Business London Press

EE Reinvents Trade-In as Integrated Marketplace Feature to Support Tech Expansion

News Desk

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12/02/2026

EE Reinvents Trade-In as Integrated Marketplace Feature to Support Tech Expansion

UK mobile network builds scalable trade-in capability into core customer journey, supporting omnichannel growth across technology and gaming

EE has repositioned trade-in as a central feature of its marketplace platform, embedding the functionality directly into its purchasing flow and creating a scalable framework designed to underpin its continued expansion into technology and gaming sectors.

The development addresses a growing consumer trend: many households retain unused devices rather than monetising them through trade-in schemes. Against a backdrop of rising living costs and increasing sustainability expectations, EE recognised the opportunity to deliver a unified experience where customers can both upgrade and trade in devices within a single journey.

Rather than layering a separate trade-in service on top of its systems, EE redesigned its infrastructure to make trade-in native to its marketplace environment. This approach reduces friction for customers while providing the business with real-time visibility over volumes, valuations and commission performance across multiple categories.

EE’s digital product and architecture teams identified that trade-in shares structural similarities with product returns, encompassing device collection, logistics coordination and financial reconciliation.

Working alongside Marketplacer, its marketplace platform partner, EE assessed whether existing returns and marketplace processes could be adapted for trade-in. A successful proof of concept demonstrated that the company could manage device catalogues, intake and settlement using current workflows, avoiding costly one-off integrations.

“Once we realised trade-in could follow the same pattern as returns, everything clicked,” said Nagendra Kanakapura, Consumer Tribe Architect at EE. “It gave us a fast, low-risk path forward and allowed us to move with confidence.”

The solution was implemented at pace. An initial core team expanded into more than ten squads operating simultaneously, enabling EE to roll out the feature across both its app and website while retaining strong governance over delivery.

At launch, the trade-in platform supported six device categories, ensuring a consistent digital experience. Customers receive instant quotes during checkout, with the trade-in value automatically deducted from their purchase price, streamlining the upgrade process.

“We saw trade-in as a way to make upgrading easier for customers, while supporting our expansion into new tech categories,” said Daniel Boulton, Digital Product Manager at EE.

“To do that, we needed a solution that could scale quickly and integrate directly into the customer journey.”

From a commercial perspective, the embedded model provides enhanced data transparency. EE can now track trade-in performance across its product portfolio, supporting informed decisions around inventory management, pricing and customer engagement strategies.

The approach also aligns with environmental objectives by encouraging refurbishment and responsible recycling while recapturing value from unused household technology.

By making trade-in a fundamental marketplace capability rather than an external add-on, EE has established a model that can scale across channels and new product areas. Plans are in place to broaden device coverage and introduce the service into assisted retail environments, strengthening omnichannel integration.

The initiative illustrates how retailers can leverage existing platform architecture to accelerate innovation while reducing implementation risk. By adapting workflows already embedded within its systems, EE delivered a new service without the delays associated with fully bespoke development.

For marketplace operators, the case underscores the importance of flexible system design. Infrastructure originally supporting returns and third-party seller operations has been repurposed to power a consumer-facing trade-in function, enabling faster deployment and sustained operational oversight.

With trade-in now live across digital touchpoints and fully integrated into the purchase journey, EE has reinforced its broader strategic ambitions in technology and gaming. The scalable structure ensures responsiveness as consumer behaviours evolve and additional product categories are introduced.

The model also enhances loyalty potential, as customers engaging in trade-in are demonstrating clear upgrade intent and deeper engagement with EE’s expanding ecosystem.

For further details, read the full EE trade-in case study.

Tradesman Saver accelerates growth with new sub-brands and refreshed identity

News Desk

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11/02/2026

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Tradesman Saver accelerates growth with new sub-brands and refreshed identity

Tradesman Saver, one of the UK’s leading providers of insurance to tradespeople, has kickstarted ambitious growth plans for 2026 by expanding its services alongside the reveal of new branding.

Already well-established in the construction sector, Tradesman Saver has now launched four sub-brands – Electrician Saver, Carpenter Save, Cleaner Saver, and Professional Saver – to cater for more people operating in various lines of work.

