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Revolutionizing Travel & Reading with Innovative Loyalty Program- The Vision of Book Technologies, Inc.

In a groundbreaking move to revolutionize transportation and literature, Book Technologies, Inc. will launch its subsidiary, Taxi Group Ltd., as the leading United Kingdom operator of taxi services across multiple cities. This initiative along with a loyalty program promises to reshape the landscape of transportation services, establishing a new benchmark for convenience, efficiency, and accessibility.

Pioneering the future of transportation

At the heart of Book Technologies, Inc.’s visionary approach is the ambition to establish a national taxi service under the brand “Book.” The company is committed to providing a comprehensive and interconnected travel experience for its esteemed customers by integrating additional services such as Text Taxi Ltd., a national SMS texting service.

A unique city centric approach with a nationwide vision

Taxi Group Ltd. www.taxi-group.co.uk is gearing up to revolutionize city-to-city travel by providing tailored services that perfectly complement the unique character of each urban area. Whether it’s navigating the lively streets of Bradford with Bradford Taxi Group Limited, experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Sheffield with Sheffield Taxi Group Limited, or exploring the diverse offerings of Book Taxis Group Limited, Book Taxi Ltd and Book Cab Group, every city will receive a service designed to meet its specific requirements. With aspirations to operate in every region throughout the United Kingdom, Taxi Group Ltd. aims for a future where no corner of the country is beyond the reach of its top-notch transportation services. This reach seeks to redefine the concept of mobility, making travel a seamless and enjoyable experience for all.  www.bradfordtaxigroup.com www.booktaxisgroup.com

Your helping hand on the road

In addition to its innovative taxi services, Book Technologies, Inc. is set to introduce a national hotline designed to assist travelers in their day-to-day journeys. This commitment to customer support aims to enhance the overall travel experience, ensuring that every passenger feels supported and cared for.

Exclusive rewards program

They are introducing a cutting-edge loyalty scheme, offering passengers an exclusive points card program. This initiative aims to reward journey makers, creating a unique and nurturing experience that seamlessly integrates home, travel, work, and the joy of reading books. Through this program, passengers will not only enjoy the convenience and efficiency of Book’s transportation services, but also gain access to a range of exciting incentives, further enhancing their overall travel experience.

Nurturing and fostering your love for books

Book Technologies, Inc. is revolutionizing transportation and delving into the world of literature. Under the “Book Booksellers Limited” umbrella, the company will offer international bookselling services through online e-commerce platforms and bespoke franchise opportunities, including retail outlets (bookstores). This project promises to be a best ally for book enthusiasts, offering access to a world of knowledge and imagination. www.bookbooksellers.com

A tradition of continuous innovation

The founder and owner (Cash Haleem) of Book Technologies, Inc. brings with him a history of innovation. Having previously established Book Foundry, a brand known for excellence, exciting plans are in the pipeline for new services and offerings under the Book Foundry name. This dedication to continuous improvement and expansion solidifies Book Technologies, Inc.’s position as a trailblazer in the transportation and literary industries.

In the world of innovation, Book Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiary Taxi Group Ltd. are crafting a story of transformation. With a focus on convenience, accessibility, reward and a passion for books, they are set to leave a lasting mark on the way we travel and engage with literature. The future is indeed bright, guided by “Book.

Email: Cash Haleem [email protected] or Tel: +447796751308

Explore a World of Color at BAEKKE’s Exclusive London Pop-Up Event

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BAEKKE, the Danish jewelry brand, is thrilled to unveil its fresh brand look at an exclusive pop-up event located in the heart of London at Huckletree Soho.

Perfectly timed with the growing interest in coded jewelry, exemplified by the ‘Pear’ dating ring, BAEKKE takes this concept to the next level, presenting its unique and innovative pieces.

