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Rising UV levels prompt Houston skin expert to urge sun safety this May

News

News Desk

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07/05/2026

Rising UV levels prompt Houston skin expert to urge sun safety this May

With UV exposure intensifying across Houston, Beaumont, and the wider Southeast Texas region, a leading dermatologist is calling on residents to protect their skin and schedule regular checks as part of Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

The warning has been issued by Dr. Andrew Quinn, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Quinn Dermatology as May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

According to national weather data, UV index levels in Houston can reach 8 to 10 or higher during late spring and summer, placing individuals at increased risk for skin damage in as little as 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure.

“In Texas, we see some of the highest and most consistent UV exposure levels in the country,” said Dr. Quinn. “Many patients don’t realize how quickly sun damage can occur, especially during everyday activities like driving, walking, or exercising outdoors.”

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than 5 million cases diagnosed each year. Experts estimate that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, making prevention and early detection critical.

“Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early, but many people delay getting their skin checked,” Dr. Quinn said. “Skin Cancer Awareness Month is an important reminder that even small changes in your skin should never be ignored.”

Residents in Houston and Beaumont face elevated risk due to prolonged sun exposure, high humidity that encourages more time outdoors and being exposed to year-round UV radiation, even on cloudy days, according to Dr. Quinn.

“You don’t have to be at the beach to experience sun damage,” Dr. Quinn explained. “In Texas, consistent exposure adds up quickly over time.”

As Skin Cancer Awareness Month is now underway, Dr. Quinn is encouraging individuals to monitor their skin using the ABCDE rule:

A – Asymmetry

B – Border irregularity

C – Color variation

D – Diameter larger than a pencil eraser

E – Evolving or changing lesions

Other symptoms to look out for include spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal, new or unusual growths and persistent redness or irritation.

In order to prevent the development of skin cancer, Dr. Quinn suggests that making small changes to daily habits can help.

Wearing broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, reapplying every two hours outdoors. wearing protective clothing and hats, seeking shade during peak sun hours and avoiding tanning beds can all help to prevent the condition.

He added: “Prevention doesn’t have to be complicated, consistency is what protects your skin long-term.”

While self-monitoring is important, dermatologist-performed skin exams play a critical role in early detection.

“We’re trained to recognize subtle warning signs patients may miss,” said Dr. Quinn.

“Routine skin checks can detect issues early, often before they become serious.”

In recognition of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Quinn Dermatology encourages patients in Houston and Beaumont to schedule a professional skin evaluation.

Lone Star Analysis Ltd. earns ISO 27001 Certification, elevating secure government AI and analytics

AI
Business

Helen Greaney

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07/05/2026

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Lone Star Analysis Ltd. earns ISO 27001 Certification, elevating secure government AI and analytics

Lone Star Analysis Ltd., a trusted provider of leading-edge predictive and prescriptive analytics and Evolved AI®, is proud to announce that it has successfully achieved ISO 27001 certification, the internationally recognised standard for information security management systems (ISMS).

This milestone reflects Lone Star’s commitment to embedding security into the way it operates – strengthening resilience against evolving cyber threats while enabling more efficient, risk-aware decision-making across the business.

By implementing a structured and continuously improving approach to information security, the company is better positioned to protect sensitive data, reduce operational disruption, and meet the growing expectations of customers and partners.

“Achieving ISO 27001 is a significant step in how we scale responsibly,” said Robin Adlam, MD of Lone Star.

“It not only reinforces the trust our customers place in us but also enables us to operate more efficiently and compete more effectively in security-conscious markets.”

The certification supports Lone Star’s ability to accelerate growth by simplifying security assurance processes and providing independent validation of robust security practices – an increasingly critical factor in winning and retaining business.

The certification was awarded by British Assessment Bureau, a globally recognised certification body accredited by UKAS. British Assessment Bureau’s rigorous audit process verified Lone Star Analysis Ltd’s compliance with the stringent requirements of ISO 27001.

For more information, please visit lone-star.uk.