The expansion of its services coincides with an update to the Tradesman Saver branding, featuring a more refined visual identity that reflects the modern, professional business it is today and creating a stronger, more relatable connection with its customers.

Launched 18 years ago, Tradesman Saver became one of the first specialist insurance providers to offer a digital end-to-end experience for customers, enabling them to quote, buy and renew entirely online and at a time that suits them. After hitting the 10,000 customer mark in 2019, the brand continued to expand and in 2024 was acquired by Jensten, a leading broking and underwriting group, with the aim of achieving further growth. Having recently announced its own acquisition by leading global private equity firm Bain Capital, Jensten has invested significantly in Tradesman Saver’s digital presence to reach even more customers.

Dean Laming (pictured), managing director for Tradesman Saver, said: “We’ve always had a clear goal to become a leading provider of specialist insurance in the UK, particularly within the construction sector. To achieve that, we knew we needed greater investment and the ability to scale at pace, which is why the acquisition by Jensten in 2024 was such an important milestone for us.

“As the business has evolved, our brand needed to evolve with it. The launch of these targeted sub-brands for key trades and professions shows we’re serious about supporting more of the UK’s workforce, while our refreshed look and feel is a sign of our ability to compete effectively amongst established brands. We have real credibility and confidence embedded in the business today.”

Tradesman Saver’s unique, value-led offering to customers goes beyond basic insurance requirements, with 24-hour access to legal support, free mental health counselling services, and accidental death and overseas work cover provided as standard.

Dean added: “While price plays an important role in customer buying decisions, the cheapest policy doesn’t always deliver the right level of cover. What matters most is having insurance that provides comprehensive protection, backed by a professional partner who understands the unique challenges and working environments faced by tradespeople and other professions.

“Our focus has always been on delivering value, not just low prices, ensuring customers have the protection they need for every part of their work. These recent changes in the business make a clear statement about our commitment to quality, clarity and specialist cover that goes above and beyond to help those who need it.”

Find out more about Tradesman Saver here.

Engage Employee Summit 2026 Brings the Future of HR and Engagement to London

Events
HR

News Desk

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11/02/2026

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Engage Employee Summit 2026 Brings the Future of HR and Engagement to London

Engage Business Media has announced the return of the Engage Employee Summit in 2026, bringing together senior leaders from HR, internal communications and employee engagement for two days of learning and collaboration. The free-to-attend event will be held on 20–21 May 2026 at Evolution London.

Now in its 11th year, the Summit will expand its format to accommodate a growing audience, with more than 3,000 professionals expected to attend. The event will feature 250 speakers, 120 exhibitors and six dedicated topic stages alongside the main stage, creating a comprehensive platform focused on the evolving world of work.

The Summit programme is shaped around a central theme of human-centred organisations, where technology supports rather than replaces the employee experience. Day One examines current challenges facing organisations, from engagement fatigue and skills shortages to changing leadership demands and the realities of managing hybrid and frontline teams.

Across both days, attendees will engage with practical case studies, open discussions and evidence-based insights designed to highlight what is delivering results in practice. Day Two looks ahead to emerging trends, including AI adoption, workforce flexibility, new career models and shifting expectations around wellbeing, reward and communication.

The sessions will explore how organisations can adapt their structures and strategies while maintaining trust, capability and resilience. Delegates will also have access to a dedicated Summit app, providing tools for networking, accessing live content and interacting directly with sessions and speakers.

The Engage Employee Summit will feature six topic stages, alongside a high-impact main stage, covering the critical levers of modern workforce strategy:

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership – exploring culture, trust, employee voice and the changing identity of HR, including leadership in an AI-enabled workplace and culture in a borderless world.
Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution – for talent and workforce leaders focused on dynamic skills strategies, hiring decisions, retention under pressure and predictive workforce planning.
Internal Communications & Employee Voice – aimed at internal communicators and engagement specialists working to cut through the noise, elevate employee voice and prove impact through measurement and insight.
Communication & the Connected Workplace – focused on reaching deskless and dispersed teams, digital engagement and redefining what “connected” really means at work in hybrid and frontline settings.
Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion – examining mental health, resilience, psychological safety, financial wellbeing and inclusion as a cultural foundation, as well as the next era of employer-supported wellbeing.
Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits – for reward and benefits leaders designing human-centred, data-informed strategies, from recognition that truly works to personalised benefits and the evolving reward value exchange.

