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Gaming and iGaming industries boost UK’s economy

Casinos

Danielle Trigg

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15/08/2023

Gaming and iGaming industries boost UK’s economy

Gaming has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the UK’s entertainment landscape, dominating the sector with a staggering 42.1% share of total entertainment revenues in 2022.

According to ERA Figures, games are played in 7 out of 10 households. The success story of the UK games development and digital publishing sector has been further propelled by initiatives like Games Tax Relief in 2014.

In parallel, the rapidly expanding iGaming industry is redefining the online gambling experience, with the UK market boasting remarkable figures and poised for remarkable growth.

Although some might think gaming and iGaming are the same, iGaming encompasses a more specific niche. The term “iGaming” refers to the entire spectrum of online gambling and betting, including sports and esports competitions, poker, and roulette.

In the UK, the online gambling market has exhibited remarkable growth, reaching £5.9 billion in 2022. Industry experts predict an even more impressive trajectory, forecasting a 5.4% growth rate by 2028 that could elevate the market to an impressive £8.37 billion. This surge is fueled by emerging technologies like blockchain and innovative platforms that continuously enhance the online gaming experience.

Economic implications

The iGaming industry is not only shaping the entertainment landscape but also significantly impacting the economy. Predictions of generating 15,000 high-paying tech jobs over the next five years underscore its potential as a driver of economic growth.

These positions emphasise advanced skills and professional development, paving the way for substantial investments in training programs. Currently, the industry already supports a substantial 119,000 jobs in the UK, showcasing its role as a major contributor to employment.

The fiscal contributions are equally remarkable. For instance, the UK Betting and Gaming Council recently revealed that its members provided £455 million to British horseracing in 2022 through contributions in levies, media rights, and sponsorships. Furthermore, bookmakers allocated £125 million for marketing efforts, including advertisements and partnerships, aiding the promotion of racing and betting while enhancing coverage and revenue for media outlets.

The Office for Budget Responsibility anticipates a significant rise in betting and gaming duties, projecting a staggering £3.5 billion in revenue for 2023-24, a notable increase from the £1.62 billion recorded in 2022-23. This surge in tax revenue further underscores the industry’s substantial impact on the UK economy.

Technological advancement

As gaming continues to dominate the entertainment sector, the iGaming industry is carving its own impressive niche, driven by technological advancements and innovation. Take live table games and cryptocurrency payment methods, for instance.

Live table casino games have transformed the online gambling landscape, offering players an immersive and interactive experience akin to visiting a physical casino. These games are streamed in real-time from studios or actual casinos, allowing players to engage with professional dealers and other participants.

Another fascinating development in the iGaming industry is the integration of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin into online casinos. Bitcoin casinos have gained popularity for their ability to provide secure, anonymous, and efficient transactions, particularly appealing to players who value privacy and decentralisation.

Blockchain technology ensures transparency and fairness in these casinos. Transactions are swift and borderless, eliminating the need for traditional banking methods and reducing processing times.

‘Never Settle’ mantra sees rapid growth for Prospa Media

Creative

Danielle Trigg

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15/08/2023

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‘Never Settle’ mantra sees rapid growth for Prospa Media

Prospa increases the team by 50% and turnover by 100% in just 6 months

Manchester-based ecom growth agency Prospa Media expands their team by 50% in just 6 months, as they eye more big ticket wins this next quarter.

Following an investment in talent and a flood of new clients at the end of 2022, Prospa has enjoyed meteoric growth – increasing revenue by 100% in that time.

The agency, based at Salford Quays has been able to attract some of the best talent that Manchester has to offer to pedal this rapid growth.

Luke Clawson joins Prospa as Head of PPC, bringing a wealth of experience from his work on Aston Martin and the Commonwealth Games – with Beth Windall joining as Search Executive to further strengthen this team.

Prospa also invests in their Paid Social team, Delia Bianza joins as Account Manager to help with the influx of new business.

Asked about the challenges of such growth, Managing Director Jack Smith said, “We can’t hire quick enough, and we’re swamped with applicants – it’s a fantastic position to be in. We’re enjoying working with some of the best brands in the industry – we have to grow in order for our clients to grow. Our rapid growth is being reflected in client results.”

