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Samuel Kim Says Determination, Not Prestige, Powered Md. Hadi Al-Amin’s Research Success

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Md. Hadi Al-Amin, a 21-year-old diploma graduate from Bangladesh, has quickly established himself in academic research after joining EIMATEL in Spain. In only six months, he earned authorship on an international publication in a scientific journal with an impact factor exceeding 6, marking an exceptional early milestone.

Hadi’s road to research success was far from straightforward.

He was only 13 when he lost his father to cancer, forcing him to face responsibilities well beyond his years. The loss disrupted his education and made everyday life considerably more difficult.

Despite these hardships, he remained driven by a desire to learn.

To support his family, Hadi accepted several small, repetitive jobs. Although grateful for the income, he knew he wanted more than routine work. He wanted to create, automate systems, analyse data, and solve difficult problems.

While studying mechatronics at Magura Polytechnic Institute, he developed a strong interest in programming, automation, and intelligent systems. At 17, he secured his first job as a programmer at an e-commerce company. He later worked remotely as data analyst for a US-based company while continuing his studies.

After nearly two years, Hadi made a difficult decision: he left the security of his remote job to pursue research.

That choice led him to EIMATEL, where he joined as a young diploma graduate on probation. Within six months, he became the author of his first international publication, “Evolution of Strategies in Iterated Games: A Deep Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning Approach with Hybrid Genetic and CMA-ES Optimization,” published in Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence in June 2026. 

The achievement followed months of late-night coding, failed experiments, repeated simulations, debugging, and self-learning beyond his formal curriculum .

“What Hadi achieved during his first six months at EIMATEL was honestly difficult to imagine. He entered the institute as a young diploma graduate on probation, yet within that short period, he contributed to his first international publication in a journal with an impact factor of 6.7. For someone of his age and academic background, this was an extraordinary accomplishment.”

“What makes his achievement even more meaningful is the journey behind it. Hadi did not come from privilege, a famous university, or a smooth academic path. He built his progress through long nights of coding, failed experiments, constant self-learning, and the courage to continue when giving up would have been much easier. His story shows that genuine research ability is defined by curiosity, resilience, discipline, and the willingness to keep learning.” 

— Samuel Kim 
Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Computer Science, Stanford University EIMATEL Board Member 

Hadi’s story is about refusing to let a difficult beginning decide the ending. Through curiosity, courage, and persistence, he turned hardship into purpose and proved that where someone starts does not determine how far they can go. 

New Release from Lynn Marie Gray Explores Hope and Healing Through The Magical Healing Wood

A new book from the mental health professional uses storytelling and creativity to help readers of every age better understand the experience of grief.

MILTON KEYNES, UK, July 30, 2026. Lynn Marie Gray has announced the upcoming publication of her newest book, The Magical Healing Wood, arriving on 7 August 2026. Blending imagination with emotional insight, the story has been created to support readers as they navigate grief while discovering comfort, resilience and renewed hope.

Designed for children, teenagers and adults, the book acknowledges that everyone experiences grief differently. Its imaginative storyline provides a welcoming space where readers can examine their emotions, build understanding and appreciate the healing potential of creativity.

Rather than suggesting there is only one way to process loss, the book invites readers to discover their own emotional journey through its magical setting. The open and thoughtful narrative creates a personal reading experience that can bring reassurance during challenging times.

Lynn Marie Gray said: “I wanted to create a story that encourages compassion, understanding and emotional resilience. If this book helps even one person feel less alone in their grief, it has achieved its purpose.”

Growing recognition of mental health and emotional wellbeing has highlighted the importance of resources that encourage honest discussions about grief. Lynn’s new publication supports this movement by offering an accessible story inspired by professional knowledge and creative expression.

The narrative reminds readers that grief includes not only sadness but also resilience, healing and the chance to move forward with hope. Its imaginative themes encourage reflection and creativity while supporting readers as they find their own path towards acceptance.

The Magical Healing Wood is intended for individuals experiencing bereavement as well as parents, carers, educators and anyone looking for a compassionate resource to support others. Its inclusive themes and accessible writing make it suitable for readers across many ages and backgrounds.

