Monthly Archives: April 2024

News, Wellbeing at Work, Wellbeing News

Wellbeing has plateaued since COVID – despite higher awareness and use of wellbeing support and tools

  • 80% of employees are aware and use wellbeing support and tools in 2023 compared to 77% in 2020
  • 70% of employees in 2023 felt part of a supportive community, down from 79% in 2020 
  • 68% of employees in 2023 felt that their line manager cares versus 79% in 2020
  • Employees who are supported feel three times more engaged at work
  • Research based on 30,000 responses across the UK and Europe

 

Employee wellbeing has plateaued since the pandemic despite awareness and use of wellbeing support and tools in 2023, according to Inpulse, experts in employee engagement.

Insights from 30,000 employees across the UK and Europe show that wellbeing was high in 2020 (73%). However it dropped to 66% in 2021, then 64% in 2022 before slightly rising to 66% in 2023.

 

Employees also feel less supported and cared about now than they did during the pandemic. Seventy percent of employees in 2023 felt part of a supportive community, which reduced from 79% in 2020.

 

Line manager support is also in the spotlight: in 2023, 68% of employees felt that their line manager cared about them versus 79% in 2020. However, awareness and use of wellbeing support and tools is higher in 2023 (80%) than in 2020 (77%).

 

Inpulse’s metric is called The Wellbeing Index, which measures five core elements of individuals’ wellbeing – work/life balance, support, workload, connection and mental health – and scores them from 0 to 100. The Index reveals if employees are effectively managing daily work and life demands and serves as guidance for organisations to provide appropriate support measures.

The plateauing figures show that over a third of people don’t have a high Wellbeing Index. Going deeper into segmentation by age, research highlights that the younger generation suffers the most – employees over 35 years have a 5 points higher Index than those under 34 years. This matters as 5 PP is statistically significant variance and will impact the day to day experiences of those employees.

 

Matt Stephens, CEO of Inpulse, explains: “Over the last few years we’ve seen companies throw millions into wellbeing apps, benefits and various activities, but it’s clear without insights and appropriate strategy, they can’t move the dial. These findings not only mean employees feel worse since the pandemic, but also their wellbeing is not improving very much at all, in fact it’s stuck.

“A large problem that we’re seeing is that people are more likely to feel not cared about or supported, which likely shows a lack of authenticity from line managers in truly connecting with their employees. Unfortunately, approachability and empathy are waning, and employees can see through it. Line Managers need some understanding and support – they are an immensely pressured group in organisations today. To add to an already complex situation, it’s important to remember there are different generations, each with different values and expectations. It means that HR and managers need to think carefully before applying the same set of principles across the entire workforce.”

 

The research also highlights that employees who feel supported are almost three times more engaged at work—only 28% of employees who do not feel supported by their line manager are engaged at work, compared to 81% of engaged employees who feel supported by their line manager.

 

“Teams are tending to be leaner than they might have been pre-pandemic, increasing the pressure. It’s having a spiral effect on engagement and retention – where people are  disengaging because they need to pull the weight of those who left the company, creating a much wider impact.

“Trusting employees to do their jobs and providing support are key elements of the line manager role and have the greatest impact on how engaged people are at work. People need to find a sense of purpose in order to be happier, more resilient and more successful, positively contributing to society and the environment.

“Considering that 70% of the variance in team engagement is determined by the manager, organisations need to put more investment into coaching and growing the role of line managers,” concludes Stephens.

 

Brecon, News

Mid Wales First: Results from world’s first full-town digital deposit return scheme trial are in

Residents and businesses in mid-Wales have helped to create a world-first initiative to by taking part in the trial of a digital deposit return scheme (DDRS).

Deposit return schemes (DRS) are successfully used across the world as a way of encouraging more people to recycle drinks containers like bottles and cans.

Householders and visitors to Brecon took part in the DDRS Scan|Recycle|Reward trial, and the recently published results show high levels of engagement with 18,794 rewards being claimed, more than four for every household.