Since its inception just 3 years ago, Prospa Media has established itself as a real young and hungry agency. They boast of campaigns with Nour Hammour, Maison de Fashion, HECK, and Glenmuir to name a few. With a large number of clients added to their roster in 2023 already, they look to bolster their team and maintain the momentum into the next quarter.

Now housing 3 thriving service departments of Social, Search, and Email – they continue to consistently deliver profitable outcomes to valued partners.

Creative Director, Ollie Heum attributes the growth to their ‘Never Settle’ mantra and their transparency, “it’s so exciting to see the growth that we’re having despite the economic circumstances. Ultimately, brands want an agency they can trust more than ever – that’s why we’ve been so successful.”

Prospa looks forward to another couple of quarters of expansion.

Advancing Skincare Insights: Convosphere and System Akvile Collaborate for Revolutionary Research Solution

Sam Allcock

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15/08/2023

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Advancing Skincare Insights: Convosphere and System Akvile Collaborate for Revolutionary Research Solution

Leading social-first insights agency Convosphere and innovative data-driven app platform System Akvile have joined forces in an exciting strategic partnership, aiming to reshape the landscape of skincare industry research.

This collaboration harmonizes Convosphere’s expertise in digital market research and social intelligence with System Akvile’s wealth of proprietary user data, providing skincare brands with an unprecedented avenue to delve deep into consumer skin health insights, skincare preferences, unmet needs, and brand usage trends.

System Akvile is on a mission to redefine skin health by introducing users to an all-encompassing data-driven platform, the Akvile AI app. As the pioneer in science-based holistic skin health apps, this platform empowers users to meticulously track and compare skin transformations in relation to their skincare product usage, lifestyle choices, and dietary habits. By leveraging this data, the app delivers tailored experiences that resonate with individual skin needs, thereby enlightening, educating, and empowering users to take control of their own skin health journey.

Backed by a database boasting over 20 million live data points spanning skincare attitudes, habits, and outcomes, System Akvile’s app equips brands with real-world insights that can provide a deeper understanding of their target audience. This reservoir of insights empowers brands to formulate proactive strategies that effectively cater to their customers’ requirements.

System Akvile’s Founder, Dr. Akvile Ignotaite, expresses her enthusiasm for this partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with Convosphere signifies a significant step towards revolutionizing the global skincare industry and making skin health universally accessible.”

“Our comprehensive and continually expanding dataset holds invaluable insights into people’s relationships with skin health, encompassing behaviors and preferences. When coupled with Convosphere’s social intelligence and analytical capabilities, these insights become a valuable resource for the entire skincare industry. This, in turn, can guide brands in developing customer-centric products, effective solutions, and nuanced and responsible communications.”

Convosphere’s dynamic solutions in digital consumer research and social listening complement System Akvile’s user data, offering brands a versatile toolkit to address their business inquiries. Brands can choose from bespoke questionnaires, real-time user data analysis, and customized ad-hoc studies, tailoring their research methods to extract actionable insights relevant to their target markets.

Paul Brothers, Chief Operating Officer of Convosphere, shares his enthusiasm for this partnership, commenting, “Our collaboration with System Akvile empowers skincare brands with cutting-edge research solutions. By blending our expertise in social intelligence with the robust user data from System Akvile’s app, we provide brands with comprehensive user insights, enabling them to make data-driven decisions and forge stronger connections with their customers.”

Insights derived from System Akvile’s app can be augmented with Convosphere’s social intelligence, adding qualitative context to quantitative findings. This comprehensive approach ensures that brands gain a holistic understanding of their target audience, enabling them to fine-tune their marketing strategies and product offerings.

United in their commitment to innovate within the skincare industry, Convosphere and System Akvile offer brands novel research solutions and access to pivotal consumer insights. By harnessing the power of data-driven decision-making, skincare brands can unlock fresh growth opportunities and better address the skin health needs of their customers.