Event Details:

  • Date: September 28, 2023
  • Time: 5 pm (Exclusively for Huckletree members), 7-9 pm for the public
  • Location: Huckletree Soho, Ingestre Court, Ingestre Pl, London W1F 0JL

New Freedom of Colors: The pop-up event invites you to explore a world of color and individuality. BAEKKE jewelry features beads that wearers can easily click on and off, allowing them to change their look whenever they desire. Whether it’s bracelets, pendants, or earrings, BAEKKE’s jewelry speaks the language of versatility.

Join the BAEKKE team and experiment with interchangeable beads to infuse vibrant colors into your outfit rotation. With BAEKKE’s jewelry, one piece can create endless looks, empowering wearers to choose colors that reflect their unique style, mood, or identity.

Sustainability at the Core: BAEKKE’s commitment to sustainability shines through its designs. Each piece is created with a cradle-to-cradle approach, ensuring that customers can feel good about their purchase, knowing it can be easily recycled or reused when its life cycle is complete.

Enjoy Exclusive Discounts: BAEKKE’s pop-up event at Huckletree Soho offers a fantastic introduction to jewelry pieces that will elevate anyone’s style. From bracelets to pendants, studs to ear chains, this event provides an opportunity to explore collections that allow self-expression through meaningful colors, whether it’s to convey a mood, identity, or simply a vibe.

As a special treat, BAEKKE is offering an exclusive discount to all attendees of the pop-up event.

To learn more about BAEKKE and its unique jewelry collections, visit https://baekke.shop – and be sure to attend the pop-up event to experience colors that truly stand out.

Zero Partners with Rolls-Royce to Advance Development of Synthetic Fuels

Zero has entered into a significant agreement with global engineering giant Rolls-Royce to advance the development of the company’s fossil-free synthetic fuels, signaling the increasing momentum behind synthetic fuels as a substitute for fossil fuels.

Under this new agreement, both companies will collaborate to demonstrate Zero® synthetic fuels on various Rolls-Royce engines designed for aviation, marine, and defense applications. This may encompass Zero’s complete range of synthetic fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. Data collected from engine testing will be used to validate the necessary credentials for international fuel certification standards. The deployment of synthetic fuels by Rolls-Royce in engine tests will directly reduce associated carbon emissions.

Zero, founded by Formula One technical legend Paddy Lowe just over three years ago, achieved the Guinness World Records® title of “first aircraft powered by synthetic fuel” in 2021 and recently opened the world’s first fully-featured synthetic fuel facility, Plant Zero.1.

Paddy Lowe, CEO of Zero, commented, “We are thrilled to be working with one of the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking engineering companies in a combined quest to accelerate the Energy Transition. The world is facing increasingly urgent demands for fossil fuel alternatives and it is vital for all companies to develop the solutions to achieve this. We could not consider a better engine partner than Rolls-Royce with whom to meet this challenge head-on. We have proven the genuine capabilities of our fuels in a wide variety of vehicles – including a light aircraft, a supercar and a chainsaw. As we move towards full certification of  our fuels, we are starting to put in place the commercial realisation of these demonstrations and aim to be running our first large-scale production plant two years from now.”

Dave Gordon, Senior Vice President – UK Defence at Rolls-Royce, said, “Rolls-Royce’s Gas Turbine technology is a critical strategic national capability and guilt-free synthetic fuel is at the heart of how we can continue to support the warfighter in delivering military advantage. Zero is at the cutting-edge of the synthetic fuel industry and we have been extremely impressed by their rapid progress in the short time they have been in existence; we are confident their team can continue that impressive trajectory. We look forward to a long partnership between Rolls-Royce and Zero to develop and demonstrate the future of sustainable energy across our wide range of complex power & propulsion solutions as we leave the fossil fuel era behind us.”

Zero® fuels, produced from air and water using Zero’s proprietary Direct FT® process, can be used directly in existing engines and can be manufactured at an unlimited scale, unlike existing bio- and waste-based Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs). Synthetic fuels have the potential to decarbonize numerous critical sectors and industries, with Zero predicting cost parity with fossil fuels within a decade.