As public conversations about mental health continue to expand, The Magical Healing Wood demonstrates how storytelling can become a valuable source of comfort. Its uplifting message encourages readers to reflect on their experiences while embracing hope beyond loss.

The release is published by UK-based Maple Publishers, with cover design and interior layout by White Magic Studios.

The book will be available to purchase from AmazonBarnes & Noble and Waterstones.

Andrew Bustin to Release Eight Men Rowing, A Warm and Humorous Look Back at Boarding School Days

MILTON KEYNES, UK. August 3, 2026 – British author Andrew Bustin will publish his first book, Eight Men Rowing, on 11 September 2026. Combining humour, nostalgia and sporting memories, the novel takes readers back to life at a boys’ boarding school in Britain during the 1960s and early 1970s, capturing the friendships and experiences that shaped a generation.

Mixing sporting adventure with personal reflection and entertaining storytelling, the book presents an engaging perspective on school life from the viewpoint of a young pupil growing up in a very different time.

Set at the fictional St. Steven’s boarding school, Eight Men Rowing follows a close group of aspiring rowers as they experience the highs and lows of competitive sport while building lasting friendships, facing rivalries and creating memories that stay with them into adulthood.

Rowing and rugby provide much of the action, while the traditions of boarding school life create the backdrop for stories filled with determination, youthful humour and the occasional confrontation with members of staff.

Rather than writing a traditional autobiography, Andrew has created a collection of stories inspired by real experiences. Each chapter represents a different school year, beginning with his arrival as an 11-year-old pupil and ending when he leaves at 18.

Readers are encouraged to decide for themselves which events are fact and which have been enhanced by fiction, creating an enjoyable blend of truth and imagination.

The book is divided into two parts. The first section, WON, focuses on teamwork, sporting success and the commitment required to excel in rowing.

The second section, TOO, turns its attention to everyday boarding school life, exploring classroom pranks, disagreements with teachers and disciplinary methods that reflected the attitudes of the era.

Andrew also introduces a unique interactive feature by including a number of deliberate inaccuracies throughout the book. These details encourage readers to question what they read, research the facts and engage with the story in a different way.

Combining sporting nostalgia, coming-of-age storytelling and gentle humour, Eight Men Rowing will appeal to readers who enjoy memoir-inspired fiction, classic boarding school tales and stories celebrating lifelong friendship.

Reflecting on his inspiration, Andrew Bustin said, “Eight Men Rowing is my tribute to the friendships, challenges and unforgettable moments of boarding school life. I wanted to capture not only the excitement of sport and the mischief of school days, but also the experiences that shape us long after we leave. I hope readers will enjoy the journey, smile at the stories, and perhaps reflect on their own memories along the way.”

Born in Sussex in 1953, Andrew Bustin fulfilled a lifelong ambition of becoming an author after retiring from a successful career in local government, entertainment and catering. His interest in writing began during his school years and eventually led to the completion of his debut book.

Although English was never his strongest subject at school, Andrew’s determination to challenge expectations became part of the motivation behind his writing journey.

Completed over a period of more than three years, Eight Men Rowing reflects decades of life experience and creativity. Supported by his wife throughout the process, Andrew has produced a debut that aims to entertain readers while encouraging them to interact with the story in unexpected ways.

Scheduled for release on 11 September 2026, Eight Men Rowing marks the beginning of Andrew Bustin’s literary journey. It will be available to purchase from major retailers, including AmazonBarnes& NobleKoboWalmart in Hardcover and Paperback.

The release is published by UK-based Maple Publishers, a company known for supporting imaginative and engaging works in literature, with book cover design, and book layout by White Magic Studios.

British author says UN’s AI warning for children signals a new chapter for parents

LOUTH, UK, August 4, 2026 – A recent warning from the United Nations Secretary-General that children should never become “guinea pigs for unregulated AI” has brought fresh urgency to the debate over artificial intelligence and young people, according to British author Simon H King. He believes the remarks mark a significant shift, placing the impact of AI on childhood firmly on the global agenda while highlighting the important role parents have to play.

