Monthly Archives: October 2023

News

A frightening 3,000+ pumpkins to choose from at organic farm estate this Halloween

THERE will be a frightening number of pumpkins to choose from at Rhug Estate this Halloween.

The award-winning 12,500-acre organic farm estate, near Corwen in North Wales, has more than 3,000 up for grabs!

It is the first time Rhug has grown the autumnal squash and tickets for their pumpkin-picking events are selling scarily fast.

Visitors will be able to select their own Jack-o-lantern or decorative species and partake in a series of fang-tastic activities, including an accessible and inclusive ‘spooky tunnel’ under the A5.

There will also be refreshments and ghoulish games for all the family to enjoy.

Estate Farm Manager Emyr Owen, from Llanrwst, is in high spirits thanks to the success of their maiden attempt at growing pumpkin seeds in a 1.5-acre area on-site.

He added: “We are really pleased with the results given the initial dry weather we experienced, they have grown really well and are ready in time for Halloween,” he said.

“Over past months through the rain and sunshine of the summer into the autumn they have flourished, so visitors who come pumpkin picking this week are in for a real treat.”

Emyr added: “They are in a beautiful spot, with picturesque views across the beautiful Rhug Estate.

“There will be lots to keep children entertained, so we look forward to welcoming people for a spooky and unforgettable experience.”

When you arrive at Rhug you will be greeted by a member of the team who will take you over to the pumpkin field.

Once there you will be able to explore the patch, take photos and choose your pumpkin/s for purchase on site. Dogs are allowed on the Estate grounds, but not in the pumpkin patch. Visitors can also enjoy the farm shop and cafe for a bite to eat, before or after their slot.

Rhug Estate owner Lord Newborough added: “Like all our products the pumpkins are completely organic, but this was the first time we’ve ever tried to grow them, so to see so many here, ripe, and ready to go, is heartening and gives us confidence we can do it year after year.

“What we have in store is frightening fun for all the family – we look forward to seeing you soon.”

The pumpkin patch will be open 9am-4pm until Tuesday October 31.

Slots can be booked here: https://www.rhug.co.uk/whats-on/pumpkin-picking-north-wales.

The team at Rhug Estate would love to see your pictures on Instagram so be sure to add the hashtags #rhugpumpkins and #pwmpenrhug to your posts so they can like and share! 

For the latest news and information from Rhug Estate, visit the website www.rhug.co.uk and follow @rhugestate on social media.

Awards, News

Change Awards bring together academia and practice to celebrate industry leaders

Change Awards recognises the individuals, teams and organisations that are contributing to change management, a new and evolving but often misunderstood and underappreciated, career path that now plays a crucial role within organisations.

The independent awards scheme includes a judging panel, made up of academia, practice and various independent bodies of knowledge who anonymously select industry leaders to elevate professionals, showcase their contributions and share their achievements.

Awards are open to individuals, teams and organisations. Individual awards provide colleagues the opportunity to nominate exceptional thinkers or advocates for change while team and organisation awards will reflect the type of projects or programmes which are visible in the marketplace while reflecting the learning, training and educating efforts of teams and leaders.

The awards scheme was created to shine light onto the diverse aspects of change, as well as the impacts it has across all sectors and industries, celebrating the winners at an awards ceremony, and making all aspects of change and innovation visible through the people who make this change happen.

Nominations for The Change Awards 2024 are now open.

 

Margo Waldorf, Founder at Change Awards, commented:

“The awards have been created to celebrate the professionals within change management that often lack recognition. Change and innovation are being held with increased importance and as the industry grows, the leaders who are navigating through change to make a positive impact deserve a platform for their achievements to be awarded.”

“Regardless of the outcome, entrants are given the opportunity to showcase their contributions in the field of change, enhance their professional reputation and promote their business offering. Many people in this industry continuously strive to be better and do better and this offers the perfect opportunity to gain the gratitude they deserve. We hope the awards provide an example to those to join the innovative, dynamic, and ever-expanding world of change.”

Law, News

Blake Morgan’s Wales teams achieve outstanding rankings in Chambers & Partners Guide 2024

Blake Morgan in Wales is celebrating its success in the 2024 Chambers & Partners Guide, after securing impressive rankings for its practice areas and individual lawyers. The guide profiles the best-performing lawyers and legal firms across the UK, based on an in-depth independent research process.

