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.
In an industry where a single weather event or policy move can disrupt supply chains, HSAT is bringing precision and foresight to sugar forecasting. Using its AI-driven CropGPT platform, the company is achieving up to 98% accuracy, enabling better decision-making across the value chain.
Covering the AYP stack—Area, Yield, and Production—HSAT’s models fuse satellite data, weather trends tailored to sugar crops, in-field observations, market pricing indicators, and government policy insights. Updated weekly, the models are cross-verified with input from over 2,000 global field contributors and a 40-year historical database.
With coverage across Brazil, India, Thailand, EU, Pakistan, and the U.S., CropGPT provides predictive insights for over 90% of global sugar production. The system distinguishes itself by mapping data directly to sugarcane and sugar beet fields—not just regional averages—making it uniquely capable of identifying real agronomic stress before it is reflected in the market.
“Clients don’t just get a forecast—they get a decade of back-testing to prove accuracy,” said Paul Brabant. “We show how rainfall in Maharashtra, plant disease in São Paulo, or a policy shift in Thailand will impact yields weeks ahead of competitors.”
The CropGPT platform also offers weekly global and country-level reports, allowing users to track political events, logistics issues, and environmental risks alongside field-level data. All outputs are available via dashboard, API, or automated alerts, tailored to the workflows of traders, procurement teams, and analysts.
For those monitoring the sugar markets, HSAT’s unique Market Forces system connects pricing, currency, weather, and political variables into a unified map of impact—showing how seemingly unrelated events influence global sugar supply.
About HSAT
HSAT is a London-based technology company specializing in agricultural intelligence for soft commodities. Its platforms—CropGPT and CropManager—deliver precision insights into yield forecasting, climate risk, and operational performance across global crop supply chains. With unrivalled accuracy, global reach, and rapid updates, HSAT equips clients with the intelligence they need to act ahead of the market.
BOSGAME has officially launched its powerful M5 AI Mini PC — expected to be a top pick in 2025 — delivering a compact yet high-performance option for developers, professionals, and content creators.
The much-anticipated M5 AI Mini PC from BOSGAME is now open for pre-order, as the leading tech retailer pushes forward its mission to redefine portable computing in 2025.
BOSGAME New M5 AI Mini PC – Best Mini PC for 2025 Titled the Best Mini PC for 2025, the M5 brings together next-gen AI processing power and an ultra-compact build. It’s crafted for creators, developers, and business users who require high-end performance without the bulk.
Versatile by design, the M5 AI Mini PC is well-suited for professionals with demanding tasks, as well as casual users seeking a streamlined and efficient desktop alternative.
Powered by AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor and radeon 8060S graphics
At the core of the M5 is the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor, currently the most powerful chip available in the mini PC market, delivering 16 cores and 32 threads of processing power, along with an integrated Radeon 8060S GPU based on AMD’s RDNA 3.5 architecture. With 40 compute units and 20 WGP, the graphics capabilities rival that of dedicated desktop GPUs like the RTX 4070.
High memory, storage, and AI for demanding workloads
Key specifications of the M5 include up to 128GB of LPDDR5X RAM running at 8533MHz, dual M.2 PCIe Gen 4 SSD slots supporting up to 2TB of high-speed storage, and a total of 126 TOPS of AI compute performance powered by a 50 TOPS XDNA 2 NPU.
The M5 also features integrated Radeon 8060S graphics for smooth 3D rendering and next-generation gameplay, and offers a full suite of connectivity options including USB4, USB 3.2 Gen2, USB 2.0, an SD 4.0 card reader, 2.5Gbps LAN, and WiFi 7.
BOSGAME’s M5 AI Mini PC beats RTX 4090 in select AI workloads
Thanks to its advanced architecture, the M5 can run Llama 3 models locally, outperforming even high-end GPUs in AI workflows.
In LM Studio, BOSGAME reports AI performance up to 2.2× faster than an RTX 4090, making it a powerful solution for edge AI development, machine learning, and large-scale content creation.