Across these stages, delegates will access cutting-edge insights, practical tools and actionable strategies spanning leadership, talent, communication, wellbeing, reward and the digital workplace.

As part of the agenda and exhibition, the Summit will host 120 leading employee engagement and HR software providers, integrated as strategic sponsors and partners. These organisations will showcase how technology can enable culture, communication, listening, wellbeing, reward and recognition at scale, helping senior leaders translate strategic ambition into operational reality.

Throughout the two days, sponsors will deliver live demonstrations, product walk-throughs and case studies aligned to the Summit themes, illustrating how platforms are being used to strengthen connection, measure sentiment and drive meaningful behaviour change. Positioned at the heart of the exhibition, they will offer consultative conversations, practical tools and proof-of-concept examples to help attendees accelerate transformation in their own organisations.

The 2026 Summit is shaped by the Engage Employee Advisory Board, a group of senior leaders whose expertise and insight ensure the programme reflects the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing employee engagement professionals.

Featured speakers for 2026 include HR, internal communications, reward, wellbeing and talent leaders from brands such as Google, Visa, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Bupa, British Airways, Heathrow, Gymshark, Jaguar Land Rover, Diageo, the NHS, PwC UK, Starbucks, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Lloyds Banking Group, Standard Chartered and many more. Their sessions will spotlight real-world case studies, measurable outcomes and replicable approaches that delegates can adapt within their own contexts.

The Engage Employee Summit is designed for senior leaders responsible for people, culture and transformation, including:

CPOs, CHROs and senior people leaders shaping culture and organisational transformation

Internal comms and engagement specialists who shape the stories employees hear every day
HR, people and culture leaders driving healthier, more equitable employee experiences
Wellbeing and inclusion leaders aligning support, equity and lived experience with organisational purpose
Reward and benefits leaders redefining value, recognition and benefits for the modern workforce
Talent leaders accountable for attracting, developing and retaining critical skills in dynamic labour markets

Delegates will leave with new perspectives, proven frameworks and practical tools to strengthen satisfaction, performance, loyalty and overall employee experience at individual, team and organisational level.

Hosted at Evolution London, the Summit benefits from a state-of-the-art venue supported by the latest AV technology. The space is optimised for learning, networking and business development, with turnkey exhibitor solutions and premium branding opportunities for partners.

Networking is built into the event design, with:

Topic-led roundtables for focused peer-to-peer discussion and knowledge-sharing
An AI-powered meetings programme and concierge service to facilitate tailored 1–2–1 meetings with senior professionals
An interactive event app enabling delegates to connect, access live content and engage with speakers and sessions in real time
A Summit Party after Day One, combining networking with entertainment to help delegates reset ahead of an energised Day Two

The Engage Employee Summit offers an all-access pass free of charge for approved senior HR and employee engagement professionals, including access to:

Six topic stages and main stage keynotes
Interactive interviews and panel debates
Pre-arranged one-to-one meetings, focus groups and roundtables
Full use of the event networking app

Registrations are subject to approval and are not available for suppliers or vendors.

MORCure Partners with Prof. Yorgo Modis to Advance Understanding of MORC2-Related Disorder

News Desk

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11/02/2026

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MORCure Partners with Prof. Yorgo Modis to Advance Understanding of MORC2-Related Disorder

MORCure has announced a new research initiative with Dr Yorgo Modis, a globally recognised scientist specialising in virology and immunology and a Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge. The collaboration marks an important step in expanding scientific understanding of MORC2-related disorder (M2RD).

The study will explore how inherited mutations in the MORC2 gene disrupt normal biological processes and lead to disease, including serious neuropathies that can affect young children.

MORCure co-founder and CEO, Anna-mai Andrews, notes “We are thrilled to have recruited Prof. Modis to apply his expertise and cutting-edge approaches to help us understand MORC2-related disorder. We firmly believe the work of Prof. Modis and his team will lead the way to identifying new ways to diagnose and treat this disorder.”

