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Zutec Gains Growth Boost Through Pictet Asset Management Recapitalisation

Zutec, a prominent name in ConTech and PropTech SaaS across the UK and Ireland, has successfully secured a strategic recapitalisation from Pictet Asset Management’s (“Pictet AM”) European Direct Lending arm.

Zutec’s roadmap focuses on driving profitable organic growth while also acquiring and partnering with synergistic businesses to accelerate progress. The recapitalisation deal provides fresh facilities to refinance all existing debt in full, while also supplying resources to fuel continued acquisitions and investment in product innovation and AI.

The transaction represents a significant milestone in Zutec’s development, reinforcing its mission to expand operations and transform outcomes through advanced digital solutions.

Gustave Geisendorf, CEO of Zutec, commented: “We are delighted to partner with Pictet Asset Management for this next phase of our growth. This partnership strengthens our ability to deliver on our strategic roadmap by cementing our position in the UK, Ireland and beyond. Over the past five years, we have grown our business from sales of GBP2m to GBP15m, and we intend to continue this positive trajectory. This recapitalisation provides us with ample firepower and flexibility to accelerate our growth path as we are taking the business to the next level.”

Andreas Klein, Head of Private Debt at Pictet Asset Management, added: “We are delighted to support and partner with Zutec in the next phase of its exciting growth story. Gustave and his team have built a tremendous business with a market leading product and a growth trajectory toward success – we look forward to partnering with them on this ongoing journey.”

Zutec was advised on the recapitalisation by Marlborough Partners, who acted as financial advisor.

New Timeline study reveals almost half of UK affluent households do not use financial advisors 

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New consumer research by fintech provider Timeline has revealed that almost half of UK households with a net worth of over £500,000 do not use a financial advisor to manage their money.

Timeline, the fintech provider which supports Financial Advisers in the UK and that has just surpassed £10 billion in assets under management (AUM), polled 5,000 UK adults across three life stages.

The study found that 49% of affluent households manage money without a professional adviser, 38% say they’re “working on a plan,” while 12% have no plan at all.

The research also discovered that many people only consult an advisor for key life events. Retirement drawdown (43%), inheritance planning (42%) and sudden windfalls (38%) drive first adviser contact.

Despite this, 54% wish they’d sought advice earlier; retirees’ key message to younger people is “start investing sooner.”

The study found that inflation anxiety was the top concern among those polled. Rising living costs concern 57% overall and 67% of 20- to 39-year-olds.

“£10 billion AUM is a milestone for us, but the data shows the real work lies ahead,” said Abraham Okusanya, Founder & CEO of Timeline. 

“Too many people make life-changing money decisions alone. Our job is to give financial advisers technology that wipes out admin friction so they’re there exactly when consumers need guidance.

“We’ll be releasing more detailed findings of this extensive research which identify areas where advisers can put themselves in front of those in need of their services in the right way at the right time.”

Read more about the research here.

Leyton Orient Fans Could Bag £25K in BetWright’s New Crossbar Challenge

BetWright, Leyton Orient FC’s Official Stadium Naming Rights Partner, has introduced a fresh matchday experience for supporters—the Bangers N’Cash Crossbar Challenge—where fans can pocket up to £25,000 with one perfectly placed shot.

At every home game this season, one fan aged 18 or above will be chosen at random to take to the pitch at half-time and attempt to hit the crossbar with a single kick. Hitting the mark lands them the full prize pot, which kicks off at £3,000 and resets to £1,000 if won. If not, it rolls over, increasing by £1,000 each time until it hits a maximum of £25,000. Even those who don’t hit the target won’t go away empty-handed.

Instead, they’ll choose from three sealed envelopes, each containing a different prize: A second shot at the crossbar, a Leyton Orient club shop gift card or a Leyton Orient shirt.

The BetWright Bangers N’Cash Crossbar Challenge makes its debut this Saturday (9th August) when the O’s return to action at The BetWright Stadium against Wigan.

“We wanted to give fans a real moment under the floodlights”

Speaking on the initiative, Yarry Troshchey, Chief Marketing Officer at BetWright, said: “We’re not here to be a shadow sponsor. Our aim is to be part of the club’s matchday rhythm, showing up, engaging with supporters, and creating experiences that live beyond just the branding.

“This initiative brings tension, theatre, and gives fans a real moment under the floodlights.

“We’re passionate about bringing energy to the BetWright Stadium experience, and nothing brings a crowd together like a half-time crossbar banger.”

The BetWright Bangers N’Cash Crossbar Challenge is open to home ticket holders aged 18+.