For More Information:

SYSTEM AKVILE

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/akvile.ai/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/system-akvile/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@akvile.ai

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUmvkZnzQ0AvgBZxCXaK4mQ

https://systemakvile.com/

CONVOSPHERE

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGuwVdtflKYSXeyARUSAerA/videos

https://convosphere.com/

Media Contacts:

Moa Wirde – marketing@convosphere.com
System Akvile – app@systemakvile.com

HRH The Princess Royal recognises six organisations in North-west England for demonstrating outstanding training

Education

Sam Allcock

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15/08/2023

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HRH The Princess Royal recognises six organisations in North-west England for demonstrating outstanding training

HRH The Princess Royal, President of the City and Guilds of London Institute awards six employers in North-west England for their outstanding training and skills development programmes, proven to have had a significant positive impact on their organisation and people.

15August 2023: City & Guilds has today announced that 53 training programmes are being recognised by the 2023 Princess Royal Training Awards.

Now in its eighth year, The Princess Royal Training Awards continue to recognise organisations in North-west England, truly demonstrating exceptional commitment to learning and development. With skills shortages across the UK increasing and job vacancies doubling, creating engaging learning programmes to grow and retain new and existing talent has never been more crucial.

From small not-for-profit organisations to large multinational employers, the recipients of the award continue to be refreshingly diverse and increasingly innovative in their approach to learning and development each year. Some strong themes have emerged from the programmes being awarded this year, including enhanced diversity, equity and diversity schemes, strong management and leadership training schemes, novel ways of addressing sustainability and climate change, and access schemes designed to create new talent pipelines and career pathways.

Gravitas Recruitment: this Manchester-based, global specialist recruitment agency, receives an Award for creating a talent pipeline to support their trainees’ progression. The company specialises in connecting niche talent with employers. After initially receiving an Award in 2017, the business reapplied for revalidation this year. Their application was successful because the company has continued to invest in its ‘Senior Development Consultant’ programme, mentoring trainee consultants to progress to senior consultant level and providing a future talent pipeline to management roles: 70 trainees have completed the programme with 62% remaining with the business and the average time to promotion has halved in the past three years.

IPG Health Medical Communications: this Macclesfield, Cheshire-based, medical communications agency, receives an Award for delivering sustainable training to new recruits in the Pharmaceuticals and healthcare sector. IPG Health Medical Communications introduced a ‘Future Learners and Leaders’ programme that equips their trainees with tailored skills and experience. 102 Associates have since completed the training with 55 of these subsequently gaining promotion. One hundred per cent of associates reported that the programme met their expectations.

Kirstie Donnelly MBE, Chief Executive of City & Guilds said: “The Princess Royal Training Awards demonstrate how training and development can create opportunities and attract new talent to industries to the north-west of England, where there are significant skills gaps and labour shortages.

“It’s encouraging to see six organisations in the north-west gaining recognition, with such a diverse range of employers continuing to apply for a Princess Royal Training Award. Despite the obvious challenges in recent years, these employers have shown unwavering dedication to nurturing their workforce through outstanding training and skills development, resulting in a lasting positive impact.

“As skills shortages and job vacancies rise, investing in training and development can help to increase productivity and harness and retain talent for future growth. Not only is this good for business and the workforce – it is also beneficial for wider society and contributes to thriving local economies. These organisations exemplify the transformative power of investing in people, and we are honoured to celebrate their accomplishments.”

For a full list of this year’s recipients and their training programmes please see the 2023 recipients page or you can find out how to apply for The Princess Royal Training Awards 2024 here.

BRAMHALL SENIOR SITE MANAGER SECURES NATIONAL PRIDE IN THE JOB AWARD

Business

Sam Allcock

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15/08/2023

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Daniel Blakley, Senior Site Manager for McCarthy Stone’s latest Queens View Retirement Living development on 64 Ack Lane East, is celebrating after picking up a coveted Pride in the Job Quality Award from the National House Builders’ Council (NHBC).

This marks the second time Daniel has been recognised by the NHBC, after previously winning a Quality Award for his work at McCarthy Stone’s Brideoake Court development, which is situated in Standish. Daniel’s latest achievement also closely follows his Seal of Excellence Award win late last year, which is the next stage of the judging process where Pride in the Job winners are under the spotlight once again.

The Pride in the Job Quality Award recognises his leadership and commitment to quality in all aspects of the work currently underway at Queens View Retirement Living development, offering low maintenance and independent living apartments designed exclusively for people aged 60 and over.

