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Half of adults want more effort from partners on Valentine’s Day

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Valentine’s Day has been dubbed a waste of money with novelty mugs and cheap underwear amongst the worst presents.

More than half of the 2,015 adults polled, said their partner should make more effort, rather than splurge on presents they don’t even want.

Respondents reported the rubbish gifts they had received included ‘wrong’ perfume, socks, candles and even, a car mat.

But while most said the day of lovers is a waste of time, one in three said they’d be gutted if their better half did nothing to celebrate.

Travel together

The research by Railcard.co.uk, found that one in five said a trip away would be the best romantic gesture with the Lake District top destination in the UK.

Relationship expert and coach, Sarah Louise Ryan, said: “Couples who travel together often end up more fulfilled and happier in their relationship.

“There are many reasons for this; inclusive of the fact it encourages communication and can deepen feelings of commitment as they plan their trips ahead of time, looking towards the future.

“Travel allows more opportunities for romance and time outside of the day-to-day routine, meaning romantic sparks can be reignited.

“Where flowers and chocolates can play a part, this Valentine’s Day I’d encourage all couples to carve out some time to book and experience a romantic getaway, whether for a day trip or a long weekend.”

The study also found 36% had considered a trip together as a way to rekindle a floundering relationship.

CareerDays.io sees student attendance climb by 40% as Gen Z turns to career events

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CareerDays.io, a programmatic job search engine designed to connect employers with students and those at the start of their careers through live career events, has announced a 40% increase in student participation across its events in the last 12 months. This rise highlights changing behaviours in how graduates pursue employment opportunities.

This increase points to a broader movement among Gen Z job seekers, who are showing a clear preference for engaging directly with employers through interactive and live experiences, rather than depending exclusively on conventional online application processes.

“Candidates today want more than just submitting applications—they want direct access to employers and meaningful conversations,” said Adam K, Head of Partnerships at Sourcing Square. “We’re seeing a clear shift toward experience-driven hiring, where both employers and job seekers benefit from face-to-face or live interactions.”

Recent data collected from CareerDays.io events reveals:

  • 40% increase in student attendance YOY.
  • 2x higher engagement rates reported by employers compared to traditional job boards
  • Growing demand for in-person and virtual hiring events across multiple industries
  • Increased participation from employers seeking faster and more effective recruitment methods

While job boards continue to play a role in recruitment, many employers are experiencing challenges with high application volumes and low candidate engagement. Career events offer a more efficient alternative by enabling recruiters to connect directly with pre-qualified candidates, assess soft skills in real time, and accelerate the hiring process.

This approach is particularly appealing to Gen Z job seekers, who value transparency, immediacy, and authentic interactions during their job search journey.

The data points to a broader transformation in hiring practices, with employers increasingly adopting what can be described as experience-based recruitment strategies. Career events provide a dynamic environment where candidates can showcase their communication skills, personality, and enthusiasm—factors that are often difficult to evaluate through online applications alone.

Employers are also leveraging these events to strengthen their employer brand and build long-term talent pipelines, rather than focusing solely on immediate hiring needs.

CareerDays.io continues to expand its reach, hosting events that bring together employers and early-career talent in accessible, engaging formats. By bridging the gap between candidates and recruiters, the platform aims to support more efficient hiring outcomes and improve the overall job search experience.

“As the workforce continues to evolve, so too must the way we connect talent with opportunities.” Mario D’Auria “Career events are becoming a central part of that evolution.”

Careerdays.io is the world’s first programmatic career search engine that boasts the most extensive repository of career events, job listings, and training & educational courses. Leveraging the transformative potential of AI, our platform serves as a powerful catalyst, accelerating the journeys of students, recent graduates, and ambitious professionals towards the forthcoming zenith of their careers. 

This platform goes beyond mere connection – it facilitates direct and meaningful interactions between individuals and the professionals and experts who shape industries. Employers, recruiters, career mentors, and educational advisors are all here in this space.

For more information, visit: https://uk.careerdays.io/

Wayne Ashley Parry announces release of two illustrated children’s books exploring bravery and hope

Retired storyteller Wayne Ashley Parry has announced the launch of two new children’s books, titled Pip and the Star and Big Wave Little Wave.