How UK Pension Contributions Help High Earners Reduce Tax Pressure

Helen Greaney

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07/05/2026

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How UK Pension Contributions Help High Earners Reduce Tax Pressure

For high-earning professionals and business owners in the UK, rising income often brings increased tax exposure and reduced take-home pay. One of the most effective ways to offset this burden is through strategic pension contributions, which remain a key tool for long-term tax efficiency and wealth planning.

Providing that you understand the mechanics of the UK tax system, a pension is far more than a simple retirement vehicle. It functions as a powerful tax-efficiency engine that can immediately boost your net wealth by reclaiming tax that would otherwise be lost to the Exchequer. At Global Tax Consulting, we frequently observe that maximizing these contributions is the single most effective way to manage a high-rate tax liability.

In this guide, we will explore why pension contributions remain one of the most valuable forms of tax relief in the UK and how you can use them to navigate complex traps like the 60% marginal tax rate.

Understanding the Tax Relief Cap

To begin, you should note that tax relief on personal pension contributions is capped at the higher of £3,600 gross or 100% of your relevant earnings for the tax year. For these purposes, relevant earnings generally include taxable employment income and taxable self-employment income. If you contribute more than this personal limit, you may still be able to contribute to a pension, but you will not obtain tax relief on the excess amount.

Understanding Relief at Source and Net Pay Arrangements

To utilise pensions effectively, you must first distinguish between the two primary ways tax relief is applied: Net Pay and Relief at Source. While both aim to ensure you do not pay income tax on money destined for your pension, the administrative process differs significantly, particularly for those in higher tax brackets.

Under a Net Pay arrangement, your pension contributions are deducted from your gross salary before income tax is calculated. This is common in many modern workplace schemes. Because the money never enters your “taxable” pay, you receive full relief at your highest marginal rate automatically through payroll. You do not need to take further action to claim back higher or additional rate tax.

Conversely, Relief at Source is the standard for most personal pensions and many group personal pension schemes. In this scenario:

Your contribution is made from your “net” (after-tax) income.
The pension provider automatically claims basic rate tax relief (20%) from HMRC and adds it to your pot.
If you are a higher-rate (40%) or additional-rate (45%) taxpayer, you must claim the remaining 20% or 25% yourself.

To claim this additional relief, you must include the details of your grossed-up pension contributions on your UK tax return. Failure to do so results in thousands of pounds of unclaimed relief remaining with the government.

Navigating the 60% Marginal Tax Rate Trap

Perhaps the most compelling reason for high earners to increase pension contributions is the “60% tax trap.” This occurs when your adjusted net income falls between £100,000 and £125,140. While the official higher rate of tax is 40%, the reality for those in this bracket is much more expensive due to the withdrawal of the Personal Allowance.

The UK tax system mandates that for every £2 you earn over £100,000, you lose £1 of your £12,570 Personal Allowance. This creates an effective marginal tax rate of 60% on that specific slice of income. For example, if you earn £110,000, you not only pay 40% tax on that extra £10,000, but you also lose £5,000 of your tax-free allowance, which is then taxed at 40%.

You can legally avoid this trap by making a strategic pension contribution. By contributing enough to bring your “Adjusted Net Income” back down to £100,000, you effectively:

Restore your full Personal Allowance.
Receive 40% tax relief on the contribution itself.
Avoid the 60% effective tax rate entirely.

In many cases, the “cost” of a £10,000 pension contribution for someone in this bracket is effectively only £4,000. Providing that you have the liquidity to do so, this represents an immediate 150% “return” on your investment before the funds have even been invested in the market.

The Tapered Annual Allowance for High Earners

While pension contributions offer immense value, ultra-high earners must remain vigilant regarding the Tapered Annual Allowance. As of the 2026 tax year, the standard Annual Allowance: the maximum you can contribute to a pension while receiving tax relief: is £60,000. However, this allowance begins to “taper” or reduce for those with high incomes.

The taper applies if both your “Threshold Income” is above £200,000 and your “Adjusted Income” is more than £260,000. For every £2 of Adjusted Income over £260,000, your Annual Allowance is reduced by £1, subject to a minimum allowance of £10,000. If you are a high earner, you must therefore review both measures carefully before making large contributions, as the standard £60,000 figure may not be available in full.