Running for 43 years, the Pride in the Job accolade recognises Site Managers across the country who are at the top of their profession and are creating homes of an outstanding high standard. Judging for the awards is rigorous, and each site manager is assessed across six key areas: consistency, attention to detail, leadership, interpretation of drawings and specifications, technical expertise and health and safety. This year, thousands of site inspections and meticulous scoring and verifications have taken place to decide the winning site managers.

A total of 443 winners have been selected from more than 15,000 entrants, meaning Daniel is amongst the top 3% to receive the award in recognition of his leadership and commitment to quality in all aspects of the work currently underway at Queens View. Daniel will now go on to compete for the NHBC Seal of Excellence once again this autumn.

Commenting on his award success, Daniel, who has been with McCarthy Stone for eight years, said: “At McCarthy Stone, every aspect of our work is considered and conducted thoroughly. I am deeply proud of the entire site team working here at Queens View, as each and every one has had a part to play in securing this award, and they have all been instrumental in improving the quality and detail of the development.

“This ethos and a lot of hard work has helped us consistently deliver developments, like this one in Bramhall, to the highest standard.”

John Tonkiss, McCarthy Stone CEO said: ‘’All of our Site Managers work incredibly hard to deliver the very highest quality developments with outstanding professionalism. I am thrilled that Daniel’s ongoing dedication has been recognised by such a prestigious award. Congratulations, it’s a well-deserved achievement.”

NHBC’s CEO Steve Wood added: Pride in the Job is firmly at the heart of NHBC’s mission to raise standards in the housing industry. It is important we recognise the vital role Site Managers play in ensuring new homes are delivered on time, safely, in addition to meeting construction quality standards. We’d like to say a huge congratulations to Daniel for his achievement.”

Once complete, Queens View will provide everything the over 60s could want for an enjoyable and independent retirement. Homeowners will feel safe and secure with a House Manager on hand to take care of the day-to-day running of the development, while a 24-hour emergency call system will provide added peace-of-mind. There will also be a large communal lounge and gardens, perfect for getting to know your new neighbours.

Prices at Queens View currently start from £389,950. Flexible purchase options are also available to make moving even easier.

More than nine out of 10 customers would recommend McCarthy Stone to a friend, ensuring it has received the full Five Star award for customer satisfaction from the Home Builders Federation. McCarthy Stone is the only UK housebuilder of any size or type to achieve this rating every year we have taken part in the survey.

For further details on McCarthy Stone and Retirement Living in Bramhall, call 0800 882 1829 or visit www.mccarthystone.co.uk/queens-view.

ICONIC MANCHESTER VENUE, VICTORIA WAREHOUSE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF EVENTS

Events

Sam Allcock

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15/08/2023

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ICONIC MANCHESTER VENUE, VICTORIA WAREHOUSE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF EVENTS

Manchester’s unique events venue, Victoria Warehouse, marks a major milestone – a decade of eclectic and unforgettable experiences.

This landmark occasion marks a decade of events excellence and pays homage to its remarkable journey, which dates back 100 years.

While the venue is known for its cutting-edge experiences, Victoria Warehouse remains deeply rooted in its industrial heritage. Exposed brickwork, steel columns, and preserved original features serve as reminders of its timeless charm, which has inspired some of Britain’s greatest brands, including Jaguar Land Rover, Kellogg’s and Manchester United.

Construction of the two warehouse buildings began in the 20s, in the heyday of Manchester’s textile industry. Originally serving as a storage facility for the Liverpool Warehousing Company, safeguarding cotton, fabrics and confectionary, the venue’s rich history is deeply ingrained within its walls. For over 50 years, brands like Kellogg’s, McVitie’s and Cadbury’s packed their delicacies into ‘The Bays’.

The site suffered a large fire in the 1980s, leaving it derelict for many years. Then in 2005, property owner David Cohen, spotted the buildings while out running along the canal. With just an idea, he bought the structure and scoped out grand designs to fashion one of the country’s most unique event facilities.

In the summer of 2013, the venue’s inaugural fashion show for GAP Clothing put it in the spotlight for experiences with an edge, and the versatile Trafford Park venue has been a force to be reckoned with from that point onwards.

