Business London Press

Song Queen: A Pidgin Opera celebrates decade of groundbreaking performance at Wilton’s

News Desk

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10/04/2025

Song Queen: A Pidgin Opera celebrates decade of groundbreaking performance at Wilton’s

EMCA proudly presents the 10-year anniversary of Helen Epega’s Song Queen: A Pidgin Opera, returning to Wilton’s Music Hall in London from 24 to 26 April.

The limited run includes three performances, culminating with a Saturday matinee on 26 April.

Fresh from a sold-out appearance at the Elgar Room, Royal Albert Hall, the production continues to defy convention and redefine opera as an inclusive, multicultural art form. By combining classical music traditions with Afrocentric rhythms and forward-looking soundscapes, it features a rich blend of Nigerian Pidgin, Patois, Creole, Cockney, Hip-Hop Vernacular, and London street slang—making opera accessible and relevant to new audiences.

This dynamic 90-minute performance features a world-class ensemble: Helen Epega (Composer-Librettist and Lead Vocalist), Richard Ọlátúndé Baker (African Percussion), Abdul William (Steel Pans), Francis Angol (Choreographer), Esme Benjamin (Movement Artist), Louisa Martin (Soprano), Francesca Bartolo (Mezzo), Jacob Cole (Tenor), Ted Day (Baritone), Karolina Przasnyska (Violinist), Daniel Yiu (Cellist), Manuel Gageiro (Piano), Antoinette Jackman (Director), and Baba Epega (Executive Producer).

Helen Epega, Composer-Librettist and Lead, said: “It’s incredible to see how this opera has evolved over ten years. This anniversary run is a celebration of everything we’ve built – music, culture and community.

“The show is a celebration of African and multicultural voices with a story that reflects cultural diversity. It pushes the boundaries of traditional opera with a visually and sonically immersive performance. We are also proud to be British Sign Language-accessible, making opera more inclusive for wider audiences.”

Debuting in 2015 at London’s The Place Theatre, Song Queen: A Pidgin Opera has travelled globally, engaging audiences in cities such as Lagos, Turin, Bodrum, and Cape Town. Set in a visually rich Afrofuturistic world, the story follows heroine Kenate as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Tickets start from £12.50 (£10 for concessions) and can be booked online at songqueenapidginopera.com.

First AML and Know Your Customer partner to revolutionise KYB compliance globally

News Desk

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10/04/2025

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First AML and Know Your Customer partner to revolutionise KYB compliance globally

First AML, a key player in the AML technology space, has revealed a strategic partnership with Know Your Customer, an international provider of business verification solutions. Together, they are setting a new benchmark for KYB, KYC, and AML practices in the global regulatory landscape.

Through this collaboration, First AML has embedded Know Your Customer’s registry technology directly into its Source platform. This integration gives users real-time access to business registry data from over 140 countries, enabling instant document retrieval, seamless verification of corporate hierarchies, and automated identification of ultimate beneficial owners—all within the same platform.

“This partnership enhances what our customers already experience through Source,” said Bion Behdin, CRO and Co-Founder of First AML. “By embedding Know Your Customer’s registry technology, we’ve strengthened our ability to automate KYB at scale, without adding complexity. It removes manual, fragmented steps from business verification, making onboarding faster, insights deeper and compliance more robust for firms operating across borders.”

The integration provides significant value to compliance professionals managing complex international due diligence. It supports the enforcement of uniform standards and eliminates fragmented workflows, making the verification process far more efficient.

“We are excited to work closely with First AML to provide financial and regulated businesses with a comprehensive business verification solution,” said Claus Christensen, CEO and Co-Founder of Know Your Customer. “Our robust expertise and expansive access to company registries worldwide, coupled with First AML’s innovative technology, will empower financial organisations to establish tailored business compliance rules that align seamlessly with their risk appetite and operational requirements.”

This powerful solution is designed for multinational firms across finance, law, and consulting sectors, offering speed and accuracy in onboarding while ensuring alignment with evolving compliance regulations.

As the risk of financial crime continues to rise, this timely integration equips businesses with smarter tools to stay ahead in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

Awaken Your Brand: Innovative Approaches for Dynamic Growth

Business

News Desk

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09/04/2025

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In the bustling marketplace of today, where innovation is the norm and preferences shift with the blink of an eye, the question isn’t whether to revitalize your brand, but how. Gone are the days when a static image could sustain success; now, brands must dance the delicate waltz of evolution, constantly attuned to their audience’s shifting desires and aspirations. This article isn’t just a list of strategies—it’s your roadmap to rejuvenating your brand with creativity and foresight, ensuring it not only survives but thrives in the modern market.

