Monthly Archives: July 2023

Hair and Beauty, Menopause, News

Apprentice winner Dr Leah Totton unveils new 30-minute menopause skin treatment

APPRENTICE winner Dr Leah Totton has unveiled a revolutionary treatment designed to reverse skin ageing caused by the menopause.

The new 30-minute procedure targets the neck, arms and hands, the three key areas most often affected.

The award-winning cosmetic doctor, who won Apprentice Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment in 2013, said the ‘Lanluma V‘ treatment is a more natural, safe alternative than going under the knife.

‘Lanluma V’  is an innovative treatment that is being hailed by some in the industry as a game-changing collagen injection due to its unique ability to generate high levels of collagen in three key areas of the body most commonly affected by menopause: the neck, arms and hands. The key ingredient is Poly-L-lactic acid, which has been successfully used in medicine for over 30 years. Its collagen boosting powers reveal more youthful-looking skin in a matter of weeks, with no need for filler or surgery.

Speaking on her return to work after welcoming her first child, Irish-born Dr Leah, 34, who recently celebrated her business being crowned ‘Most Trusted UK Clinic’, commented on the medical aesthetics industry’s new collagen boost treatment for menopause skin care to treat previously neglected areas which ‘give away age’

She said: “Lanluma V has enabled Dr Leah Clinics to be able to deliver targeted menopause skin treatments. Lanluma V is a collagen stimulating solution which when injected under the skin gradually stimulates your own natural collagen and elastin formation in the treated area. This works to improve skin quality in that area, smoothing crêpey skin and wrinkles and thus treats the signs of ageing in areas of the body that we have previously not been unable to, including necks, arms, hands and the stomach.

“We know a woman’s skin loses about 30 percent of its collagen during the first five years of menopause and this often has a visible effect on the appearance of skin on the body.  The neck, chest, arms and hands can display obvious signs of ageing, particularly in oestrogen- deficient skin, and these areas are often neglected when it comes to skincare and aesthetic treatments. Women typically notice these changes in their late 40’s to early 50’s but it can affect younger women who have premature menopause.

“Up until now, there were comparatively less effective treatments available for these areas versus the face. It is not uncommon therefore for the neck, arms or hands to appear more aged than the face and therefore a ‘give away’ of age, and we know from research that hands alone can be used as an accurate predictor of age.”

Mother-of-one Leah is now one of the most successful ever winners of the BBC show.

Her London based cosmetic clinics have been recently crowned “Most Trusted UK Clinics” and her company accounts filed in March reported a 50% rise in turnover for 2022, reaching £2.7m with Pre-tax profits of £900,000.

As well as her growing business success, Leah has been basking in the glow of motherhood, after recently giving birth to a baby daughter.

Dr Leah opened her first non-surgical cosmetic clinic in central London in 2014, but she now has three clinics, with a fourth due to open in 2024 .

Dr Leah Clinics have won multiple accolades, most recently recognised as the UK’s “Most Trusted Cosmetic Clinic”.

The company has also launched their own skincare products, a foaming cleanser and moisturiser as part of the Dr Leah Skincare range.

In an interview last year, Leah revealed that Lord Sugar has requested a Botox treatment once the company earns £1m in profit — a milestone which is getting closer.

Leah and Lord Sugar are the company’s sole directors.

For more on Lanluma V, visit https://www.drleah.co.uk/treatments/body-treatments/lanluma-v

 

Finance and Banking

Scalping vs swing trading: choosing the right approach for your Forex trading style

Forex trading is a popular term for buying and selling foreign currencies. It is an investment activity that allows traders to take advantage of price fluctuations in different currencies due to global economic events and trends. Forex trades are usually conducted through online platforms offered by brokers. As with any other type of investment, it’s essential to understand the basics before committing your money.