For much of the discussion surrounding artificial intelligence, attention has focused on its impact on jobs, productivity, regulation and the technology’s future capabilities. Simon believes the conversation is now evolving to include the way AI could influence children’s everyday lives and development.

His latest book, What if the Next Voice They Trust Isn’t Yours?, explores what could happen when children begin relying on artificial intelligence not just for information or homework support, but also for guidance, comfort and companionship.

“The UN’s intervention is an inflection point,” Simon said. “It confirmed that protecting children in the age of AI is no longer a concern for some distant future. It is something governments, technology companies, schools and parents need to think about now.

“But safety is only part of the question. We also need to ask what place AI may come to occupy in a child’s life, and what happens when a machine that is always available becomes one of the voices they trust most.”

Simon says the book is not an argument against children using artificial intelligence. Instead, he believes young people will need the skills to understand AI, challenge its outputs and use it responsibly as it becomes an increasingly common part of everyday life.

He also stresses that parents do not need to become technology specialists overnight.

“I am a parent writing to other parents,” he said. “Most of us are already juggling work, family life and everything else that comes with raising children. We won’t know everything about AI, and our children may understand the technology more quickly than we do.

“What we can do is remain curious. We can sit alongside them, ask where an answer came from and help them understand that something sounding confident does not automatically make it true, wise or right for them.”

The book examines how AI could shape children’s curiosity, creativity, emotional wellbeing, exposure to misinformation, critical thinking and their developing sense of identity.

It also considers a challenge many families are likely to recognise. While AI can simplify daily life and provide instant support, Simon argues that convenience should never come at the expense of genuine human connection.

“Unlike us parents, AI doesn’t get tired or say, ‘Can we talk about this later?'” Simon said. “It can respond immediately and appear endlessly patient. That can be enormously useful, but it may also make it a persuasive presence in a child’s life.

“We can’t compete with a machine by trying to be faster. What parents can offer is a real relationship, lived experience and love. Our children don’t need us to be perfect. They need us to remain present and part of the conversation.”

The book’s foreword is written by Dr Laura Bishop, a psychologist specialising in human technology interaction and the mother of three teenage children.

Dr Bishop describes the book as arriving “at exactly the right time” and says today’s parents “have no choice but to become pioneers”. She argues that AI should support family values rather than replace them.

Simon believes that role should be shared rather than carried by individual families alone.

“We are all learning,” he said. “That’s why parents need to talk to one another and why this conversation cannot belong solely to scientists, engineers or policymakers. There is an important conversation to be had around the kitchen table too.”

What if the Next Voice They Trust Isn’t Yours? is available in paperback, hardback and ebook formats.

More information about the book and Simon’s work can be found at simonhking.co.uk. The book is available to purchase from Amazon UK.

Free visitor levy calculator launched to help Edinburgh accommodation providers prepare for Fringe season

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EDINBURGH, UK, August 3, 2026 – As Edinburgh gears up for its busiest tourism period of the year, a newly launched free online tool is helping accommodation providers navigate the city’s Visitor Levy. Designed for hosts, hotels and letting agents, the platform makes it easier to calculate, track and report the new charge accurately before visitor numbers and room rates peak during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Introduced on 24 July 2026, Edinburgh’s Visitor Levy applies a 5% charge to overnight accommodation. Although the rate is simple, the rules behind it are more complex. Operators must account for a five-night limit on chargeable stays, different VAT treatment depending on whether a business is VAT registered, and an exemption for bookings made before 1 October 2025. With accommodation prices during the Fringe often increasing by three to five times compared with the rest of the year, even small calculation mistakes can become costly.

Visitor Levy App was created by an Edinburgh short-term let host who experienced first-hand how difficult it was to calculate the levy manually. The platform allows users to import bookings directly from Airbnb, Booking.com, a property management system, or enter them manually, before producing a council-ready quarterly return with every calculation clearly explained.

The software is free for hosts managing a single property, while paid plans are available for hotels, hostels and letting agents responsible for multiple properties. All booking information is processed locally within the user’s browser and is never stored on the company’s servers.