This year, the guide honours 24 lawyers from the Cardiff-based firm, with corporate restructuring and insolvency partner Paul Caldicott, intellectual property expert Lee Fisher, property litigator Siân Jones, and employment lawyers Matthew Smith and Joanne Davies achieving the apex of recognition with Band 1 rankings. Clients commended Siân Jones as “absolutely fantastic to work with”, while the “exceptional guidance, service and support” provided by Matthew Smith also drew client praise.

Nine teams achieved the coveted Band 1 status, including Administrative and Public Law, Construction, Corporate M&A, Employment, Litigation, Real Estate, Real Estate Litigation, Restructuring and Insolvency, and Social Housing. Intellectual Property distinguished itself with a Band 2 ranking, and the Banking and Finance team rounds out the honours with a Band 3 acknowledgement.

In the spotlight among the firm’s lawyers is corporate and M&A specialist Richard Jones, who climbed from a Band 3 to a Band 2 ranking this year. Richard’s clients described him as “highly regarded”, “pragmatic and easy to work with”. A further seven lawyers in Wales were awarded Band 2 status, with another three making their mark in the Band 3 category.

As well as recognising three of the firm’s Cardiff-based lawyers as ‘Senior Statespeople’, including the “invaluable” professional discipline expert Graham Miles, the guide focused attention on the new generation of talent coming through.

The ‘Associates to Watch’ category welcomed construction expert Kate Howell, commended for her “all-round excellence in the law”, and four of the firm’s commercial litigation team: Trish D’Souza, Sophia Farmer, Joanna Corbett-Simmons and Daniel Taylor. Clients praised Joanna as being “on top of her brief”, saying that “her communication is excellent and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her”, while Daniel’s clients also said that they “cannot recommend Dan enough. He is professional and really understands our business.”. In addition, Daniela Smith was identified as an ‘Up and Coming’ talent in recognition of her “wide-ranging real estate expertise” as part of the “established” real estate team in Wales.

Client testimonials further underscored the firm’s commitment to excellence. The firm’s “solution-focused, experienced and practical” healthcare practice, whose team in Wales includes ‘Senior statesperson’ Richard M Jones and the “exceptionally well versed” Eve Piffaretti, came in for praise as part of the UK-wide rankings. The Welsh construction team also received high praise for its “sophisticated commercial understanding”, while the employment team was commended as “highly knowledgeable and expert “. Meanwhile, the Cardiff-based banking and finance team, led by Paul Duggan, was lauded for its “superb knowledge of the banking law landscape.”

Eve Piffaretti, Head of Office (Wales) at Blake Morgan, said:

“It’s been another standout year for our Wales-based teams and lawyers. The number of individual lawyers moving up in their rankings or being recognised for the first time truly underscores the depth of talent and commitment to client service within the firm.”

News, Tech, Technology

CSI Group Announces Change of Ownership

13th October 2023, the CSI Group (www.csiltd.co.uk) has today announced it has completed a change of ownership that will see Permira Credit as the major shareholder of the Company.

The Company has made significant progress in transforming and modernising the business over the last several years to continue to meet the needs of our clients in the fast-moving digital transformation era that we live in.

The new ownership of the Company will allow CSI to continue investing and evolving as the world gradually recovers from the pandemic and navigates an uncertain economic climate. In addition, we are announcing that Simon Fisk will be stepping down as Group CEO. Alan Watkins will resume the role of Executive Chairman with Kevin Lewis returning as Group Chief Financial Officer.

 

Alan Watkins, Executive Chairman, CSI said: “We are very pleased to have completed the refinancing arrangements of CSI and are particularly grateful to the efforts of Permira and NatWest in continuing to support the business. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Simon Fisk for his efforts over the last 3 years and wish him all the best in his future ventures. At a personal level, I am delighted to be able to take the helm of this great company as it continues to grow and prosper over the coming years.”

Christmas, News, Travel, Wales, West Wales

Luxury Welsh resort offers a festive escape for the whole family this Christmas

Bluestone National Park Resort has announced details for its highly-anticipated Christmasland break, which will be running from 6th November 2023 to 4th January 2024, and offers families a festive break starting from less than £18pp per night and with 35% savings.

The luxury holiday resort is situated within 500 acres of National Coastal Park in the scenic Pembrokeshire countryside and for the second year running has been named in the top 3 of best holiday parks in the UK by Which? Magazine.

It’s made up of luxury and platinum lodges, cottages and studio apartments which accommodate between one and 14 guests, making it the perfect festive break for couples, friends and large families.