South Korean Artist Ilhwa Kim Debuts ‘Tactile Hands’ Exhibition at HOFA Gallery

Ilhwa Kim, a prominent figure in the burgeoning sculptural painting movement within contemporary abstract expressionist art, is set to captivate art enthusiasts and collectors alike with her new exhibition, ‘Tactile Hands,’ hosted at HOFA Gallery.

Her distinctive wall sculptures have garnered admiration from discerning art collectors, elevating her status as a leading artist at HOFA. Notably, her artwork ‘Tuner’s Notes’ achieved a record-breaking sale price, selling for three times its estimated value at PHILLIPS Hong Kong, marking a significant milestone in her career.

The ‘Tactile Hands‘ exhibition is scheduled to run for two weeks, from September 29 to October 11, 2023, with an exclusive press preview on September 28 (RSVP only).

HOFA, the pioneering London-based contemporary art gallery, is proud to present Ilhwa Kim’s highly anticipated solo exhibition for 2023. The showcase, which will take place at the gallery’s flagship location on Bruton Street, will feature new works from Kim’s “living architecture” series.

Titled ‘Tactile Hands,’ the exhibition invites viewers to immerse themselves in the intricate details of Kim’s unique sculptural paintings, each composed of tens of thousands of seed units. These seed units are meticulously crafted, with a combination of straight lines and circles that form a miniature universe within each unit. Kim personally dyes sheets of Hanji paper with thousands of different colors, carefully cutting and rolling the paper layers to create rigid structures. Each piece represents a distinct and emotionally connected universe, with no two universes sharing the same shape, appearance, or color.

Since becoming a part of HOFA, Ilhwa Kim’s career has witnessed remarkable growth, driven by the immense appeal of her work. She has hosted solo exhibitions at HOFA, London every year since 2017 and has gained recognition for her large, one-of-a-kind artworks.

Kim’s art has found a place in museums and prominent collections worldwide, and she has made a significant impact in the auction world. Notably, her artwork ‘Tuner’s Notes’ achieved remarkable results when auctioned at PHILLIPS in Hong Kong on November 30, 2022. It sold for three times its estimated price, setting a new benchmark for the value of her pieces and signaling a new phase in her illustrious career.

Kim’s art, which she describes as “seed universes,” “sensory maps,” and “living architectures,” aims to explore the depth and dynamism of sensory experiences on canvas by combining sculpture and painting. She seeks to capture the layered, intertwined, and ever-evolving sensory encounters that occur in a world defined by the infinite possibilities of nature.

Simonida Pavicevic, Gallery Co-founder at HOFA, believes that Ilhwa Kim’s upcoming exhibition is a must-see: “It has been immensely rewarding to witness the steady rise of Ilhwa Kim over the years. We are pleased that collectors and art lovers are taking notice of her unique sculptural paintings, and her upcoming exhibition is a special opportunity to experience her fascinating artworks in person.”

The ‘Tactile Hands‘ exhibition by Ilhwa Kim will be open to the public from September 29 to October 11, 2023, at HOFA Gallery. A press preview will be held on September 28, 2023, and attendance is by RSVP only (email: [email protected]).

Mayfair Tops the List as the UK’s Most Expensive Office Rental Location

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A recent study has unveiled the UK’s costliest areas for renting office space, with London’s prestigious Mayfair neighborhood emerging as the priciest.

Mayfair, an affluent district known for its upscale restaurants and private clubs, commands a steep price of £1,000 per month per desk in a private office.

As lockdowns prompted many employees to work from home, employers have been striving to entice their staff back to the office. However, new research suggests that this return to traditional office spaces could come with a hefty price tag for professionals and business owners, with substantial disparities in rental costs across the UK.

Cambridge and Leeds follow closely behind with monthly averages of £440 and £417, respectively. For those seeking more budget-friendly options, Newcastle offers office spaces for as low as £174 per month.