“I built this because I needed it myself, not because I thought there was a gap in the market,” said Steven Stewart, founder of Visitor Levy App.

“The rules are genuinely fair once you understand them, but getting the maths right by hand, especially during a month like August when nightly rates and levy amounts both spike, is exactly the kind of thing that’s easy to get quietly wrong.”

Alongside the reporting tool, the website offers a free public levy calculator and a collection of straightforward guides explaining how the Visitor Levy works. The resources are intended to help any Edinburgh accommodation provider verify their calculations, regardless of whether they use the full software platform.

Visitor Levy App is available now at visitorlevyapp.com

ENDS

Nexa Law reaches finals of UK’s leading business awards with Business Enabler of the Year nomination

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Oswestry business shortlisted for The Business Enabler of the Year award at the UK’s flagship business awards

Oswestry, UK, August 3, 2026Nexa Law, the New Model law firm headquartered in Oswestry, Shropshire, has secured a place on the shortlist for the Business Enabler of the Year category at the prestigious Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards 2026. The recognition highlights the firm’s innovative approach to supporting legal professionals and places it among the UK’s most outstanding businesses competing for honours this year.

Nexa Law is one of almost 200 organisations shortlisted across 20 award categories in the UK’s flagship business awards programme. The awards are headlined by Lloyds Bank, with ITV serving as media partner and support provided by the UK government.

Eliot Hibbert, Founder and CEO of Nexa Law, said: “Being named a finalist in the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards is a huge moment for Nexa. This recognition belongs to every one of our HQ team, who enable lawyers to leave traditional practice and take control of their careers as a consultant lawyer, and all of our consultants, delivering class leading legal support for their clients.”

Amanda Murphy, CEO of Lloyds Business and Commercial Banking, said: “Behind every successful business is a story of ambition, determination and innovation. Inspiring entrepreneurs backing themselves to succeed. That’s exactly what the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards celebrates. Nexa is bringing new ideas, investing in its community and helping drive growth in the UK. They represent the very best of British enterprise and we’re incredibly proud to back them.”

Since launching in 2017, Nexa Law has redefined the delivery of legal services through its consultant-led model. The firm gives experienced lawyers the freedom to run their own practices while providing the backing of a fully regulated law firm, including compliance, technology, operational infrastructure and ongoing business support.

That approach has driven significant growth over the past nine years. Nexa Law now works with a nationwide network of more than 190 lawyers across a broad range of practice areas. The firm’s continued expansion has also earned it a place in The Lawyer Top 200, underlining the strength and scalability of its business model.

The winners of the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards 2026 will be revealed during a gala ceremony at Grosvenor House in London on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, attended by around 1,200 business leaders. As part of the awards tradition, winners are invited to ring the opening bell at the London Stock Exchange before being recognised at the programme’s annual reception at the House of Commons.

Nigerian SMEs Show Strong Optimism as Digital Payments Fuel Future Growth, Mastercard Research Reveals

Small and medium-sized enterprises across Nigeria are preparing for a positive year ahead, driven by confidence in their growth prospects and an increasing reliance on digital tools. New research from Mastercard shows that entrepreneurs are optimistic about expanding their businesses, with digital payments emerging as a key factor supporting that ambition.

The latest Mastercard SME Confidence Index found that 81% of Nigerian SMEs are confident about the next 12 months, while 68% expect their revenues to increase. The study measures business sentiment, priorities and growth expectations among SMEs across Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The shift towards digital commerce continues to gather pace. Mobile payments are the most widely adopted payment method among Nigerian SMEs at 67%, followed by card payments at 45% and online payments at 42%. More than half of businesses (57%) now combine physical stores with online sales channels. Although cash and bank transfers remain common, the findings indicate significant opportunities to expand digital payment acceptance.

“Nigeria is home to one of the most entrepreneurial and fast-moving SME communities anywhere in the world, and the ambition on display in this research is remarkable. When every business surveyed agrees that digital payments matter to their growth, it highlights the opportunity to accelerate SME development through digital innovation. Our focus is to meet that ambition with the right tools, finance and partnerships so these businesses can scale with confidence,” said Gabriel Swanepoel, division president, Africa, Mastercard.