Forex trading in the UK has become increasingly popular to make money. As with any other form of trading, the ultimate goal is to be profitable. To achieve that goal, one must choose the right approach for their trading style – scalping or swing trading. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of scalping vs swing trading and why selecting the proper method for your goals and risk appetite is essential.

Scalping and swing trading are two distinct strategies Forex traders use when seeking profits in currency markets. Scalpers look for small but frequent gains from price movements, while swing traders target more significant profits over an extended period.

Scalping

Scalpers look to take advantage of short price movements in a currency pair by opening and closing trades quickly, often within minutes or even seconds. This forex trading strategy requires intense concentration and technical analysis, as scalpers must watch the market closely for indications that may lead to profits, such as news releases or price breakouts. As the reward from scalping is usually small, it’s essential to have good risk management in place to ensure losses don’t exceed gains.

Advantages of scalping

A scalper can capture many trades within a short period, which leads to more opportunities for profits.

  • Scalpers only need a little capital, and their stop-losses are relatively tight, reducing exposure to more significant market swings.
  • The low level of risk involved makes it suitable for new traders who may need to be more comfortable with more significant risks.

Disadvantages of scalping

  • Due to the nature of scalping, the strategy requires a trader to constantly watch the market and monitor for potential trade opportunities.
  • As scalpers look to take advantage of small price movements, profits are typically low compared to other trading strategies.
  • Scalping requires considerable technical analysis skills, a fast computer, and an excellent internet connection.

Risks of scalping

  • Scalpers are exposed to high levels of market volatility and must be prepared for fast-paced price movements.
  • Trading costs in the UK can add up quickly due to the number of trades a scalper makes daily.

Swing trading

Swing traders look to take advantage of significant price actions that occur over more extended periods, such as days or weeks. This strategy allows them to buy low and sell high in various currency pairs, aiming for more significant gains than scalpers can obtain with their short-term trades. To be successful with this approach, swing traders must identify entry points through momentum indicators and chart patterns. Swing traders need more capital than scalpers, as their stop-losses are generally larger.

Advantages of swing trading

  • Swing traders can only actively monitor the market during the day, which makes it less time-consuming than scalping.
  • Trades take longer to reach profit or loss targets so swing traders can benefit from more significant gains and losses than scalpers.
  • Swing trades require less technical analysis knowledge and skills than scalping strategies.

Disadvantages of swing trading

  • Markets can change rapidly, meaning opportunities may be missed if a trader needs to pay attention.
  • Swing traders must know they’re exposed to more significant risks when holding positions for extended periods.
  • It requires more capital than scalping, which can be prohibitive for some traders.

Risks of swing trading

  • Swing traders are constantly exposed to the risk of large price movements due to extended holding periods.
  • Since trades are held for an extended period, trading costs will be higher than with scalping strategies.

Which approach is best?

The decision of which approach to use depends on a trader’s goals, risk appetite, and experience. Scalping requires traders to monitor the market continuously, while swing trading involves more capital but is less time-consuming. New traders may opt for scalping due to its lower capital requirements and shorter holding period. Experienced traders looking for greater profits over extended periods can choose the swing trading strategy.

The bottom line

Choosing the right approach to Forex trading is a personal decision. Scalping and swing trading have advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to consider your goals and risk appetite when selecting an approach. If you’re new to Forex trading, it’s recommended that you begin with scalping, as it requires less knowledge and capital while still offering the potential for profits. However, swing trading may be better if you have more experience and access to significant capital. Ultimately, you must choose the method that best fits your individual needs and circumstances; only then will you be able to maximise your profits in the Forex markets.

 

News

Welsh vertical farming project extended after helping growers reach great heights

GROWERS across Wales reached great heights thanks to a revolutionary vertical farming project.

And following a successful two-year programme the groundbreaking Tech Tyfu initiative – delivered by not-for-profit organisation Menter Môn – is set to continue until Summer 2024 via Welsh Government’s Backing Local Firms Fund.