Published by Maple Publishers, the books are designed to inspire young readers with themes of courage, kindness and hope, supported by vivid illustrations and engaging, heartfelt narratives.

In Pip and the Star, readers follow Pip, a small but determined mouse, who, along with his brother Tobias, spots a glowing star and journeys towards a stable in Bethlehem. During this journey, Pip learns about the significance of the newborn child and finds the bravery to protect a meaningful moment.

The story weaves together gentle humour, an immersive atmosphere and spiritual elements, creating a warm and accessible introduction to the Nativity for younger audiences.

“I wanted to show children that courage does not always come from size or strength, but from kindness and conviction,” said Wayne Ashley Parry.

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Author Wayne Ashley Parry

Early readers have responded positively to Pip and the Star. Geraldine, a parish vicar, read a passage aloud during midnight mass and praised the story for its warmth. 

Another reader, Christine, described the book as “something I absolutely loved” and expressed interest in future stories. The illustrations include contributions from artist Michael Nicholas, whose work complements Parry’s creative vision.

Pip and the Star is available through major international book retailers, including Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, and on Amazon in ebook and paperback editions. 

Big Wave Little Wave, which was published last month, is an imaginative ocean adventure that follows two waves, Big Wave and Little Wave, who set out on an adventure that tests courage, cooperation, and emotional balance.

Wayne added: “Even a quiet presence can make a big difference. The story encourages children to remain calm when life feels stormy.”

The book is also available through Barnes & NobleWaterstones, and on Amazon.

Wayne Ashley Parry is a retired writer and storyteller in his seventies. He previously won second prize in a Welsh short story competition and compiled Afternoon Tea with Guruji, a collection of discourses by his teacher Guru Sri Subrahmanium.

Wayne now focuses on creating children’s stories inspired by spiritual wisdom and life experience, appealing to families, educators, and faith communities seeking thoughtful and imaginative narratives.

Majority of UK firms misunderstood by AI systems, new research finds

New research indicates that most UK businesses are not being effectively interpreted by AI platforms, highlighting a growing gap in visibility as search behaviour evolves.

The founders behind the study spent over a year refining their framework and methodology before introducing their offering to the market.

Rank4AI has officially launched as a UK agency focused on improving visibility within AI-driven search, following an extended period of research into how businesses are represented in AI-generated results.

The launch reflects a broader shift in user behaviour, as AI platforms increasingly replace traditional search methods, with users favouring conversational recommendations over browsing lists of links.

Co-founders Adam Parker and Jimmy Connoley analysed hundreds of UK business websites across multiple industries. Their work explored how platforms including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity and Google AI interpret, describe and recommend businesses. The findings revealed that more than 80% of companies lacked the essential signals needed for AI platforms to understand their identity, services, or relevance.

“We did not set out to launch an agency. We set out to understand how AI platforms decide which businesses to recommend and which to ignore. What surprised us was not that some businesses were missing from AI answers. It was how few had the foundations in place to appear at all. The signals that AI platforms look for are fundamentally different to the ones businesses have been building for Google. That is the problem Rank4AI exists to solve.” Said Adam Parker, Co-Founder, Rank4AI.

This research resulted in the development of the Rank4AI AI Search Framework, a structured approach built around the Five Signal Model. The model identifies five key layers that influence whether an AI platform will confidently recommend a business: Identity Clarity, Subject Authority, Meaning Architecture, Ecosystem Validation and Signal Consistency.

Parker leads on strategy and framework design, while Connoley manages day-to-day operations. Connoley’s background includes scaling digital businesses across growth strategy, commercial performance and marketing leadership.

According to the founders, UK businesses are not yet adequately prepared for the growing dominance of AI-led discovery.

“This is the biggest shift in how people discover businesses. AI platforms are giving direct answers, not lists of links. Every type of business, from local firms to household names, needs to think about how these systems understand them.” Added Adam.

A different kind of agency 

Rank4AI positions itself as a hands-on consultancy rather than a traditional SEO agency or software tool, working directly with client teams to align how their business is interpreted by AI systems. The company says AI visibility cannot be approached in the same way as traditional search optimisation, where rankings can be engineered through keywords and links. 

Every engagement begins with a free AI visibility audit. The full AI Search Framework is also available at no cost on the company’s website. 