The Brecon Scan|Recycle|Reward trial was led by DDRS Alliance with support from Welsh Government, Powys County Council, WRAP’s Collaborative Change Programme and local retailers.

The trial worked differently from a traditional deposit return scheme as it trialled technology that digitally scans the drinks containers, meaning deposits can even be reclaimed from the comfort of people’s homes. It was also reward-based, with residents claiming a 10p reward when returning eligible containers. Usually, people are charged a deposit on drinks container which then must be taken back to a retailer or to a reverse vending machine to reclaim the deposit.

Those involved with the trial in Brecon say the high level of cooperation with the scheme shows that people in Wales are open to using a digital deposit return scheme in the future.

The positive results from the trial included:

  • 58% of all returned containers came through the household weekly recycling collections
  • the trial showed a range of return options was preferred over any particular route
  • 97.6% of all containers returned at home were captured in the recycling stream
  • there was no significant fraud or misuse of the system
  • despite being an early trial, 56% of participants surveyed said they would recommend the scheme in the future

Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies said, “I’d like to thank the people of Brecon for taking part in the Digital Deposit Return Scheme trial – their willingness to get involved will help develop our plans for the DRS across Wales.

“This trial will support our ongoing work into DDRS and help build on our already world class recycling rates. Our aim is to move to a more circular economy where resources are reused and recycled rather than being wasted.”

The trial enabled eligible containers to be returned, with participants claiming a 10p reward for each one, through four different return methods tailored to accommodate non-smartphone users as well as those happy to use the technology:

  • Kerbside: Utilised existing weekly kerbside recycling service, crediting rewards to an online account (smartphone required).
  • Automated Return Point (ARP): Similar to traditional Reverse Vending Machines (but much simpler), rewards were credited to either online accounts or printed cash vouchers (smartphone optional).
  • Community Bins: Outdoor, on-the-go option crediting rewards to an online account (smartphone required).
  • Over the Counter Return (OTC): Rewards redeemed in-store as cash (smartphone not required).

Over the course of the Scan|Recycle|Reward trial, 18,794 rewards were claimed. Results indicated kerbside return as the most popular and convenient method (chosen for 58% of returns), with 97.6% capture compliance observed.

The analysis showcased high material quality across return routes, with PET plastic bottles comprising 63% of returns, followed by cans (29%), cartons (7%), and glass (less than 1%).

Matt Perry, Powys County Council’s Chief Officer said: “The residents, visitors and retailers of Brecon thoroughly embraced their involvement in this innovative trial, and it was encouraging to witness everyone’s enthusiasm and willingness to give the digital technology a go. The results show for themselves how a digital version of the traditional return deposit schemes could easily be incorporated into the already established weekly kerbside collections services offered by most local authorities making life easier for citizens to return containers whilst also keeping our carbon footprint to a minimum.”

DDRS Alliance members said: “We came together to deliver a scalable technology solution to support the Brecon trial.

“The system worked flawlessly behind the scenes despite being supported from five European countries and the results show how simple this solution is to the public.”

Co-founder & Director of DDRS Alliance, Duncan Midwood said: “This trial was incredibly complex, involving 24 retailers and over 50 suppliers and partners.

“Despite its complexity, it worked flawlessly and has delivered some great insight and, more importantly, showed that the British public values a solution for increasing recycling and reducing litter that fits in with their varied and busy lives.”

Claire Shrewsberry, Director of Insights & Innovation, WRAP said: “This trial has been hugely important to better understand the complexities of operating a successful DDRS scheme in Wales. It’s clear that the people involved have completely embraced the options. WRAP looks forward to helping Welsh Government introduce a DRS system that works successfully across the whole country and builds on its impressive recycling performance”.

To learn more, visit https://wrapcymru.org.uk/resources/report/digital-deposit-return-scheme-ddrs-trial-brecon

Events, Hospitality, News, South West England News

Meet & Potato collaborate with Butlin’s to offer the perfect corporate events package for organisations

Liverpool, 18th April  2024, live events and communications agency Meet & Potato in collaboration with Butlin’s put on The Greatest Show in Town for Poundland. Meet & Potato brought their creativity, technical production, and audio-visual expertise to Butlin’s, Bognor Regis for Poundland’s annual internal event for 1200+ colleagues that is designed to bring to life the brand strategy ahead of the peak trading season. Butlin’s provided the perfect venue, all accommodation, catering and a dedicated event team.

