Monthly Archives: September 2024

Technology

Posti Group Accelerates Digital Transformation Journey with WSO2

With WSO2 at its core, Posti Group strategically shifted from a postal-centric company to a delivery and fulfilment powerhouse.

London, UK. 10 September 2024 – WSO2​, the leader in digital transformation technology, announced today that Posti Group (Posti), a leading logistics player in the Nordics and Baltics, has selected WSO2 API Manager to deliver an enhanced developer experience, faster time to market and streamline operations. By adopting WSO2 solutions, Posti has consolidated overlapping technologies and streamlined its technological landscape, aligning perfectly with its strategic vision to transform.

Posti is a versatile, modern, and international logistics expert owned by the government of Finland, delivering seamless logistics in the Baltic Sea region. For nearly 400 years, its overriding mission has been to foster connections between people and companies. Today, the company is committed to transforming its operations to better serve its customers in the digital age.

As e-commerce continues to boom, Posti is strategically shifting from a postal-centric company to a customer-focused delivery and fulfilment powerhouse. Recognising the decline in traditional mail volumes, Posti is embracing digital transformation with a robust strategy that includes an overhaul of its API management solution.

The implementation of WSO2 API Manager across Posti’s operations not only provided standardised API management services but has also empowered API product teams to accelerate development and manage APIs from a single platform. WSO2 seamlessly aligns with Posti’s API concept, empowering API product teams to focus on innovation, design and development rather than building technical capabilities.

With WSO2, Posti Group have seen improvements across the board, from development to deployment. Originally struggling with fragmented API management which hindered integration and slowed innovation using WSO2’s streamlined platform services, Posti can now bring products to market more quickly, ensuring a smooth user experience for its customers

“WSO2 API Manager has empowered Posti to establish streamlined API management platform services, playing a critical role in the successful implementation of our API strategy” states Olli-Pekka Riekkinen, Integration Development Lead at Posti Group

Additionally, leveraging the WSO2 Developer Portal, which features a unified API catalogue, has enabled developers to get started faster with clear documentation and built-in testing tools. Enhancing the developer experience has facilitated fast and easy API discovery, implementation and significantly reduced onboarding time.

The unified API management platform has harmonised and modernised technology processes, emphasising an ‘API-first’ mindset which has resulted in enhanced operational efficiency across various areas of the business. With WSO2 at its core, Posti Group has successfully transformed its business. Read the full case study here: https://wso2.com/customers/posti-groups-digital-transformation-journey-with-wso2/

About WSO2

Founded in 2005, WSO2 is the largest independent software vendor providing open-source API management, integration, and identity and access management (IAM) products. WSO2’s products and platforms—including our next-gen internal developer platform, Choreo—empower organisations to leverage the full potential of APIs for secure delivery of digital services and applications, enabling thousands of enterprises in over 90 countries globally to drive their digital transformation journeys. Our open-source, API-first approach frees developers and architects from vendor lock-in, enabling rapid digital product creation. Recognised as a leader by industry analysts, WSO2 has over 800 employees worldwide with offices in Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the UK, and the US, with nearly USD100M in annual recurring revenue. Visit https://wso2.com to learn more. Follow WSO2 on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).

Trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

Business, Cardiff, Charity, Charity Events, Healthcare, South Wales, Wales

Leaders and legends lunch to connect charity with business community

City Hospice has announced that its inaugural Chair’s Lunch will take place on 18 October at the Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff.

Established in 1984, the charity is marking its 40th anniversary this year.

The exclusive ‘Leaders & Legends’ event, organised by the charity’s Chair Michael Baker and sponsored by Brewin Dolphin, will provide the south Wales business community with an opportunity to engage and celebrate with the charity in its 40th anniversary year and hear unique leadership insights from two of Wales’ most influential sporting figures.

Interviewed by Deborah Thomas, special guests Nigel Walker OBE and Sam Warburton OBE will share their experiences and thoughts on leadership on and off the rugby field.

