As Blue Monday, dubbed the gloomiest day of the year, looms on 20 January, a leading travel expert suggests that planning a spring break could help lift the spirits. With April just around the corner, a budget-friendly stay at a UK university or a sunny escape to Spain may offer the perfect antidote to the winter blues. Blue Monday, often criticised for its lack of scientific basis, marks a confluence of post-Christmas debts, broken resolutions, and dreary weather. Lily Smith from UniversityRooms.com argues that whether or not the date is officially the most depressing, many people could benefit from planning…
Author: Perthshire Scotland
Captain D’s, a leading fast-casual seafood restaurant chain in the United States, has announced plans to enter the UK market with a 20-unit franchise agreement. The first restaurant is expected to open in the London area in 2025, marking the brand’s first venture into Europe. The agreement was signed with a team of experienced restaurant operators and forms part of Captain D’s broader international expansion strategy. This move follows the company’s recent announcement of its entry into Canada, where it plans to establish restaurants in Toronto. Phil Greifeld, CEO of Captain D’s, expressed enthusiasm about the brand’s UK debut. “We…
The UK has been ranked first in Europe for tech investment, with over £186 billion in funding poured into the sector between 2000 and 2023. This investment surpasses the combined total of France, Germany, and Spain, highlighting the UK’s position as a dominant force in the European tech landscape. The European Patent Office (EPO) unveiled its new report today, which details the state of tech investment across Europe and shines a light on key investors who are driving the sector’s growth. The UK leads in both total funding and the number of transactions, with 42,576 deals over the 23-year period,…
A prominent educational psychologist has warned that persistent school absence is closely linked to issues of regional inequality and insufficient support for schools in the UK. Professor Caroline Bond, a leading academic from The University of Manchester, argues that addressing the root causes of school absence through early intervention is essential to improving educational outcomes, especially for disadvantaged children. In an article published by the University’s policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester, Professor Bond draws upon findings from the Child of the North and Centre for Young Lives reports to emphasise the importance of placing the needs and life chances of children…
A new mural collection by family-run brand By Haleys is set to transform interiors with nature-inspired artistry, offering homeowners the chance to create their own serene, idyllic space. The mural, named Utopia, promises to bring the calming beauty of nature indoors, inviting escapism and tranquility into the home. The mural’s design, bursting with vibrant colours and dynamic textures, evokes a blissful oasis. With its painterly style and playful mark-making, Utopia provides an immersive visual experience, allowing residents to feel as though they are stepping into a tranquil natural environment. Designed with a sense of escapism in mind, it transports anyone…
Arighi Bianchi, the renowned Swindon-based home furnishings store, has launched its highly anticipated January Sale, offering customers the chance to secure huge savings across a wide range of products. Starting on Friday, 27 December, the sale promises discounts of up to 30% on furniture, carpets, lighting, homewares, and more, with several limited-time offers designed to tempt bargain hunters. As the store’s biggest and most significant sale event of the year, Arighi Bianchi is offering customers not only discounts across all departments but also additional savings through special promotions. Customers can enjoy up to 30% off hundreds of items, including sofas,…
Swindon-based medical device company Vygon UK has raised £2,000 for two local charities through its successful inaugural Christmas Fayre held on 5 December. The event, which attracted over 150 attendees, featured stalls from more than 50 local businesses, offering a range of festive products and treats. Held at Vygon’s headquarters in the iconic Pierre Simonet Building, the fayre became a festive highlight for the Swindon community. The event’s success was largely driven by the generosity of attendees, who contributed to a fundraising total that saw £1,000 donated to each of the chosen charities: Threshold, a charity supporting the homeless, and…
At Connected Data London 2024, a major event in the graph database industry, Ultipa has made waves with its innovative ideas, reshaping how the world views AI infrastructure. The event, held annually to showcase cutting-edge advancements in data and database technologies, provided the perfect platform for Ultipa to demonstrate its forward-thinking approach. Ultipa’s founder and CEO, Ricky Sun, took centre stage during the conference with a thought-provoking presentation titled “Graph XAI: Rethinking AI Infrastructure Costs with GPU and CPU”. In his speech, Sun tackled the pressing issue of AI infrastructure costs, particularly in the context of the global economic slowdown.…
The UK government is set to deliver the highest number of immigration removals in five years, with nearly 13,500 people deported since the new administration took office, according to the Home Secretary. This surge in deportations is part of a broader crackdown on illegal working, a move aimed at dismantling the operations of criminal smuggling gangs, who exploit people in dangerous crossings, including the small boats in the English Channel. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper outlined the government’s aggressive approach to addressing illegal working in the UK. The introduction of new technologies will support frontline officers, enabling them to crack down…
Jolywood Solar has been recognised for its leadership in the solar energy sector with the prestigious “Top PV Brand Germany 2024” award from EUPD Research. The accolade, presented during the Solar Solutions Düsseldorf exhibition on November 27-28, highlights the company’s continued commitment to innovation and excellence in photovoltaic technology. The exhibition saw Jolywood Solar showcasing its latest innovations, including the Full-Black Windproof Modules and NIWA modules, which attracted significant attention from industry professionals. These products, known for their high efficiency and durability, were praised for their performance and aesthetic appeal. EUPD Research, a globally respected authority in the photovoltaic industry,…