 

Poundland is a long-term client of Meet & Potato, and the brand is always looking to improve on the colleague event experience. In 2023, The Greatest Show in Town, inspired by The Greatest Showman movie, was a huge success, complete with a Big Top and a popup Poundland concept store for break-out sessions.  Meet & Potato produced supporting video presentations for Poundland’s leadership team, including a Channel 4 ‘Gogglebox’ style review of stores and customer feedback featuring the senior management team on the sofa in their pyjamas. Butlin’s provided the perfect backdrop with onsite catering, numerous venues, a fun fair, and accommodation, enabling the whole team to stay onsite and fully immerse themselves in the event experience.

The plenary was hosted in Studio 36–a highly versatile conference venue with state-of-the-art AV facilities–which was transformed with drapes depicting bespoke Circus Characters. Studio 36 also hosted the Gala Dinner–with the Butlin’s dedicated events team facilitating the quick turnaround from theatre to gala set up in under 1 hour and 40 minutes. This was the first time Studio 36 was used for a gala dinner, and the first time a gala dinner of more than 1,000 was hosted outside the Skyline Pavilion. One top priority event element was a space to build a Poundland store on site. The resort’s Reds venue was where the store was built. This was part of the breakout sessions where the delegates could walk around the new concept store for Poundland. Early access to the venue was arranged pre-event so the team could start building and ensuring everything was in working order ready for the delegates to see the new store in all its glory.

 

Poundland, MD, Austin Cooke, said: “Thank you! Another stellar event and nothing but positive feedback for Meet & Potato and Butlin’s. At Poundland one of our core business values is focusing on our people. We believe their experience at work is as important as our customers’ experience instore. The Greatest Show on Earth enabled all our 1260 delegates to fully immerse themselves in our brand and focus on success for the next year. Meet & Potato and Butlins is a great partnership for corporate events.”

 

National Sales Manager at Butlin’s Conference and Events, Dan Elliot said: “The Greatest Show in Town with Poundland blew my mind. Butlin’s Bognor Regis was such a good fit for this event for many reasons. Poundland and Meet & Potato did an incredible job using the whole resort to bring their event to life for 1200+ delegates on-site. By having exclusive hire of the venue, they were able to transform the space into what they needed for the event, even turning our Reds Venue into a Poundland shop for delegates to experience. We look forward to working with the Meet & Potato team on many more corporate events.”

 

Meet & Potato, CEO / Founder, Kelly said, “Working on Poundland’s Greatest Show In Town event was a blast, Butlins Bognor Regis was our obvious venue choice as the big tops were already there! However, as the event built up, we realised Butlins makes the perfect venue for internal corporate events at any of their three resorts as they have all the facilities a business needs to accommodate a large group of people and cater for their needs. The site also means employees don’t need to leave for accommodation or food, so they get a better-quality conference experience. Meet & Potato will support Butlins to diversify into corporate events by working alongside the Butlins’ Conference Team to support and produce high-quality presentations and immersive brand experiences”.

 

About Meet & Potato

Meet and Potato (M&P) create events and produce content to showcase their clients’ unique voice and vision. Whether it’s a conference, gala dinner or awards ceremony, a product launch or experiential brand roadshow, a creative presentation deck or full video production, M&P makes emotional connections between brands and their audiences with immersive experiences and stories designed to entertain, educate, and inspire. The agency works across all sectors with amazing clients such as Mercedes-Benz, Poundland, Holland & Barrett, Hotel Chocolat, Beauty Bay, Dunelm, Magnet and BASF.