Access to finance remains an important priority, with 34% of SMEs reporting that they sought external funding over the past year to support their business goals.

“Nigerian businesses have never been short on ambition, and what stands out now is how clearly they know what they need to grow. They are investing in their people, embracing digital payments and seeking the capital to expand. At Mastercard, we are committed to working with our partners to put accessible, secure financial tools within reach of every entrepreneur, so they can turn that ambition into lasting success,” said Folasade Femi-Lawal, country manager, West Africa, Mastercard.

The report suggests that this confidence is rooted in recent business success. More than half of SMEs (56%) recorded revenue growth over the past year, with improved government support (17%) and stronger infrastructure (16%) contributing to their performance. Even as inflation, financing challenges and broader financial pressures persist, optimism remains high, with four in five businesses confident about the future.

Business owners are also investing in areas they believe will strengthen long-term performance. Training employees (79%), digitising business operations (78%) and offering digital payment options across multiple channels (73%) rank among the top priorities. Enhanced physical and cyber security (60%), together with access to mentoring and business advisory services (52%), are also seen as essential to building resilient businesses.

Funding demand continues to rise, with 69% of SMEs looking for credit to expand. Additionally, 63% currently use personal cards for business spending because they offer quick and convenient access, highlighting the opportunity for commercial payment and lending solutions designed specifically for SMEs.

Mastercard continues to strengthen Nigeria’s SME ecosystem through financial technology, strategic partnerships and digital payment innovations.

Solutions such as Tap on Phone, QR Pay-by-Link and SME-in-a-Box allow merchants to accept secure digital payments using smartphones, removing the need for dedicated payment terminals. Mastercard Move also supports businesses engaged in international trade by enabling near real-time cross-border remittances.

The company further supports innovation through Start Path and Product Express, programmes that help fintech companies rapidly develop and introduce products including virtual cards and open banking capabilities.

As digital commerce expands, Mastercard continues to prioritise security through technologies such as tokenization and by providing free cybersecurity resources for SMEs through the Mastercard Trust Center.

The Mastercard SME Confidence Index highlights a community of entrepreneurs eager to expand, and Mastercard remains committed to deploying scalable solutions and capability-building initiatives that foster a more inclusive and dynamic digital economy.

Clive H Almey Announces Debut Fantasy Novel Chronicles of Antoria: LOST SOULS – A Tale of Tragedy and the Cost of Freedom 

MILTON KEYNES, UK. July 31st, 2026 – Former Royal Air Force serviceman Clive H Almey is set to publish his debut fantasy novel, Chronicles of Antoria: LOST SOULS – A Tale of Tragedy and the Cost of Freedom, on 28 August 2026.

The release marks the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition and introduces readers to an epic fantasy world where courage, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of freedom are tested by the devastation of war.

Drawing on decades of life experience, resilience, and imagination, Clive has crafted the opening instalment of the Chronicles of Antoria series. Combining sweeping world-building with emotionally driven storytelling, the novel explores the human cost of conflict while celebrating hope, loyalty, and perseverance. With additional sequels already in development, the book lays the foundation for an ambitious fantasy saga.

The book begins with war once again descending upon Antoria. As the ruthless Agamids sweep across the land, kingdoms fall, alliances crumble, and entire populations are forced into slavery or driven into hiding. 

From burning ports to hidden jungle sanctuaries, survival depends on courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering determination to remain free.

Amid the chaos, old allies reunite, unlikely heroes emerge and long-forgotten rivalries resurface. Readers are taken on a perilous journey from Port Harl and onto the occupied lands of Zand, where every decision carries consequences, and every triumph comes at a cost.

Blending adventure, tragedy and richly imagined fantasy, Chronicles of Antoria: LOST SOULS – A Tale of Tragedy and the Cost of Freedom explores the true price of liberty through compelling characters and high-stakes storytelling. 