The Tech Tyfu Scale-Up project aimed to provide vertical farming equipment and businesses support to growers across the country, with a goal of developing local food supply chains for fresh produce.

Among the participants to praise the scale-up scheme were Chris and Donna Graves from Micro Acres Wales, based in Church Village, Pontypridd.

As well as crucial guidance and advice, they received equipment and support that helped them develop micro greens using sustainable, water-based hydroponic methods.

Fresh from winning the Outstanding Restaurant Supplier of the Year Award at Food and Drink Awards Wales, Chris – a police custody officer who was diagnosed with rare brain condition Spinocerebellar Ataxia in 2019 – said the last few years have been a rollercoaster ride.

“We started growing microgreens after seeing something on social media and began with a tray of radish on a windowsill,” he said.

“From there things took off, we had to keep increasing the space it was taking up in the garage and now we are at the point of moving into a new 50ft x 28ft facility to accommodate the micro vegetables and edible flowers we are producing.

“We began supplying family, friends and neighbours during the pandemic, so to now be in this position, and to have just won such a prestigious award, is amazing.”

School teacher Donna added: “The help we had from Tech Tyu has gone beyond the equipment, they are only ever a phone call away and have been so encouraging, we really could not have done this without them.

“With the new unit especially, they believed in us and supported it when others didn’t. With their backing and that and that of the network of growers they introduced us to, we are excited for the future.

“There is a community on hand all helping one another, which is wonderful and together as a collective we are going from strength to strength thanks to Tech Tyfu.”

Vertical farming allows growers to control the environment of their crop, which improves water and nutrient use efficiency by up to an order of magnitude, as well as allowing them to create the conditions necessary to grow out of season crops, reducing pressure on the food supply chain as well as transport, packaging, and refrigeration costs.

Tech Tyfu Senior Project Officer David Wylie congratulated Chris and Donna on their success and says the impact of the scheme has been heartening.

“We have been with Micro Acres Wales and so many other growers on their journey over the last few years and seen the scale-up initiative go from strength to strength,” said David.

“As well as delivering bespoke, flood and drain vertical farming equipment, built by design engineer Wyn Griffith, we have been on hand for research and development, ran a series of ‘Meet the Buyer’ events and held stakeholder workshops for the cluster of growers, which reach across Wales.

He added: “Together we have achieved a lot in a short space of time, and now the project has been extended we can build on those foundations and do even more to support the food and drink industry and local independent producers and growers across Wales.”

For more news and information from Tech Tyfu, visit www.techtyfu.com and follow them on social media @TechTyfu.

Visit www.microacreswales.co.uk for the latest news and information from Micro Acres Wales.

News

UK Primed to Become a Global Frontrunner in Battery Recycling

The UK has everything it needs to become a frontrunner in the global battery recycling industry but, to achieve this, there must be collaboration across industry, academia and government, according to a new report.

The 2035 UK Battery Recycling Industry Vision, from the Innovate UK KTN Cross-Sector Battery Systems Innovation Network, identifies key areas for research and innovation, policy and regulation, infrastructure and skills. It emphasises the need for sustainable battery recycling processes, safe and rapid discharging of packs, and access to a trained, skilled and diverse workforce to secure the UK’s supply of battery materials including cobalt and lithium, two critical minerals with limited global supply.

Not only would an excellent battery recycling ecosystem boost the security of critical minerals in the UK, but it would also attract investment from battery manufacturers, who will be keen to open up shop near battery recycling centres where skills, knowledge and materials are close and in abundant supply, according to the report.

But to make this vision a reality, policymakers and innovators must act now to ensure the industry thrives in the future.

 

Co-author of the report, Sheena Hindocha (pictured above), Knowledge Transfer Manager at Innovate UK KTN, says, “Without going into the politics of supply monopolies, there’s already a finite amount of raw material to make batteries, and with over 450,000 tonnes of cell production predicted for 2040, we must act now to develop the end-of-life infrastructure required for this demand.”