The event will support City Hospice, the only provider of community specialist palliative care for patients in Cardiff with terminal or life limiting illnesses. The charity provides care and a range of services including welfare advice and complementary therapies for patients, as well as bereavement support and counselling for the families of its patients.

Michael Baker, Chair of City Hospice, said: “As the Chair of the board of trustees, I wanted to showcase and share the incredible work of City Hospice with the local business community in this special anniversary year.

“With my experience in consultancy focusing on management and leadership, the event just had to be with leaders and legends! It is the perfect opportunity to highlight the charity’s fantastic work. I am extremely grateful to Deborah, Nigel and Sam for being a part of our first Chair’s Lunch and hope guests gain inspiration from their leadership journeys.”

Deborah Thomas said: “Having been personally touched by City Hospice’s care and compassion, the Chair’s Lunch provides me with a chance to give back in a very special way. I am excited to interview Nigel and Sam and learn more about their perspectives on leadership.”

Nigel Walker OBE, WRU Executive Director of Rugby and City Hospice Ambassador, said: “I am thrilled to be a part of this exclusive business event in the charity’s ruby anniversary year. As well as hearing from Sam and I on leadership, I hope that businesses grasp this opportunity to engage with and learn more about the brilliant care and services City Hospice provides.”

For further information including booking details, visit https://www.cityhospice.org.uk/get-involved/upcoming-events/chairmans-lunch-leaders-legends/

Medical News

My disability is my skillset”: Global inclusion advocate becomes world’s first person with Bilateral CRPS to climb Mt Kilimanjaro