Previous peer-reviewed work by Prof. Modis and his research group has shown that MORC2 is essential for regulating gene activity during the earliest stages of embryonic development. In the newly announced project, his team will apply advanced computational methods, including artificial intelligence-driven molecular modelling and molecular dynamics simulations, to analyse how specific genetic mutations alter the behaviour of the MORC2 protein.

“With an increasing number of families affected by M2RD, MORCure addresses an important need for a better understanding of the disorder, how to diagnose it and ultimately how to treat it”, said Prof. Modis. “We will draw on our deep expertise on MORC2 molecular structure and function to determine the effects of mutations associated with M2RD on the ability of MORC2 to perform its essential gene-regulatory functions. Integrating insights from powerful neural network-based computational models and molecular dynamics simulations on some of the fastest available processors will allow us to make accurate predictions of the individual effects of each known M2RD-associated mutation”.

The project is expected to lay the groundwork for experimental validation of how MORC2 controls transcription at the molecular level. MORCure and Prof. Modis plan to use these advances to support the development of new diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies for people affected by M2RD.

In parallel, MORCure continues its broader mission through collaboration with a distinguished Medical Advisory Board and Board of Trustees, working to increase global awareness of M2RD, improve patient–clinician connections, and drive research into a rare disorder that is still commonly under-recognised and misdiagnosed.

Fragrance Du Bois Joins Forces With The Blind Poet to Reimagine How Fragrance Is Experienced

Lifestyle

News Desk

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11/02/2026

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Fragrance Du Bois Joins Forces With The Blind Poet to Reimagine How Fragrance Is Experienced

Fragrance Du Bois has revealed a creative partnership with Dave Steele, the acclaimed poet and advocate known internationally as The Blind Poet. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, Dave channels his loss of sight into poetic work rooted in intuition, emotion and sensory awareness.

“The fragrance industry is built on visuals. Campaigns, bottles, faces, lighting, seduction through sight. Which is why this collaboration with ,Fragrance Du Bois feels so powerful.” said Dave Steele.

Responding solely to sensation and emotion, Dave developed a collection of poems inspired by Cavort, Secret Tryst and Lovers. His writing captures longing, intimacy and emotional chemistry without relying on visual cues. “For their For Lovers collection, they chose to work with someone who doesn’t experience fragrance visually at all. I’m registered blind. I write from instinct, memory, emotion and sensation. This collaboration isn’t about inclusion as a tick box. It’s about trusting a different perspective to tell a deeper story. And that’s where the magic lives. Grateful to work with a brand willing to do something genuinely different.”

Dave also highlighted the challenges many people with disabilities face within luxury environments. “A lot of people with disabilities feel anxious about going into luxury spaces like high-end fragrance departments because they fear being judged or not belonging. That’s why this campaign matters. Having Fragrance Du Bois promote disability in a positive, visible way sends a powerful message that these spaces are for everyone, and that’s something worth shouting from the rooftops.” added Dave.

Although fragrance is often communicated through visuals, its essence lies in how it makes people feel, through memory, instinct and personal connection.

“Working with Dave on our For Lovers campaign was about trusting a different perspective to tell a deeper story. One that isn’t driven by what you see, but by what you feel. We’re grateful for the honesty, sensitivity, and insight he brought to this collaboration, and proud to share work that challenges convention in such a meaningful way.” said Jonnie Swarbrick, Founder and Creative Director.

The For Lovers collection reflects love in its many dimensions, the spark of attraction, the intensity of closeness and the emotions that remain long after the moment has passed. Through this partnership, Fragrance Du Bois encourages audiences to experience scent beyond imagery, embracing emotion as the truest form of connection.

Local Video Production Makes TV Advertising Viable for Small Businesses

Business

News Desk

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11/02/2026

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Local Video Production Makes TV Advertising Viable for Small Businesses

TV advertising is no longer reserved for large brands with six-figure budgets, according to BearJam, an independent local video production company that says new technology and production models are giving small businesses access to broadcast advertising for the first time.