 

Nikoleta Piperidou

Co-author of the report, Nikoleta Piperidou, Knowledge Transfer Manager at Innovate UK KTN, adds “It’s well-known that EVs are going to play a key role in the UK’s race to net-zero by 2050. Collaboration is essential for success, from industry stakeholders and researchers, all the way to Government to develop the right strategy for the volume of EV batteries that are coming.”

 

The steps to UK battery recycling excellence outlined in the report include the need for standardised EV batteries and connections. At present, each EV car manufacturer has different battery cell designs, meaning the ability to discharge end-of-life packs is specialised. If they were standardised, end-of-life battery handling would be far simpler and safer, and could even be automated.

The infographic and its supportive report also call for clear and safe industry practice to combat the high cost and risk that transporting batteries currently present, this can be addresses in several ways including through the integration of battery State of Health (SOH) to better identify and flag when a battery needs to be recycled, reused or repurposed.

To achieve this, robust infrastructure has been outlined as a crucial necessity to fully support the industry’s growth, without which could lead to the expensive and environmentally-damaging shipping of UK EV waste.

 

Access the 2035 UK Battery Recycling Industry Vision’s infographic and supportive report for the full details.

Business Advice, Data & Analytics

Best MySQL Data Integration Tools

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the “Best MySQL Data Integration Tools”. MySQL, a leading open-source relational database management system, is a cornerstone in the realm of data management. In today’s data-driven world, the ability to integrate MySQL data with other systems and platforms is paramount. Data integration tools streamline this process, transforming raw data into actionable insights. Join us as we delve into the world of MySQL data integration, exploring top tools that can help you harness the full potential of your MySQL data.

Understanding MySQL and Data Integration

MySQL is a widely used open-source relational database management system (RDBMS). It’s renowned for its speed, reliability, and ease of use. MySQL supports a broad subset of ANSI SQL 99, as well as extensions and specific features for compatibility with MySQL Server versions. This makes it a preferred choice for many web-based applications, data warehousing, and logging applications.

Data integration tools for MySQL are software solutions designed to facilitate the extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) of data between MySQL databases and other data sources. These tools aim to simplify data-related processes, ensure data quality and consistency, and ultimately enable businesses to make data-driven decisions by providing a unified and meaningful view of their data.

Key features of data integration tools include:

  • Connectivity: These tools offer pre-built connectors or adapters specifically designed for MySQL databases, ensuring seamless connection and data exchange between MySQL and various data sources.
  • Data Transformation: Data integration tools provide transformation capabilities tailored to MySQL, such as handling specific data types, functions, and stored procedures. This includes data cleansing, enrichment, aggregation, and format conversions to maintain data consistency and quality.
  • Workflow Management: Data integration tools allow users to design, schedule, and monitor complex workflows that define the sequence of data integration tasks, automating and orchestrating the data movement and processing.
  • Performance and Scalability: High-performance and scalable data integration tools are capable of handling large volumes of data and executing complex data processing tasks efficiently when working with MySQL databases.
  • Error Handling and Monitoring: Robust data integration tools provide error handling and monitoring capabilities to track data integration processes, identify issues, and alert users in case of failures, ensuring smooth execution of data integration tasks and maintaining data quality.
  • Security and Compliance: Data integration tools should offer secure data transfer and storage, along with features like data masking, encryption, and access control to protect sensitive information and comply with data protection regulations.

Understanding these features and the role of data integration tools in managing MySQL data is crucial for any organization looking to make the most of its data.

Top MySQL Data Integration Solutions

Here’s an overview of some of the top data integration tools suitable for MySQL, along with their key features and pricing:

Devart ODBC Driver for MySQL: This tool provides direct high-performance ODBC connection to MySQL databases from ODBC-compliant reporting, analytics, BI, and ETL tools on both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports standard ODBC API functions and data types and multiple MySQL-specific features.