‘Christmasland’ is an experience like no other with a full-festive takeover of the resort. On arrival at Bluestone, guests are transported into a world of winter wonderment and magic, greeted by twinkling trees and elves who will hand out a ‘Christmasland Passport’ – a jam-packed itinerary of the festive fun to make the most of during the stay, including a Polar Postal envelope, ready for the all-important letter to Santa.

All guests will save on three or four-night stays with free entry into a host of exciting and magical activities including Claus Christmas Show, an interactive theatre experience, and Santa’s Sleigh ride, a VR experience that offers little ones the chance to become Santa’s helper.

Guests staying for this duration will also enjoy free entry to Santa’s Workshop, where you’ll be taken on an enchanting journey to discover the secrets behind Santa’s magical workplace including creating delicious shortbreads at the Jolly Ginger Bakery! before meeting Santa Claus himself.

The whole resort has had a festive makeover, with the indoor water park becoming “Elf Lagoon” and its indoor adventure play dome undergoing a full transformation to become “The Snow Globe”.

For those looking for a more relaxing Christmas spirit, the award-winning Well Spa Retreat offers a hydrotherapy pool, thermal suite including experience showers, an ice pod, a sea salt cave, and a meditation room, as well as soothing treatments.

Discover more about Christmasland 2023 at www.bluestonewales.com/discover/whats-on/christmasland

Business Advice, Tech, Technology

How Time Lapse Equipment Can Be Utilised In Your Business

In today’s fast-paced business environment, capturing the essence of transformation and progress is paramount. Whether you’re in the construction industry, agriculture, or any other sector, documenting progress and change is essential. That’s where time lapse equipment comes into play. Once reserved for filmmakers and nature enthusiasts, this technology is now becoming an indispensable tool for businesses worldwide. So, how can you harness its power for your operations? Let’s dive in.

The Magic Of Time Lapse Photography

At its core, time lapse photography is the art of capturing numerous images over extended periods, which are later compiled to create a video that displays time’s progression in mere seconds or minutes. Companies like photoSentinel have made this technology more accessible and user-friendly. Here’s why it’s beneficial for your business.

  • Boosting Marketing And Branding Efforts

In the digital age, capturing your audience’s attention is more challenging than ever. While a static image can convey a message, a dynamic time lapse video can tell an entire story. Consider the power of witnessing a skyscraper’s construction, from laying the foundation to the final brick, all within a minute or two. This visualization showcases your construction business’s capabilities and underscores your dedication to timely project completion. Such vivid presentations can significantly enhance your company’s branding, making it stand out in a crowded market. It encapsulates your promise and delivers tangible proof of your commitment.

  • Monitoring And Quality Control

Efficiency is the lifeblood of any successful business. Especially for industries where margins can be tight and delays can be costly. Time lapse equipment isn’t just about producing captivating visuals; it’s a tool for introspection. You can monitor the entire workflow by setting up cameras at strategic locations. Over time, these videos can highlight inefficiencies – perhaps a resource bottleneck or a frequently interrupted workflow. Such insights are gold mines for businesses, especially those in logistics-heavy sectors. It allows for proactive troubleshooting, ensuring that operations remain streamlined.

  • Documenting Project Milestones

Milestones are a testament to achievement. Whether you’re in retail, manufacturing, or service, every project has its crucial moments that define its journey. Capturing these moments isn’t just for posterity; it’s a tool for motivation and reflection. For a retailer, it might be the launch of a new outlet. For a tech startup, it could be the roll-out of a significant software update. Time lapse videos ensure these milestones aren’t fleeting memories but tangible reminders of the journey, challenges, and victories.

  • Engaging Your Stakeholders

Your business isn’t an isolated entity. It’s part of a network that includes suppliers, customers, employees, and investors. Each stakeholder group has expectations, and they’re keen on updates. A well-produced time lapse video can convey progress, challenges, and achievements far better than a lengthy email update or a presentation. Watching a new branch of your business physically take shape or witnessing the evolution of a product line provides a sense of involvement and investment. It’s a transparent and dynamic way to keep them in the loop, fostering a sense of partnership and trust.

  • Educational And Training Purposes

New employees often face a steep learning curve. Familiarizing them with processes, especially intricate ones, can be daunting. Time lapse videos can simplify this. A process that might take hours can be condensed into a few minutes, highlighting the key stages and actions. This visual aid can significantly complement traditional training methods, ensuring that the message is heard, seen, and understood.