“Too often businesses do not fully understand what their agencies are doing. We explain our logic, our methodology and our reasoning. If we cannot explain why we are doing something, we should not be doing it.” Said Jimmy Connoley, Co-Founder, Rank4AI.

Alongside direct client work, Rank4AI operates an advisory arm working with marketing agencies, enterprise marketing teams, in-house leaders and industry bodies to help them understand and adapt to the shift toward AI-driven search. 

Rank4AI expects AI driven discovery to become a primary channel for business visibility over the next 12 to 24 months. The company is now onboarding clients across the UK. 

IBSA UK&I to directly manage ialuril® commercial operations in UK and Ireland

IBSA UK&I has confirmed that it will assume direct oversight of the commercialisation and distribution of ialuril® throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, effective from 9 April 2026.

Ensuring a stable supply chain and a smooth handover for customers is the company’s immediate focus. Oxford Pharmacy Store (OPS) has been appointed as the principal NHS distribution partner, responsible for processing orders and supplying NHS organisations, with direct support from IBSA UK&I. The product will also remain available via AAH Pharmaceuticals and Alliance as alternative supply channels.

Developed and manufactured by IBSA, ialuril® forms part of the company’s broader expertise in hyaluronic acid-based therapies. IBSA is internationally regarded for its leadership in this field and continues to invest in advancing treatments within urology and uro-gynaecology. Taking direct control of commercial activities reflects a strategic step in strengthening stewardship of the product.

The transition follows the launch of IBSA’s UK affiliate in 2022, which enabled the organisation to oversee its commercial strategy locally. Bringing ialuril® under direct management ensures alignment with IBSA UK&I’s expanding portfolio in uro-gynaecology, including Hyaluxelle® and Perovial®.

ialuril® (sodium hyaluronate, sodium chondroitin sulphate and calcium chloride) is presented as a 50ml pre-filled syringe equipped with a Luer-Lock Adapter and ialuadapter®, with no changes to its composition, format, or clinical purpose. It continues to be used to restore the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer of the bladder lining, particularly in patients experiencing recurrent issues such as cystitis from various causes.

Aspire Pharma has represented IBSA in the UK and Ireland for more than a decade, helping to ensure consistent access to ialuril® for healthcare providers. IBSA has acknowledged and thanked Aspire Pharma for its longstanding partnership and support.

Steven Knapp, General Manager of IBSA UK&I, said: “We are pleased to take on direct responsibility for ialuril® in the UK and Ireland. This transition reflects IBSA’s growing commitment to the urology and uro-gynaecology therapy area and allows us to work more closely with healthcare professionals and NHS partners. Our focus is on ensuring continuity of supply and strengthening the support we provide to clinicians so that patients can continue to access effective treatment.”

Dr Logic recognised with Apple’s highest consultancy partner status

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Dr Logic has achieved Apple Premium Technical Partner status, marking the highest tier within Apple’s consultancy-oriented partner ecosystem.

The designation is reserved for organisations that meet Apple’s criteria for technical expertise, certifications, and service delivery across platforms such as macOS and iOS. It places Dr Logic within a smaller cohort of partners aligned with Apple’s standards for enterprise support.

This status reflects a combination of certified knowledge, ongoing training, and a track record of delivering large-scale Apple deployments.

Dr Logic’s technical team holds certifications across Apple systems and works alongside platforms including Jamf, JumpCloud, and Addigy. Retaining this level requires continuous investment in both skills and operational delivery.

For organisations relying on Apple devices, the designation serves as a useful external benchmark when evaluating IT providers.

It confirms that a provider has been assessed by Apple against structured technical and operational requirements, particularly in areas such as deployment, device management, identity, and security.

The recognition will not change how Dr Logic delivers its services. Existing contracts and service structures remain unchanged, with the status reflecting underlying capability rather than operational adjustments.

Apple’s partner programmes demand ongoing certification and alignment with evolving technologies. Maintaining this status depends on meeting those expectations over time.

Dr Logic has been involved in Apple’s partner network for a number of years, and this recognition represents progression within that framework.

Dr Logic is a London-based managed service provider specialising in Apple environments across the UK, typically supporting organisations with 70 to 200 employees using macOS, iOS, and integrated cloud platforms. The company provides IT support, security, and infrastructure services, as well as being a premiere news source for latest Apple and cybersecurity developments.