Recent figures from ad-spend provider Guideline indicate that UK advertising investment is set to grow by 5.5% in 2026, with connected TV predicted to rise by 15%. As digital advertising costs increase, businesses are increasingly looking to television as a channel offering stronger audience targeting and clearer performance measurement.

David Sanderson, Director of Business Development at Sky Media, said, “More than 4,000 businesses have already advertised on TV for the first time with Sky. Adsmart from Sky gives brands of any size access to the UK’s most trusted and impactful advertising platform, enabling them to reach the right audiences, build fame, and accelerate business growth.”

BearJam says the combination of Sky AdSmart’s addressable TV capabilities and locally produced creative allows businesses to reduce spend without sacrificing production quality or broadcast compliance.

“Where TV advertising used to cost £200k, it can now be done for £20k, opening up more opportunities for businesses that haven’t had that kind of exposure before.” Said James Hilditch, Founder and Creative Director at BearJam.

The company explains that instead of funding large national campaigns, businesses can focus on targeted local placements supported by efficient production schedules and smaller crews.

Now, £20k can get businesses:

A professionally produced, broadcast-ready TV advert (typically 20–30 seconds), created with TV compliance in mind
A lean, local shoot schedule (often 1 day) with a small crew to keep production efficient
Edit, sound mix, and delivery in the formats required for TV placement
Support with Clearcast-ready assets and guidance on approvals
A starter media test on addressable TV (e.g., Sky AdSmart) targeting specific postcodes and audience profiles
Performance reporting to understand reach and frequency, and to inform the next round of spend
Optional cutdowns/versions for social and digital, so the same creative works across channels

“TV used to feel like a walled garden. You needed big budgets, big agencies, and you were often paying for reach you didn’t actually need. What’s changed is that small businesses can now target the right postcodes, measure performance properly, and produce creative locally without compromising on broadcast quality.

When you combine addressable TV platforms like Sky AdSmart with a local production partner, that £20k budget can start to cover both the media placement and a properly crafted TV-ready ad. And because you’re not trying to speak to the whole country, you can focus on a clear message, a local audience, and a plan you can actually build on.

The opportunity isn’t ‘TV for TV’s sake’. It’s TV as a credible, high-attention channel that sits alongside digital, and often gives you more control than people assume.” Added James Hilditch.

BearJam expects the continued growth of addressable TV and local production to further lower barriers to entry, enabling more small businesses to treat TV as a realistic and scalable advertising channel.

HDUK Urges Businesses to Rethink Cyber Security as Risks Grow Into 2026

Business

News Desk

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10/02/2026

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HDUK Urges Businesses to Rethink Cyber Security as Risks Grow Into 2026

UK managed IT provider HDUK is calling on organisations to rethink how they approach cyber security, warning that outdated infrastructure and do-it-yourself security strategies are leaving businesses increasingly vulnerable.

According to recent national guidance, phishing remains the most prevalent form of cyber attack. The UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey continues to show that phishing incidents cause significant operational disruption across organisations of all sizes.

In parallel, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has made clear that organisations are expected to restore access to personal data promptly after an incident, reinforcing the need for tested recovery and continuity plans.

Matt Healey, Managing Director at HDUK, said: “As organisations head into 2026, the risk to business data is not just about cyber criminals getting smarter. It is also about businesses running critical systems on ageing hardware, relying on ad hoc support, and assuming that off the shelf tools will be enough to keep client data safe.

“Keeping devices and infrastructure current, tightening access, improving backup and recovery, and having a clear incident response plan with expert support ready really matters.”

HDUK has also highlighted the security implications of running unsupported systems.

“Running unsupported operating systems and ageing devices increases exposure, because security updates stop and compatibility gaps grow. For example, Windows 10 reached end of support in October 2025, meaning devices still running it in 2026 will not receive security fixes unless covered by specific extended programmes,” Matt added.

The company notes that many organisations overestimate the protection offered by backups alone.

“Backups only matter if ransomware can’t get to them. We see attackers deliberately targeting recovery options, which is why organisations need segregated, ransomware-resistant backups that are regularly tested and ready to use under pressure, in line with NCSC guidance.