A man who woke up paralysed has scaled Mount Kilimanjaro in his latest charity crusade.  Jamie McAnsh had already climbed Mount Everest on crutches, but he’s now tackled the African peak and raised thousands of pounds in the process.
Jamie, who has Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), completed the challenge alongside his devoted wife Charlotte McAnsh and a team of climbers. Reflecting on the challenge, Jamie said he had managed to reach the peak – despite his oxygen levels hitting dangerously low levels. Speaking with diversity training provider Champions (UK) plc, where he is Head of Inclusion, Jamie, from Cwmbran, Torfaen, said: “Overall, it went really well. When I set up to do this challenge, my goal was to offer hope for people with disabilities, to say, look, it’s possible, anything is possible.
“You’ve just got to either get the right support, and find the right method of doing it and by whatever means. That’s what this is about.
“I went up the Lemosho route, I scaled the Barranco Wall, and eventually I summited. This was all massively challenging, and I wouldn’t have been able to do that if I’d been in a wheelchair or on crutches. But that doesn’t mean it’s not possible to do it in a wheelchair, or on crutches. You’ve got to take a different route, and you’ve just got to plan it a different way, which is possible.”
He continued: “I’m South African born. So for me, it was going back to my birth continent, and I scaled the highest free-standing mountain in the world, the highest mountain in Africa.
“It was huge. I know I’ve done Everest base camp, but this one was different, it was incredible. I’m hoping that the end message is what’s going to come out of it. That message of hope, that message of overcoming adversity. That’s what I really want to see come out of this.”
Jamie utilised Composite Carbon Fibre KAFOS made from flexible composite carbon on the expedition. Supplied by Thuasne, a French health solutions company who serve ‘the mobility of today’s patients’, the orthotics allowed for increased mobility and ease of pain which is crucial for someone with CRPS attempting such a feat.
Despite thousands each year attempting to scale ‘The Roof of Africa’, many fail to reach its summit. The expedition is a challenging test of both physical and mental endurance, with an ever-adapting climate which can take its toll on many who make the journey.
Discussing the main challenges, Jamie, who was recently voted in the  top 15 best UK motivational Speakers , continued: “Seven of us started. Three of us summited to Kilimanjaro Summit, and one made to Stella Point. Three of them didn’t make it all the way. So, morale was always a challenge.
“Tiredness, fatigue. Temperature, extreme temperature. You were hitting plus 24 Celsius in the day, minus 16 at night. These are extreme temperature changes.
“The Barranca Wall, which was a 220m vertical climb, that was a hell of a challenge. You’re having to climb over gaps and scale up rock face. That was definitely challenging, but summit day was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done. You’re climbing up what can only be described as a sand dune or like a big pile of chippings for 10 hours.
“That’s extreme. I mean, the pressure that’s putting on your body, and you’re doing it in pitch blackness as well just to top it off.
“So you’re fatigued, you’re exhausted. We went up 1200m at an almost vertical kind of ascent. And then what goes up has to come down. You’re almost skiing down off the mountain on this loose gravel and on a set of legs that I’d effectively never used for that stuff before. No one has ever done it.
“No one knew how that was going to go. So that was extremely challenging, but successful. We got there. We did it.”
He continued: “My wife, Charlott, (corr) joined me on the summit attempt. As the team progressed, it became clear that our pace was uneven, so we split into two groups – a faster team and a slower team, with Charlott in the latter.
“As the night wore on, Charlott began to feel extremely cold and asked our guide, Chumbo, if she could stop to add another layer of clothing. Chumbo, noticing something was wrong, checked her oxygen levels, which had dangerously dropped to 52%. With levels below 60% being considered a medical emergency, and 50% life-threatening, Charlott was in serious danger.
“She was quickly rushed down the mountain, a decision that undoubtedly saved her life. I had always reminded her that being stubborn on the mountain could mean the difference between life and death. Though Charlott didn’t make it to the summit, stopping at 5,400 meters, she still reached an impressive height, pushing her limits and achieving something incredible.
“What made her accomplishment even greater was that she listened to her body and her guide, a decision that not only saved her life but made her success all the more meaningful.”
In his current role as Head of Inclusion at Champions (UK) plc, Jamie helps businesses enhance their EDI levels, promoting modern practices to ensure all societal groups are represented in workforces.
The 43-year-old utilises his personal experiences within disability and neurodiversity to offer insights into how the industry can better suit those who need help. EDI consultancy played a large role in Jamie’s decision to commit to the expedition.
“When I’m in my wheelchair, people underestimate me,” he explained. “When they see my carbon fibre legs, I feel sometimes that people underestimate my capabilities. I’ve just climbed a mountain on these legs – people underestimate my brain capacity over my physical capacity.
“I think that this is a common reaction. So from an EDI point of view, if I can climb to the top of Africa, then surely it is time we sat down and looked at disabilities and said ‘let’s not worry about what you can’t do, because you can’t do it, and that’s fine. Let’s really invest in what you can do, and then let’s build a process around that.’
“It’s really a case of: ‘this guy climbed Kilimanjaro. What else can he do? What else is possible?’ And it’s the same as going: ‘this person’s neurodiverse, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not super intelligent.’ Quite often, they have other skills and other skill sets. Someone who’s autistic is often hyper focused on certain areas. What is that certain area, and can you utilise those skill sets?”
He continued: “People don’t look at disabilities as a skill set, but it is a skill set. I’ve spent my life overcoming stuff, problem solving, fixing things, figuring out how to do things that everyone else finds complicated.
“I simplify it. So my disability is massively my skill set, and I think organisations will do really, really well if they start looking at disabilities as a set of skills rather than a setback.”
Jamie has achieved numerous feats throughout his life despite setbacks. Kilimanjaro’s summit acts as the centrepiece of extreme highs and lows for the 43-year-old, yet he continues to look forward to the next challenge.
“This was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever attempted or achieved,” he commented, when asked where this expedition ranks in achievements. “I’ve done some pretty crazy stuff to compare it to, but this was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
Shropshire

Shropshire country property comes with three former corn mill apartments

An idyllic Shropshire property with huge potential, comprising a period country house, an adjoining former water mill converted into three apartments and more than eight acres of pasture paddocks, is on the market for £1.1 million.