The consequences of the taper are as follows:

The Floor: The allowance can be tapered down to a minimum of £10,000.
The Charge: If you contribute more than your tapered allowance, you will trigger an Annual Allowance tax charge, which effectively claws back the tax relief.
Complexity: Calculating adjusted income requires a precise review of P11D benefits, dividends, and employer pension inputs.

If you contribute in excess of your available Annual Allowance, the excess is subject to an Annual Allowance tax charge at your marginal rate of Income Tax. In practical terms, this charge removes the benefit of the excess relief you received. In some cases, providing that the charge meets HMRC’s conditions, your pension provider may be able to pay the charge on your behalf under “Scheme Pays”, with the amount then recovered from your pension benefits.

Leveraging Carry Forward Rules

If you have had a particularly high-income year: perhaps through a large bonus or the sale of a business: you may find that the £60,000 Annual Allowance is insufficient. In such cases, you may be able to use “Carry Forward.”

Carry Forward allows you to make use of unused allowances from the previous three tax years, provided you were a member of a registered UK pension scheme during those years. To do this correctly, you must:

a) Fully utilize your current year’s allowance first.
b) Use unused allowance from the earliest of the three years first.
c) Ensure your total personal contribution does not exceed 100% of your relevant UK earnings for the current tax year.

This is a complex area of tax planning where mistakes can be costly. For instance, if you did not have a pension scheme in place three years ago, you cannot carry forward allowance from that year. We recommend that you seek professional tax consulting advice before making large “catch-up” contributions to ensure you remain compliant with HMRC regulations.

Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Tax Position

Pension contributions remain the “gold standard” for UK tax planning. By moving income from your “taxable” column to your “pension” column, you are not merely saving for the future; you are actively increasing your current net worth by reclaiming tax at rates of up to 60%.

In summary, pension contributions are highly effective for reducing your Income Tax exposure, restoring lost allowances, and building long-term value. However, to achieve these outcomes, you must keep careful track of the Annual Allowance, particularly if tapering or carry forward may apply. A well-timed contribution can be highly efficient, but only if the calculation is correct.

How Global Tax Consulting Can Help

If you are unsure how much you can contribute, Global Tax Consulting can assist with Annual Allowance calculations as part of your wider UK tax planning. This includes reviewing your threshold income, adjusted income, pension inputs, and any available carry forward, so that you can contribute with confidence.

If you would like Global Tax Consulting to review your pension position and complete your Annual Allowance calculation, we invite you to get in contact. Let us help you turn a complex tax system into a strategic advantage for your financial future.

New collaboration between Team Topologies and Agile Rising targets faster AI transformation

AI
Business

Helen Greaney

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07/05/2026

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New collaboration between Team Topologies and Agile Rising targets faster AI transformation

Team Topologies and its long-time solution partner Agile Rising have unveiled a renewed partnership aimed at helping organisations rapidly adopt AI while evolving their operating models to meet emerging demands.

As artificial intelligence initiates a paradigm shift in the global business landscape, there is a critical imperative for leaders to effectively develop an AI adoption strategy that demonstrates real return on investment (ROI).

Organisations are currently making massive investments in AI initiatives, and leaders are under pressure to ensure these tools define their company’s success for the next decade. However, bolting AI onto a broken system will not magically transform an enterprise; foundational inefficiencies and a lack of true organisational agility must be addressed first to prevent technology from simply amplifying existing problems.

This enhanced partnership is designed to benefit four main sectors that are uniquely positioned to benefit from this AI-aware transformation: financial services, manufacturing, government, and higher education.

To meet this critical business need, Team Topologies is emerging as the vital “infrastructure for agency”. By providing a foundational architecture for bounded agency, the framework ensures that both human teams and autonomous AI agents operate within clear rules, trust boundaries, and guardrails without creating tangled dependencies.

Matthew Skelton, co-author of Team Topologies, highlighted the framework’s evolving role: “Team Topologies brings what we’re calling ‘infrastructure for agency’ – a set of rules and principles that help us establish a more intentional design of the work, whether it’s humans or AI agents doing the work, or some sort of combination of both”.