Since its transformation, Victoria Warehouse has solidified its position as one of the UK’s most ambitious and forward-thinking event venues, consistently pushing boundaries and remaining at the forefront of creativity within the events industry.

From hosting world-class music events with high-profile artists and acts to captivating corporate showcases, fashion shows, product launches and seasonal parties for major brands, the venue team works with agents, event planners and individuals to craft exceptional experiences for guests and delegates.

In 2015, Victoria Warehouse was granted its civil ceremony license enabling it to host weddings. Fast forward to 2023, and the venue plays host to over fifty weddings per year, offering something outside of the tradition for many couples across the North West.

Located on Trafford Wharf Road, just six minutes out of Manchester city centre, with multiple spaces, breakout rooms, capacity for events from 20 to 6,000 people, and over 1,000 bedrooms within a five-minute walk, it’s no wonder Victoria Warehouse continues to attract event planners nationwide.

Reflecting on the past ten years, James Cohen, Managing Director and Co-owner, said, “To think what we’ve achieved as a small, independent team is incredible. When we first started out, we knew we wanted to create something completely unique and special for the city. We’re very proud to have navigated through the toughest years for the events industry and be thriving as a venue, working with some of the country’s most well-known brands.”

In light of the 10 year milestone and due to the demand from clients for more adaptable event space, Victoria Warehouse launch ‘The Tobacco Stores’, 20,000 square feet of newly converted event space. This new space intertwines floor-to-ceiling windows with original archways and ancient steel columns, making it one-of-a-kind from anything else onsite. Its position also offers landmark views over Manchester United’s Old Trafford.

Explore Manchester’s most memorable, adaptable and creative events venue at www.victoriawarehouse.com

ALFRED H KNIGHT SUPPORTING EU-FUNDED MADITRACE PROJECT

Business

Sam Allcock

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15/08/2023

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ALFRED H KNIGHT SUPPORTING EU-FUNDED MADITRACE PROJECT

As demand for critical raw materials such as lithium and cobalt increases, Alfred H Knight is pleased to announce that it is participating in the European Union ‘MaDiTraCe’ (Material and Digital Traceability for the Certification of Critical Raw Materials) project to determine the source of mineral commodities.

Having commenced in January 2023, the three-year project, coordinated by BRGM (French Geological Survey), aims to reinforce the transparency, traceability and sustainability of complex supply chains of critical raw materials (CRM) including cobalt, lithium, natural graphite and rare earth elements.

The project is bringing together 14 partners from 7 countries to develop and integrate technological solutions for traceability and certification into a Digital Product Passport. These solutions will enable key industry players to prove the reliability of their sustainability claims, comply with current regulations and anticipate future policies.

Engaged through its entity in Holland, Alfred H Knight is contributing to the development of artificial fingerprinting technologies which are to be used as part of ‘material passports’ for key commodities in two complex supply chains, namely rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and magnets.

Aldwin Vogel, Regional General Manager – Northern Europe explains:

“At Alfred H Knight, we proudly work together in support of the EU-funded MaDiTraCe project, paving the way for a transparent and sustainable future. By assisting in the development of these revolutionary artificial fingerprinting solutions, we help to provide trust and verification of ESG sustainability claims through traceable responsible sourcing of critical raw materials.”

AHK is also leading a review of existing methods for the potential use of artificial taggant particles, with input from the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK). Analysis of the requirements for the mining, metals and minerals industries is underway to ensure any solutions are fit-for-purpose and commercially relevant.

Dr Laurance Donnelly, Chief Geologist, Head of Technical Department adds:

“Minerals are likely to continue to become fundamentally important to civilisation and industry over the next few decades. This may be driven in part by the so-called ‘battery revolution’ and the electrification of vehicles, combined with the reduction in the burning of conventional fossil fuels. Determining the provenance and traceability of minerals will help ensure that critical raw materials are responsibly sourced from legitimate operations, which do not support illegal mining.

With over 140 years worth of knowledge and experience in metals and minerals, Alfred H Knight (AHK) helps clients to build a comprehensive understanding of their commodities. They have worked with numerous organisations to help make informed improvements to the sector and are well-placed to provide key research, analysis and consultancy to support projects like MaDiTraCe.