  • Cost Efficiency

Every business decision, especially technology-related, is often weighed against its ROI. Although time lapse equipment requires an initial outlay, it pays dividends in the long run. Think of the savings from reducing supervisory needs or the potential revenues from a powerful marketing campaign backed by compelling time lapse content. Additionally, the captured footage is a reusable asset. Whether for promotional purposes, stakeholder updates, or internal reviews, the content can serve multiple purposes, providing excellent value for money.

  • Ease Of Use And Flexibility

Today’s time lapse equipment blends advanced technology and user-centric design. Setting them up, capturing footage, and processing the content has never been easier. You don’t need specialized training or an extensive tech background. Moreover, their adaptability is noteworthy. Be it a bustling factory floor, a serene agricultural field, or a stormy outdoor location, modern time lapse cameras are engineered to function seamlessly, ensuring you get top-notch footage irrespective of the conditions.

Conclusion

In a world where staying ahead of the curve is the name of the game, time lapse equipment emerges as a game-changer. It’s not just about capturing stunning visuals; it’s about leveraging those visuals to drive growth, ensure quality, and foster trust. Suppose you’re considering a tool that blends functionality and aesthetics. In that case, it’s high time you explore the potential of time lapse for your business.

 

Business Advice

Helping You To Create An Efficient & Productive Office Space

As a business owner, you want your workplace to be as efficient and productive as possible, and you can achieve this in many ways. The environment you provide for your employees plays a significant role in creating an efficient office, including its design, furnishings, and the equipment you use. The more efficient your office space, the more profitable your company can be, and this can benefit everyone in the business and not only the business owner. Below are some ways you can help ensure you provide an efficient environment for your business that can boost productivity and increase the well-being of your employees.

An Efficient Layout & Design

The layout and floor plan can significantly affect the productivity and efficiency of your office space. You want work to flow smoothly between different departments unhindered, and it can be beneficial to use the services of a professional office design company to help you plan your workplace layout. You can utilise their experience and tricks they have learned to maximise your use of space and ensure you provide a working environment for your employees and business to thrive.

The Furniture In Your Office Space

Another aspect of your office which can affect productivity and efficiency is the furniture you use to furnish it. It is worth going to the expense of investing in ergonomic furniture for your office, which can safeguard your employees’ health and well-being and help boost their productivity. It can also help reduce absenteeism through strains and repetitive injuries in the workplace, and ergonomic furniture is much more comfortable for your employees. Ergonomic furniture will cost more, but it is often built to a much higher quality, meaning it will last longer, and you also usually get a reasonable warranty with it.

Invest In Quality Electronics

You also want to invest in quality electronics for your office space, which can help boost productivity and ensure as little downtime as possible. There are various electronic items your office space will require, such as computers, a photocopier, video conferencing equipment, monitors, or an industrial inkjet printer from Needham Ink. Choosing the cheapest option for the electronic devices you need to buy for your office space is often counterproductive, as they tend to break more often and require replacing sooner. As such, you want to ensure that you only invest in high-quality items with an excellent warranty to help increase the efficiency of your employees and reduce downtime.

The Colour Scheme Of Your Office

Another aspect of your office that can affect your workforce’s productivity is your office’s colour scheme. Significant research has been done on how colours can affect us in the workplace, and these studies have shown that colours affect us differently. You can see below how the different colours can affect your employees, which can help you determine the best colour scheme for your workplace:

  • Blue – Shades of blue can help boost productivity, increase confidence and help employees focus on tasks.
  • Yellow – Yellow is a colour that can help increase optimism and encourage creativity in workers.
  • Red – Shades of red can improve workplace efficiency and give the office a sense of urgency and energy.
  • Purple – Purple has long been considered a luxurious colour, enhancing wisdom and loyalty.
  • Orange – Orange is considered a cheerful and friendly colour choice, which also helps give the impression of success.

When selecting your workplace’s colour scheme, it is worth researching how different colours can affect your employees. You can click here for more information on this subject to help you choose the best colour for your business and its workplace.

The Noise Levels In Your Workplace

You will also want to ensure that you do everything to control noise levels in your office to make it more comfortable for your employees, help them concentrate, and boost productivity. Constant noise in the workplace can be distracting, and there are various things you can do to help you manage noise better. You can use partitions to divide the different areas of your office, and installing a dropped ceiling will also help with this and reduce echo. You can also have additional acoustic insulation in your office in the walls and ceiling, which will absorb sound and make for a more comfortable working environment.