For more information visit www.mandp.agency

 

About Butlin’s 

Butlin’s, the home of entertainment, is a market leader in family holidays, promising endless fun for all age groups with so much included in the price of a break. Alongside family breaks, there’s also Butlin’s Big Weekenders, exclusively for adults. With over 20 breaks to choose from including decade-themed parties to genre-specific music weekends and festivals, there’s an incredible variety of Big Weekenders running throughout the year. For unforgettable experiences Butlin’s also delivers memorable corporate events from board meetings and team-building days to product launches and themed gala dinners. With three beachside resorts across the UK in Bognor Regis (West Sussex), Minehead (Somerset) and Skegness (Lincolnshire), Butlin’s welcomes around 1.5 million guests per year.

For more information visit: https://www.butlins.com/

News

100+ celebrate diversity and education with college’s growing Culture Collective

A CELEBRATION of education and diversity has gone from strength to strength in uniting communities across north east Wales.

Launched last year, the Culture Collective is a student-led group organising events and activities at Coleg Cambria Yale in Wrexham.

The latest was a showcase of arts, dance, music, literature, poetry, and fashion held at the college’s Ial Restaurant with ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) learners, supported by funding via the Welsh Government’s Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan.

More than 100 people in attendance were also treated to a tea-tasting session, with a selection of flavours on display from a wide range of countries including Japan and Algeria, and a performance by Big Ideas Wales Role Model Joseph George, who has Nigerian tribal roots.

He came along in traditional dress and played drums while singing established songs, followed by Music student Michal Borkowski, who played classic Hungarian instruments.

Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Coordinator Judith Alexander and Lead Chaplain Tim Feak have been at the forefront of the programme and are thrilled with the response so far.

“By showcasing our learners’ cultural diversity, traditions and interests it fosters respect and widens our understanding of our differences and things we have in common,” said Judith.

“We are very fortunate to have such a diverse community within the college and are able to offer such opportunities to come together and broaden our own perspectives and experiences through food and the arts.”

Tim added: “It was a special event and so inspiring to see the depth of skills, passion, and diversity that we have in our college. To see this celebrated and led by our students was wonderful.”

For a full list of events taking place this year, email judith.alexander@cambria.ac.uk or tim.feak@cambria.ac.uk.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.

News, Technology

Cohesity Brings Intel’s Confidential Computing Capabilities to Cohesity Data Cloud

Cohesity has announced it is collaborating with Intel to bring Intel’s confidential computing capabilities to the Cohesity Data Cloud. Leveraged with Fort Knox, Cohesity’s industry-leading cyber vault service, this data-in-use encryption innovation will be the first of its kind in the data management industry.

Together, Cohesity and Intel are solving one of the most pressing cybersecurity challenges for CIOs. Traditionally, options have been limited for protecting data in use while it is actively processed in memory, which can leave data unencrypted and vulnerable to insider attacks. Confidential computing enabled byIntel® Software Guard Extensions (Intel® SGX) will support Cohesity customers to reduce the risk posed by potential bad actors accessing data while it is being processed in main memory. This is especially critical for highly regulated industries like financial institutions, healthcare, and government.

Cohesity’s flagship platform, Cohesity Data Cloud, has long included many proven and cutting-edge technologies to help the world’s largest organisations manage and secure their most critical data from cyber criminals. Cohesity and Intel are joining forces to reduce customers’ risk of cyber threat by:

  • Creating a unique solution that will protect encryption keys that secure customer data in a hardware-secured environment leveraging Intel SGX for confidential computing in the cloud.
  • This solution dramatically reduces the risk posed by data exfiltration, as the data is not viewable or downloadable by any privileged accounts when the data is being processed in memory as it is encrypted.
  • Providing a way for Cohesity customers to verify that their Intel SGX is legitimate by using Intel® Trust Authority, which has the latest patches and only runs the dedicated Cohesity application before extracting the data encryption key.

“We are relentlessly focused on innovation that furthers our mission: To protect, secure, and provide insights into the world’s data. Collaborations with the biggest and most trusted names in tech, like Intel, are the reason why the largest global enterprises rely on us to strengthen their business resilience,” said Sanjay Poonen, CEO and President of Cohesity. “With Intel SGX, Intel Trust Authority, and confidential computing, our customers will benefit from reduced risk and increased security in cloud environments, allowing them to focus on what really matters, their business.”

