He said: “We already took the decisions, but they know. You will see tomorrow.”

    Poch went on to say: “Every single game is important for us. To settle our principles and help the players arrive at their best and in the best form that they can be.

    “Every single game is important and tomorrow will be a tough game because it is a team that runs a lot and tries to play. It is going to be tough and we go there to get three points.

    “It’s a good opportunity to win again and to feel the victory and for us the three points are important.

    Saka in contention for Arsenal’s clash with Manchester City

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    Bukayo Saka is “in contention” for Arsenal when they welcome Manchester City to the Emirates on Sunday.

    The England winger limped out of the Gunners’ defeat to Lens in the Champions League in midweek, sparking fears he may miss out against Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions.

    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was giving little way regarding Saka’s fitness but did not rule him out entirely.

    “He is in contention,” said Arteta.

    “Let’s see how he progresses from here to Sunday. He had to leave the pitch and that’s never good news. Let’s see how he recovers.”

    Saka was named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad yesterday – the Arsenal players head off on international duty after the City game – but Arteta is relaxed about his star winger’s involvement.

    He added: “I have spoken to Gareth on several occasions. I’ve done my job; I give him the news. We have good communication, he has to make the best decision for the national team.”

    Arsenal have made a strong start to the season and lie third, a point behind league leaders City.

    Arteta is happy with their progress despite their midweek setback in France.

    “We are searching for consistency. In this league, you need to be at your best all the time. We’ve been better at ‘if you can’t win, don’t lose’ except midweek in the Champions League.

    “It requires you to be at your best every three days.”

    Arsenal beat City on a penalty shoot-out in the Community Shield in August after a 1-1 draw.

    And while Arteta felt it was an important psychological boost having lost their last 12 Premier League meetings, he doesn’t feel it has much bearing on Sunday’s encounter.

    He said: “It was important for us, winning a title against City is something you have to value, the way we did it as well. It gave us confidence that we can beat them.

    “[But] It was a while ago, after pre-season. We had some players available, some not. We are much more into the season, it will be a different game.

    “We know we will have to be at our best in every department for 100 minutes. Winning will be a big boost, apart from that and the three points, nothing else.”

    Clapham Comedy Cave Opens to Deliver Big Laughs and Unforgettable Stand-up Nights!

    London’s vibrant comedy scene just got a whole lot better with the arrival of a brand-new venue. Clapham Comedy Cave, nestled within Lit in the heart of Clapham, is all set to officially open its doors on October 20th, 2023, offering audiences an intimate stand-up comedy experience that guarantees uproarious laughter.

    Designed with both comedy lovers and comedians in mind, ‘The Cave’ promises top-notch comics, a cutting-edge sound system, a meticulously curated menu of refreshments, all within an ambiance that blends the spirit of the Edinburgh Fringe cave with the vibe of a New York club cellar. Each show is limited to just 99 tickets, ensuring an intimate and side-splitting experience.

    The creators behind Clapham Comedy Cave expressed their mission, stating, “Our mission is to bring a new world-class comedy night to London, creating an environment where both performers and audiences feel at home, where comedians are free to take risks, have fun and get paid for slinging jokes.”

    For its grand opening on October 20th (following a successful soft launch in September), Clapham Comedy Cave is thrilled to present an impressive lineup featuring Jacob Hawley (known from BBC, Russell Howard Hour, BBC Radio Four), Jonathan Kogan (featured on Dave, BBC Radio Four, Headliners, Roast Battle), Shalaka Kurrup (from Roast Battle), Adam Coumas (BBC), and Daniel O’Reilly, who’s gearing up for his UK tour with a staggering 11,000 tickets already sold!

    Friday evenings just found the perfect destination. Happy hour kicks off at 6 pm with fantastic drinks deals, and ticket options range from £7 for early bookings to £14 for tickets that include a personal pizza.

    Reserve your spot now at claphamcomedycave.co.uk.

    Discover the Science Behind Happy Moments with Stanislav Kondrashov’s New Publication

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    In his latest work, “The Science of Laughter,” Stanislav Kondrashov delves into the fascinating realm of laughter, offering a deep understanding of its physiology and its profound social significance.

    The publication embarks on a journey through the intricacies of laughter, exploring its neurological origins, evolutionary importance, and the myriad health benefits it bestows. This comprehensive exploration unravels the mystery of why something as seemingly simple as a joke can trigger contagious fits of laughter and how this seemingly trivial act holds profound implications for human social interaction and well-being.

    Stanislav Kondrashov explains that laughter is an involuntary physiological response intricately orchestrated by various regions of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. According to Kondrashov, when these regions interact, they produce the euphoric sensation that we recognise as laughter. The publication also delves into the evolutionary aspect of laughter, proposing that it likely evolved as a tool for fostering social bonds among early human groups. This shared laughter acted as a catalyst for cooperation, ultimately contributing to the survival of the group.

    Furthermore, the book explores the subjective nature of humor, influenced by cultural, individual, and societal differences. What one person finds amusing may not elicit the same response from another. However, at the heart of humor lies an element of surprise, often processed by the brain as laughter.

    From a health perspective, Stanislav emphasises the benefits of laughter. He describes it as a miniature workout for the body, enhancing oxygen intake, stimulating the heart, and fostering an overall sense of well-being. Laughter is shown to reduce cortisol levels, effectively reducing stress and inducing a state of relaxation.

    In conclusion, Kondrashov encourages readers to embrace the joy and advantages of laughter. “The Science of Laughter” posits that humor and laughter are not merely forms of entertainment but fundamental aspects of human existence, capable of bridging gaps and brightening even the darkest moments.

    Readers are invited to gain deeper insights into the world of laughter by perusing the  full article and watching the accompanying video

    Stanislav Kondrashov welcomes everyone to explore his social media channels for further insights and content. For an enriched understanding of laughter and its significance, visit www.stanislavkondrashov.com.

    Moyes hails record-breaking Hammers

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    Manager David Moyes was delighted with West Ham’s record-breaking Europa League win at Freiburg last night.

    The Hammers’ 2-1 triumph in Germany – courtesy of goals from Lucas Paqueta and James Ward-Prowse – meant they set a new English mark of 17 games unbeaten in European competition, beating the record of 16 set by Don Revie’s Leeds, Bill Nicholson’s Tottenham and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

    “I got told about the record yesterday, and I was quite thrilled,” said Moyes, who guided West Ham to the Europa Conference League title last season.

    “To even be level with the two managers in question…I have to say I was delighted with getting the win.

    “The record is always really good to get, but more important was winning.”

    West Ham sit top of Group A with two wins from two after seeing off Backa Topola in their pool opener,

    Moyes added: “Getting those three points is so good, particularly when many would consider this the hardest game in the group.

    “I see Freiburg and Olympiacos both as competitive and very difficult to beat in this group. It’s probably the most difficult group we’ve had in a European campaign so far.

    “I just feel the boys are doing a brilliant job. We’ve come away from home, got a result, our run in Europe continues and we’ve done really well. Hopefully, it keeps building.”

    West Ham return to Premier League action on Sunday with a home game against Newcastle.