Businesses interested in AHK’s services can find more information at www.ahkgroup.com. Those interested in AHK’s involvement in the MaDiTraCe project can get in touch via enquiries@ahkgroup.com.

Top contenders unveiled for the ultimate accolades in food and drink

Food and Drink

Sam Allcock

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15/08/2023

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Top contenders unveiled for the ultimate accolades in food and drink

From 14,195 to one, who will be crowned this year’s Great Taste Supreme Champion?

The results are out for Great Taste 2023 – the world’s most coveted food and drink awards – with 2,344 artisanal food and drink companies across the nation taking home 1-, 2- and 3-stars alongside that all-important judges’ feedback.

Organised by the Guild of Fine Food, this year’s Great Taste awards judging was held over 89 days, in Dorset and London, with general and specialist days for espresso, tea, beer & cider, chilli, matcha, filter coffee, herbal infusions, and new for this year, plant-based alternatives and lo-no alcohol. This year’s expert judging panel blind-tasted 14,195 food and drink products entered from a staggering 109 different countries from across the world.

4,088 (28.8%) were awarded a Great Taste 1-star – ‘food & drink that delivers fantastic flavour’, 1,568 (11%) were awarded a Great Taste 2-star – ‘above and beyond delicious’, and 248 (1.8%) were awarded a Great Taste 3-star – ‘extraordinarily tasty food & drink’. Recent YouGov research* shows that 55% of all UK adults are familiar with Great Taste logos on food and drink packaging, with 74% of those who recognise the logo saying it was a sign of quality and 56% saying it would persuade them to buy a product. Past winners have claimed that displaying a Great Taste sticker has increased sales by as much as 50%, as consumers from around the globe race to taste the best food and drink products each year.

All 3-star winning products have now be judged again by an expert panel and the highest scoring are in the running for the highest accolade of all: the Great Taste Supreme Champion of 2023. These top products, alongside the highest scoring from key countries, will take home a Golden Fork award. Further Golden Fork trophies are given for various categories including Great Taste Startisan of the Year and Nigel Barden’s Heritage Award.

Of the 3-star winners, 139 have come from the UK and 109 from international producers, including oak honey from Greece and Spain, cold brew tea from Germany, Lebanese chilli sea salt, Cambodian flower sugar and cheeses from Hungary, France, Norway, Bulgaria, and Spain, among many other interesting and innovative products.

John Farrand, managing director at the Guild of Fine Food comments: “It’s encouraging to see the trends we witnessed during the 4-month judging season resurfacing within the list of Golden Fork nominees for 2023. We’re encountering impeccably crafted and inventive artisanal products, alongside outstanding renditions of cherished classics across all categories – mirroring the demand for high quality food and drink by food enthusiasts and independent retailers globally.”

Nominees in the running for a Golden Fork this year are (listed A-Z by company name):

· Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil from 245 Olive Oil

· Sour Cherry Molasses from Belazu Ingredient Company

· Pedigree, organic, pasture-fed hogget leg from Black Welsh Lamb

· Dorset Coppa from Capreolus Fine Foods

· Jamon de Tudanca from Carniceria Quintana

· Cacio di Afrodite from Caseificio Il Fiorino

· Andes Mountain Honey from CD Colmenares

· Sea Salt Caramel Filled Bar from Chocolatia

· Anchoas del Cantábrico en Mantequilla Ecológica from Conservas M.A Revilla

· Colombia El Placer “Yellow Fruits” from Dark Woods Coffee

· DYB Naturally Brewed Brown Soybean Soy Sauce from DoYouBo Industry Co.

· Simply Better French Epoisses PDO from Dunnes Stores

· Fino Dark Balsamic (Crema) from Fino

· Sardines in Olive Oil from Giribizzi CP One Global

· Buttermilk Pork Chop from Hannan Meats

· Wye Valley Meadery Traditional Mead from Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co.