“Intel is a pioneer and leader in data centre confidential computing technologies, enabling customers, especially those handling sensitive or highly regulated data, to address their needs of confidentiality, integrity, and attestation for their workloads,” said Greg Lavender, executive vice president and chief technology officer at Intel Corporation. “Cohesity’s adoption of our technology reflects the growing customer need to protect critical data in the cloud and advances our common goal of delivering a secure computing environment combined with the trust customers expect.”

Read more about how Intel and Cohesity use confidential computing to protect secondary data in this blog.

Business, Business Advice, Business News, Business Owners & Start Ups, Global Mobility, News

“My solution to everything is start a business.” – An opportunity no matter where you relocate to.

Award Winning entrepreneur talks relocation and starting a business overseas on Clare Kay’s Moving Countries 101 podcast

Award-winning, multi-8-figure entrepreneur, Rebecca Page is passionate about helping people lead businesses that fulfil on their vision and interest.

This week, you can join Rebecca, who is in conversation with Clare Kay on the Moving Countries 101 podcast. Rebecca shares her perspective and values to reveal a deep wisdom that she now brings to her new venture to support people in setting up business across a variety of industries and irrespective of what country they live in.

Over 20 years ago, Rebecca moved from New Zealand to the UK. In true pioneering spirit, and not letting anything faze her, she trusted her experience of establishing businesses in New Zealand and set up her own business in the UK. She has gone from strength to strength and has a wealth of experience in buying and selling businesses and having them reach their optimum potential.

Listen to Rebecca’s top tip on how to discover your unique business, side hustle, or income stream as she expands on why starting a business presents itself as a solution, and as opportunity to be of service and contribution, no matter where you live.

Join Clare Kay as she showcases personal stories through her conversations with people who have moved overseas. The popular podcast focuses on helping people who want to move countries (no matter the location), sharing useful, actionable advice both before and after you make the move.

This week’s podcast is live on the following links:

Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moving-countries-101/id1724940782

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/4cxcZ9rbrvZ6A0B6UPMaXj

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo75XfTWDQl6JgTn4pzlvnA

Don’t forget to click follow if you are interested in or planning on living and working overseas, or if you enjoy hearing the stories from those who have.

News, Space, Tech, Technology

Out Now – UNISTELLAR Odyssey Pro Red Edition Stand Out, Look Up

17th April 2024, Marseille, France– UNISTELLAR, pioneer in developing the world’s most powerful and user-friendly smart telescopes, has once again redefined the stargazing experience with the launch of its much-anticipated UNISTELLAR ODYSSEY PRO Red Edition. It not only assures revolutionary functionality but elevates stargazing aesthetics to new heights with its striking Pantone 485 C red colour.

The UNISTELLAR ODYSSEY Pro Red Edition combines cutting-edge technology with sleek design to offer the most detailed views of the universe. Red is the most surprising colour in outer space, and whether you are a seasoned astronomer or an enthusiastic novice, it allows you to witness the universe in all its red-hued splendour – from the great red spot of Jupiter and the red band of the Cigar Galaxy to the crimson beauty of the Omega Nebula,

Compact and lightweight, this smart telescope transforms any location into an observatory. Its unique, modern design makes it the ideal companion for opening the doors to the cosmos wherever you are, even from a terrace in the heart of the city.

With product design by Philippe Arnaud, Designer and President at PAD, and the proposal of the stunning shade of red by Rodrigo Aguadé, Creative Director at Charlie Number Five, ODYSSEY PRO Red Edition boasts a suite of innovations:

  • Deep Dark technology eliminates light pollution from images, ensuring unparalleled clarity in observation, even in crowded city settings.
  • Nikon High Precision Optics ensure seamless and effortless astronomical observations without the need for manual adjustments.
  • Multi-Depth Technology enables seamless transition between observing nearby planets like Jupiter and distant marvels like the Whirlpool Galaxy, situated millions of light-years away.
  • Stellar Autofocus technology guarantees an extraordinarily sharp and detailed image, allowing you to take full advantage of the deep red hues of the Helix Nebula, 700 light-years away.
  • New Direct Data Download feature provides immediate access to RAW files, to unleash the creativity of every user by exploring the world of image post-editing.