Notably, London ranks as the most expensive city for renting a single office desk per month, though prices vary widely based on the borough chosen. According to data from FreeOfficeFinder, the average cost to rent one desk in a private serviced office space, including bills and service charges, is £508.

However, some London areas demand a considerably higher premium. Mayfair, for instance, boasts an average cost of £1,013 per month, slightly over two-thirds of the price to rent a typical one-bedroom flat in London. Soho comes in second with an average monthly rent of £967. On the other end of the spectrum, Vauxhall, located just south of the Thames, offers more affordable rates at around £445.

The study also indicates that considering locations in Greater London could be financially advantageous. For example, office prices in Enfield average £173 per month.

Co-working spaces have been on the rise since the pandemic, alongside remote and hybrid working arrangements. These spaces often cost around £200 per month, with slightly higher rates in the capital, averaging £291.

Nick Riesel, managing director of FreeOfficeFinder.com, noted, “We are seeing companies shun traditional leases of 5 to 10 years in length since COVID-19 and switch to the all-inclusive model of serviced offices. That demand has pushed prices up, but I predict price levels will remain much the same in the next 12 months.”

New smart TV platform from BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 announced

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The UK’s major public service broadcasters – BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 – will collaborate to launch a free smart TV platform.

Viewers will be able to use ‘Freely’ to browse and watch live TV channels with on-demand content streamed to their smart TV.

This service aims to simplify the viewing experience by eliminating the need for multiple subscriptions and streaming platforms.

Everyone TV – formerly Digital UK – which operates Freeview and satellite twin Freesat, will run the new platform.

The move towards integrating live and on-demand content on a single platform reflects the changing landscape of television consumption. This initiative not only offers viewers more convenience but also aligns with the broadcasters’ commitment to keeping up with technological advancements and evolving viewer preferences.

“Ensuring no one is left behind”

Director-general of the BBC Tim Davie said: “Ensuring the universality of public-service television is sustained into the future is of paramount importance to the UK and all its public service broadcasters.

“We are delighted to be deepening our collaboration in helping viewers access our content, ensuring that, in a digital age, we deliver value for all audiences and that no one is left behind.”

From 2024, viewers will be able to browse channels through a programme guide and use new functions to find shows directly from live TV.

Number of pubs calling time in England and Wales jumps 50%

New government data has unveiled a startling 50% surge in the demolition or conversion of pubs across England and Wales during the latest quarter.

The new figures underscore the harsh reality faced by many in the hospitality industry, with 230 pubs vanishing from the landscape in the three months leading up to June 30.

Mounting pressures brought on by escalating operational costs and a tightening grip on consumer budgets, are to blame.

Firms that pay business rates – charged on most non-domestic properties, including pubs, offices and holiday homes – will see an inflation-linked increase next April unless there is government intervention, adding more than 6% to bills in 2024.

Compiled by real estate consultancy Altus Group, the data reveals a 50.3% hike in pub closures compared to the preceding quarter, where 153 establishments met a similar fate.

Two pubs bid farewell in the first half of 2023

These findings translate into a heart-wrenching scenario where more than two pubs bid farewell to their local communities each day throughout the first half of the year.

As of the end of June 2023, the overall count of pubs in England and Wales, encompassing those left vacant and available for lease, dwindled to a sobering 39,404. That’s 383 pubs that faced the wrecking ball or underwent conversions into alternative spaces, such as residential units, offices, or even day nurseries during the initial six months of the year.

Disconcerting trend

This disconcerting trend represents a stark acceleration when contrasted with the mere 386 pubs that disappeared throughout the entirety of 2022.

Regionally, the impact has been uneven, with Wales experiencing the most substantial loss of pubs, with 52 establishments vanishing from the landscape. Meanwhile, both London and the North West bore the brunt of 46 pub closures each.

These findings cast a pall over the future of traditional British pubs and their role as community hubs, as the industry grapples with the ongoing challenges posed by economic pressures and changing consumer preferences.