For full terms and conditions, visit support.betwright.com.

Landlord Exodus Fuels UK Rent Surge as Thousands of Homes Disappear

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A staggering 18,000-plus rental homes have disappeared from the UK market in just nine months, pushing average rents to new highs and sparking fierce competition among tenants as the buy-to-let exodus accelerates.

The private rental sector is contracting more rapidly than ever, with small and mid-level landlords offloading properties due to mounting costs, stricter legislation, and economic headwinds. The shrinking stock of rental homes is heating up local markets, where double-digit rent rises are becoming increasingly common and supply cannot keep pace with demand.

  • 18,120 rental homes exited the private rental market between October 2024 and June 2025
  • 15.6% of newly listed homes in Q1 2025 were former rentals. A 9% increase from the 2024
  • 5.4:1 ratio: for every 1 buy-to-let property purchased, 5.4 were sold to owner-occupiers
  • UK-wide average rent: £1,342/month, up 8.9% year-on-year

From a regional perspective, the annual increases in monthly private rental prices have had negative impacts on both tenants and landlords:

Regional Rent Growth Highlights (YoY, Q2 2025):

  • Manchester: +12.3% (£1,351 avg. monthly rent)
  • Birmingham: +10.7% (£1,192)
  • Bristol: +11.8% (£1,488)
  • Leeds: +9.6% (£1,121)
  • Cardiff: +10.1% (£1,097)
  • Glasgow: +8.4% (£1,045)
  • Belfast: +9.8% (£937)
  • London (Outer Boroughs): +11.2% (£1,921)
  • London (Inner Boroughs): +7.9% (£2,384)

Rents are climbing fastest in urban centres and university towns, where supply is being stripped away and new landlord investment has stalled.

Jason Harris-Cohen, Managing Director of Landlord Buyers said: “With over 18,000 rental properties lost from the market in just nine months, we’re witnessing one of the most significant contractions in the UK’s private rental sector in decades. Landlords are being squeezed by rising taxes, tightening legislation, and increasing maintenance costs, many feel they have no choice but to sell.

At LandlordBuyers, we believe there’s a better way to exit the market. Our service allows landlords to sell quickly and discreetly without forcing tenants out of their homes, which is more important than ever as the average rent in the UK hits £1,342 per month and demand for affordable housing soars.”

A mix of rising costs and regulatory fatigue is pushing many landlords toward the exit:

  • Loss of mortgage interest relief (Section 24)
  • Proposed Renters’ Rights Bill banning no-fault evictions and increasing compliance
  • Costly EPC upgrades and local licensing schemes

According to NRLA research, 26% of landlords plan to sell in the next 12 months, while just 6% intend to buy more properties.

Hannah Richards-Ruddock’s Debut Book ‘The Power Shift’ Launches Globally, Championing Soul-Led Leadership

Speaker, author and founder of The Elevating Her®, Hannah Richards-Ruddock, has celebrated the worldwide release of her debut book, The Power Shift – a thought-provoking guide that delves into transformational leadership, emotional healing, and legacy creation.

Officially released on 22 July 2025, the book meets an increasing appetite for leadership that prioritises authenticity, wellbeing, and lasting impact in today’s fast-evolving world.

The Power Shift is crafted for women, families and emerging leaders navigating uncertain times and looking to realign with clarity, purpose, and resilience.

Much of the book is grounded in Richards-Ruddock’s own life journey, particularly a near-death experience in April 2024, which she refers to as a “divine interruption” that transformed her mission and inspired the launch of The Elevating Her®.

“This book isn’t just something I wrote, it’s something I lived,” said Hannah. “The Power Shift is a spiritual and strategic guide for those who know they’re called to more, but have lost themselves in systems that were never built for their brilliance.”

With expertise spanning healthcare, governance and international mentorship, Richards-Ruddock weaves spiritual insight and generational knowledge throughout twelve compelling chapters.

Each chapter introduces practical tools and guiding principles centred on healing-led leadership, generational renewal, and purpose-driven influence.

Key themes explored in The Power Shift include:

  • Recovering from burnout and navigating identity transitions
  • Leading with divine spiritual clarity and purpose
  • Healing generational trauma
  • Building family legacy and generational wealth
  • Embracing a soul-led leadership model in personal and professional spaces

The Power Shift is both a call to action and a practical companion for readers seeking to lead with conviction, alignment, and purpose. The book invites readers to reconnect with their inner wisdom while addressing the external systems that influence modern leadership.