The UNISTELLAR mobile app automatically guides you in real time to the best objects to observe in the cosmos, such as the Sculptor’s Galaxy, dotted with red thanks to its intense star formation activity.

 

 “The incorporation of the bold red colour serves as a pivotal element, symbolising both passion and heritage within the field,” says Rodrigo Aguadé. “Red holds particular significance for astronomers, as it is often used to preserve night vision during observations of stars. Its inclusion in the design not only pays homage to this practical aspect but also evokes a sense of reverence for the cosmos.

 

“The balance between black and red matte finishes conveys a functional elegance that blends naturally into the observer’s environment,” says Philippe Arnaud. “In every line and curve, there is a clear intention: to invite exploration without distraction.”

 

Available in limited stock from April 17th, UNISTELLAR ODYSSEY PRO Red Edition retails at $4,499 / £3,999. For more information or to order yours today, visit www.unistellar.com.

News

Sembo unveils an industry-first AI travel assistant for seamless multi-destination planning and booking, inspired by ChatGPT

Sembo, one of the leading travel agencies in the Nordics, is announcing a new AI assistant that tailors travel plans, transportation and living arrangements, all in one place – while allowing the customer to book and pay for the trip with just one click within the platform. The AI assistant uses technology akin to ChatGPT’s, enabling personalised travel planning, transportation, and accommodation arrangements — all consolidated within a single, user-friendly platform. With the capability to book and finalise transactions in one click within the same platform, the AI assistant is a world first.

Andreas Elmgren, General Manager of Sembo, says: “Our launch sets a new worldwide benchmark for the travel industry. While the exploration of AI tech and ChatGPT-inspired apps have been on the rise, Sembo’s AI assistant is the first that combines personalised travel suggestions with the convenience of centralised booking. This not only gives our customers complete control over their travel plans, but also simplifies the complexity of organising multi-stop trips.”

The launch follows the broader industry’s pivot towards AI, spurred by the debut of OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Notably, Sembo’s announcement comes just days after Google introduced its AI travel assistant, which, unlike Sembo’s, lacks a booking feature.

Jari Virtanen, CEO of Stena Line Travel Group, says: “Sembo has always been a trailblazer when it comes to new technology, a key factor in Stena Line’s decision to acquire the company nearly two decades ago. The travel sector has generally lagged behind digital evolution and by and large, we still book trips the same way as we did in the early 2000s. Now, Sembo is taking a big step forward in a way that redefines the entire landscape while solidifying our global market presence.”

The first version of Sembo’s new AI assistant launched on April 9, 2024 and is available on sembo.com.

Tourism

Tourism boost as Welshpool hosts start of 2024 Tour of Britain Women

Tourism in Mid Wales will receive a big boost when Welshpool hosts the start of the 2024 Tour of Britain Women stages on Thursday, June 6.

Taking place from June 6-9, the event will feature four tough stages of racing in what will be the first major international stage race delivered by British Cycling Events.

Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to line the streets for what is the nation’s biggest free-to-attend sporting event, as the country gears up for another thrilling summer of cycling.

Llandudno will host the stage finish on day one before Wrexham welcomes the world’s top female riders and teams for both the start and finish of stage two.

This year’s race will feature a number of familiar start and finish locations which have successfully hosted major international events in recent years.

The race will begin in Welshpool, which hosted the thrilling finish of stage four of the 2022 Women’s Tour, when Australia’s Grace Brown (FDJ Nouvelle Aquitaine Futuroscope) sprinted to victory.

The stage will see riders head north to the picturesque seaside town of Llandudno, in what will be a challenging start to the race.

Stage two will see riders stay in Wales for a start and finish in Wrexham, which also featured in the 2022 Women’s Tour.