· Irish Yogurts Clonakilty Half Fat Crème Fraîche from Irish Yogurts Clonakilty

· Smaller Green Leafhopper Honey Flavour Black Tea (Flower) from Junjie Lin Tea Garden

· La Maritxu Basque Cheesecake from La Maritxu

· ΛΗΜΝΙΑ ΓΗ (honey) from Lemnos Apicultural Cooperative

· Loch Fyne Kinglas Fillet from Loch Fyne Oysters

· Wagyu Beef & Ale Pie from Martins

· Pistachio Ice Cream from Mauds Ice Creams

· Morelli’s Pistachio Swirl Ice Cream from Morelli Ice Cream

· Cold Pressed Sunflower Dressing Oil from Mountain Produce

· Signature Tastes Smoked Rack of Bacon from Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland

· Bagoila Cold Pressed Pumpkin Seed Oil from Natur Press Team

· Roussas Galotyri P.D.O. from Roussas Dairy

· Saicho Hojicha Sparkling Tea from Saicho Drinks

· Mrs Bell’s Blue from Shepherds Purse Cheeses

· Silver Hill Confit Duck Legs from Silver Hill Duck

· Tenuta Marmorelle Panettone Infused with Vin Santo Liqueur from Tenuta Marmorelle

· Ice Cyder from The Newt in Somerset

· English Heritage Toffee Apple Curd from Thursday Cottage

· Jalapeno Ketchup Dead Hot Sauce from Trodden Black

· Sommerblüte Fass Nr. 1 from Wegguner Honighof

All will be revealed on Monday 11 September at the Great Taste Golden Forks awards ceremony held at Battersea Arts Centre, London (industry event only), where the following Golden Forks will be awarded:

· Golden Fork from England

· Golden Fork from Scotland

· Golden Fork from Wales

· Golden Fork from Northern Ireland

· Golden Fork from Ireland

· Golden Fork from Spain

· Golden Fork from Greece

· Golden Fork from Italy

· Golden Fork from the Rest of Europe

· Golden Fork from the Rest of World

· Great Taste Startisan of the Year

· Nigel Barden Heritage Award

· Supreme Champion

In addition, the Guild of Fine Food will award an individual or group with the annual Guild of Fine Food Contribution to Food & Drink.

Food & Drink Wales is the headline sponsor of Great Taste 2023. Great Taste Golden Fork trophy sponsors include: Andrew Ingredients, Bord Bia, Food & Drink Wales, Invest NI, Italian Trade Agency, Maltby & Greek, Mevalco, Partridges, Scotland Food and Drink, ShireFoods, and Speciality and Fine Food Fair. Great Taste is supported by Henderson Group, Horgans, and Peter Green Chilled.

What is Great Taste?

Recognised as a stamp of excellence and actively sought out by food lovers and retailers alike, Great Taste, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, values taste above all else. All products in the line-up for judging are blind-tasted: every product is removed from its packaging so it cannot be identified, before entering a robust, layered judging process.

New for this year and to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Great Taste, the Guild of Fine Food offered 50 micro producers the chance to put one new product in front of its expert panel of Great Taste judges for free. The bursary was aimed at micro producers who have never entered Great Taste before or have a new product which has never been entered before. 2023 saw 21 products entered through the bursary scheme win a Great Taste award including Karobi’s Ghee from Karobi’s (3-star), New Alt from Antur Brew Co. (3-star), Shoogle Junniperous Scottish Navy Strength Gin from Shoogle Spirits (2-star) and Traditional Napa Cabbage Kimchi from The Ferm (1-star).

Great Taste’s prestigious judging panel is made up of over 500 food & drink professionals, including critics, chefs, recipe creators, buyers, retailers, journalists, broadcasters, and experts in the field. This experienced panel, each with trusted palates, have together tasted and re-judged the 3-star winning products to determine the highest scoring products who will be awarded at this year’s Golden Forks, as well as the Great Taste Supreme Champion of 2023.

Claritas Tax appoints new Business Development Manager

Business

Sam Allcock

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15/08/2023

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As part of its ongoing expansion, Claritas Tax, the award-winning independent tax advisory firm based in Manchester, Birmingham, and Nottingham, has recruited Gill Hillier as a Business Development Manager.

Joining as part of the wider Claritas business development team, Gill will be working alongside Mat Worrall, Senior Business Development Manager and will be responsible for the growth and development of the company’s strategy within the North West. Gill has over 15 years of valuable experience in business development and operations management. Working predominantly within the finance industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her current role in the company.