A spokesperson for BOSGAME said:
“The BOSGAME M5 is currently the most powerful mini AI PC, featuring an advanced AI processor and WiFi 7 technology. It’s an all-in-one desktop solution built for professionals who demand maximum performance without compromise.”
The company, originally a major motherboard producer in China, reported approximately $30 million USD in revenue last year and is projecting between $60 and $70 million USD in 2025, driven by the growing demand for high-performance mini-computers.
Amazon Prime Day sales on Best Mini PC’s for 2025
To coincide with Amazon Prime Day, BOSGAME is strategically expanding its market share. This launch underscores the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that integrate performance, portability, and artificial intelligence capabilities.
The company continues to invest in innovation, with over 300 R&D specialists contributing to the development of new technologies and system designs.
The M5 reflects BOSGAME’s broader mission to deliver accessible, high-performance computing to a global audience.
Pre-orders for the BOSGAME M5 are now open via the official website, with shipping scheduled to begin in early July.
About BOSGAME
Bosgame is an electronic product brand established in 2021. We have 300 R&D technicians and continue to export a number of innovative technologies for the microcomputer industry every year. “Leading Science and Technology, Creating Intelligent Life” is our theme.
We believe that everyone deserves a cost-effective, high-performance, level of appearance mini computer that you can use anytime, anywhere. At present, we have established our own official media accounts on Instagram, Youtube, Twitter and Facebook to further promote and increase our brand awareness.
Evlo, a well-established UK consumer lender, has been awarded “Best Marketing Campaign of the Year” at the 2025 Credit Awards in recognition of its powerful rebrand centred on financial inclusion. The campaign successfully repositioned the brand around ethical lending and long-term financial wellbeing for its customers.
Hosted by Credit Strategy, the Credit Awards are a key industry benchmark, recognising outstanding creativity and strategic excellence in UK financial services. Evlo’s win highlights the campaign’s role in transforming a near 20-year-old lender into a brand that resonates with today’s financially conscious consumer.
“This recognition means everything to our team because it validates that authentic, purpose-driven marketing resonates both with customers and industry peers,” said Sam Foster, Head of Marketing & Communications at Evlo. “Our rebrand wasn’t about changing who we are, it was about expressing our true mission more clearly: being a business that champions financial inclusion and helps people access responsible borrowing options when they need them most.”
The award-winning campaign centred on Evlo’s renewed mission to provide a personal, human approach to lending, moving beyond traditional credit assessment models to consider customers’ full financial pictures. This approach has proven particularly valuable for borrowers who may have been overlooked by mainstream lenders, including those with adverse credit histories, irregular income patterns, or limited credit files.
Rebranding an established financial services business presented unique challenges that the campaign successfully navigated. The strategy required careful balance between honouring the company’s heritage whilst articulating a clearer vision for its future role in the lending landscape. The campaign demonstrated how traditional lenders can evolve to meet changing customer expectations whilst maintaining the trust and reliability that established businesses are known for.
“Rebranding a business with nearly two decades of history isn’t without its risks,” Sam continued. “It requires courage, clarity, and above all, trust across teams and functions. But sometimes change is exactly what’s needed to bring your values and identity closer to the people who matter most: our customers and our people. This award belongs to everyone who helped shape that journey.”
The winning campaign encompassed multiple touchpoints, from digital marketing and customer communications to internal culture initiatives and stakeholder engagement. Central to its success was the integration of customer insights that revealed growing demand for more transparent, flexible, and inclusive lending options. The campaign’s messaging focused on Evlo’s commitment to treating each customer as an individual rather than just a credit score, emphasising responsible lending practices and long-term customer relationships.
Industry recognition comes at a time when the lending sector faces increasing scrutiny around responsible practices and financial inclusion. Evlo’s approach demonstrates how established lenders can differentiate themselves through authentic positioning that addresses real customer needs whilst maintaining commercial viability. The company’s focus on responsible borrowing and financial education has resonated with customers seeking alternatives to traditional high-street lending.