Reflecting on the inspiration behind his debut novel, Clive H Almey said, “Writing Chronicles of Antoria: LOST SOULS – A Tale of Tragedy and the Cost of Freedom has been a deeply personal journey. Although set in a fictional world, the story explores very real themes of loss, resilience, hope and the sacrifices people make to protect those they love. I hope readers will become immersed in Antoria, connect with its characters, and be reminded that even in the darkest of times, courage and the desire for freedom can endure.”

Born on 18 May 1955 in Cardiff, Clive H Almey grew up in Llanrumney as the only child of Edith Joyce and Fred Alan Almey. Raised in a warm and compassionate home that regularly welcomed foster children, he credits his parents with shaping the values that would later influence both his life and his writing.

Inspired by his father’s military service, Clive joined the Royal Air Force in 1972, embarking on a varied career that included supporting helicopter operations from Ascension Island during the Falklands conflict. His father’s service during the Korean War further strengthened a family tradition of commitment and resilience.

In 1982, Clive married Susan, and together, they spent 40 years raising their two sons, Gareth and Gregory. Susan’s compassion as a nurse inspired one of the novel’s most significant characters, making her influence an enduring part of the story.

Following the loss of his wife to cancer in 2022 and the deaths of both his parents within the same year, Clive turned to writing as a way to channel his grief and honour their memory. Determined to realise a dream he had long postponed, he began creating the world of Antoria, even building a detailed wooden model ship that would become the Arn, a central element of the story. 

He started writing the novel in January 2024 and completed the first draft in May 2025. Since then, he has focused on preparing the book for publication while writing the next two instalments in the Chronicles of Antoria series.

Now aged 71, Clive H Almey makes his literary debut with a novel born from a lifetime of experience, imagination, and perseverance. Through Chronicles of Antoria: LOST SOULS – A Tale of Tragedy and the Cost of Freedom, he invites readers into an unforgettable world where heroism is forged through adversity and freedom is won at the greatest of costs.

The release is published by UK-based Maple Publishers, a company known for supporting imaginative and engaging works in literature, with book cover design, and book layout by White Magic Studios.

The novel will be available to purchase from major retailers from 28 August 2026, including AmazonBarnes & NobleWaterstones PaperbackWaterstone HardbackKobo and Walmart in Paperback and Hardback.

Scottish Firm Launches £5 Digital Gift That Gives Recipients Their Own Piece of Scotland

TAUNTON, UK, July 31, 2026 – Scotland holds a special place in the hearts of millions of people across the globe, whether through family heritage or a lifelong admiration for its landscapes, culture and history. A newly launched Scottish business is making it possible for anyone to celebrate that connection with an affordable digital gift that includes ownership of a genuine one-square-inch plot of Scottish land.

Scottish Gift Cards, based in the Kingdom of Fife, has introduced an innovative digital gifting experience that enables customers anywhere in the world to instantly purchase a genuine one-square-inch plot of protected Scottish land. Every purchase also supports the long-term preservation of the landscape for future generations.

Priced at just £5.00, the gift includes a personalised Scottish-themed digital greeting card together with a uniquely numbered Certificate of Ownership for an individual plot on the historic Bandrum Estate. The protected land sits on an ancient hillside with panoramic views towards Edinburgh and the famous Forth Bridges. Because delivery is instant, it is an ideal choice for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, Father’s Day, Christmas and other occasions when a thoughtful last-minute gift is needed. A wide selection of card designs is available for different celebrations.

As part of the experience, every recipient is also awarded the honorary title of High InchKeeper of Bandrum. This exclusive title is reserved for owners of the protected one-square-inch plots and recognises their role as custodians of Scotland’s natural heritage. The company hopes to create a worldwide community of High InchKeepers connected by a shared appreciation of Scotland and its traditions.

“Millions of people around the world feel a lasting connection with Scotland, whether through ancestry or simple admiration,” said George Kelly, founder and owner of Scottish Gift Cards. “This unique gift allows them to own a genuine piece of Scottish land while also helping preserve it. It is affordable, delivered instantly and carries real personal meaning.”

Each one-square-inch plot forms part of the protected Bandrum Estate, with proceeds from every purchase helping safeguard the land from future development and supporting ongoing conservation efforts.