Captivating Connections Transform Brand Perception

Reassessing how your brand is perceived in the marketplace can provide valuable insights, and engaging with your audience is a key component in this process. By leveraging platforms like social media for feedback, you can gain a clearer understanding of how your brand is viewed and identify areas for improvement. Audience participation isn’t just a marketing tactic—it’s a strategic priority that can boost brand engagement significantly. By actively engaging with your audience, you can gather real-world data that informs more effective branding decisions, giving you a competitive edge.

Embrace Tomorrow’s Visual Trends for a Fresh Look

Incorporating contemporary design trends is a great way to refresh your brand’s visual identity. Today, innovations that blend creativity with strategic storytelling are becoming more prominent. Embracing a minimalist approach can help your brand stand out in an overcrowded marketplace, ensuring it remains relevant and resonates on a deeper emotional level with consumers. Conduct thorough research and stay true to your core values, tailoring modern designs to amplify your brand’s unique voice. If navigating these trends seems challenging, professional design assistance can ensure your brand captures attention and builds lasting connections.

Green Is the New Gold: Elevating Brand Messaging

Integrating sustainability and social responsibility into your core message is an effective way to refresh your brand. With a growing number of consumers willing to change their behavior to reduce environmental impact, transparently communicating your brand’s efforts in these areas builds trust. By adopting ethical business practices and ensuring partnerships align with your values, you demonstrate a genuine commitment to these causes. This not only strengthens your brand’s credibility but also positions you as a leader in a rapidly evolving market.

Data-Driven Insights Propel Market Adaptability

Leveraging data analytics is key to understanding and capitalizing on market shifts. By transforming vast amounts of raw data into actionable insights, you can uncover trends in customer behavior and evolving market dynamics. These insights help identify emerging opportunities and anticipate future challenges, ensuring your brand remains relevant and resilient. Embracing advanced data analytics fosters a proactive approach to business strategy, keeping you ahead of competitors.

Storytelling as a Catalyst for Emotional Engagement

Refining your storytelling techniques is crucial for fostering emotional connections with your audience. Emotional storytelling is set to dominate marketing strategies because emotions create stronger bonds with consumers. By crafting narratives that evoke genuine emotions, you can transform ordinary transactions into meaningful experiences, leading to deeper customer loyalty and engagement. Adopting these storytelling strategies allows you to stand out in a crowded market, ensuring your brand remains impactful in nurturing lasting relationships.

Digital Evolution Keeps Your Brand Ahead

To keep your brand relevant in today’s digital landscape, routinely assess and refine your digital presence. By adapting to the latest technological advancements, such as AI-driven personalization and 5G integration, you can provide a more tailored experience to your audience. Embracing new platforms and interactive content formats helps you stay ahead of competitors and create memorable interactions with your customers. Updating your strategy to include ethical and inclusive marketing practices aligns with modern consumer expectations and strengthens your brand’s reputation.

Impact with Style: Custom Business Cards

Creating personalized business cards is a strategic way to reinforce your brand’s identity and make a lasting impression on potential clients. By opting for custom designs, you ensure that each card reflects your brand’s unique personality through appropriate colors, fonts, and layouts. Utilizing a platform that allows you to create and print business cards online simplifies this process, providing access to high-quality templates, generative AI features, and user-friendly editing tools. Thoughtfully crafted cards serve as potent promotional tools, fostering deeper connections and brand recognition.

Embracing the challenge of brand revitalization is about more than survival; it is about crafting a narrative that aligns with the vibrancy of today’s marketplace. As the business landscape continues to evolve, let creativity and innovation be your guiding stars. Whether through the careful integration of modern aesthetics, ethical practices, or the power of emotional narratives, your brand has the opportunity not just to adapt, but to inspire and lead. Each step taken is an invitation to turn the ordinary into extraordinary, ensuring your brand resonates, connects, and thrives like never before.

New US Tariffs Fuel Rise in British Consumer Loyalty and Demand for .UK Websites

News Desk

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09/04/2025

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UK shoppers increasingly choosing British websites and products after Trump’s “Liberation Day” policy.

A growing wave of consumer patriotism has emerged in the UK following the announcement of “Liberation Day” tariffs by US President Donald Trump, according to recent insights from the country’s domain name registry.