 

Available through agents Halls, Grade II listed Mill House Farm at Cruckmeole, Hanwood, near Shrewsbury has six bedrooms, four reception rooms, three bathrooms, lovely gardens, two ponds and enjoys a beautiful location.

 

Mill House Farm was formerly a working corn mill known as Cruckmeole Watermill and powered by the Rea Brook.

 

The farmhouse comprises spacious, naturally well-lit and versatile rooms. The ground floor accommodation includes an entrance hall with staircase to the first floor, a drawing room with a log burning stove and patio doors to a lovely terrace, dining room, guest wc, rear hall, music room, boot room, utility and lobby with access to a workshop.

 

The spacious and attractive farmhouse kitchen has an extensive solid oak work surface area, central island, integrated appliances, exposed beams, access to a pantry and French doors leading to the garden.

 

The first floor has four bedrooms, including one with an en-suite shower room, a useful study, bathroom, shower room and separate wc. There are two more bedrooms on the second floor.

 

The three, self-contained apartments in the converted mill have great potential for holiday lets. The two bedroomed apartments are beautifully appointed and all have character and exposed beams and one has a feature vaulted ceiling.

 

Offering generous driveway and rear parking space, Mill House Farm has two garages and is set within appealing lawned gardens with an extensive Indian sandstone paved sun terrace overlooking the surrounding land. The terrace is ideal for outdoor entertaining with a covered seating space and sun awning.

 

The gardens contain numerous shrubs and specimen trees, a variety of fruit trees and two ponds.

 

Of interest to horse owners and hobby farmers, the 8.2 acres of land is split into two paddocks, one of which borders Rea Brook, on which there are fishing rights.

 

Viewing is by appointment with Halls’ Barker Street office in Shrewsbury on Tel: 01743 236444 or email: shrewsbury@hallsgb.com .

News

Electronics innovator to quintuple workforce and set up manufacturing plant in North Wales

A PIONEER in electronics manufacturing is targeting growth and new markets with the support of a university business scheme.

Based in Deeside, RAM Innovations has benefited from Bangor University’s Skills and Innovation Voucher (SIV) Scheme, which offers companies in Gwynedd, Anglesey and Flintshire an opportunity to collaborate through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

The organisation – which provides services and products to the semiconductor and electronics industries globally, including expertise in embedded die packaging (EDP) – received two vouchers.

The first was to conduct academic research with the University’s Biocomposites Centre and Materials Scientist Dr Athanasios Dimitriou, on creating a non-toxic resin that can be used to embed electronic chips into devices.

The other was for a three-month graduate internship, successfully filled by former Electronic Engineering student Lili McDonald Mawdesley, from Llanfairfechan, who has now secured a permanent position as a process engineer.

General Manager Peter Green says long-term plans include more than quintupling the size of their current workforce – currently they employ 11 staff – and setting up a manufacturing plant in the region.

“Our vision is to continue growing the business here in north east Wales, as we have an amazing team all from this region who are vital to our success,” said Peter, who joined RAM Innovations last year following more than two decades working in defence and engineering.

“We have received support from the Welsh Government and now the SIV project, which has been fantastic for us and ultimately for Lili, who has gained experience and a job with the company.

“The business has been traditionally research and development (R&D) but long-term we are looking at production, and our journey to net zero, both of which will be ramped up in the years ahead.

“We are one of the few remaining engineering R&D firms in the country, so there is scope for us to expand and with Lili – a fantastic addition to the team at a time when there is a real need for more qualified engineers in this part of the world – we are on our way.

“Eventually we plan to employ more than 60 people on this site, we have great customers and there is a lot of room to develop the business, so it’s an exciting time for us.”

He added: “We are thankful to Bangor University, this is a great scheme for SMEs in Gwynedd, Anglesey, and Flintshire and importantly gives young graduates a chance to learn new skills and hopefully find a full-time position that will launch their careers.”

