Author: Sam Allcock
A Nationwide Survey of 17,008 Consumers Highlights the Brands That Have Earned the Trust of UK Shoppers Newsweek and BrandSpark International have announced the winners of the 2025 UK Newsweek/BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards, celebrating brands that have built strong consumer confidence. This year’s rankings are based on votes from 17,008 UK shoppers, representing 102,400 brand evaluations across 173 categories, including 73 new additions. These rankings provide a comprehensive analysis of consumer trust across the UK retail landscape. Consumer Trust as a Key Decision Factor In today’s economic climate, trust plays a crucial role in purchasing decisions, with consumers increasingly prioritising…
New research highlights the lack of awareness around simple adjustments that could make cervical screening more comfortable, encouraging more people to attend. A new survey commissioned by The Eve Appeal, the UK’s leading gynaecological cancer charity, has exposed a major awareness gap in cervical screening. The study reveals that many women and people with a cervix are unaware of key adjustments they can request to make their screening experience more comfortable. The Awareness Gap in Cervical Screening Despite cervical screening saving an estimated 5,000 lives annually in the UK, attendance rates are dropping. Around one in three eligible individuals (36%)…
Farmers Face Financial Uncertainty as Defra Halts Sustainable Farming Incentive The Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) is urging the Government to introduce an interim support scheme following the unexpected closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) to new applicants. The decision by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to halt the scheme, a key part of the Environmental Land Management scheme (ELMs), has left many farmers without vital financial assistance. Sudden Closure Sparks Concerns Over Financial Stability On 11 March, Defra announced the immediate suspension of new applications for the SFI, citing exhausted funding. This abrupt move…
Growing Awareness Sparks Change in Seafood Welfare Practices The outdated and inhumane methods of killing crabs and lobsters such as boiling alive, live dismemberment, and freezing while conscious are being rejected by leading supermarkets, including Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, and Sainsbury’s. However, while some retailers have made significant progress, others continue to permit cruel practices, ignoring mounting public concern. Industry Divided on Decapod Welfare Since the legal recognition of decapod crustaceans as sentient beings in 2022, seafood producers and retailers have faced increasing pressure to improve welfare standards. The newly released Snapshot Report 2024 by Crustacean Compassion highlights both progress…
Strategic Collaboration to Drive Sustainable Finance and Innovation in the UAE His Highness Shaikh Mohammed Bin Sultan Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, part of the Abu Dhabi Royal Family, has revealed a new strategic alliance with Diginex, a global leader in ESG-focused regulatory technology (RegTech). The collaboration includes a dual listing of Diginex’s ordinary shares on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and a planned capital injection of up to USD 250 million. This move aligns with the UAE’s Vision 2030 and Net Zero by 2050 strategy, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for sustainable finance and technological innovation. Strengthening Sustainable…
Late payments continue to pose a significant challenge for UK businesses, with billions of pounds locked in unpaid invoices. Research from the Federation of Small Businesses suggests that as many as 50,000 small businesses collapse yearly due to delayed payments. New data from Federal Management, a leading UK business debt collection agency, highlights the growing number of excuses used by clients to avoid timely payments. These payment delays create serious financial strain, disrupt cash flow, and hinder business growth. By identifying common tactics used to stall payments, business owners can take proactive measures to safeguard their revenue. The Growing Impact…
A Cultural Bridge Between China and France Huangshan Tourism Development Co., Ltd. (HSTD), the official custodian of the iconic Huangshan Mountain, recently organised a prestigious tourism showcase in Paris under the theme Huangshan & Paris: A Grand Celebration of World Heritage. The event aimed to highlight Huangshan’s exceptional natural beauty, deep cultural heritage, and growing appeal as a must-visit destination for international travellers. A Celebration of Culture and Tourism The event brought together representatives from Chinese and French governments, international organisations, travel agencies, airlines, and media outlets. It served as a platform to strengthen cultural and tourism ties between China…
PUMA Becomes Official Partner of the Premier League Global sports brand PUMA has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with the Premier League, solidifying its position as a leader in football innovation. The agreement marks a significant milestone in PUMA’s global strategy, further strengthening its sports performance credibility and brand presence in the world’s most-watched football league. As part of this multi-year collaboration, PUMA will become the Official Ball Supplier of the Premier League. This means that from the beginning of the 2025/26 season, every match will feature a PUMA-designed match ball, ensuring the brand’s cutting-edge technology takes centre stage in…
New Research Highlights Gender-Based Variations in Dental Care Approaches Maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile is an essential part of daily self-care, yet men and women approach oral hygiene differently. A recent study conducted by IQS Research, commissioned by Oclean, highlights that women tend to be more consistent with their dental care routines, while men prioritise functionality and efficiency. To celebrate International Women’s Day, Oclean is sharing insights from the study and offering expert advice on how individuals can optimise their oral hygiene based on their habits and preferences. Women Are More Consistent in Their Oral Care Routine The study…
Huawei, UNESCO, and Kenyan government partners have successfully completed Phase II of the Kenya DigiSchool Connectivity Project, a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing digital learning across the country. This latest phase has connected 21 schools to high-speed Internet, including six institutions catering to children with special educational needs, significantly improving access to online education. Advancing Digital Education Through Collaboration The DigiSchool Connectivity Project aligns with Kenya’s Digital Superhighway Agenda, an ambitious government plan to bring Internet access to all schools nationwide. This initiative is a collaborative effort between Kenya’s Ministry of Education, Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy, Kenya Power…