A Life Lived Without Limits: Rirish Patel Launches the World No 1 Autobiography

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World No 1 My Autobiography has arrived, presenting readers with an intimate and vivid first-person account of a life marked by global exploration, outstanding personal achievements, and a series of truly unforgettable experiences.

Authored by Rirish Patel, the book paints a rich and detailed portrait of Rirish’s life, placing a particular focus on an extraordinary catalogue of international travel, significant academic accomplishments, and the personal milestones that have left their mark along the way.

Spanning multiple countries and continents, World No 1 My Autobiography charts Patel’s presence at some of the world’s great events and captures a collection of one-of-a-kind life experiences, not least the remarkable experience of travelling on the legendary supersonic Concorde.

The autobiography carries readers through a life of genuine wonder and adventure, and by the time the final chapter is reached, it would not be surprising if many found themselves entirely convinced that the author’s claim to the title of world number one is thoroughly deserved.

The book is rich with extraordinary encounters, journeys to destinations across the globe, participation in landmark events, and honest personal reflections, coming together to tell a story driven by passion, achievement, courage, and a lifelong refusal to settle for anything less than greatness.

Along the way, readers are offered a thoughtful and revealing look at the decisions taken and the situations encountered that collectively shaped Rirish’s path through both personal life and professional endeavour.

The book is now available worldwide through major online and physical retailers, including Waterstones, Barnes & Noble, eBay,  and Amazon in print and e-book.  

Further information on the book and the author is available on the official website: www.worldno1.co.uk

Published by Maple Publishers, World No 1 My Autobiography has already begun capturing the imagination of readers worldwide as a riveting celebration of adventure, achievement, perseverance, and personal growth. A book trailer can be viewed on Maple Publishers’s official channel.  

From milestones that span continents and cultures to awe inspiring moments that leave a lasting impression, this memoir delivers insights that readers simply cannot put down.

Andrew & Andrew Solicitors Expands Services with Appointment of Head Of Family Law

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Andrew & Andrew Solicitors has appointed Shikha Datta as Head of its newly established Family Law Department, as part of the firm’s continued development and growth strategy.

Bringing more than two decades of experience, Shikha specialises in family law and advises clients on achieving positive outcomes in both financial matters and issues relating to children.

Her work covers complex financial settlements, including those involving trusts and international assets, alongside prenuptial agreements and jurisdictional disputes. She also has significant experience in children cases, including residence, contact arrangements and leave to remove applications.

Shikha is known for her thoughtful and cooperative approach, having worked with a broad spectrum of clients ranging from business owners and executives to creatives and academics, both in the UK and internationally.

Shikha said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Andrew & Andrew Solicitors. It is a firm where the culture genuinely reflects the values I bring to my practice: considered, client-focused, and committed to achieving the optimal outcome.

“The breakdown of a relationship can be an emotionally difficult and stressful time, with concerns regarding how finances will be divided, how the children of the family will be affected and how to navigate a new phase of life. I feel I am well-placed with my extensive experience to lead this new department and navigate the complexities of family law.”

The addition of family law services enhances the firm’s existing capabilities, allowing it to deliver more comprehensive legal support. With offices in Portsmouth, Emsworth and Wickham, the firm continues to serve clients across Hampshire and nearby areas.

Andrew Wisniewski, Director at Andrew & Andrew Solicitors said: “We are delighted to welcome Shikha as Head of our Family Law Department. Her extensive experience and client focused approach make her an exceptional addition to the practice.

“Shikha’s appointment marks a significant step in our continued growth as we expand our services to include family law.”

More information is available at a2solicitors.co.uk.

City Walk-in Clinic Redefines Private Blood Testing with Low Prices and Fast Service In London

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City Walk-in Clinic has launched a new suite of low-cost blood tests with quick turnaround times, offering some of the most competitive pricing in Central London. All charges are clearly outlined, with no hidden costs and no separate fees for blood collection.