Reflecting on her new role, Lili said: “The University were very supportive and helped me to apply after showing me what opportunities were out there.

“I have really enjoyed my time at RAM Innovations and had always been interested in engineering, so to now be in the sector and beginning my career with them is brilliant.”

Bangor University Business Development Manager Nicola Sturrs revealed that a total of 40 Skills and Innovation Vouchers have been awarded to companies so far.

“This is a great example of how valuable this scheme has been, providing opportunities that lead to employment, while giving the business fully funded support for both research and work placements,” said Nicola.

“We are delighted the internship was a success and wish Lili and RAM Innovations the best of luck for the future.”

The SIV project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund on behalf of Gwynedd County Council, Isle of Anglesey County Council and Flintshire County Council.

There are three types of vouchers available, redeemable in a range of areas including R&D, consultancy, skills and training, use of university facilities, use of specialist equipment, and access to knowledge.

They are: Midi: Up to £5,000 for five to eight days of support; Maxi: Up to £10,000 for 10 to 15 days of support, and Talent, with a value up to £5,000 for a 12 week graduate internship.

For more information, visit The Skills and Innovation Voucher Scheme | Bangor University or email siv@bangor.ac.uk.

Visit RAM Innovations | Your Gateway to Embedded Die Packaging (ram-innovations.com) for the latest news and information from RAM Innovations.

Accountancy, Accountancy & Accounts, Accounts and Accountancy, Business, Charity, Charity Events, Newport, Tax

Kilsby Williams announces charity of the year

Tax and accountancy specialist Kilsby Williams has announced that it will be supporting Calon Hearts as its charity of the year.

Calon Hearts is a Cardiff-based charity which promotes heart health in Wales and across the UK.

Less than one in ten people survive an out of hospital cardiac arrest but survival rates can be increased significantly if a defibrillator is used and CPR is performed. The charity’s mission includes teaching valuable CPR and first aid skills, and ensuring communities have access to defibrillators and are trained in how to use them.

Calon Hearts also provides free heart screenings for people aged between 16 and 25 to detect life-threatening heart conditions that often go undetected.

To kickstart their fundraising efforts, a team of around 20 from the firm has signed up to run the Cardiff Half Marathon on 6 October.

Dafydd Ford, partner at Kilsby Williams, said: “We are pleased to share that we will be supporting Calon Hearts over the next year, raising awareness of heart health and funds to support their vital work. This is a cause we are passionate about as we sadly lost our colleague Rob Harding earlier this year and we want to make a difference in his memory.

“We’ll be beginning our fundraising challenges with the Cardiff Half Marathon. A half marathon is no mean feat; the team is training hard to pound the streets of Cardiff and do Rob and his family proud.”

Sharon Owen, founder of Calon Hearts, said: “We are delighted that Newport-based accountants, Kilsby Williams, has chosen Calon Hearts as its charity of the year and are greatly appreciative of this support.

“Calon Hearts has worked tirelessly since the charity was founded over 11 years ago to raise awareness of the vital importance of heart health and, to date, has installed over 30,400 defibrillators, provided CPR training to over 99,900 people and screened over 17,000 hearts for potentially life-threatening conditions.

“Calon Hearts would like to wish the Kilsby Williams team the best of luck in the Cardiff Half Marathon, which will launch their fundraising challenges in memory of their colleague.”

Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

The Latest Scoop on AlgenDAO: Unpacking the Algen’s Next Big Thing

Alright, let’s talk about something that’s been creating ripples in the blockchain pond without making too much noise – Algen, a hyper application blockchain that merges AI & blockchain technology, with emphasis on the genuine service level of the network, specifically for DApps. This isn’t your typical blockchain project; it’s wrapped in mystery, and that’s part of its charm.

Since Algen officials haven’t spilled many beans, let’s kick things off by diving into AlgenDAO.