The book has already received early endorsements from women’s empowerment leaders and changemakers across the UK, United States, and Africa. Readers have praised the work for its depth, authenticity, and timely resonance with global leadership challenges.

The Power Shift is currently available in paperback and eBook formats via Amazon UKIngramSpark, and Lead Magnet Funnel. It is positioned to support professionals, parents, and leaders navigating the shift from survival to significance.

With global audiences increasingly seeking holistic, conscious approaches to leadership, The Power Shift offers timely insights and grounded guidance for the next generation of change makers.

Tariff-Free Trade Takes Effect as India-UK FTA Finalised via rivexa

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On 24 July 2025, India and the United Kingdom concluded nearly two years of negotiation by ratifying a major Free Trade Agreement, widely regarded as one of the most impactful commercial treaties in recent memory.

The deal, which is expected to facilitate £25.5 billion in bilateral trade, introduces tariff-free access for Indian-made goods into the UK. In doing so, it establishes a streamlined, barrier-free trade route between two of the world’s leading economies—granting direct entry to over 1,000 Indian export lines, from garments to high-end manufacturing components (Economic Times).

These items will now enter the UK without incurring any tariffs. Previously, Indian textile products attracted import duties of 10–12%, while leather items were charged up to 20% (Indian Express). All such tariffs will now be scrapped. Meanwhile, British exporters are also poised to benefit. From electric vehicles to premium spirits like Scotch whisky, UK products will enjoy improved access to India’s dynamic and fast-growing marketplace.

The FTA Advantage

Apart from slashing tariffs, the agreement brings in practical policies to strengthen bilateral trade. Key features include digital documentation, 48-hour custom clearance targets, and deferred duty payment arrangements. Such features minimize operational barriers and streamline procurement processes, especially benefitting smaller enterprises that can now compete more effectively.  

A government press note indicates that India’s portion of UK clothing imports may grow by more than 5% over the coming two years (PIB), as buyers redirect sourcing from nation like Bangladesh, China, towards more dependable, economically viable Indian supply chains. 

How rivexa Helps UK Buyers Explore the New Trade Landscape

To support UK businesses in turning policy into practice, rivexa provides a seamless gateway into India’s verified supply chain ecosystem. Built by mjunction Services Limited, a Tata Steel and Steel Authority of India Limited joint venture, rivexa is a digital-first sourcing platform designed for global buyers.

The platform goes beyond supplier matchmaking. Every supplier listed on rivexa is verified for export readiness, compliance standards, and manufacturing capabilities. This helps reduce sourcing risk  and improve overall turnaround time. For global buyers newly considering India as a sourcing destination, rivexa simplifies the onboarding process with custom documentation support and transparent quotations.

What Procurement Teams Can Source on rivexa

The India-UK FTA creates practical pathways for distributors sourcing OEM parts or buyers exploring alternatives to China and other risk-prone markets. rivexa provides export ready Indian manufacturers across apparel, home textiles, and industrial components with verified capabilities and documentation.  

Fashion and Home Textiles:

UK buyers can use the rivexa marketplace to access multiple categories, such as menswear, women’s wear, uniforms, footwear, home textiles suited to both retail and hospitality. Many suppliers work with custom tech packs and accommodate flexible MOQs – features relevant for mid-sized UK brands navigating cost and lead time pressures.  

Industrial Components and MRO Supplies:

On the industrial side, the platform also supports the sourcing of components such as drawing-based CNC machined parts, OEM aftermarket and replacement parts, and MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations) supplies such as belts, bearings, valves, connectors, switches, etc. Buyers can enable you to review technical fit, turnaround timelines, and compliance readiness – particularly valuable is you’re diversifying suppliers or managing complex CAPEX or OPEX sourcing cycles. 

With the India-UK FTA dramatically improving cost structures, and rivexa’s digital infrastructure reducing complexity, procurement leaders in the UK can now source with greater transparency, speed, and confidence from India’s manufacturing sector.

For sourcing and procurement needs, visit: www.rivexa.com

For sales and marketing-related queries, please email: [email protected]

Disclaimer

This press release incorporates industry analytical intelligence and quantitative metrics as documented by PwC, Deloitte, EY, BCG, CNBC, CNN, BBC, MSN, JP Morgan, Reuters, KPMG, and others, alongside citations on applicable trade agreements. It is intended to provide a thorough view of global sourcing trends and India’s strengthening role in manufacturing. Readers are advised to seek professional advice before acting on this information.