Bare Kind founder Lucy Jeffrey with her eco-friendly socks which are made out of bamboo

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Bare Kind has knocked the socks off sales with a 120% rise for its eco-friendly footwear made from bamboo.

Business is booming for the East London firm selling colourful socks which gives 10% of its profits to save animals.

Sales jumped from £200,000 to £540,000 last year and they are expected to hit £750,000 this year as more retailers stock the animal-themed socks which help to support 25 conservation and rescue charities.

Founder Lucy Jeffrey, 28, who gave up a high-flying banking role with HSBC to start the fast growing company five years ago, said the key to sales success was the growth of wholesale and Bare Kind socks are now sold in more than 600 retailers around the world.

She said: “We are in a mix of stores including gift shops, clothing boutiques and a massive one for us has been podiatrists – because our socks are made from bamboo they are really good for your feet.”

Jeffrey talks about sustainability and her business success on the Retales podcast from Brightpearl by Sage which features unique and captivating stories of ecommerce retailers.

Christmas is the key to Bare Kind’s success with 60% of its sales coming in November and December.

The cliche about buying socks as a present for Christmas is what drives so much of their growth.

While 55% of their sales are in men’s larger sizes, most of their purchasers are women – buying up to 20 pairs as gifts.

Jeffrey explained: “We are an easy gifting product – covering not just dad but friends and other relatives of both sexes and people such as a child’s teacher.

“We need to get more socks out in the ground to build sales outside of peak trading because we are a great impulse buy.”

Father’s Day is another big seller and they make money out of animal themed days throughout the year such as National Otter Day in May.

Jeffrey runs the company with her partner Andy Kemp, another HSBC high-flier who also quit the banking giant because he wanted to run his own business.

Bare Kind’s retailers currently are largely independents and charity shops on behalf of the animals they are supporting. 

But Jeffrey says they are now looking to work with some of the big retailers such as John Lewis.

Bare Kind’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the materials they use to make their socks.

Bamboo is a fast-growing and renewable resource which requires less water and fewer pesticides than cotton.

Bare Kind’s socks are not-only eco-friendly but also soft, breathable and thermo-regulating.

Jeffrey said: “You don’t think about socks being the next green thing but we can learn to be more sustainable in all aspects of our lives.”

Each pair of socks is themed on a different animal which has a dedicated charity it supports.

The current best-seller is the puffin socks which support Scottish Seabird Centre.

Other charities supported include The Turtle Foundation, Rainforest Trust UK and Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital.

Last year, the donations from their turtle socks alone were able to build a turtle hatchery, giving thousands of baby turtles a safe place to start their lives.

Jeffrey is expecting strong profit growth this year.

Speaking on the Retales podcast, Jeffrey said that managing Bare Kind’s inventory was a ‘massive challenge’.

She said: “We are a lean operation and we keep our costs low.

“The biggest challenge we have faced is stock control.

“With the vast majority of our sales in the build-up to Christmas, we need to keep a close eye on stock so that we are not left with excess stock in January.

“We have used stock control software to really keep a close eye on stock and make sure we don’t over order on less popular lines.

“We have also renegotiated our minimum order with our supplier so we are not left with too much stock in less popular lines and we have taken on a merchandiser to improve our buying. We have also  launched a new mystery box with eight lines which has best sellers but is also good for surplus stock.”

Jeffrey told the Retales podcast that Shopify was a ‘great ecommerce platform’.

“Everything revolves around that and we can add different apps because there are so many integrations with Shopify,” she explained.

Jeffrey also recommended Clavio for email marketing. She said that paid for ads on Google were “really hard for us to achieve attribution on, and everyone is seeing that across the industry”. 

Next stop could be socks themed around reptiles and even creepy crawlies.

Jeffrey said: “They have their own corner of the market. There are definitely people out there who will want them.”