Lighting Levels In Your Workplace

The lighting levels in your workplace are also important, and you want to ensure your office space has as much natural light as possible. Natural light helps people concentrate on their work, but you will also need electric lights when it gets dark. You should consider energy-efficient LED lights that you can adjust and are much less harsh than traditional fluorescent light strips you see in many offices. LED lights will cost a little more than conventional lightbulbs, but they last longer and use less power, so over time, they will save you money while making a comfortable and productive working environment.

News

School receives illustrious family award for helping parents improve the lives of their children

YSGOL EIRIAS has been lauded for its work in helping parents and carers improve the lives of their children. 

The Colwyn Bay secondary school is one of just a handful in North Wales to receive the Investors in Families Bronze Award.

The quality mark is awarded to settings that demonstrate a commitment to working with families and evidence of activities carried out in and out of school hours, communication with parents and carers, and setting high standards.

In 2022, Ysgol Eirias introduced extracurricular provision based on Areas of Learning and Experience – a key part of the new Curriculum for Wales – to encourage wider learning and mindfulness via extra-curricular sessions, with wellbeing trips and educational overseas visits in the pipeline.

As well as sports matches and fixtures, there have been cooking and nutrition lessons that will see pupils take the food they prepare home, ensuring vulnerable children are guaranteed a warm, cooked meal.

The school’s successful Duke Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award scheme enjoyed a surge in learners, with more than 100 taking on the Bronze and Silver categories, and as part of their Welsh Baccalaureate studies, groups of Year 10 and Year 11 pupils organised environmental impact days.

Assistant Headteacher Andy Davies said these examples of pupils reinforcing their academic efforts with a positive social impact on their community, and health and wellbeing, have been embraced and supported by their families.

“The Areas of Learning and Experience extracurricular provisions are just one of the many ways our activities can indirectly benefit parents and their children,” he said.

“The cooking classes are teaching learners skills that will be useful at home. They can in turn help their mums, dads or carers preparing meals, improve their nutrition, as well as building confidence and independence.

“These were just some examples of more than 21 case studies we provided from the last 12 months.”

Mr Davies added: “Talaxy, the school parental communication software, is another way we have opened further lines of communication with families.

“We were one of the first schools in Wales using it, and the system allows us to share everything from grades to attendance, weekly bulletins, parents’ evenings, and more, which means they can keep up to speed with all the latest news and information.

“That has been very well received and for our staff and pupils it is a way to ensure everyone is connected and up to date with their child’s needs.”

Ysgol Eirias engaged with Investors in Families at the beginning of the last academic year and will now work towards the Silver and Gold Awards, which will mean developing more activities and case studies.

Staff and pupils were also praised for inclusivity and equality – the school’s Diversity team meets regularly to champion equal rights, present assemblies, and conduct student surveys and earned a place on the Young Ambassadors Project for Show Racism the Red Card Wales.

Home visits, uniform banks and many other initiatives ensure a smooth transition from primary to secondary school for prospective pupils.

As one of the Top 10 Sunday Times ‘Parent Power’ high-performing schools in Wales, Mr Davies is confident they will continue to strengthen ties with stakeholders over the coming years.

“We are really proud to be just one of three secondary schools in North Wales to be accredited by Investors in Families and will not rest on our laurels,” he added.

“A healthy, transparent, and proactive relationships with the families of our pupils is pivotal to them getting the best possible education, to being happy and enjoying every aspect of their time with us.

“Historically, parental engagement will drop off when a child starts life at secondary school, but we are managing to reverse that trend.”

For more information on Ysgol Eirias, visit www.eirias.co.uk and follow them on social media @ysgoleirias. 

Visit www.investorsinfamilies.co.uk for more from Investors in Families. 

Gaming & Entertainment, Sport

Sports Betting Industry and their Business

The sports betting industry has experienced significant growth and transformation over the years. With the advent of technology and changing consumer preferences, the industry has evolved to cater to the needs of sports enthusiasts and gamblers alike. In this article, we will explore the evolution of the sports betting industry, common marketing strategies, key players in the business, technological advancements shaping the industry, and emerging trends and future prospects, alike.

Evolution of the Sports Betting Industry

The sports betting industry has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Initially, it was limited to traditional bookmakers and physical shops. However, with the rise of the internet, online sports betting platforms emerged, providing convenience and accessibility to bettors worldwide. The industry has also witnessed the legalisation of sports betting in several countries, leading to its widespread acceptance and growth.

Marketing Strategies in the Sports Betting Industry

The industry heavily relies on marketing strategies to attract and retain customers. One of the most common strategies is offering enticing promotions and bonuses to new and existing users. These incentives can include free bets, cashback offers and enhanced odds, among others.