Here’s the scoop based on what’s floating around:

The AlgenDAO Vibe

Back in June, AlgenDAO (https://www.algendao.com/) was officially entrusted by Algen to manage the ecosystem’s incentive program, positioning it as the central hub for community activities within the Algen blockchain environment. But what’s the deal?

 

From what we can gather, it’s not just about governance; it’s about shaping the future of blockchain with Algen at the helm.

 

Let’s dive into what’s making AlgenDAO the talk of the town in blockchain circles, especially with some juicy details that have recently surfaced:

AUSD: The Ecosystem’s Lifeblood – AlgenDAO’s introduction of AUSD isn’t just another token; it’s the heartbeat of Algen’s ecosystem. This application token, deployed on the Algen network, is designed for seamless transactions and boasts a dynamic 1:1 exchange ratio with major stablecoins like USDT and USDC, but currently, it’s limited to USDT on Tron and Ethereum. This move suggests Algen’s focus on creating a stable, interoperable financial layer within its ecosystem, potentially setting the stage for broader adoption.

The currency ALG is still listed on the official site, wrapped in even more mystery than Algen itself. Right now, it looks like only big organizations get to play with it. There’s barely any info out there on how regular users might get their hands on more ALG.

The Algen DAO Application Matrix – This isn’t just a showcase; it’s a statement of intent. By highlighting the performance and features of the Algen chain, AlgenDAO is essentially laying out a blueprint for what developers can achieve on this platform. It’s like a live demo of the blockchain’s capabilities, inviting developers to build and innovate.

 

A Diverse Ecosystem (part)- Here’s where things get exciting:

Micoswap lets you swap AUSD, indicating a user-friendly interface for token exchanges within the ecosystem.

LIKN introduces a revolutionary concept of turning real-world assets (RWA) into NFTs, pushing the boundaries of what NFTs can represent.

Fusion takes NFTs to the next level with an exchange tailored for NFT 2.0, whatever that might entail, hinting at advanced functionalities or perhaps even a new standard for NFTs. Why NFT 2.0? It’s about blending crypto with NFTs in every possible way, creating a new dimension of digital assets. Still, no more details.

Topia, known as AlgenScan, could be the explorer for the Algen network, providing transparency and interaction tools for users and developers alike.

 

This ecosystem diversity isn’t just about covering bases; it’s about creating a self-sustaining, interconnected web of applications that leverage Algen’s blockchain capabilities.

 

The Algen Mystery

AlgenDAO isn’t just another DAO; it’s the gateway to what could be Algen blockchain’s next big thing. Algen itself? It’s like the blockchain equivalent of a dark horse. If it’s indeed a “super application chain,” we’re talking about a tech that could make blockchain as seamless as the internet.

While the official content might be sparse, the implications of what Algen could be developing, combined with a community-driven governance model through AlgenDAO, suggest we’re on the brink of something big. For now, the mystery is part of the allure, promising something revolutionary might be just around the corner.

Keep your ears to the ground; Algen might just be the quiet before the blockchain storm.

But here’s the catch – no one’s spilling the beans yet.

Culture, Employee Engagement, News

Speaking the language of culture: Culture15 unveils Rosetta – an AI large language model programmed for business success

London, UK – Leading business culture tool, Culture15, has today launched a new AI feature, set to revolutionise the way organisations measure and manage culture.

The AI-driven verbatim feature is capable of translating qualitative employee feedback into quantitative data, putting an end to fuzzy insights and replacing them with unprecedented understanding.

 

The idea is that by gaining an objective overview of business behaviours and employee sentiment, leaders can then take informed, data-driven actions.

The go-to SaaS tool has already helped many renowned businesses achieve results, but the addition of the Rosetta large language model (LLM) will take productivity, growth and performance even further.

 

“Organisations are increasingly aware that culture is a driver of business success” says Culture15’s Founder, Charlie Coode. “But engagement surveys can be biased and alone, are never enough”.