CEO Alya Shakir commented: “We have provided 50,000 blood tests in the last 3 years with no GP referrals. Many entrants into the market are publishing prices that do not include the blood draw, meaning customers are leaving with bigger bills than they are expecting. Price transparency should be the cornerstone of every private healthcare clinic – patients are trusting us with their health and many are using private healthcare for the first time. It’s vital they leave with the bill they expect.”

The clinic’s offering includes a wide selection of tests starting from £39, covering lipid profiles, full blood counts and kidney and liver function assessments. Hormone testing is available from £45, and a comprehensive Silver blood profile is priced at £59.

Clinical director, Dr Enam Abood, commented: “Access to routine blood testing is getting harder and private providers are filling those gaps. There have been over 2 million new users of private healthcare since 2021 in UK. Unfortunately, some providers are not as transparent about price as they should be or sufficiently passionate about patient safety. It has been my passion, since launching these clinics back in 1998, to ensure access to excellent care for ordinary Londoners and visitors to our City.

I’m delighted that our no-referral blood test service, which include safety-netting of all results by our GPs, has given access to fast and easy blood testing in Central London to thousands of people. We’ve supported IVF journeys, medication monitoring, lifestyle improvements, biohacking and advanced health insights, and found hundreds of incidental findings of disease or levels that could lead to future disease. I believe that outside of lifestyle, routine blood testing is the key to longevity and good health.”

Same-day testing and results are available at three convenient locations in London, including Harley Street, the City of London and Victoria, covering both blood tests and sexual health services.

New All-in-One Daily Supplement Designed Exclusively for Endurance Runners Arrives in the UK

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Wallbreaker, a supplement powder created with the particular needs of endurance runners in mind, has now made its debut on the UK market, offering a single daily product built to cover the full range of nutritional demands that come with serious running training.

The formula was put together by UK-registered nutritionists and brings together a broad range of ingredients in one product: a complete amino acid profile to aid muscle recovery, magnesium glycinate to support healthy muscle function and combat tiredness and fatigue, a full B vitamin complex to assist with energy metabolism, vitamin C for immune support, and vitamin D3, which is especially relevant for runners in the UK given the limited sunlight available for much of the year. The formula also incorporates turmeric extract and black pepper for their bioavailability properties, alongside an electrolyte blend to assist with hydration.

Every ingredient is listed at the precise dosage included in the product. Wallbreaker is produced in the UK in line with GMP standards and is suitable for vegans, as well as being halal, kosher, gluten-free, and non-GMO certified.

The supplement is designed to be taken as a single daily scoop mixed with water, replacing the five or more individual supplements that a committed runner would typically need to achieve the same level of nutritional support.

The team behind Wallbreaker are runners themselves, with collective experience across marathons, ultras, and Ironman events. The concept grew out of their own frustrations with managing multiple separate products that were not tailored to the specific demands placed on the body during endurance training, and still feeling as though their nutritional needs were not fully being met.

“A lot of runners doing serious mileage are cobbling together products bought from different places and taken inconsistently,” said Daniel Tollié, Co-founder of Wallbreaker.

“It doesn’t give the body what it actually needs week after week. We wanted to make it simple: one daily product, built specifically for runners, that gives the body a proper nutritional foundation to train consistently and recover properly.”

The launch arrives at a time when running in the UK is experiencing considerable growth in popularity. A record-breaking number of more than 1.1 million people applied for entry to this year’s TCS London Marathon. More than six million adults run on a regular basis across the country, with run club membership expanding at a rate of nearly 60% annually. Parkrun has established itself as a fixture of weekly life for many, and first-time race entrants have increased by 13% year on year.

Studies carried out over time have consistently found that somewhere between 37 and 56% of recreational runners experience a running-related injury in any given year. A cross-sectional study published in 2025, which looked at runners across varying abilities and distances, found that 53% had sustained an injury in the preceding 12 months. A separate 12-month prospective study featured in Sports Medicine Open found that one in every two recreational runners was injured over the course of the tracking period. Despite running’s continued rise in popularity, these figures have shown little sign of improvement.

The founders of Wallbreaker suggest that a significant number of newer runners are taking on serious training for the first time and gradually increasing their weekly mileage without yet fully appreciating the corresponding nutritional demands that come with it.