Gill Hillier comments: “Claritas has really blown me away in terms of its people and culture. After meeting both Iain and Matt and learning more about the company ethos, there was no question in me wanting to become a part of that.”

Matt Hodgson, Partner and head of Claritas’ Manchester office, says: “This is a fantastic opportunity to join Claritas at a really exciting time for us. We have just signed a five-year lease on a fabulous new office in Manchester city centre, demonstrating our commitment to the North West. We have very ambitious plans to grow across the UK, and I look forward to working with Gill to bring sustainable growth in this region.”

Iain Wright, Claritas Birmingham Partner, adds: “Expanding our business development team was a natural move for us given the recent growth and success of the firm. We see Gill as a fundamental part of our growing team of in-house professionals, as Claritas strive to be the leading name in tax advisory across the UK. We have ambitious yet realistic growth targets and I am confident that Gill is the right person to help us deliver on our plans.”

AI’s Place in the Boardroom: Creating an Effective AI Framework for Staff

technology

Sam Allcock

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14/08/2023

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AI’s Place in the Boardroom: Creating an Effective AI Framework for Staff

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a hot topic in the world of corporate governance. Traditionally strategic decision-making was the domain of human decision-makers, but with the integration of AI technologies, we’re now starting to see governance decisions being dictated by non-human entities.

Implementing AI in the boardroom has the potential to revolutionise corporate governance and empower businesses to make data-driven decisions with unparalleled efficiency and accuracy.

However, successful adoption requires a robust AI framework that ensures efficient integration that aligns with the organisation’s objectives whilst addressing ethical and legal concerns.

So, how can boards make AI a net positive for their companies rather than just another item on the agenda list?

Define Clear Objectives

To successfully incorporate AI into the boardroom, defining precise goals and determining the areas where AI can bring value is crucial. Knowing the business issues that AI is intended to solve will help with its smooth integration and improve decision-making. These objectives may involve streamlining operations, assessing risks, delving into new market prospects, and forecasting customer behaviour.

Whatever AI is being used for in your organisation, starting with a clear idea of its intended use will help stop the integration from becoming an all-consuming project or, worse, something you’re unable to manage altogether.

Involve stakeholders and address concerns

To create a well-rounded AI framework, it’s essential to involve all parties, including board members, executives, legal experts, and IT personnel. With input from different perspectives, we can identify potential obstacles and reduce biases, leading to a more inclusive policy for AI deployment.

To ensure ethical and legal compliance, the AI framework should address data privacy, fairness, and accountability. By carefully considering the ethical implications of AI, we can build trust with stakeholders and the public.

Data Quality, Security and Monitoring

To have a successful AI system, it is crucial to have accurate and relevant data that is also secure. Implementing strong data governance and cybersecurity measures will protect sensitive information from potential breaches. Web3 is the buzzword in 2023 for data security, but it is important to look at the most up-to-date solution to ensure cyberattacks are kept at arm’s length.

Additionally, regularly monitoring and evaluating the AI systems through audits helps to identify any biases that may have developed over time and ensures that the AI remains transparent, fair, and accurate.

Training, Education, Flexibility and Adaptability

AI literacy is crucial for businesses that want to use AI tools effectively. Training programs can help staff understand AI concepts, their potential applications, and their limitations.

With proper training, team members can better understand how AI works, what data is required to train AI models, and how to interpret the output generated by AI algorithms.

By analysing data, AI tools can help businesses identify new opportunities and revenue streams. Regular updates and reviews will help the organisation stay at the forefront of AI implementation and ensure that team members are up-to-date on the latest AI tools and techniques.

So, what’s next?

AI’s role in the boardroom is no longer a futuristic vision but a present-day reality. Leveraging AI technologies can provide invaluable support to corporate decision-makers, leading to more informed and strategic choices.

However, integrating AI into the boardroom necessitates a well-defined framework that addresses ethical, legal, and practical considerations.

A well-crafted AI framework will empower staff to harness the full potential of AI, fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making and propelling the organisation towards sustainable success in the dynamic corporate landscape.

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