The Credit Awards judging panel, comprising senior industry figures and independent experts, evaluated campaigns across multiple criteria including strategic thinking, creative execution, measurable outcomes, and positive impact on customers and the broader market. Evlo’s campaign stood out for its comprehensive approach to brand transformation and its clear demonstration of results across customer acquisition, engagement, and satisfaction metrics.
“We’re incredibly proud to be recognised on one of the industry’s biggest stages,” added Sam. “This win celebrates not just creativity and customer insight, but the power of strategic change when it’s grounded in genuine purpose. It validates our belief that the financial services industry can and should do better in serving customers who have been underserved by traditional lending models.”
The award recognition positions Evlo as a thought leader in responsible lending and inclusive financial services. The company’s rebrand campaign has been noted for its authentic approach to communicating complex financial concepts whilst maintaining the trust and transparency that customers expect from established lenders. This balance between innovation and reliability has proven crucial in building stronger customer relationships and expanding market reach.
Looking ahead, Evlo plans to build on this recognition by continuing to develop products and services that support financial inclusion. The company remains committed to its mission of helping customers access responsible borrowing options whilst providing the education and support needed to build stronger financial futures.
Acclaimed small business coach Robin Waite has been selected as a finalist in the 2025 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, competing in the Maker & Creator Entrepreneur of the Year category.
Often referred to as “The Grammys of Entrepreneurship”, these awards shine a spotlight on the UK’s most inspiring business journeys. This year’s shortlist recognises over 800 entrepreneurs who have demonstrated innovation, perseverance, and a positive impact on their industries.
Winners will be honoured at an exclusive ceremony on Monday 17th November 2025, to be held at Grosvenor House in London, with more than 1,500 entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders expected to attend and celebrate success.
Robin founded Fearless Business with the aim of making running a small business as simple as possible. This is done through the company’s two signature business accelerators, providing accountability and first class business knowledge and experience.
Robin said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be named a finalist. It’s an incredible honour to be recognised alongside some of the UK’s most exciting and ambitious businesses. This recognition is a huge testament to the hard work of our team and our mission to help small business owners to earn more money while working fewer hours.”
This year’s Great British Entrepreneur Awards finalists employ over 25,000 people across the UK, expect to create more than 9,000 new jobs over the next year, generate a combined turnover of £2.25 billion and represent an average business age of six years.
Past winners include the founders of BrewDog, Grenade, ClearScore, Zilch, and Unbiased, many of whom were recognised early in their entrepreneurial journey by the awards.
Frankie James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, added: “We’re so proud to reveal this year’s shortlist, a truly remarkable group of founders who are changing lives and transforming industries. The quality of entries gets stronger every year, and it’s clear that the entrepreneurial spirit in the UK is more alive than ever.
“Many of our finalists go on to become household names, and we can’t wait to watch what this year’s cohort achieves next.”
For more information about Fearless Business, please visit www.robinwaite.com.
Esteemed London-based author Julia Zolotova hosted a thought-provoking literary evening on 2 July, transforming the Principal Tower sky-lounge into a reflective space for readers and creatives ahead of her upcoming UK book launch.
Part of her Stories & Surfaces salon series, the session titled “Evening with Julia Zolotova: From Concept to Publication” offered guests a rare opportunity to engage with the author’s evolving universe. Zolotova read paired extracts from her novels Eastern Empire, a layered narrative blending art and tech, and Omnichannel Hearts, a tale rooted in the digital intimacy of modern romance.
Attendees discussed themes such as writing in multiple languages, integrating AR maps into fiction, and the emotional weight of messages marked “seen-at-09:17.” Towering between East London’s gritty art quarters and the glass giants of the financial district, the venue proved a fitting metaphor for her narrative range.
Recent media reaction framed the debate. A four‑page feature in Glamour Bulgaria praised Eastern Empire as “layered and unflinching,” while UK portal Arts & Culture offered “a measured critique of the novel’s ambitious ideas about transparency.”
“Opposite readings mean the book is alive,” Zolotova told the audience. “A story should change shape in every new lens.”
Zolotova’s newest satire, The Influencer’s Canvas, has just landed on the virtual shelves of Britain’s two flagship booksellers — Waterstones and Hatchards. The dual listing marks the author’s first nationwide bricks‑and‑mortar availability.