Going on to explain how Likert scale, agree/disagree questions also fail to account for cultural nuances, the seasoned strategist continues to explain “Rosetta is about bringing unprecedented depth and accuracy to cultural planning. With our tool, organisations can go beyond surface-level data to gauge how work really gets done and which collective behaviours define the true culture of the organisation. Our role is to help leaders to read between the lines using AI, ensuring the workplaces they create truly resonate with both business goals and people”.

 

Capable of analysing 26 different languages – including all the European, North and South American and principle Asian languages – the new AI feature covers more than two thirds of the world’s population. Moreover, regardless of whether input is written or spoken, the tool gives a more nuanced and accurate picture of organisational culture, allowing leaders to take targeted action without worrying about potential human bias.

Built on the Mistral 2 LLM – a state-of-the-art model designed to interpret inputs with remarkable subtlety and precision – Rosetta maps employee responses onto Culture15’s 15 carefully created behavioural axes.  This provides clear direction for growth.

 

“Rosetta is not just a tool” Coode added. “It’s the future of culture management. Our goal is to equip leaders with previously unattainable insights to drive better results for employees and organisations alike”.

 

For more information, visit: https://culture15.com/ai-powered-culture-measurement-tool/

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Image: Culture15 team

Health, Health Tech, Healthcare Tech, Sport, Sports Tech

North Wales firm CryoClinix moves into photobiomodulation

North Wales firm CryoClinix has announced its worst kept secret, that being its aggressive European move into photobiomodulation, more commonly called Red Light Therapy.

After attending the PBM 2024 in London recently, David Morris announced at the conference that CryoClinix, after engaging with a number of medical representatives from major football clubs in the UK, Europe and also the Saudi Pro League, that commercial strength Red Light Therapy is now available to their client base in Europe to purchase. The client base already taking pre-orders include football clubs, players, spas and wellness centres.

David Morris, Chief Revenue Officer of CryoClinix said “after talking to some of the world’s leading exponents of photobiomodulation, it was clearly evident that from the countless doctors and professors with whom we talked to, that red light therapy would accelerate rehabilitation via the company’s own devices given their strength. As a consequence, CryoClinix has announced its sales channel expansion from the US into Europe, focussing predominantly on the sports and spa sectors.”

Red light therapy from CryoClinix can be applied by one of two methods, firstly by a simple 15 minute treatment inside a pod, or for those persons that wish to use the modality when travelling, a full body pad is used. Morris continues “quite simply no other company offers the quality or the complimentary product range that we do. We are certainly not the first to market in Europe. We have observed the market increase over the last 3 quarters, and firmly believe that our products are the most powerful, providing the best photobiomodulation treatment for the patient.

Already our pods are used extensively in the US, relied upon by a number of teams from the NFL, NBA and countless clinics. Our products are powerful using commercial LED lights so we actively encourage the European market to aggressively compare our specifications to what’s currently available and ask some key questions around competitor technology.” Clients in Europe that are using photobiomodulation include spas, recovery centres and domestic residences – predominantly high net worth individuals, all of which see value in the technology to improve their energy levels, sleep and general all round wellness.

“Because the treatments are whole body, it affects over 30 trillion blood cells via the strength of our 17,000 commercial strength LED lights (yes 17,000) which are located the closest to the skin within the industry for maximum penetration. Our lights omit 630 and 660 nanometers (nm) and 850nm near infrared beams, resulting in a very impressive 100 mW/cm^2 rating.” Red Light Therapy is frequently used to boost the body’s mitochondria – often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell. Mitochondrias main function is to generate the energy necessary to power nearly all types of cells in the body. They are vital to our survival, generating the majority of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which basically is the energy currency of the human cells.

Morris continues “It’s the power of the LED’s and their capability to penetrate the skin which is vital to obtain the highest form of mitochondria, all achieved during a very relaxing 15 minute treatment. It is key that the different wavelengths of light penetrate the skin from the closest distance possible. This is something that is simply not possible by some other manufacturers, many of whom use unbelievably converted sun bed frames as a basis to build up from. All our machines are made from scratch in the US for what is rapidly becoming a global marketplace.