Price: $99.95, 30 days free trial

Talend Data Integration: Talend offers a comprehensive suite of data integration and management tools. It provides a wide range of functionalities including data integration, data quality, and data governance. It supports a broad spectrum of sources and targets, making it a versatile tool for data integration tasks. Pricing is quote-based and available upon request.

Apache NiFi: Apache NiFi is an open-source data integration tool that supports powerful and scalable directed graphs of data routing, transformation, and system mediation logic. It’s designed to automate the flow of data between systems. Being open-source, it’s free to use.

Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS): SSIS is a platform for data integration and workflow applications. It features a data warehousing tool used for data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL). Pricing is included with SQL Server and depends on the SQL Server version you choose.

Progress DataDirect ODBC Driver: This tool provides comprehensive access to various data sources, including MySQL. It’s known for its high-performance, scalability, and broad compatibility with business intelligence and analytics applications. Pricing is quote-based and available upon request.

Informatica PowerCenter: Informatica PowerCenter is a widely used ETL tool that supports data integration lifecycle, from jumpstarting the first project, to ensuring successful mission-critical enterprise deployments. Pricing is quote-based and available upon request.

Skyvia: Skyvia is a cloud data platform for data integration, backup, and management. It provides quick and easy data integration with no coding, secure cloud-to-cloud data backup with one-click restore, and online data management via SQL. Pricing starts at $7 per month for the basic plan.

Stitch Data: Stitch Data is a cloud-first, open-source platform for rapidly moving data. It’s a simple, powerful ETL service that connects to all your data sources and replicates that data to your data warehouse. Pricing starts at $100 per month for the basic plan.

Remember to consider your specific needs and budget when choosing a data integration tool for MySQL.

How to Choose the Right Tool

Choosing the right data integration tool for MySQL is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your data management efficiency. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Compatibility: Ensure the tool is compatible with your MySQL version and other systems you’re using.
  • Functionality: The tool should provide all the necessary features like data transformation, workflow management, error handling, and security.
  • Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface and ease of configuration can save a lot of time and effort.
  • Support and Documentation: Good customer support and comprehensive documentation are essential, especially if you’re new to data integration.
  • Pricing: Consider your budget and the pricing structure of the tool. Some tools charge based on data volume, while others have a flat fee.

While all the tools mentioned in this guide are excellent choices, we’d like to highlight the Devart ODBC Driver. It provides direct, high-performance access to MySQL databases and supports standard ODBC API functions and data types, as well as multiple MySQL-specific features. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a balance of functionality, performance, and price. You can download it from the Devart website and try it out for yourself.

Remember, the best tool for you depends on your specific needs and circumstances. It’s important to evaluate the features and capabilities of each tool to find the most suitable solution for your MySQL data integration tasks.

Takeaways

In conclusion, data integration tools for MySQL are pivotal in harnessing the full potential of your data. They streamline data management, ensure data consistency, and enable data-driven decision-making. Whether it’s Devart’s ODBC Driver, Talend Data Integration, or any other tool, each offers unique features to cater to different needs. We encourage you to explore these tools, evaluate their capabilities, and choose the one that best fits your requirements. Embrace the power of data integration and unlock new levels of efficiency and insights from your MySQL data.

News

Historic Frist Casks and Bottles for New Inverness Distillery

-New make spirit will become first Inverness Malt Whisky in 40 years-

Uile-bheist Distillery has filled its maiden casks, with the new make spirit set to become the first single malt whisky to be distilled in Inverness for 40 years.

Head Distiller Andrew ‘Drew’ Shearer performed the historic first cask filling, with the distilled spirit now being laid down for maturation in ex-sherry and ex-bourbon oak casks for a minimum of three years before officially becoming Scotch Whisky.

In a milestone week, Uile-bheist also filled the first batch of 500 (500ml) bottles of the new make spirit which has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 63.5%.

The new make will go on sale to visitors to the new £7.5m distillery, brewery and visitor attraction which is situated on the banks of the River Ness; powered by water from the famous river.