Christopher Ruch, CEO of Agile Rising, emphasised the importance of organisational readiness before deploying these tools: “Before you go off and try these big expensive transformational initiatives make sure your team organisation – your team topologies – are right and you’ve optimised your system, and then go”.

To accelerate value delivery and achieve these business outcomes sooner, Agile Rising will leverage the Enterprise Transformation Package (ETP) from Team Topologies. The ETP equips partners with a ready-made suite of expert guidance, playbooks, and training materials that significantly reduce the cognitive load and content generation burden for transformation leaders. By utilising these proven upskilling materials, Agile Rising can rapidly accelerate clients’ transition to a ‘fast flow’ product operating model, ensuring the foundational organisation design is optimised to support the next generation of AI-enabled business.

Sandea Wholesale Ltd Receives King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade

Helen Greaney

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05/05/2026

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Sandea Wholesale Ltd Receives King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade

Sandea Wholesale Ltd, a rapidly expanding UK wholesale and distribution company, has announced that it has received The King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category – widely regarded as the UK’s highest honour for business excellence.

Founded in 2019, Sandea Wholesale Ltd has rapidly established itself as a trusted supplier of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), exporting a diverse product range to markets worldwide. The company’s continued investment in logistics, supplier partnerships, and customer-focused operations has driven significant international expansion.

Commenting on the achievement, Sanjeet Manek, Director of Sandea Wholesale Ltd, said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive The King’s Award for Enterprise. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team, the strength of our partnerships, and our commitment to delivering excellence to customers across the globe. Our international growth journey has been driven by resilience, innovation, and a clear vision for the future.”

The award reflects Sandea Wholesale’s strong performance in international markets and its contribution to the UK economy through export growth and global trade engagement.

Looking ahead, the company plans to expand into new international territories, strengthen its global supply chain, and continue delivering value to partners and customers worldwide.

Science writer David Robson links loneliness to illness on BEYOND with Aleksandra King

News Desk

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05/05/2026

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Science writer David Robson links loneliness to illness on BEYOND with Aleksandra King

David Robson, science writer and author of The Intelligence Trap, The Expectation Effect, and The Laws of Connection, has discussed research linking loneliness to cardiovascular disease, the power of mindset to alter physical responses, and the cognitive traps that cause high-achievers to make poor decisions in a wide-ranging appearance on BEYOND with Aleksandra King.

Robson — whose 18-year journalism career includes BBC Future, New Scientist, Wired, The Guardian, and The Atlantic — told host Aleksandra King that loneliness deserves public-health status alongside smoking and poor diet. He also explained the “liking gap” that stops people from reaching out to others, the “beautiful mess effect” that makes vulnerability attractive, and why self-compassion drives genuine behavioural change.

Key Facts

Loneliness and health: More than 100 longitudinal studies Robson cites link loneliness to higher risk of cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, and earlier mortality. The WHO Commission on Social Connection has established loneliness as a global health priority.
Mindset and the body: Robson’s expectation-effect research synthesises 400+ peer-reviewed studies showing mindset measurably influences fitness, stress response, sleep, diet, and physical ageing.
Liking gap: Popularised by Robson in The Laws of Connection, the liking gap — the mistaken belief that others value interactions less than we do — closes within five days of regular social contact in the research he cites.
Intelligence trap: Robson draws on psychologist Keith Stanovich’s “rationality quotient” finding that susceptibility to cognitive bias is independent of IQ. “Earned dogmatism” — experts closing their minds after success — drives poor decisions in leadership.
Beautiful mess effect: Research synthesised in The Laws of Connection shows that displaying vulnerability increases, not reduces, perceived charisma. Princess Diana’s 1995 Panorama interview is a canonical example.

“The capacity to update our beliefs is really fundamental to rationality,” Robson told Aleksandra King on the podcast.