Nominet, which has overseen the .UK web domain since 1996, reports a noticeable increase in support for British goods in the wake of shifting US trade policy.

In a poll of 2,000 adults across the UK conducted by the registry – responsible for 10 million domain names – 49% of respondents said the new US tariffs made them more likely to purchase British products in the future.

Just 14% said they would not be swayed by the tariffs, while 37% remained uncertain about how it might affect their buying behaviour.

Older consumers, particularly those over 55, were more likely to express a renewed appreciation for homegrown products. Residents of the North East and West Midlands were also more likely to reconsider their purchasing habits due to the tariffs.

The survey found that 64% of respondents felt an increased sense of pride when buying British following the announcement. By contrast, 13% said they felt no change, and 23% were unsure of their response.

Additionally, 54% said that the presence of a UK domain name – such as .co.uk or .uk – played a role in where they chose to shop online. This preference was most prominent in Scotland and the South East, and among the over-55 demographic.

David Carroll, Chief Customer Officer at Nominet, commented:
“We’ve seen a Trump bump of our own in terms of online searches for UK domain names over the last week or so. With pride returning to buying British – it looks like a growing number of businesses and individuals are looking at registering a UK web address to join the 10m already registered.

“Choosing a .UK domain name has always been a conscious decision for many online businesses, but with a growing sense of pride in buying British – now may be the time for many UK businesses to tap into this feeling.”

Online search trends from Google reveal a sharp rise in interest for UK domain names following Trump’s policy announcement, with “co.uk” reaching its highest level of search interest since February 2024.

Limited100 Celebrates International Growth with 400th Order

Automotive

News Desk

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07/04/2025

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Limited100 Celebrates International Growth with 400th Order

Limited100, a British luxury automotive wall art brand based in the East Midlands, has proudly surpassed the 400-customer mark – a milestone that reflects its increasing global popularity. The company, known for its handcrafted, limited-edition prints of iconic cars, has seen orders flow in from around the world since its launch in 2020.

Founder Simon Wright explained how the idea for the company first came to him: “I started Limited100 because after moving into my first home I was searching online for some artwork of a Lamborghini Miura, which I regard as the most beautiful car of all time and I couldn’t find anything of super high-quality that was handmade, so I decided to create a company of my own that celebrates the handbuilt artisanship that Britain is so synonymous with.”

The landmark 400th customer came from Portugal, purchasing a Ferrari F40 print as a birthday present for their CEO. It’s one of many examples of how Limited100’s bespoke prints are being used to mark special moments in customers’ lives.

Simon elaborated: “At the business’s conception, I began working with a carefully curated group of award-winning photographers and to ensure exclusivity, each print we produce is limited to 100 units ever, hence our name. The edition number is picked at random for each order, unless a customer reaches out for something specific. For example, edition 8/100 is popular with our Japanese customers, and we recently had an order for someone’s 50th birthday, so as a thank you for their custom we gave them edition 50/100.”

The business is officially accredited with the Made in Britain collective, reinforcing its commitment to UK manufacturing. “In 2020 I applied for Made in Britain status, and eligibility requirements included manufacturing and assembling a physical product in the UK, and that 80% of our value chain is in the UK. Because our printing and framing are completed in Nottingham from UK-sourced materials, our application was approved and we now display the Made in Britain logo on our website, the backs of our frames, and certificates of authenticity.”

The company’s automotive prints are available in a range of sizes, from A3 all the way up to 5 metres wide. Formats include print-only, framed, canvas, aluminium composite and acrylic glass. Fully bespoke, they can print any format their customers request.

Enviro Waste Management Refocuses on Commercial Sector Through Strategic Rebrand

Environment

News Desk

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04/04/2025

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Enviro Waste Management Refocuses on Commercial Sector Through Strategic Rebrand

Enviro Waste Management has undertaken a brand overhaul to align more closely with its new commercial-only focus. Formerly operating across domestic and construction sectors, the company has now committed fully to serving businesses, with a goal of delivering seamless, sustainable, and efficient waste management solutions tailored to commercial needs.

The rebrand includes the rollout of a contemporary website, built for ease of use, and a refreshed digital voice to reflect the company’s refined commercial positioning. Changes will extend offline in stages, with updated uniforms, vehicle branding, and waste sacks being introduced across the business. Complementing this visual revamp is an expanded range of services — including the recently launched bins and sacks collection, which features overnight pick-up to ensure no disruption to business activities. Alongside collection, Enviro Waste Management is committed to responsible waste handling through sorting, reuse, and sustainable disposal.