Inverness was formerly host to several large distilleries but the last of those, Millburn, closed its doors in 1985. With its closure went the last drops of the ‘water of life’ to flow from the city.

Now the public can finally get an insight into what the signature Uile-bheist Single Malt will be like when fully aged, with casks also being made available to purchase for collectors of rarities.

Around 60 casks of the historic product are available, ranging in price from £6000 for a 200L ex-bourbon cask to £7500 for a 250L ex-sherry Hogshead of Uile-bheist single malt.

While the international investors and collectors market remains buoyant, interestingly, most buyers so far have come from Inverness and the highlands.

Co-Owner Jon Erasmus feels this reflects a sense of community ownership in the project and an eagerness to be part of the story of how distilling has returned to the highland capital.

“This week marks the end of the beginning for us: the casking and bottling of our first product. We’ve been through the process. Now we want to build on our production and capacity.

“Ultimately, we are a family business supporting this concept for the very long term. This is a small, niche whisky in the highlands with lots of provenance. It is very limited edition. If you buy it, you will literally be one of dozens, not thousands.”

The Uile-bheist story contains unique elements which the team believe will be mirrored in the product.

Water for energy and production is sourced through shallow water wells from the River Ness, making the on-site process low carbon and energy efficient.

Water is treated by UV light and technology from innovative German coppersmiths, Kaspar Schulz, enables the recovery of heat throughout distillation.

Malted barley is sourced from Bairds Malt, less than 2 miles away, curbing transport emissions.

Additionally, the yeast used is brewers’ yeast rather than distillers’ yeast, reflecting that

Uile-bheist is a brewery and distillery.

“Because we are using a brewers’ yeast, our own water supply, a very long fermentation time (minimum 4 days, often much longer) and have a lot of temperature control in our fermentations, we are getting a much higher ester content in our whisky, a lot more fruity notes and a much more unique product,” said Head Distiller, Drew Shearer.

“Through fermentation, we get a very fruity distillate. We are then distilling it twice using very traditional style copper pot stills but using brand new technology to monitor the process precisely.

“It’s a very light spirit, very fruit forward and a bit nutty in the background. It’s a bit more on the Speyside side, rather than being typical of a highland malt.”

Uile-bheist intends to release a ‘very bespoke’ bottling of its Single Highland malt at 3 years old whilst laying down the remainder for ‘the long haul’.

Awards, Data, Data & Analytics, News

Amperity Named 2023 Databricks Built on Partner of the Year

Delta Sharing solution helps brands unify data to drive accurate insights and segmentation to deliver personalised customer experiences

Amperity, the leading enterprise customer data platform (CDP) for consumer brands, today announced it has been awarded the 2023 Built on Partner of the Year Award by Databricks, the Data and AI company. With Databricks and Amperity, brands such as Caleres, a global footwear company, have maximised the value of their customer data, minimised costs, and increased data democratisation to generate and send insights to their downstream systems.

The award was presented recently at Databricks’ Data + AI Summit 2023 and underscores the impact Amperity has made in developing Databricks competency and helping to solve their customer data challenges and break into new revenue streams.

“Amperity has enhanced the way brands identify, understand, and connect with their customers by leveraging AI to deliver a comprehensive and actionable Customer 360,” said Steve Sobel, Global Industry Leader for Communications, Media and Entertainment at Databricks.  “Amperity plays an important role in our ecosystem as we accelerate our composable CDP practice and help organisations unlock the elusive unified customer profiles to improve marketing performance, fuel accurate customer insights, and enable world-class, real-time customer experiences on the Lakehouse.”

With the rise of the modern data stack, Databricks and Amperity offer a future-proof approach to behavioral data creation, data storage and management, personalisation and digital experiences. Amperity applies patented machine learning methods to resolve customer identity and standardise all digital and offline interactions to build a unified customer profile. This enables Amperity to correctly identify every customer so that the data foundation Databricks uses in its predictive models are more accurate and deliver better outcomes.