“Incident response should be treated as a business process. When something goes wrong, clear roles, rehearsed actions, and fast decisions around containment, communication, and regulatory reporting make the difference.

“Breaches happen when identity, devices, patching, monitoring, and user behaviour aren’t joined up. Real resilience comes from layered, actively managed security, not standalone products.”

HDUK explains that IT support exists on a spectrum, from basic reactive support through to managed security services with continuous monitoring. Businesses are advised to assess their true risk profile and choose support accordingly, rather than defaulting to self-service approaches.

Matt Healey said: “2026 will be the year many businesses feel the true cost of standing still. Unsupported devices, untested backups, and unclear responsibility during an incident are the cracks attackers look for.

“The answer is not panic buying more tools. It is getting the fundamentals right, keeping hardware current, and having a UK based team that can respond quickly, document properly, and help you stay compliant while keeping your people productive.”

HMDG Strengthens Clinical Oversight with Launch of Independent Advisory Board

Business

News Desk

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09/02/2026

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HMDG Strengthens Clinical Oversight with Launch of Independent Advisory Board

HMDG has confirmed the creation of an independent Advisory Board, marking a significant step in strengthening governance, clinical oversight and ethical decision-making as the organisation expands within private healthcare and MSK services.

Although the Advisory Board has now been formally established, HMDG has long drawn on informal external advice. Since its early days, the business has engaged senior clinicians and experienced industry professionals to scrutinise ideas, challenge internal thinking and provide independent perspective prior to launching new initiatives. The new Board introduces a clear, accountable structure to that long-standing approach.

Founded on strong clinical principles, HMDG has always combined commercial expertise with deep sector knowledge. As the business grew to operate at national scale, leadership recognised the need for more structured and independent oversight. The Advisory Board has been created to ensure consistent challenge and guidance as part of the company’s long-term governance model.

The Board has been tasked with several core functions, including reviewing initiatives before they reach the market, acting as a strategic sounding board for senior leaders, challenging organisational assumptions and ensuring decisions align with clinical best practice, patient outcomes and ethical responsibility.

Jack Chew, who has served as a trusted clinical advisor to HMDG, was asked to support the formation of the Board. He worked with the company to identify a small group of individuals with complementary experience across clinical delivery, leadership, operations and healthcare innovation.

Lucy Macdonald joins the Board bringing experience as both a practising physiotherapist and healthcare entrepreneur. She is the Lead Physiotherapist and Founding Director of Restart Physio in Surrey and has previously built and exited private clinics. In addition, she holds a number of non-executive, consultancy and media roles within the healthcare sector.

Nicola Graham also becomes part of the Advisory Board, contributing expertise from across NHS practice, elite sport and private healthcare. After owning and exiting a multidisciplinary healthcare business, she now works in fractional and board roles in preventative health, human performance and sports technology, supported by an Executive MBA.

Ove Indergaard brings nearly three decades of MSK experience to the Board. As Founder and Chief Executive of Indergaard Physiotherapy Ltd, he leads a multi-site clinic group in northern England and is widely recognised for his international work in Shockwave Therapy education and clinical governance.

Completing the Advisory Board is Laura Beaven, a chiropractor by training and Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Dyer Street Clinic. She played a central role in scaling the organisation from a small practice into a multidisciplinary clinic employing more than 20 people.

Commenting on the announcement, HMDG CEO Ben Marcilhacy said: “As HMDG has grown, so has its responsibility to the sector. The Advisory Board exists to ensure decisions are challenged, standards remain high, and the business continues to act in a way that is clinically credible and ethically grounded.”

HMDG has confirmed that the Advisory Board will operate as a permanent governance mechanism, supporting transparency, accountability and ongoing improvement as the organisation continues to develop.

About HMDG

HMDG is a healthcare marketing and strategy company specialising in the private healthcare and MSK sector. The business works with clinic owners to develop sustainable growth strategies that are aligned with clinical standards, patient outcomes, and long-term operational viability.