MuveOne Achieves 895% Revenue Growth Through Strategic Overhaul

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European removals expert MuveOne, headquartered in the UK, has reported an astonishing 895% increase in revenue compared to last year, following extensive service improvements and a full revamp of its online systems.

Offering competitively priced international removals across Europe, MuveOne attributes this sharp rise to its enhanced digital interface, a more efficient operations model, and specialist knowledge.

The revenue surge highlights the firm’s dedication to easing the growing complexities of post-Brexit European moves.

Post Brexit International moves across europe

Following Brexit, customs documentation, clearance procedures, and transport timelines have become more difficult for individual movers to navigate. MuveOne has responded by developing a streamlined model and building in-house expertise around customs requirements, helping customers avoid delays and unexpected fees at borders.

“Our growth reflects how vital clarity and reliability have become in the removals space,” said a company spokesperson. 

The changes implemented were part of a broader effort to simplify the removals process for customers relocating between the UK and Europe. 

Affordable and transparent european removals

Established to bring greater transparency and affordability to international moving, MuveOne has grown steadily over the past five years. 

MuveOne’s website now allows users to calculate their space requirements accurately, receive instant quotes with no hidden fees, and book removals to 29 European countries in just a few steps.

“The past year has been transformational for MuveOne,” The spokesperson added. “Our growth reflects the increasing demand for affordable, stress-free international removals. By improving our digital tools and doubling down on transparent pricing and service reliability, we’ve positioned ourselves as the go-to option for UK residents moving abroad.”

Move abroad from the UK 2025

MuveOne’s model focuses on efficient, single-driver transport teams and flexible volume pricing to keep costs down while maintaining secure and fully insured moves. 

The company has now successfully handled over 1,000 removals across Europe, with an average journey time of just 24 hours.

Key to MuveOne’s success is its use of route-based freight networking, allowing cheaper transportation when moving to the same or nearby European destinations. This efficiency enables MuveOne to reduce operating costs, savings which are passed on to customers.

MuveOne has further reduced costs by implementing a two-team model – employing one team for loading in the UK and a separate team for unloading in the destination country. By using dedicated teams at both ends, MuveOne avoids the cost of transporting loading staff across Europe, reducing operational expenses without compromising on the full-service experience.

With a 4.8-star rating on Trustpilot, MuveOne intends to further enhance its customer support through educating movers to better understand customs processes and documentation needs for further peace of mind. 

‘Closet London’ Fashion Brand Enters Liquidation After Three Decades of Style

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Independent fashion brand Closet London has entered voluntary liquidation, concluding nearly 30 years of operation. The move follows the appointment of insolvency experts Coots & Boots to manage the process.

On Monday 21st July, directors of the company named Duncan Coutts and Rupen Patel of Coots & Boots as joint liquidators to oversee the winding-up of the business.

The appointment was subsequently approved by the brand’s creditors, granting the insolvency firm the legal right to proceed with liquidation activities.

Since its founding in 1996, Closet London earned recognition for its bold aesthetic, sleek tailoring, and locally crafted designs—cultivating a loyal clientele across the UK and abroad.

Although the company experienced robust online performance during the pandemic, it was unable to recover in a post-COVID retail market marked by shifting consumer habits and economic headwinds.

According to the directors, the business faced insurmountable challenges stemming from Brexit-related supply chain disruptions, industry-wide cost pressures, and erratic seasonal demand. These issues made long-term operations unsustainable.

At the point of liquidation, the business held limited assets, including a small amount of clothing inventory and production machinery—both of which were deemed to hold low resale value.

Joint liquidator Rupen Patel of Coots & Boots noted:

“Closet London has been a bold and distinctive presence in British fashion for nearly 30 years. While the business could not withstand today’s retail pressures, its design legacy endures. Our role now is to ensure an orderly wind-down in the best interests of all stakeholders.”

In 2015, the brand underwent a rebranding initiative aimed at enhancing its London-centric image and global appeal. Its signature collections featured premium materials sourced from European mills such as Ratti and Deveaux.

The label produced nine limited-edition collections each year, with a design focus on statement pieces such as wrap dresses, midi lengths, and fitted occasionwear.

Its Closet Cares programme reflected a commitment to sustainability, incorporating environmentally responsible fabrics like organic cotton, ECOVERO viscose, and recycled fibres.

Though widely applauded for quality and style, the brand received mixed customer feedback regarding its returns process and international service—some shoppers reported delayed communication and refund times.

Despite operational hurdles, Closet London remained a go-to destination for bold, British-designed womenswear. Its closure draws a close to nearly thirty years of fashion innovation within the UK’s independent retail scene.