UK paperback editions of Eastern Empire and Omnichannel Hearts publish October–November 2025, each with a reader’s guide and Shoreditch‑to‑Shanghai AR city‑maps.
Zolotova’s accolades include the Creativitys UK Award (2024) and the Stein Arts Award (2025) for innovative narrative craft.
A virtual Q&A for editors and booksellers is set for 4 July, 11:00 BST; registration available on request.
“Principal Tower let us test big ideas against a 360‑degree view of London,” Zolotova said. “Stories need altitude — and argument.”
Secondary glazing is becoming an increasingly popular solution for homeowners across the UK who want to enjoy warmer, quieter living spaces—without having to replace their original windows, new research suggests.
This approach involves fitting a slim, internal pane alongside existing window frames. It offers a noticeable improvement in insulation and soundproofing—making it especially valuable for period homes and listed buildings where double glazing isn’t permitted.
“In the last couple of years, interest in secondary glazing has really taken off,” says Colin, founder of Colin’s Sash Windows, a company that supplies both secondary glazing and traditional timber sash windows nationwide.
“It’s discreet, it’s effective, and it’s often half the cost of full window replacements.”
According to industry sources (GGF / British Glass, 2023), around 80 million windows in the UK fail to meet current energy efficiency standards. One in ten properties still has single glazing, which can lead to up to 20% of household heat being lost through the glass (Energy Saving Trust).
In addition to retaining heat, secondary glazing can dramatically reduce noise—by as much as 80%, according to Colin’s Sash Windows. This has made it a popular choice for properties near busy roads, railway lines or airports, with some installations backed by local authority or airport grant schemes.
An estimated 3 million UK homes still rely on single-glazed windows, particularly in older or character buildings.
For landlords, the benefits are both practical and financial. “We often hear from landlords who are losing tenants because flats are too cold or too noisy,” Colin said. “Secondary glazing is a cost-effective way to fix both problems, protect rental income, and improve the property’s EPC rating.”
With stricter energy regulations looming for rental properties, enhancing window insulation is fast becoming a priority. Secondary glazing offers an affordable way to increase EPC scores without major renovation work.
In London, demand is particularly high in conservation areas, where traditional window aesthetics must be preserved. Meanwhile, historic cities such as Bath, York and Edinburgh are seeing a steady increase in installations as owners seek practical, planning-friendly upgrades.
“Secondary glazing used to be niche, but now it’s becoming mainstream. People want warmer, quieter homes and this is a smart, affordable way to get there,” Colin added.
101 Great Goals has formed a strategic partnership with Blaugranagram, bringing together two leading football media platforms in a collaboration designed to offer fans deeper coverage and better access to the game they love.
This new alliance will focus on enhancing content delivery through shared editorial projects, cross-promotion, and greater visibility across digital platforms. The shared objective is to deliver more meaningful football storytelling, smarter insights, and broader reach to audiences worldwide.
Omar Hawwash, CEO of Blaugranagram, expressed his strong support for the initiative:
“We at Blaugranagram are extremely excited by the prospect of working together with 101 Great Goals to bring football fans closer to the clubs and sport they love. We want to thank them for their trust in us, and want to emphasise that it is absolutely reciprocated, as we look to grow our two platforms together.”
Founded in 2006, 101 Great Goals is one of the longest-standing football media outlets on the web, known for offering up-to-the-minute football news, betting insights, and previews covering the Premier League, La Liga, Champions League, and more.
Blaugranagram is an award-winning independent media brand with a particular focus on FC Barcelona and European football. With a growing international reputation for accuracy and quality, the outlet is widely trusted by fans for its consistent reporting and in-depth analysis.
The collaboration is a natural alignment between two platforms that share a fan-first approach and a commitment to editorial excellence.
A spokesperson for 101 Great Goals commented:
“This is an exciting step for us. Partnering with Blaugranagram is a step towards elevating the quality of our content and a sign of exciting developments ahead.”