Author Calls for Historical Nuance Following Samurai Exhibition Media Debate

Art

News Desk

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06/02/2026

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Author Calls for Historical Nuance Following Samurai Exhibition Media Debate

Following widespread public discussion sparked by media coverage of a newly opened samurai exhibition, British-Japanese historical author and commentator Sumiko Nakano has offered clarification on the interpretation of samurai history.

The exhibition, currently on display at the British Museum, examines more than one thousand years of samurai culture, including the transformation of the warrior class into a hereditary elite during Japan’s Edo period from 1603 to 1868.

Nakano acknowledges the academic value of the exhibition but notes that some media headlines have generated controversy by claiming that “half of Japan’s samurai were women”, a statement she says requires careful contextualisation.

According to Nakano, such interpretations risk conflating samurai as a broad social class with samurai as formally recognised military and administrative retainers, roles that were governed by legal and institutional structures.

“The exhibition highlights the complexity of samurai society and the many roles that existed within it,” Nakano explains. “Women played essential and influential roles within samurai households and elite class structures. However, historical documentation shows that formal samurai service roles were defined by legal, military, and administrative duties that were predominantly carried out by male retainers.”

Over time, particularly during the Edo period, samurai responsibilities shifted towards governance, bureaucracy and cultural leadership. Within this system, women held critical responsibilities related to estate administration, financial management, education, lineage continuity and the maintenance of political and social alliances.

Historical records also indicate that some women received training in martial disciplines, mainly for defensive purposes. Nakano notes that while women did participate in combat during rare emergencies such as sieges or periods of political collapse, these situations were exceptional rather than indicative of formal inclusion within samurai rank structures.

“These women played a vital role in sustaining the social and political stability of samurai households,” Nakano states. “Their influence extended across economic, cultural, and strategic domains, and their contributions remain an important part of Japan’s historical legacy.”

Nakano stresses that the attention surrounding the exhibition provides an opportunity to broaden understanding of samurai society rather than reduce it to simplified narratives.

“Major exhibitions like this encourage valuable public interest in historical subjects,” she says. “They also remind audiences that samurai society included administrators, families, scholars, artists, and political networks alongside warriors. Preserving that full historical context is essential.”

She concludes by encouraging audiences to engage more deeply with historical research when encountering widely shared claims.

“Public engagement with history is strongest when supported by context and nuance,” she adds. “The story of samurai society is already rich, complex, and culturally significant. It deserves to be understood in its full historical depth.”

New ESG as a Service Offering Targets SME Compliance and Sustainability Challenges

News Desk

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05/02/2026

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New ESG as a Service Offering Targets SME Compliance and Sustainability Challenges

A new managed ESG solution has been launched to help SMEs address increasing regulatory and stakeholder demands around sustainability. ESG as a Service brings together ESG software and expert-backed support, functioning as a “Virtual Sustainability Officer” for organisations without internal ESG teams.

The service responds to mounting pressure on finance leaders, with over 78% of CFOs now feeling compelled by investors, customers and partners to take measurable action on sustainability. It is designed for UK and international SMEs employing up to 500 people.

The offering enables businesses to comply with ESG regulations, strengthen their attractiveness to investors and foster a sustainability-led culture, all while avoiding the cost and complexity of hiring specialist in-house resources.

To support regulatory alignment, ESG as a Service has been built to comply with EU CSRD, UK CSDDD and the UN SDGs, helping organisations prepare for both current and future reporting requirements.

With this launch, the platform broadens its CSR and ESG services, providing growing businesses with practical tools and guidance to meet evolving sustainability expectations and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders.

The Importance of ESG as a Service

Meeting Environmental, Social, and Governance requirements has shifted from a one-off reporting exercise to an integral operational need. It is changing the way UK businesses operate and compete.

Regulatory frameworks such as the EU’s CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) and the UK’s emerging Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) are asking for more reporting data from businesses and their supply chain.

Clients, investors, and procurement teams now require detailed, transparent, and auditable ESG data before doing business or investing in companies.

From carbon footprints to governance policies, many VC investors increasingly value quarterly ESG impact reports before investing. Financial institutions look more favourably at firms meeting ESG compliance. Moreover, the newer workforce, such as Gen Z, is increasingly preferring to work with organisations demonstrating strong ESG commitment.