Loneliness as public-health priority

The lonelier people are, Robson said, the more likely they are to develop short-term illnesses like colds, long-term conditions like cardiovascular and Alzheimer’s disease, and to die at an earlier age. Even pet ownership, he noted, provides measurable health benefits. The World Health Organization’s loneliness task force and the former US Surgeon General’s prioritisation of the issue reflect a scientific consensus that has yet to translate into public behaviour.

Mindset reshaping the body

Robson’s expectation-effect work extends the placebo effect into stress, fitness, diet, and physical ageing. Telling people that cortisol indicates alertness and energy — rather than danger — produces measurably better performance in exams, public speaking, and athletic tasks. “You’re not changing how you’re feeling,” he said. “You’re just changing how you think about what’s going on.”

Expertise and error

The greater risk for successful people, Robson argued, isn’t low intelligence but “earned dogmatism” — the tendency to stop updating beliefs once status is established. Enron is the cautionary example; Warren Buffett, with his noted intellectual humility, the counter-case.

The full conversation — David Robson on connection, mindset, and the intelligence trap — is available on BEYOND with Aleksandra King.

Cullen Sustainable Packaging confirms £5m investment to support future growth

News

Helen Greaney

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05/05/2026

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Cullen Sustainable Packaging confirms £5m investment to support future growth

With a £5 million expansion of its Glasgow site, Cullen Sustainable Packaging- uniquely combining corrugate and moulded fibre production under one roof – continues to push the boundaries of sustainable manufacturing.

Cullen is scaling its manufacturing operations in response to growing demand, with continued investment in machinery and infrastructure supporting its trajectory towards industry-leading output. Currently producing around 0.5 billion products annually, the business is targeting a doubling of output through continued investment in capacity and expansion into new markets, with the business already seeing increased output as demand for sustainable moulded fibre and corrugate packaging continues to grow.

Order volumes are increasing across its core markets, while EPR regulations are reshaping the economics of plastic packaging. The privately owned business has been on a trajectory of sustained growth over the past decade, and the latest investment is designed to align capacity with the demand it is already experiencing, with further growth expected as new markets come online. The investment has also created new jobs at the Glasgow facility, adding to a workforce that has grown consistently alongside the business over the past decade.

At the heart of the programme is the launch of Cullen’s new Moulded Fibre Machine 8000, a proprietary production line designed and built entirely in-house by the company’s own engineering team. Brought online after six months of development, the machine ramped up rapidly following launch, reflecting both the pace of demand and the role of new capacity in supporting Cullen’s growth trajectory.

As the world’s only manufacturer combining corrugate and moulded fibre capability under one roof, Cullen occupies a unique position in the UK packaging industry. Unlike other manufacturers, which source production equipment from external suppliers, Cullen designs and builds much of its own machinery, giving the business full control over output, speed, and product specification. Machine 8000 incorporates the company’s latest belt technology, delivering improved throughput efficiency and quality. The business also operates a closed loop recycling system, processing over 8,000 tonnes of its own corrugate waste annually and feeding it directly back into moulded fibre production, embedding circularity into the manufacturing process itself.

Machine 8000 is part of a wider £2 million infrastructure upgrade programme that includes improvements to existing production lines and the installation of a new Kasemake X5 corrugate sample table, which enables Cullen’s design team to develop and deliver packaging samples to customers at greater speed.

The expansion comes as EPR regulations reshape the economics of packaging across the UK, accelerating the shift away from plastic and driving brands to seek reliable domestic alternatives at pace. Cullen is already seeing record growth in key categories including food and drink, medical, industrial, and ecommerce, and is experiencing significant early traction in markets it has recently entered. In home fragrance, where brands are actively seeking plastic-free alternatives for candles, diffusers, and related products, enquiries and order volumes have grown sharply since the category was opened. Further capacity additions are planned in the coming months in anticipation of continued demand growth.

The investment delivers a significant increase in production capacity. With current output at around 0.5 billion products annually, Cullen continues to scale production in line with growing demand, with further investment set to support a planned doubling of output. The business serves customers across 35 countries from its 14-acre Glasgow base.

“This investment is a response to real, sustained demand from our customers,” said Maureen Stevenson, Head of Marketing at Cullen Sustainable Packaging. “The new machine ramped up quickly following launch, and we are already planning the next phase of expansion. That is what growth-led investment looks like in practice, not speculation, but response.”