The partnership is part of 101 Great Goals’ wider strategy to expand its digital ecosystem and explore further collaborations with emerging and established voices in football content creation.
In the early stages, the collaboration will focus on joint editorial efforts, mutual amplification, and shared visibility on platforms such as Spotify and social media—areas where both outlets aim to scale their audience engagement and global footprint.
With a combined focus on storytelling and innovation, the partnership is set to offer fans richer, more dynamic football content—delivered across multiple formats and accessible wherever they consume the game.
About 101GreatGoals.com
101GreatGoals provides all the latest football news or betting previews, betting tips, and match previews. The site is updated daily with expert analysis, lineup predictions, and streaming details for matches across Europe and beyond.
About Blaugranagram
Blaugranagram is a multi award-winning independent news outlet covering FC Barcelona and European football. It provides trusted reporting, analysis, and opinions to a global audience via its official website and active social media channels.
Digital publisher SheerLuxe has taken centre stage at two of the UK’s most prestigious media awards, winning ‘Best Online Brand’ at the AOP Awards and ‘Digital Brand of the Year’ at the PPAs. In addition, editor-in-chief Charlotte Collins secured the AOP’s ‘Editor of the Year’ title, highlighting her leadership and editorial innovation.
SheerLuxe, which began in 2007 as an online directory launched by Georgie Coleridge Cole, has become a top-tier lifestyle destination for fashion-forward and digitally engaged audiences. These recent wins validate the brand’s evolution into a standout player in the digital publishing space.
With a growing reputation for audience-centric content, SheerLuxe has grown its digital footprint to 5.5 million users by 2024—an extraordinary 266% increase in just two years. By prioritising direct audience relationships and data-driven insights, the platform continues to outperform more traditional competitors.
Its multi-channel publishing model has played a critical role in this rise. Newsletter engagement has been especially strong, with 560,000 subscribers, a 62% open rate, and a 9% click-to-open rate. Around nine in ten subscribers engage with the platform at least three times weekly.
Social content remains a growth driver. SheerLuxe’s behind-the-scenes videos have reached 3.4 million views with 192,000 likes, and TikTok followers have jumped by over 2,700% since mid-2022. Instagram, too, saw impressive momentum, growing by 149% this year.
At the core of SheerLuxe’s success is its talented team and people-first approach. Editorially, the brand delivers sharp, stylish and relevant content across multiple formats and platforms. This ethos is exemplified in Charlotte Collins’ editorial leadership, which earned her this year’s AOP ‘Editor of the Year’.
Charlotte’s direction has not only elevated SheerLuxe’s editorial standards, but has also shaped the brand’s broader commercial strategy—developing partnerships, growing reach, and innovating across new channels. Her style is anchored in insight-led content that resonates deeply with a modern, digital-first audience.
With a bold editorial vision, growing revenue diversification, and strong brand loyalty, SheerLuxe is not just adapting to digital publishing—it’s defining where it’s headed.
Georgie Coleridge Cole, founder and CEO, commented: “Eighteen years since we launched, it’s incredibly rewarding to win ‘Best Online Brand’ at the AOP and ‘Digital Brand Of The Year’ at the PPAs. Our team works tirelessly to grow our network and achieve commercial success while consistently delivering best-in-class online content. This award is a huge testament to the brand we’ve become.”
Charlotte Collins, editor-in-chief, added: “I’m thrilled to have been selected as AOP’s ‘Editor of the Year’. Spending every day working with the hardest-working team is the most rewarding part of the role, and I’m thrilled that our dedication to creating exciting, engaging digital content has been recognised.”
A Manchester entrepreneur has been cleared of a serious computer hacking charge after a private prosecution brought by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Craig Cornick, who runs several businesses in the legal and financial sectors, was accused of historic misconduct alleged to have occurred between 2014 and 2017 in connection with a former company.
The case involved accusations of unauthorised access to computer systems in order to acquire customer contact data without their knowledge.
Following several procedural delays, the trial concluded at Bolton Crown Court this week. A unanimous verdict was delivered by the jury, finding Mr Cornick not guilty of one count of conspiracy to access computer systems without permission.