Some SMEs and mid-market organisations face a unique challenge in ESG compliance. They require special teams to collect and report data, dedicated resources, and ongoing governance that a Sustainability Officer alone may not be able to meet.

KindLink’s ESG as a Service was launched to bridge these gaps by offering a fully-managed, subscription-based service, designed to help SMEs meet ESG reporting requirements and obligations without putting pressure on internal teams.

How KindLink’s ESG as a Service Works

KindLink’s ESG as a Service combines technology with hands-on expert involvement, acting as a Virtual Sustainability Officer for each business.

This service begins with a simple onboarding process and ESG materiality assessment to identify the key environmental, social, and governance priorities for a business. From there, KindLink’s Account Managers support companies across the complete ESG lifecycle.

Policy Creation & Governance Setup

After assessing a business’ requirements, KindLink creates customised governance documentation that touches up DEI, modern slavery, anti-bribery, and whistle-blowing policies.

Data Collection and Impact Measurement

Through guided “data hunts,” their team helps organisations identify, calculate, and verify core ESG metrics, such as carbon emissions, supply chain practices, and workforce diversity.

Live ESG Dashboards & Disclosure

To ensure accountability, they create a public-facing profile which is continuously updated with credible ESG information with customers, investors, and lenders.

With KindLink’s ESG as a service, businesses can be consistent with ESG compliance reporting and present it to their stakeholders.

Key Features

This new service integrates with KindLink’s wider range of CSR and ESG tools, including ESG & SDG reporting.

Businesses can access certified carbon data, social impact metrics, and governance documents for procurement audits for supplier ESG reporting. An audit-ready dashboard organises governance policies and social impact information that signals compliance. Businesses also receive a dedicated ESG Account Manager who works as a Virtual Sustainability Officer, offering the capabilities of a complete sustainability team.

Core ESG as a Service features include:

Initial Materiality Assessment
Virtual CSO Account Manager
Policy Generation (DEI, Modern Slavery, Anti-Bribery Policy, etc.)
Public ESG Dashboard (for Tenders & Investors)
Data Collection Support

Supplementary features include:

Quarterly ESG Reviews and Improvement Recommendations
Employee Engagement Platform
Charity Marketplace and Community Initiatives
Fundraising and Donation Matching tools
Corporate Volunteering Management
ESG Storytelling and Social Impact Feed

Pricing

For its new ESG as a Service solution, KindLink has introduced a transparent, three-tiered pricing model, based on the organisation’s size and the degree of data complexity.

Small businesses with up to 100 employees can start using this service at £350 per month. It’s £550 per month for those with 100 to 300 employees and £850 per month for a mid-sized organisation with 300 to 500 employees.

Additionally, there is a 25% discount on annual prepayment. Each pricing tier includes complete access to KindLink’s ESG platform and managed services.

About KindLink

KindLink is a social technology company, providing an all-in-one ecosystem where businesses, employees, and non-profits collaborate to make social and environmental impact transparent and effortless.

Its vision goes beyond offering a standard software solution. KindLink provides a comprehensive suite of digital tools for Corporate Social Responsibility, including volunteering management, donation matching, and grant making, that allow organisations to amplify their social commitments and showcase the real and measurable impact of their work.

KindLink introduces ESG as a Service as an extension of its existing corporate CSR platform, specifically created to support SMEs to meet compliance requirements and showcase their ESG efforts.

Their purpose is to simplify the way organisations measure and report their social and business impact, helping them amplify their positive footprint on communities and the environment. This is evident from the hard work they put into their alternative management solutions for charities via KindLink.org.

What This Launch Means for Businesses

The launch of this service marks a significant shift in the way businesses approach sustainability. It repositions ESG data as a strategic asset instead of a burden or compliance risk to be ticked off.

As regulations evolve in the CSR space, platforms like KindLink can shape how ESG data can support contract bids, investor confidence, and branding efforts.

By helping businesses demonstrate their ESG credentials to customers and buyers, KindLink’s ESG as a Service offers a practical and simpler pathway to ESG and CSR compliance, without building a full internal ESG team.

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