“We are extremely honuored to be recognised as the Built on Partner of the Year by Databricks. Together, we’ve had the privilege to see the outsized value our joint customers have achieved by composing our unique capabilities together,” said Derek Slager, co-founder & CTO at Amperity. “We are excited to continue building on this partnership, applying the latest innovations in generative AI to our unified customer data foundation to drive the next generation of customer personalisation and business value.”

For more information about Amperity’s partnership with Databricks, visit our website.

 

About Amperity

Amperity delivers the data confidence brands need to unlock growth by truly knowing their customers. With Amperity, brands can build a first-party data foundation to fuel customer acquisition and retention, personalise experiences that build loyalty, and manage privacy compliance. Using patented AI and ML methods, Amperity stitches together all customer interactions to build a unified view that seamlessly connects to marketing and technology tools. More than 400 brands worldwide rely on Amperity to turn data into business value, including Alaska Airlines, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Endeavour Drinks, Planet Fitness, Seattle Sounders FC, Under Armour and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. For more information, visit amperity.com

 

Leisure, Marketing, Marketing & PR, News, PR and SEO, Social Media

Yonda appoints Zeal to support growth plans.

Yonda, a leading performance wet suit brand, has teamed up with Zeal to support its growth plans.

The Leeds-based digital marketing agency will drive sales through an integrated digital marketing campaign, including website development, social media, email marketing, SEO, and PPC.

Yonda manufactures premium quality wetsuits and tri suits. The family-run business is based in Huddersfield and exports to the US, Canada and Europe.

Commenting on the move, Angus Greenwood, founder of Yonda Wetsuits, said: “Zeal brings a real passion for our brand and understanding of our product to the campaign. They have a clear plan to increase our revenue and the flexibility to meet our ambitious growth targets.

“Jane and the team are great to work with and are taking the time to get close to our business. It’s a partnership approach that works for us.”

 

Zeal is a full-service digital marketing agency based in Leeds. It is focused on supporting startup and scale-up brands to develop their e-commerce offerings. The team of 35 experts span everything from branding and design to SEO, PPC and programmatic advertising.

 

Jane Slimming, CEO at Zeal, said: “As an amateur triathlete, I know that Yonda’s wetsuits are a step above the competition. They are renowned for their quality and inclusivity by offering female sizing. We love their brand and are fired up to be part of their growth journey.”

Law, News, South West, South West England News, Start Ups, Start-Up News

Roskilly and Mills: new legal practice launches in Bristol, specialising in advising non-married couples on separation, wills and inheritance disputes

Emily Roskilly and Lucia Mills announce the launch of their new business, Roskilly and Mills, which will provide specialist advice to cohabiting couples pre and post-separation with a holistic, transparent and empathetic approach.

“Common law marriage is a myth,” explains Emily Roskilly, “In the legal world, there is no such thing. The truth is that married couples have greater rights than unmarried ones, and unmarried couples and those who co-own property may need specialist legal advice. Contrary to popular belief, when there is a property dispute, this area of law is civil Law and not family Law – the two specialisms are governed by different Courts with different rules. When cohabiting couples separate, it is often a huge shock because one of them may end up with nothing – and huge costs!”

 

Post-pandemic, there has been an increase of 9.6%* in granted divorces, but many couples who lived together through lockdown were unmarried (or were unable to wed) and are now looking to separate.

Lucia Mills adds “There have been calls to reform the law in this area, however, this is currently not being prioritised.  We believe the law is out of step with modern-day society and there should be increased awareness for all unmarried couples”.  When a couple is married, the matrimonial assets are considered to be part of the family financial pot (which includes pension, savings, etc) and the Court often addresses these cases on a need basis and considers equality regardless of legal ownership.  However, this is not the case for unmarried couples and we therefore offer specialist advice to unmarried individuals in a changing world.