The caravan then will cross the Welsh border to the north-west of England, where Warrington will host both the start and finish of stage three on Saturday. The race concludes in Greater Manchester.

The race route has been designed and agreed in just 10 weeks, alongside the launch of a new vision for major cycling events in Britain.

Jon Dutton OBE, chief executive of British Cycling, said: “Our primary focus has been to deliver a safe and competitive race in 2024. We remain every bit as determined to harness the race’s spotlight to make a real impact in the communities which it touches. We know that is a vision which resonates strongly in conversations with prospective commercial partners and hosts.”
Rod Ellingworth, Tour of Britain race director, said: “The race will take in four competitive and challenging routes, some challenging climbing in Wales and what I’m sure will be brilliant crowds on the roadside throughout.”

Lizzie Deignan, former road world champion and Olympic silver medallist, said: “It’s always special to race in Britain, and I’m so pleased to have two top level stage races to look forward to on home soil as I ramp up my preparations for a busy summer ahead.

“There’s clearly so much support and fondness for the race, both at home and further afield. The four stage hosts deserve credit for their commitment to women’s racing and for helping to make the race happen, and I’m sure that together we can put on a brilliant show in June.”

Welsh Government Economy Secretary, Jeremy Miles said: “Wales and cycling go hand in hand, with our spectacular scenery and routes providing elite and recreational cyclists alike with both challenge and enjoyment.

“This is a welcome return to Wales for this fantastic event and provides an excellent opportunity to showcase Welshpool, Llandudno, Wrexham and the surrounding area to an ever-growing cycling audience.

“We are very pleased to have been able to support the event and look forward to providing a warm ‘Croeso’ to all in June.”

Powys County Council’s director of economic development and growth, Diane Reynolds, said: “We are delighted that this year’s Tour of Britain Women is going to start in Powys, from one of our many beautiful market towns, Welshpool.

“It is a town that cycling enthusiasts will enjoy visiting and the area includes many places of interest, and lots of great places to eat or drink a coffee while taking in the race action and exceptional scenery.”

Business Advice

Business leaders must adopt “bigger, faster and stronger policies” to effectively battle climate change, according to one of the world’s leading experts on sustainability.

Lucas Joppa, Microsoft’s former Chief Environmental Officer, also said individuals can help society by pursuing their passions “through the lens of climate” and urged people to “go forth and conquer”.

Mr Joppa, a Professor Adjunct at Yale University and Honorary Fellow of the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, is now one of the world’s leading thought leaders in this area and has been voted in the top 15 sustainability keynote speakers.

Speaking in a new interview about his work he said: “We’ve seen how transformational change can be delivered in a short amount of time,” he says. “But you’ve got to start early and you’ve got to follow the science policy side. We need bigger, better, faster, stronger policies on climate if we are going to solve this at a societal scale.

“The climate crisis really presents itself as one of the few things operating at the scale of the overall human experience and overall human diversity. And I mean that because it impacts every single thing that we do and that also means, on the reciprocal, every single thing that we do, all of our unique skills can help.

“None of them individually are enough, but every single one needs to be brought to bear. My point is, whatever you are good at, whatever you are passionate about, look at that through the lens of climate and look at climate through the lens of what you do, and then go forth and conquer because that’s what we need everybody to actually pay attention to.
“We have to do them all and all at the same time. And we’re only going to do that if everybody has a deep sense of self-confidence about what they’re uniquely positioned to contribute and then they act on contributing.”

Mr Joppa also revealed how Microsoft is on a path to being a carbon negative company by 2030 by moving to 100% renewable energy across the business and setting up a fund to promote innovation.

He says: “This fund that we put in place, a billion dollar climate innovation fund, is intended to ensure that the steps Microsoft takes on a carbon negative path, the cost and the scale and availability of those solutions, are more widely deployed around the world.

“The climate crisis isn’t going away. You see the economic engine that’s driving the emissions is the same core of the engine that’s keeping the food delivered to our houses, that’s keeping the electricity delivered to our houses. These are not easy challenges.”

https://champions-speakers.co.uk/news/top-15-sustainability-speakers