“Our core values have always been about helping businesses operate more efficiently while reducing their environmental footprint,” said Eli Kushmaro, CEO and Founder of Enviro Waste Management. “While our brand is built on reliability and robust customer support, with this rebrand, we’re not only sharpening our focus on commercial waste but also expanding our service portfolio to truly become the ultimate partner for businesses.”

The updated logo signals this shift with a vibrant blue design and a distinctive brown ‘I’ at the centre — a symbol of the customer’s central role in the company’s mission. Departing from the industry-standard green, the new colour scheme reflects a deeper message: brown stands for trust and stability, while blue signifies professionalism and dependability.

With strong roots in customer service and a forward-thinking strategy underpinned by market research, Enviro Waste Management’s rebrand positions the company to better meet the evolving demands of the commercial sector.

For more information about the rebrand, please visit https://envirowastemanagement.com/ or contact Allysin Pinto, Marketing Lead, at [email protected].

FlairAI Introduces AmourAI to Address Loneliness with Emotionally Smart AI Companions

Technology

News Desk

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03/04/2025

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FlairAI Introduces AmourAI to Address Loneliness with Emotionally Smart AI Companions

AI technology leader FlairAI has unveiled AmourAI, a pioneering AI-powered platform aimed at tackling the escalating loneliness crisis brought about by modern digital lifestyles.

AmourAI is the company’s first direct-to-consumer product, offering 24/7 virtual companionship. Designed to deliver more than just conversation, the platform creates emotionally intelligent interactions that help users feel heard, valued, and supported.

FlairAI views its technology as a bridge toward better real-world engagement, offering users a safe way to practise communication, manage anxiety, and boost confidence in social settings.

“We recognise that meaningful social connection is fundamental to human wellbeing,” said Christer Gustafsson CEO of FlairAI. “AmourAI represents our commitment to leveraging technology to enhance lives through authentic digital relationships while addressing the very real challenge of loneliness that affects millions worldwide.”

Using advanced personalisation, AmourAI companions remember user preferences, detect tone, and tailor responses accordingly—mimicking natural conversation while promoting emotional growth.

The platform encourages authentic self-discovery and personal development, supporting users as they build emotional awareness and interpersonal skills in a risk-free digital space.

In line with FlairAI’s strong data governance policies, the service also guarantees that every user interaction with AmourAI is treated with complete confidentiality and protection.

“AmourAI is just the beginning. Our technology can be seamlessly integrated into any platform where human-like interaction would add value. We’re looking to develop partnerships with healthcare providers, educational institutions and customer service organisations to bring these benefits to their users.” added Christer.

Beyond the individual user, FlairAI’s technology is being developed for integration into a variety of professional services. Its white-label solutions support customer engagement, healthcare delivery, remote education, and support for the elderly—paving the way for human-centric AI to become part of everyday life.

ECB Sets a Clear Liquidity Vision—But Banks Strain Under the Weight of Delivery

Fintech

News Desk

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03/04/2025

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ECB Sets a Clear Liquidity Vision—But Banks Strain Under the Weight of Delivery

The European Central Bank’s (ECB) new intraday liquidity standards have introduced welcome clarity but also significant implementation burdens, according to analysis from Planixs, a pioneer in real-time liquidity solutions.

Unveiled in late 2024, the ECB’s guidelines redefine what effective liquidity risk management looks like. With 76 individual standards covering real-time data, granular analytics, and solid governance, banks must now upgrade systems rapidly or risk supervision and higher costs.

This is the first time any regulatory body has provided such detailed direction on intraday expectations. The ECB’s publication outlines a comprehensive vision for what institutions must deliver and was developed in partnership with regulators across jurisdictions, making it a useful guide even beyond Europe.

Still, the path from guidance to action remains far from straightforward. Many banks are unsure how to adapt legacy systems and fragmented operations to fit this new paradigm.

To assist, Planixs compiled insights from across the banking sector in a report titled Mastering Intraday Liquidity: ECB Guidelines as a Catalyst for Change. The report provides a roadmap for identifying weaknesses and developing sustainable compliance models.

“The ECB’s guidelines are not just another compliance exercise; they’re a wake-up call for banks to modernise their intraday liquidity capabilities,” said Pete McIntyre, Director at Planixs.