Cullen Sustainable Packaging is the world’s only manufacturer combining corrugate and moulded fibre packaging capability under one roof. Privately owned and based in Glasgow on its 14-acre site, the company designs and builds its own production machinery in-house and has delivered sustained growth over the past decade, serving customers across 35 countries.

For more information, visit www.cullen.co.uk.

Career change company launches as millions of UK professionals rethink work

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News Desk

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01/05/2026

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Career change company launches as millions of UK professionals rethink work

As more than 7 million people changed jobs in 2025, career change company Another Path has launched in response to a growing national shift in how professionals are rethinking work, success and long-term career direction, as professional reinvention becomes an increasingly normal part of working life across the UK.

Founded by Manchester career coach and PR consultant Edwin Buckley (pictured), Another Path has been created to help people who feel stuck, burnt out, professionally misaligned or ready for a new direction. The company supports professionals through career change coaching, personal rebranding and strategic career repositioning, alongside a wider platform of real-life stories, free
resources and industry insights designed to make career change feel clearer and more achievable.

The launch comes at a time when career change is becoming increasingly common across the UK. More than 7 million people changed jobs in 2025, reflecting just how normal professional reinvention has become.

Research from LinkedIn shows nearly two-thirds of UK professionals have considered changing careers entirely, while wider workforce trends around burnout, work-life balance, redundancy, restructuring and changing industry demands continue to push more people to rethink long-term career direction.

Across the UK, where major shifts across public services, retail, professional services, media and the creative economy continue to reshape working life, more professionals are facing decisions around reinvention, redundancy, progression and career repositioning.

Another Path was created in response to that wider shift, but also from Buckley’s own lived experience of navigating multiple career moves himself. His career began in television at just 16- years-old, going on to produce documentaries and entertainment programmes for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and MTV.

He later moved into recruitment and talent management, before working across communications and PR roles with organisations including Natural England, Prostate Cancer UK and Causeway, eventually launching his own PR and communications agency, The Prominence Collective, before later training as a career coach.

At the heart of Another Path is the growing platform of real-life career change stories designed to open up honest conversations around professional reinvention and show that career change is both possible and often necessary.

Featured stories include former BBC executive Annette Williams, who retrained as a Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist after redundancy at 60; James Bowater, who moved from conference production into financial planning; former headteacher Craig Fraser, who stepped away from education after long Covid and personal loss to build an award-winning candle business; Ellie
Short, who transitioned from special effects make-up into disability services and student support after being forced to rethink her path due to disability; and Benjy Potter, who moved from entertainment journalism into senior communications and marketing roles.

Alongside these lived stories, the platform offers free online resources and insights covering career clarity, transferable skills, retraining versus repositioning, CVs, LinkedIn, interviews, networking, industry research, gaining relevant experience, managing risk and timing, and learning how to tell a clearer professional story.

As well as the platform content, Another Path also offers one-to-one career change coaching and personal rebranding support, helping people plan next steps, reposition their experience, and build stronger opportunities beyond their current field.

Edwin Buckley said: “I created Another Path because I know first-hand how emotionally complicated career change can be, particularly when your work has shaped not just your job, but your identity.

“Back in 2014, I remember crouching in the stairwell of the TV production company office I was working in, secretly taking my first call with a recruiter outside television and feeling like I was somehow betraying the industry just by being curious about something else. At that point, TV was all I knew. My confidence, network and sense of professional identity all lived there, and the idea of stepping outside it felt like losing part of myself.

“What followed was years of navigating multiple career moves, from television production into recruitment, talent management, communications, PR, entrepreneurship and career coaching. Looking back, none of those moves were really about starting again, they were about recognising the same strengths in different places and learning how to position them differently.

“The hardest part was never ability, it was clarity. Knowing whether I needed to retrain or whether I simply needed to reposition the experience I already had. Understanding what was actually transferable. Learning how to explain my value in a way that made sense outside the world I had built my career in.