After the proceedings ended, Mr Cornick commented:
“I am relieved to have been cleared of some serious and damaging accusations. The claims of computer hacking were shown to be completely unfounded, with no evidence of criminal intent or harm.
“While I acknowledge the challenging and important role the Information Commissioner’s Office plays in protecting citizens’ personal data, I reject any notion of wrongdoing.”
At the time of the alleged offences, the exchange of consumer data was a prevalent practice among businesses. Regulatory frameworks have since evolved, underscoring the critical importance of ethical data sourcing today.
Mr Cornick stated that he had shown full willingness to engage with the ICO and assist in their investigation process from the outset.
Despite this, the ICO opted not to conduct a formal interview with him during the case.
“I was never subject to any searches of my personal or business properties, I was never interviewed, and my companies have never failed an audit,” he continued. “They are built on professionalism and trust and this result changes none of that.”
Although he was acquitted of the most serious allegation, a secondary charge of unlawfully obtaining personal data resulted in a majority guilty verdict from the remaining ten jurors. The charge carries only a financial penalty as its maximum sentence.
Mr Cornick’s legal team has already confirmed plans to lodge an appeal against the secondary verdict.
“I have managed all my business ventures both past and present with integrity, and this was made clear throughout the case. I plan to clear my name and protect the reputation of my companies and hard-working staff.
“Our technology has assisted in the processing of millions of claims over the years across multiple businesses and we have always complied with every rule and regulation. This outcome does not reflect how we operate nor who we are.
“My businesses never work with third-party data because the origin of that data cannot be assured.
“We are proud of our record and will continue building ethical, compliant businesses that deliver measurable success.”
His businesses continue to partner with international law firms and insurers, with no known sanctions or compliance violations. They have successfully passed regulatory reviews year after year.
Laura Smith, Head of Corporate and Financial Crime at Cartwright King Solicitors, commented:
“We welcome the not guilty verdict for computer hacking which clears Mr Cornick of serious wrongdoing.
“This was a private prosecution brought by the ICO, relating to offences said to have taken place a significant number of years ago. No evidence was produced throughout the prosecution case that showed Mr Cornick, or the company received or processed stolen data.
“He maintains a strong standing within the business, legal and technology communities and will continue to carry on as normal as we work to fully clear his name.”
Mr Cornick’s legal team continues to pursue the appeal process while he remains focused on his companies and team.
UK-based cybersecurity leader FoxTech has been named Best Cybersecurity Provider at the 2025 Systems in the City Financial Technology Awards, a prestigious industry event hosted by Goodacre UK. The award celebrates top-tier innovation and service delivery within the financial technology space.
FoxTech’s win affirms its rising profile among Britain’s foremost fintech providers, reflecting the company’s commitment to delivering secure, user-centred cybersecurity solutions tailored to complex digital environments.
Although the award celebrates technical achievement, FoxTech maintains that its core strength lies in the people behind the technology.
“The cybersecurity space is full of impressive tools,” said Iain Gibbons, CEO at FoxTech. “But real protection comes from the people who know how to use them. Those who can interpret data, spot threats early and take action. That’s where we stand out, and it’s amazing that this has been recognised.”
FoxTech’s multidisciplinary team merges cutting-edge cybersecurity expertise with business-oriented insight, enabling organisations to respond quickly and confidently to potential threats through clear, accessible support.
The award marks a proud milestone—but one that signals a broader ambition.
“We’re honoured to be acknowledged alongside some of the most innovative firms in the UK,” said Gibbons. “It’s a reflection of the care, effort and dedication our team brings every day. We’re more committed than ever to building cybersecurity solutions that are effective, easy to understand and built around people.”
The Systems in the City Awards are an annual benchmark for excellence in financial technology, spotlighting providers who demonstrate measurable impact, client value, and progressive thinking.
FoxTech extended its thanks to the event organisers, clients, and all those who supported its nomination and joined in the celebration.
Further details about the award and FoxTech’s approach to cybersecurity can be found in the full blog post here.