In their view, the root cause of many of these injuries lies not in how much runners are training, but in what they are eating and supplementing. Research, they point out, consistently indicates that running does not cause long-term damage to healthy joints. The issue, as they see it, is the growing disparity between the demands being placed on the body as mileage builds and the nutritional support available to help it recover.

Each run draws on the body’s reserves of magnesium, a mineral essential for regulating muscle contraction and reducing fatigue. It also depletes the B vitamins and amino acids required to repair muscle tissue between training sessions, whilst simultaneously placing strain on the immune system. As weekly mileage increases, these demands intensify, yet for the majority of runners, nutritional habits remain unchanged. This tends to manifest in a familiar way: high training effort paired with slow adaptation, alongside mounting fatigue, persistent soreness, and minor injuries building up across a training block.

The founders also point to a broader problem within the supplement industry, which they feel has largely failed the running community. The market for sports nutrition is heavily weighted towards protein products aimed at building muscle mass and pre-workout supplements designed for gym use. The few products that do cater to runners tend to be electrolyte sachets, which support hydration but fall well short of covering the full nutritional requirements of someone training for a half marathon or marathon over an extended period.

“We were doing everything right on the road and still feeling like something was missing,” added Tollié. “Runners have been an afterthought in the supplement market for years. As mileage increases, the body’s nutritional demands increase with it but most runners never adjust what they take, and the market has never given them a straightforward way to do so. That is the gap we built Wallbreaker to fill.”

Without meaningful improvements in nutritional support available to runners, the evidence suggests that injury rates, which currently affect around half of all recreational runners, are unlikely to fall as participation in the sport continues to climb.

Wallbreaker is now available to purchase at getwallbreaker.com, with a 30-day supply priced at £55.00. Discounts are offered on multi-pouch orders, and free shipping is included on all UK purchases.

‘Show up and get refunded’ fitness initiative launched by ex-prisoner

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A new community-focused fitness initiative is launching on World Health Day, designed to address inactivity and health inequality through an innovative attendance-based model.

The Confidence Academy: Get Britain Moving CIC has been established by Rayhana Sultan and introduces a “commitment deposit” concept. Participants pay a small fee upfront to secure their place, which is refunded once they attend the session.

The programme is aimed at beginners, people returning to exercise, and those who struggle with consistency due to barriers such as anxiety, low confidence or busy lifestyles. It focuses on encouraging regular participation while keeping costs manageable.

Sultan, a finance manager within local government and a qualified fitness instructor currently studying towards a Level 3 Personal Training qualification, created the initiative following her own journey of rebuilding her life after a period in prison.

“After prison, rebuilding my life meant taking control of my health and creating structure and discipline,” she said.

“This initiative is about helping others do the same — giving people a reason to show up for themselves, and rewarding them when they do.”

The approach aims to make fitness more accessible by removing the financial pressures often associated with traditional memberships, while introducing accountability through the requirement to attend.

The launch comes at a time when inactivity remains a concern across the UK. According to Sport England, around 25% of adults in England are considered inactive, completing less than 30 minutes of physical activity each week. Lower levels of participation are particularly evident in more deprived areas.

The first sessions will include beginner Zumba classes held in London and Cambridgeshire, with further expansion planned based on demand and community engagement.

The project has received backing from Project ReMake, an organisation that supports individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system in building entrepreneurial careers.

“Rayhana has a passion to help people meet the challenge of inactivity and change their lives for the better in an innovative way”, said Andrew Arthur who is her business mentor at Project ReMake and director at Brite Energy.

“Ray’s genuine spirit and passion to combine her financial background and personal experiences to pursue social entrepreneurship is truly inspiring. She has true,unbreakable determination to create a positive social change by combatting one of the largest inequalities in Britain. I am so grateful to work with her, and I am excited to see TCA grow!” said Hayley Chan, legal student advisor in her second year of Law LLB at Queen Mary University of London.

“As a student advisor, it’s been a privilege to support Ray in developing The Confidence Academy. Her determination, resilience, and responsiveness to feedback make her an outstanding entrepreneur to work with”, said Mrithyunjai Sudarshan, one of her student advisors who is a final year student in Accounting & Finance at Queen Mary University of London.

Waiting lists are now open for the initial weekend sessions, with places offered based on availability.

London – https://form.jotform.com/260876092172360
Cambridge – https://form.jotform.com/260875769729378