* Jeffrey talks about sustainability and her business success on the Retales podcast from Brightpearl by Sage which features unique and captivating stories of ecommerce retailers.

Each episode delves deep into the journey of different ecommerce entrepreneurs — from scrappy startups to established multinational chains — shedding light on the strategies they deploy to ride economic waves and seize new opportunities.

Retales features candid conversations not only with these trailblazing entrepreneurs but also with the venture capitalists who back them, creating a comprehensive picture of the ecommerce landscape. 

Air traffic control staff shortages to blame for Gatwick flight delays

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Gatwick Airport was thrown into chaos yesterday (Thursday) with last-minute flight delays, cancellations and diversions blamed on a severe shortage of air traffic controllers.

The airport – one of the UK’s busiest – grappled with frustrated passengers and airlines left in the lurch.

Gatwick Airport officially confirmed 22 flight cancellations at 10pm.

FlightRadar24 – the aviation tracking website – reported that hundreds of flights both departing and arriving at the airport were experiencing significant delays.

Formal apology

The National Air Traffic Services (Nats), the UK’s air traffic control provider, issued a formal apology for the staffing shortages, acknowledging the extensive disruptions.

Despite the disruption, Gatwick Airport expressed optimism, assuring passengers that they could expect a return to normality today.

This recent disruption follows closely on the heels of another crisis just over two weeks ago when a technical issue at Nats led to the cancellation of a staggering 2,000 flights across the UK.

Commitment to minimising future disruptions

Gatwick Airport issued a statement expressing its commitment to working closely with Nats to enhance the resilience of the airport’s control tower and minimise future disruptions.

Nats offered apologies to affected passengers and airlines, emphasising that the airlines were aware of the situation when they were appointed and asserting regret for the inconvenience caused by the recent wave of disruptions.

Parents warned over 21-day isolation for children without measles jab

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Parents in London have received a stark warning from local councils about the potential consequences of failing to keep their children’s measles vaccinations up to date.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to complications such as ear infections, pneumonia and inflammation of the brain, which require hospitalisation and on rare occasions can lead to long-term disability or death.

In a bid to avert a major outbreak of measles in the capital, authorities have advised that children who have not received the recommended MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccinations may be required to isolate for 21 days if they are exposed to the highly contagious disease.

Proactive measures

London’s councils are taking proactive measures to address a concerning situation highlighted by research conducted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The findings indicate that there could be tens of thousands of measles cases in London if vaccination rates do not improve swiftly.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can result in severe health complications, including disability and death, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the immunocompromised.

The recent communication from London councils emphasizes that any child identified as a close contact of a confirmed measles case, who does not have a satisfactory vaccination status, may be asked to self-isolate for a duration of up to 21 days.

This precautionary measure is designed to curb the potential spread of the disease within the community.

Symptoms include:

  • cold-like symptoms
  • sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light
  • watery eyes
  • swollen eyes
  • fever
  • small greyish-white spots in the mouth
  • aches and pains
  • loss of appetite

Measles outbreaks

Measles outbreaks have been a growing concern globally, with vaccine hesitancy and misinformation playing a significant role in decreasing vaccination rates. Health authorities and experts have repeatedly emphasised the importance of vaccination to maintain herd immunity and prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.

London councils are urging parents to ensure that their children’s MMR vaccinations are up to date to safeguard the health of their families and the wider community. The warning comes as part of a broader effort to bolster vaccination rates in the capital and prevent a devastating measles outbreak.

Public health officials are closely monitoring the situation, and local healthcare providers are working to make vaccination services more accessible to London residents.

Vaccines crucial in prevention of measles

Health experts continue to stress that vaccines are a crucial tool in preventing the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and protecting the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Just 15 minutes in direct contact with someone who is infected with measles is enough to catch the infection.

People whose immunity is compromised, pregnant women and unvaccinated children are at increased risk of severe disease.

Children in the UK should have a first dose of the MMR vaccine by their first birthday and the second dose by the time they are three-and-a-half.