For more information about CryoClinix Red Light Therapy or Cryotherapy Chambers, please contact David Morris davidm@cryoclinix.com

Property

The Shrinking British Home: Maximising Space in London’s Smallest Living Spaces

As London’s housing market continues to spiral, with space becoming an increasingly short supply, the necessity of maximising every square foot in the capital’s smallest homes has never been more critical. The trend towards compact living across the UK is rising with the co-living market currently being at 1.9 million people in 2024 and 31.6% of those being based in the capital. Co-Living Group has reported London is set to reach a population of 9.5 million by 2026 it is expected we see the number of people co-living increase. Those homeowners and renters will be seeking smart design solutions to ensure their living spaces remain functional and comfortable despite their reduced size.

The Rise of Micro-Apartments in London

With the predicted rise of the population in London by 2026 London is witnessing a significant surge in the development of micro-apartments with 1 in 20 homes in London being a micro-home or apartment providing less than 37 metres of living space (King’s College London). With the number of these dense living spaces in London having doubled in the past 5 years this emphasises the the growing trend towards minimalist living.

This is a direct response to an increase in property prices and the vast limit of property available leading to landlords to turn their properties into flats with 49% of London’s housing stock being made up of flats (English Housing Survey). This is making smaller homes for individuals to co-share not just a choice but often the only affordable option for those seeking places to live in London.

London’s Rental Market: Space vs. Location

London is a city where location is perceived as more important than size, London’s renters often find themselves in smaller and smaller spaces. The average London floor area of dwellings in London as reported by the English Housing Survey was 84 sq m which is the smallest average for England as a whole. With London having the smallest average this has led to renters being forced to prioritise efficient use of space. The English Housing Survey indicates that the number of households renting privately has doubled since 2000, reflecting a  growing need for adaptable, space-saving solutions in rental properties across the capital.

Architects Journal reported that 74% of completed co-living developments have been delivered in London. This highlights that in the capital has a big pull compared to the rest of England with a trade-off between location and space being a critical factor in housing factors. With those seeking a more populated city with more opportunities, they are willing to sacrifice space for location.

The Downsizing Phenomenon: A London Reality

Property prices in London have continued sitting atop when it comes to property price performance over the last half-century. Even after adjusting for inflation, London prices have increased by a huge 13.5% per year on average, up 677% in total. That’s an average increase of over £9,000 every year over the last 50 years (Mortgage Introducer). This is leading to many London choosing to downsize. The UK House Price Index revealed that smaller, more affordable properties are in high demand, making the ability to maximise space a key  consideration for both buyers and renters in the city.

Alice Haine, Personal Finance Analyst at Bestinvest, says:

“If people need to be in the office two or three days a week, it’s more likely their aspirations will be limited to smaller properties. In London, 90% of first-time buyer homes were either  flats or terraced properties, suggesting a shift towards living closer to work. Naturally buying a home in the capital will constrain affordability even more, which is why a smaller  property makes sense over something more spacious”.

The Minimalism Movement Gains Momentum

Coinciding with these trends is a short surge of public interest in minimalism and decluttering. In 2024, there have been 6,400 Google searches for the term minimalism living and 234K searches for decluttering reflecting the shift towards a more efficient and space-conscious living. For Londoners embracing is not just a lifestyle choice but a necessity with those choosing to live in the capital having little choice but to maximise the functionality of their increasingly smaller living spaces. With the prediction of London’s population rising which  will increase the number of co-living places, London will continue to face challenges in housing availability and affordability. The ability to efficiently utilise space in the city’s smallest homes will be key to maintaining a high quality of living.

For effective space-maximising strategies expert Ezgi Cebi, Architectural Designer at Planning By Design, has crafted a blog on maximising space in the UK’s smallest homes.