For only £5.00, or $7.00 in the United States, recipients receive:

  • A beautifully designed four-page Scottish-themed digital greeting card personalised with the sender’s message. Created exclusively for the InchKeeper community, the card offers a memorable alternative to traditional greetings.
  • An individually numbered Certificate of Ownership issued in the recipient’s name for one square inch of protected Scottish land overlooking Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. The location enjoys sweeping views across the Ochil Hills, the National Wallace Monument at Stirling, the Firth of Forth, the iconic Forth Bridge and Edinburgh Castle. This remarkable landscape captures many of Scotland’s most famous landmarks in a single panorama.
  • The honorary title of High InchKeeper of Bandrum. Reserved exclusively for plot owners, the title celebrates recipients as guardians of Scotland’s natural heritage while bringing together a global community united by ancestry, tradition and a commitment to protecting Scotland’s landscape.
  • A copy of the InchKeeper’s Code together with a guide to the land and surrounding area.
  • Instant digital delivery immediately after purchase, all for the price of a cup of coffee or less.

Scottish Gift Cards offers an unusual and affordable gift suitable for people of all ages. Whether it is a student surprising a partner with an unexpected gesture or a family sending birthday wishes to a loved one, the digital gift is designed to make a lasting impression. Cards are available for Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries and many other occasions, combining convenience, quality and a distinctive Scottish theme.

Website www.scottishgiftcards.com

Youtube @theinchkeepers

Tiktok @theinchkeepers

Instagram @scottishgiftcards

Email [email protected]

BCN Strengthens Microsoft Collaboration with Managed Partner Designation

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MANCHESTER, UK, July 30, 2026BCN has expanded its strategic relationship with Microsoft after securing Microsoft Managed Partner status. The recognition acknowledges the company’s growing expertise in delivering cloud, data, security and AI solutions, while reinforcing its role in helping UK organisations accelerate digital transformation through Microsoft’s technology ecosystem.

The designation gives BCN greater opportunities to collaborate with Microsoft teams on customer engagements, ensuring closer alignment on business objectives and increasing co-sell opportunities. It also reflects the company’s sustained investment in Microsoft capabilities, technical certifications and successful customer outcomes across the UK mid-market.

Rob Davies, CEO at BCN, said: “Achieving Microsoft Managed Partner status reflects the capability, commitment, and customer outcomes our team has delivered over many years. More importantly, it strengthens our ability to help organisations navigate one of the most significant technology shifts of our generation.

“Our ambition is simple: to help customers realise tangible business value from AI, data, cloud and security technologies through practical, secure and measurable transformation. This closer alignment with Microsoft enables us to bring even greater expertise, innovation and support to organisations looking to accelerate their digital and AI ambitions.”

Liz Leigh-Bowler, Director Partner Development at Microsoft UK, said: “As organisations increasingly look to harness the power of AI, partners like BCN play a critical role in helping customers innovate with confidence. We’re thrilled to welcome BCN as a Microsoft Managed Partner and look forward to accelerating our shared growth and customer success.”

Demand for AI, automation and intelligent business technologies continues to grow as organisations look for new ways to improve productivity and competitiveness. Through its enhanced partnership with Microsoft, BCN is well positioned to help customers translate AI strategies into practical solutions that deliver measurable business benefits.

As a Microsoft-first technology partner, BCN continues to support organisations in building secure, scalable foundations for AI adoption. Its expertise covers Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Microsoft Copilot, Security, Data & AI and Managed Services, enabling customers to progress confidently through every stage of their digital transformation.

BCN has also embraced Microsoft’s AI technologies within its own business operations before introducing them to customers. By applying these tools internally, the company has developed valuable implementation experience, allowing it to offer customers practical guidance based on proven real-world use cases.

The company’s Microsoft credentials reinforce its technical expertise. BCN holds every core Microsoft Solutions Partner designation, has achieved multiple advanced specialisations and was one of the first organisations worldwide to earn Microsoft’s Support Services designation. Together, these achievements demonstrate the depth of BCN’s Microsoft capabilities and its commitment to helping customers generate long-term value from technology investments.