 

Emily empathises with those separating having been through it herself Roskilly and Mills are supportive of reform and are keen to raise awareness.  They are both members of Resolution, a professional body committed to a constructive approach to family disputes, who are actively campaigning for reform in this area.

 

As well as providing legal services, Roskilly and Mills understand that cohabiting couples also need help with finances, childcare, divorce coaches and well-being. Roskilly and Mills have experts on hand and tailor-made advice to help with every stage. And Emily and Lucia – unlike many corporate law firms – do not have internal financial targets which means they can focus on their clients.

 

“We are transparent about our fees” explains Emily “We understand that sometimes clients need emotional support – and we don’t charge a fee for kindness and a confidential chat.”

“As mums ourselves, we are keen to put the human, compassionate element back into legal advice. We ensure clients are involved in all decision-making, kept informed and updated throughout and that they fully understand the specialist legal advice they receive. The last thing our clients need to feel is uncertainty, in these difficult times.”

 

Roskilly and Mills have the following advice for ALL couples currently cohabiting:

-Be clear on intentions from the outset – they can prepare Cohabitation Agreements

-Consider putting a declaration of trust in place on the purchase of a property

-Obtain specialist legal advice on your rights if you are unsure of your legal position or if you have already separated

 

Roskilly and Mills also provide advice in respect of will and inheritance disputes which is also a complex and niche area of law.  We can advise on whether you have a claim against an Estate post-death,  with regard to executor and beneficiary disputes and potential validity challenges against wills.

For more information about this modern forward-thinking firm go to https://roskillyandmills.co.uk

 

—

 

*ONS statistic 9.6% in granted divorces between 2020 and 2021 (Nov 22 figures)

Entertainment, Gambling, Gaming & Entertainment

The Role of Technology in Shaping the Online Casino Landscape in the U.K.

Changes in technology have had a significant impact on the evolution of online casinos in the United Kingdom. Streaming technology, mobile gaming, and the use of A.I., to name a few, have played a crucial role in developing the online casino industry in the U.K. These groundbreaking technologies have completely altered how people interact with and experience casino games. The article examines how these technologies have changed online gambling in the United Kingdom.

1. Advanced streaming technology

Because of improvements in streaming technology, the popularity of live dealer games with live casino offers has exploded in recent years. These games replicate the action of a land-based casino by distributing high-quality video and audio streams wirelessly to players’ devices. Players may have an experience that comes very near to being in a real casino, thanks to the ability to communicate with actual dealers and other players in real-time. The use of streaming technology also makes it possible to add extra interactive elements to games, such as chat boxes and leaderboards. Given these developments, it is no surprise that live dealer games at U.K. online casinos have grown so popular.

2. Mobile Gaming

Smartphones and tablets have played a vital part in the growth of the online casino sector in the United Kingdom, making mobile gambling a popular activity. Mobile gaming’s meteoric rise may largely be attributed to its users’ appreciation for portability. Being more portable than laptops or desktop PCs makes them great for on-the-go gaming. In addition, several mobile casinos provide players who utilize their apps with exclusive bonuses and incentives. Players may take advantage of these deals to increase their gameplay chances and generally receive greater enjoyment playing any of the games.

3. Personalization and A.I.

Online casinos in the U.K. have improved their ability to provide individualized gaming experiences with the advent of A.I. and machine learning. Algorithms driven by artificial intelligence may learn from a user’s gaming habits and preferences to provide a more personalized experience. Players may have a greater sense of connection and enjoyment with the game when they perceive that the casino cares about them as individuals and caters to their interests. Artificial intelligence (A.I.) may also be used to monitor for and implement the £2 slot machine limit proposed in the Gambling white paper to protect their customers from compulsive gambling.

In conclusion, the future of online casinos in the U.K. seems bright, with technological advancements altering the industry’s environment and fuelling its rapid expansion.