“Career change is rarely just about changing jobs. It is usually about confidence, identity and giving yourself permission to think differently about what success could look like. I see so many people who are incredibly capable doubting themselves because they feel stuck between what they have done and what they think they are allowed to do next.

“Often the breakthrough is not finding a completely new answer, it is recognising the patterns that have always been there. What energises you, where you naturally perform well, what people consistently trust you for, and what kind of life you actually want your work to support.

“That is exactly why I created Another Path. I wanted to build the kind of support I wish had existed when I was figuring it out myself. Career change can feel lonely, confusing and isolating, but it can also be the beginning of something far better than what you thought you were supposed to stay in.”

To find out more about Another Path, visit www.AnotherPathHQ.com

Smart Living Company Capsule Whales Unveils Modular Capsule Units Designed for a New Era of Flexible Development

News Desk

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01/05/2026

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Smart Living Company Capsule Whales Unveils Modular Capsule Units Designed for a New Era of Flexible Development

Capsule Whales, a UK-based company operating in the smart living space, has launched a new line of modular capsule units created to meet the needs of both residential occupiers and hospitality operators, combining design-led thinking with a practical approach to the challenges of modern development.

Positioned as a meaningful alternative to traditional construction methods, the units address two of the most persistent frustrations in the development sector: the time it takes to bring new spaces into use and the increasingly prohibitive costs associated with conventional building approaches.

The timing of the launch reflects a broader movement in the way consumers think about the spaces they occupy. Capsule Whales’ founders argue that growing numbers of people are no longer focused on acquiring larger homes, but are instead looking for well-designed, adaptable spaces that can be put in place rapidly and serve a variety of purposes across different types of location, from private plots of land to boutique accommodation settings.

According to founder Andrius Milašius, the shift reflects both necessity and changing expectations. “There is a growing frustration with how slow and restrictive the traditional system can be,” he said. “With our modular capsule units, the goal is to remove many of the barriers that have historically slowed development down. They blend efficient design with off-grid capability, making it possible to activate land much faster and in places that previously weren’t viable. Whether it’s a landowner creating a new income stream or a developer testing a concept before scaling, this approach offers a level of agility that simply hasn’t existed in the market before. People are realising they don’t necessarily need more space — they need better, smarter and more flexible space.”

A particularly compelling aspect of the units is their off-grid compatibility, with each capsule capable of being connected to renewable energy systems, water management solutions and appropriate waste processing infrastructure. The result is a unit that can function without any dependence on established utility networks, unlocking the potential of remote locations, supporting the growth of eco-tourism and enabling accommodation projects to be developed and scaled in settings that have previously been considered out of reach.

The proposition for landowners and property developers is built around three practical advantages: the ability to get a project up and running in a fraction of the time that conventional construction would require, a significantly lower initial financial commitment and the freedom to expand capacity incrementally as the evidence of demand grows.

Andrius added: “We are only at the beginning of this shift. The way people live, travel and use land is changing. The real question is how quickly new solutions will be adopted. Ultimately, this isn’t just about smaller spaces — it’s about smarter ones that are purposeful, well-designed and capable of operating independently. That’s where we see the future heading.”

Those wishing to find out more about Capsule Whales and its modular capsule units can visit www.capsulewhales.com.

Mobility in Motion Announces New Charity Partnerships to Mark Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month

Charity

News Desk

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01/05/2026

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Mobility in Motion Announces New Charity Partnerships to Mark Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month

Mobility in Motion has confirmed new partnerships with two charities, Steel Bones and Finding Your Feet, deepening the organisation’s longstanding dedication to supporting people across the UK who are living with limb loss or limb difference.

The partnerships have been unveiled during Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, a timing that underlines the company’s increased focus on building confidence, fostering independence and improving accessibility for amputees and those who have experienced limb difference or are adapting to the changes that limb loss brings to daily life.

These latest partnerships sit alongside Mobility in Motion’s existing and productive collaboration with Amputation Foundation, and together they represent a broader and deepening commitment to serving the limb loss and limb difference community through education, advocacy, lived experience and the provision of practical mobility solutions.