“But awareness alone isn’t enough. The real question for banks isn’t ‘what does the ECB expect?’—that part is clear. The challenge is execution: identifying capability gaps, closing them efficiently, and ensuring continuous compliance as the regulatory environment evolves.”

Success in this environment requires more than compliance—it calls for real-time control, cross-departmental alignment, and risk anticipation.

Planixs promotes a unified strategy for liquidity management, urging banks to integrate platforms and use predictive tools. However, the challenges of disjointed systems and persistent risk volatility remain significant obstacles.

“We encourage banks not to wait for a regulator review but to act now. This is about more than passing an inspection — it’s about future-proofing operations and thriving in an increasingly real-time financial world,” said Pete.

“Institutions that take a proactive approach to intraday liquidity management can reduce funding costs, improve operational agility, and strengthen their market position. Many forward-thinking banks are already using this regulatory shift as an opportunity to enhance efficiency and profitability.”

With intraday liquidity now firmly in the regulatory spotlight, Planixs continues to support banks at all stages of their journey—whether assessing current capabilities, identifying practical steps for compliance, or embedding long-term resilience. The full report, Mastering Intraday Liquidity: ECB Guidelines as a Catalyst for Change, is available by clicking here.

Batman star Val Kilmer dies, aged 65

News

Helen Greaney

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02/04/2025

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Hollywood star Val Kilmer, best known for his roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever and The Doors, has died aged 65.

He died of pneumonia on Tuesday in Los Angeles, his daughter Mercedes told American media.

Kilmer had previously been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, and tracheotomy surgery affected his voice.

But he did make a return to the screen in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), where his character, Iceman, was reunited with Maverick, played by Tom Cruise.

Tom Cruise said at the time: “I’ve known Val for decades, and for him to come back and play that character… he’s such a powerful actor that he instantly became that character again.”

Kilmer grew up in a middle-class family in Los Angeles and he joined the Julliard School in New York – a prestigious drama conservatory.

He made a name himself in comedies including Real Genius in the eighties, before landing the role that would define him – Iceman – the arch enemy to Maverick in 1986 movie, Top Gun.

Kilmer also chose to use his own singing voice to take on the role of Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991).

He later starred in fantasy film, Willow, where he met his then British actress wife, Joanne Whalley. They had two children.

The release of the 2021 documentary Val, would look back on the actor’s career and his refusal to be silenced by throat cancer.

Actor Josh Brolin, lead the tributes. He wrote: “I’m going to miss you. You were a smart, brave, uber-creative firecracker. There’s not a lot left of those. I hope I see you up there in the heavens when I eventually get there.”

Heat director, Michael Mann, told The Hollywood Reporter: “I always marvelled at the range, the brilliant variability within the powerful current of Val’s possessing and expressing character.”

Graeme Souness to Brave English Channel Once Again in Double Swim for EB

Charity

News Desk

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02/04/2025

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Graeme Souness to Brave English Channel Once Again in Double Swim for EB

Football legend Graeme Souness CBE, who inspired the nation in June 2023 with his heroic swim across the English Channel, is preparing to return to the water—this time with an even greater challenge ahead—to support those living with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), also known as butterfly skin.

His remarkable effort last year raised over £1.5 million for DEBRA UK, a charity dedicated to people affected by this rare and painful skin disorder. Now, Graeme is determined to go even further by swimming the Channel to France and back—a double-distance relay to raise crucial funds and awareness.

In May, Graeme and a team of six swimmers will set off on the round-trip journey, hoping to generate momentum—and donations—for vital clinical trials that could lead to real breakthroughs in EB treatment.

Explaining what drives him, Graeme said:

“I was truly blown away by the support we got back in 2023. I had to do something for my wee friend, Isla, and the thousands of other children and adults affected by this cruel condition. With the money raised DEBRA was able to start testing drugs which could be life-changing for people with EB, but there are many more drugs that they need to test if we are to secure effective treatments for every form of EB, treatments that could help stop the extreme pain of EB. This is why we’re getting back in the water once again. It’s going to be tough; I’m 72 now and it’s double the distance, but I know we can do this, we must do this, we must BE the difference for EB.”

Scheduled for early May—weather permitting—the swim aims to raise £750,000. This will allow DEBRA to fund two additional trials testing existing medications used for severe eczema and psoriasis, which may also help relieve EB symptoms such as painful blisters, open wounds, and relentless itching.

To learn more about EB, visit www.debra.org.uk, and to support Graeme and his team, please donate at www.give.as/debra.

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