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

News Desk

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19/09/2023

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

Lifestyle

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19/09/2023

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

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

Business

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18/09/2023

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

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%

News Desk

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18/09/2023

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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

News Desk

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18/09/2023

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

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

Travel

News Desk

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15/09/2023

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Air traffic control staff shortages to blame for Gatwick flight delays

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

Health

News Desk

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15/09/2023

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

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.

Bluewater UK Expands Events Team with Key Appointments – Anna Viralainen and Antonio Tedeschi

Hospitality

News Desk

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15/09/2023

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Bluewater UK Expands Events Team with Key Appointments – Anna Viralainen and Antonio Tedeschi

Bluewater UK, a globally renowned provider of event water and beverage solutions, is delighted to announce the strategic appointments of Anna Viralainen as the Head of Events Delivery and Antonio Tedeschi as the Key Accounts Manager. These pivotal additions, based at Bluewater’s headquarters in London, signify the company’s commitment to future growth and expansion.

Bringing over a decade of event management expertise to her new role, Anna Viralainen has a distinguished career with experience at prestigious international event organizations, including The King’s Fund and Millennium Point. Her track record of consistently delivering outstanding results and surpassing client expectations, coupled with her strong leadership and strategic acumen, positions Anna to elevate Bluewater’s events division to new heights.

Antonio Tedeschi, the newly appointed Key Accounts Manager, is well-regarded for his exceptional relationship-building skills and unwavering dedication to client satisfaction. With more than eight years of experience in managing high-profile sales accounts within the food sector, Antonio brings valuable insight to Bluewater UK. His client-centric approach and ability to discern unique client needs will further enhance the company’s reputation for exceptional service.

Philip Russell, the Managing Director of Bluewater UK, expressed, “Adding Anna Viralainen and Antonio Tedeschi to our team marks an exciting milestone in Bluewater UK’s journey, said the company’s managing director Philip Russell. “Their extensive industry knowledge and passion for excellence align perfectly with our future plans. We are confident that their strategic expertise and client-focused approach will play a pivotal role in driving our company’s growth and success.”

As the event management landscape undergoes rapid evolution, organizations seek innovative solutions to create memorable experiences for their audiences. Bluewater UK is acutely attuned to this demand and remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of industry advancements. By investing in top-tier talent like Anna Viralainen and Antonio Tedeschi, the company is well-prepared to continue delivering exceptional events that exceed client expectations.

These appointments underscore Bluewater UK’s unwavering commitment to providing unparalleled event water and beverage management solutions. The company’s growing presence in the competitive events industry across the UK, Europe, USA, South Africa, and Southeast Asia is further solidified, recently exemplified by the signing of a new three-year contract with the R&A to supply cutting-edge hydration solutions for The Open championships and the AIG Women’s Open.

ARK Motors Pioneers All-Electric Movement in the UK with the ARK Zero – starting at Just £5,995

Technology

News Desk

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15/09/2023

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ARK Motors Pioneers All-Electric Movement in the UK with the ARK Zero – starting at Just £5,995

ARK Motors, a groundbreaking force in the automotive industry and distinguished as the United Kingdom’s premier all-electric car company, proudly announces the commencement of deliveries for the revolutionary ARK Zero. Astonishingly, the ARK Zero is now available for delivery with an enticing price tag of only £5,995, setting a new standard for affordability in the electric vehicle segment and ushering in a sustainable transport era accessible to all.

Distinguished from conventional manufacturers, ARK Motors has made a resolute commitment to providing exclusively electric vehicles, with the ARK Zero leading the charge. By seamlessly amalgamating affordability and innovation, the ARK Zero is poised to accelerate the United Kingdom’s transition toward a cleaner, more sustainable transportation landscape.

Yilmaz Bora, CEO of ARK Motors, emphasized, “At ARK Motors, we are dedicated to crafting The Future of Urban Mobility, one that is not only more intelligent and efficient but also environmentally responsible. By obviating our reliance on fossil fuels and embracing electric vehicles such as the ARK Zero, we can catalyze positive change within our communities and safeguard our planet for generations to come.”

Bora further expressed his gratitude, stating, “I want to thank our customers for believing in us since day one and dedicated employees for their efforts, which have helped us swiftly establish ourselves in the electric vehicle market and provide innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of consumers.”

To delve deeper into ARK Motors and explore the remarkable ARK Zero, please visit https://www.futureofurbanmobility.co/

About ARK Motors ARK Motors stands as the United Kingdom’s inaugural and sole all-electric car company, committed to the manufacturing of exclusively electric vehicles. Prioritizing affordability, innovation, and sustainability, ARK Motors leads the vanguard in driving the transition to a more environmentally conscious and promising future for urban mobility. For additional information, please visit https://www.futureofurbanmobility.co/

Sales of insulation surge as construction industry reacts to new building regulations

Construction

News Desk

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14/09/2023

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Sales of insulation surge as construction industry reacts to new building regulations

National builders’ merchant Jewson has recorded an uplift in sales of its sustainable product ranges following the new Building Regulations, which apply to all construction projects in England.

Seen by many as the stepping stone to the Future Homes Standard in 2025, the grace period for the new Building Regulations ended in June this year, with Part F, Part L, Part O and Part S updates all relating to sustainability.

In the first half of 2023, Jewson – which has several London branches including Peckham, Dulwich and Hammersmith – has reported a rise in sales of enhanced insulation, sustainable cladding and wastewater heat recovery systems.

Sales in air source heat pumps have also risen, which are favoured in the Part L regulations, compared with traditional methods of heating.

Sustainable building solutions

Sales data from Jewson’s Making Better Homes range, which focuses on more sustainable building solutions, were 66% higher in the six months to June 2023, compared with the same period of 2022. The increase was mainly driven by a rise in sales of innovative insulation, which saw a huge 367% rise. Even when accounting for inflation, this demonstrates a significant uplift in demand.

Wastewater heat recovery systems also surged in popularity, with sales 276% higher in the first half of 2023, compared with the same period in 2022. Sustainable timber cladding sales rose by 18%, while sales of carbon reduction products, such as recycled cavity liners increased by 17%.

Challenging times

Matthew Handley, category innovation manager at Jewson, said: “We know the period leading up to the new building regulations was challenging for many of our customers and we have been working hard to help them navigate this as smoothly as possible.

“By presenting all the products and services in one place through the Making Better Homes range we aim to create a one-stop-shop for everything tradespeople and builders need to remain compliant and build more sustainably.

“The data suggests that insulation and wastewater heat recovery systems are proving particularly popular, but it will be interesting to see what other opportunities arise in the second half of the year, as the industry continues to adopt more sustainable solutions.”

“Ensuring no one is left behind”

Two pubs bid farewell in the first half of 2023

Disconcerting trend

Formal apology

Commitment to minimising future disruptions

Proactive measures

Measles outbreaks

Vaccines crucial in prevention of measles

Sustainable building solutions

Challenging times

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