Rather than operating as conventional sponsorship arrangements, the partnerships have been built around something more meaningful: genuine connection with the communities they serve, the sharing of real experiences and a practical focus on helping individuals find their confidence again and lead more independent lives day to day.

Rebuilding Confidence Through Mobility

Steel Bones supports amputees nationwide through peer mentoring, wellbeing programmes, social connection, and inclusive events that help individuals rebuild confidence after life-changing injury or illness.

Finding Your Feet is Scotland’s only nationwide charity supporting amputees, those born without limbs, and their families. They provide peer support, counselling, well-being services and inclusive clubs and activities that reduce isolation and support people to rebuild emotionally, mentally and physically at any stage of their journey.

For many people living with limb loss or limb difference, independent travel plays a crucial role in work, maintaining relationships, and participating fully in everyday life. Yet awareness of, and access to suitable vehicle adaptations and reliable guidance can still present significant barriers.

Through these partnerships, Mobility in Motion, Steel Bones, Finding Your Feet, and Amputation Foundation will work together to improve awareness, understanding, and access to adapted driving solutions, supporting people not only physically, but emotionally and socially.

Bruce Lauder, Head of Commercial at Mobility in Motion, said “Our work with charities within the limb loss and limb difference community has shown us just how powerful peer-led support and lived experience can be. Partnering with Steel Bones and Finding Your Feet allows us to reach even more people rebuilding their lives after limb loss.

Mobility isn’t just about vehicles, it’s about confidence, identity, freedom, and independence.”

A Community-Led Approach to Partnership

Drawing on lessons from its 2025 charity programme, Mobility in Motion has shaped these partnerships around collaboration, education, and shared storytelling.

Planned activity includes:

Spotlight videos highlighting lived experience
Co-branded infographics and educational resources
Joint advocacy moments around key awareness days
Mini masterclasses and “Ask Me Anything” sessions
Product development workshops and behind-the-scenes tours
Lunch and Learn sessions for Mobility in Motion staff to deepen understanding of the limb loss community
Charity-specific promotions
Support for fundraising and community events

By working closely with Steel Bones, Finding Your Feet, and Amputation Foundation, the company aims to ensure its services continue to reflect real-life experiences and evolving community needs.

Raising Awareness Through Real Stories

As part of Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, Mobility in Motion also partnered with entrepreneur and para-athlete, Nicole Brennan for a social media takeover earlier this month, where she shared her experiences of living with an upper limb difference and the role accessibility, confidence, and independence play in everyday life.

Through honest storytelling and day-to-day insights, Nicole’s content gave audiences a personal perspective on navigating life with limb difference, highlighting both the challenges and the importance of feeling supported, understood, and represented.

Bruce added “Working with Nicole gives us a chance to better understand the challenges she faces when driving, while also raising awareness through lived experience. Creating space for real voices and real stories is incredibly important, both for representation and for helping people feel more confident accessing the support and solutions available to them.”

Supporting the Journey from Recovery to Independence

Each year, thousands of people in the UK undergo amputations due to trauma, illness, or medical conditions. While clinical rehabilitation is essential, long-term independence often depends on access to the right practical and emotional support.

Together, these partnerships aim to make returning to driving, and to everyday life, feel achievable, supported, and empowering.

Emma Joy-Staines, CEO at Steel Bones, commented “Regaining independence after limb loss is about more than physical recovery. It’s about rebuilding confidence and reconnecting with life. Working with Mobility in Motion will help our community better understand their options and feel supported on their journey back to driving and independence.”

Cor Hutton, Founder of Finding Your Feet added, “Everything we do is about reducing isolation and making sure amputees and their families aren’t left navigating life after limb loss alone. Partnering with Mobility in Motion means we can reach even more people across Scotland and make sure they know the support and opportunities available to them.”

Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond

Mobility in Motion will continue sharing updates from its charity partnerships throughout 2026, including campaign launches, community stories, events, and educational initiatives.

Together with Steel Bones, Finding Your Feet, and Amputation Foundation, the company hopes to help create a stronger, more connected support network for people living with limb loss and limb difference, ensuring more people are aware of the mobility solutions and support available to help them live independently and confidently.

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