Additionally, partnerships with sports teams and leagues have become a popular marketing tactic. By associating their brand with popular sports entities, companies can increase their visibility and credibility. Sponsorship deals and advertising during sporting events are also commonly used to reach a wider audience.

Key Players in the Sports Betting Business

There are undoubtedly several key players that dominate the industry – including both traditional bookmakers and online platforms. These companies have established a strong presence in the market and offer a wide range of options across various sports. There are also a number of useful online guides where you can find out the best betting sites proposing 5 pounds minimum deposit and tips for big sporting events like the Premier League and the Euro 2024 Qualifiers.

Technological Advancements Shaping the Industry

Technological advancements have played a crucial role in shaping the sports betting industry. The introduction of mobile apps has revolutionised the way people place their bets. With just a few taps on their smartphones, bettors can now access a wide range of markets and place their bets in real time. Additionally, the use of data analytics and artificial intelligence has enabled bookmakers to offer personalised experiences and improve their odds calculations.

Emerging Trends in Sports Betting

Several emerging trends are reshaping the industry. One such trend is the integration of live-streaming services with betting platforms. This allows bettors to watch the games they have placed bets on in real time, enhancing their overall experience. Another trend is the rise of esports betting, where bettors can wager on competitive video gaming events. Esports has gained immense popularity in recent years, attracting a new generation of bettors.

Future Prospects and Opportunities in the Industry

The future of the industry looks promising, with several opportunities for growth and innovation. The legalisation of sports betting in more countries is expected to expand the market further. Additionally, the increasing popularity of in-play betting, where bets are placed during the course of a game, presents new opportunities for bookmakers to engage with their customers. Furthermore, advancements in virtual reality and augmented reality technologies may revolutionise the way people experience sports betting, creating immersive and interactive betting environments.

Final Word

In conclusion, the sports betting industry has undergone significant changes and continues to evolve. Technological advancements, emerging trends and future prospects are shaping the industry and providing new opportunities for growth. As the industry becomes more accessible and innovative, it’s essential for businesses to adapt and stay ahead of the competition to thrive in this dynamic and ever-changing market.

AI, Technology, Travel

Will There Be Widespread Use of AI in the Air Industry?

The growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in various industries has led to speculation over how far it will reach into other aspects of our lives. One of the most interesting areas to consider in this respect is what AI means for the air industry.

Aviation Inspiring Other Industries

The way that AI has entered our lives has affected many industries, but before considering its impact on aviation, we need to look at how aviation has also proved to be an inspiration for other areas. From movies like Air Force and Top Gun: Maverick to TV series such as the upcoming Masters of the Air on Apple+ TV, we’ve always enjoyed watching planes on the big screen.

We can also find the subject in cultural exhibitions at places like the London Aircraft Museum and the RAF Museum. Aviation has provided the inspiration for games too, as you can bet on the Aviator game where a plane soars higher and higher. The idea is to time the moment to cash out perfectly, trying to get a multiplier before it flies off the screen. This simple betting game sits alongside slots and table games, meaning that aviation has firmly entered the casino world now.

Travel in Popular Culture

One of the reasons that people are so interested in finding out about AI in the aviation world is that travel is now a huge part of popular culture. The Office for National Statistics confirms that in 2022 more than 31 million visits to the UK were made by overseas residents. Meanwhile, Brits made over 71 million visits abroad during the same year.

This love of travelling means that TV shows such as Down to Earth with Zac Efron and Somebody Feed Phil are proving popular on streaming platforms. Tate Britain is an excellent place to explore the links between travel and tourism, with many artists being inspired by their travels. The increased use of AI in art could lead to some interesting new takes on travel in future drawings and exhibitions.

AI in the Aviation Industry

With the aviation industry so important in the modern world, Google and American Airlines have teamed up to discover how AI might help reduce plane emissions. They’ve been working with this technology to find out how altering the altitude of aircraft could help to reduce the contrails they leave behind.  The work done so far suggests that these trails of condensation could be reduced by at least 50%, lowering one of the big contributing factors to global CO2 emissions.

AI has also been tested in terms of autonomous flight with Airbus among the companies working on the possibility of self-piloted commercial aircraft as well as autonomous air-to-air refuelling. With demand for flights expected to grow in the next few years, projects like this are likely to become even more important.

By looking at how aviation has inspired other industries and how AI is being implemented in flying, we can get a clearer of what the future holds. This is an area that is going to see a lot of new developments, which in turn will be reflected in how flying is shown in popular culture.