Global Patient Experience Gets a Boost Through Cemplicity and The Beryl Institute Partnership

Cemplicity, a leading force in capturing and improving patient-reported outcomes, has today announced a supporting partnership with The Beryl Institute, a community focused on patient experience worldwide. This alliance will strengthen efforts to scale positive change across healthcare systems by combining shared expertise and commitment.

Cemplicity, headquartered in New Zealand and serving clients worldwide, specialises in real-time Patient-Reported Measures (PRMs) that aim to drive better care delivery, accountability, and outcomes. Built on the belief that the patient voice is essential to improving healthcare systems, Cemplicity’s platform allows healthcare providers to capture authentic patient feedback at scale. This feedback is then analysed and visualised through tools like dashboards and benchmarking, empowering teams to make data-driven decisions. Cemplicity distinguishes itself through robust, evidence-based methodologies, customisable and multilingual solutions, seamless digital workflows, and advanced analytics. 

The Beryl Institute is a global community of healthcare professionals and organisations committed to improving the patient experience across the continuum of care. Founded on the belief that patient experience is a fundamental driver of healthcare quality and outcomes, the Institute serves as a central hub for thought leadership, resources, research, and collaboration. With members in over 80 countries, The Beryl Institute champions the human experience in healthcare and supports individuals and organisations through peer-reviewed research, webinars, professional certification, leadership development, and global conferences. 

This partnership brings together Cemplicity’s expertise in real-time measurement and actionable insights derived from patient feedback with The Beryl Institute’s extensive global community and resources for professional development, research, and collaboration. The organisations aim to better support healthcare leaders and teams worldwide in their efforts to listen to patients, act on feedback, and embed a culture of continuous improvement. Both entities share a foundational belief in the critical importance of the patient voice and experience in healthcare.

“By combining real-time patient feedback with the extensive resources of The Beryl Institute, we empower our clients to amplify the patient voice and advance the quality of care for all.”
– Blaik Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – Cemplicity

“At The Beryl Institute, we believe that listening to and acting on the voices of patients is central to transforming the human experience in healthcare. Through Cemplicity’s supporting partnership, we are excited to support this commitment on a global scale to drive meaningful and measurable improvements in care.”
– Stacy Palmer, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, The Beryl Institute

HighCircl Introduces Human-Driven Talent Platform to Meet UK’s Software Hiring Demands

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HighCircl, a specialist in connecting companies with top-tier software engineers, officially entered the UK market in Q1 2025. Rejecting automated hiring tools, the platform uses a people-first model and an exclusive developer network where “only the top 10% of software developers gain admission.”

Launched in 2024 by CEO Marton Biro, the service addresses the urgent need for dependable engineering talent in the UK’s tech sector. With access to senior developers within 72 hours, HighCircl relies on a multi-phase interview process to ensure “only the top 10% of European software developers gain admission.”

“We’ve witnessed firsthand how crucial it is for startups and growing businesses to have a trusted source of engineering talent they can depend on,” said Biro, who previously built and led tech teams that developed and released more than 150 native mobile apps for the US market. “While the industry rushes toward AI solutions, we’ve remained committed to human judgment and personal relationships – because hiring the right people is fundamentally a human decision.”

The timing of HighCircl’s UK expansion reflects growing demand for senior-level software engineering talent across multiple sectors. As a remote-first company, HighCircl eliminates geographical constraints while maintaining rigorous quality standards through its selective admission process.

HighCircl’s approach has already demonstrated success with clients who have praised the service as “human-focused all around in their approach and results.” Drawing from Biro’s experience supporting previous ventures through successful exits, the company understands the long-term value of building reliable engineering partnerships.

“Our goal is to help businesses of all sizes grow with the help of our talent,” Biro explained. “We’re not just filling positions – we’re building lasting relationships between companies and the senior engineers who will drive their success.”

Operating as a remote-first organisation with its business entity based in Hungary and operations in Spain, HighCircl embodies the flexible, distributed work model that has become essential in today’s software development landscape. Each engineer brings a minimum of five years of professional experience and undergoes comprehensive vetting before joining the exclusive network.

The UK’s thriving tech sector, from fintech giants in London to emerging startups across the country, faces ongoing challenges in securing senior software engineering talent. HighCircl’s entry provides an alternative to traditional recruitment agencies and algorithm-driven platforms, focusing instead on quality relationships and proven expertise.

As Biro’s second remote technology business, HighCircl builds on extensive experience in scaling distributed teams and understanding the unique challenges facing modern software organisations.