Award spotlights SureSIM’s role in advancing global enterprise mobility
Utelize Mobile has been honoured at the Mobile News Awards 2025, with its innovative international roaming service, SureSIM Global, receiving the coveted Best Enterprise IoT eSIM Product award.
SureSIM Global stood out for its integrated approach to enterprise connectivity—enhancing service quality for international users, broadening global coverage, and substantially cutting roaming expenses for organisations operating on a global scale.
The Mobile News Awards, widely regarded as the leading accolade in the UK mobile sector, commended the solution for its enterprise-focused engineering, intelligent cost-control policies, and easy-to-use features. A judge noted:
“It’s wonderful to see how the innovation the mobile industry can deliver can dramatically and cost-effectively simplify communication for customers.”
Crafted by Simovate, the mobile data innovation division of Utelize Mobile, SureSIM Global offers a streamlined, multi-network solution with centralised controls. It empowers global IT teams through remote provisioning, dynamic network selection, real-time billing insights, and policy-based management tools.
Matt Atkinson, Managing Director of Utelize Mobile, shared:
“This recognition reinforces our commitment to helping enterprises simplify connectivity, manage mobile services more effectively, and support their people wherever they work in the world. SureSIM Global is designed to solve real-world challenges around cost, complexity, visibility and user experience – and we’re proud to see that being recognised by the industry.”
With access to more than 190 countries and over 450 networks, SureSIM Global delivers secure, adaptable data services through the SureSIM Portal, where businesses can track consumption and receive real-time cost alerts.
The service’s flexible pricing model, low rental costs, and support for both eSIM and physical SIMs ensure cost efficiency. Additional features like IMEI locking and secure VPN routing offer peace of mind for enterprise-level security and control.
With the ongoing rise in living costs, many families across the UK are finding themselves hit with significant and unexpected expenses following the death of a loved one. A lack of proper planning before death can lead to avoidable financial strain, potentially costing families tens of thousands of pounds.
To help individuals navigate this sensitive topic and avoid costly oversights, Rebecca Peach, founder of The Farewell Guide, is sharing her expert advice on how to prepare financially for a funeral in advance.
1. Rushed Funeral Arrangements – thousands of pounds
Funerals are one of the biggest immediate costs following a death. The average price of a basic funeral in the UK reached £4,285 in 2024, which is around £1,000 more than a decade ago. That figure is expected to rise to over £5,185 by 2029.
“When families are forced to make last-minute funeral decisions while grieving, they typically pay much more than they would with a pre-planned service,” explains Peach. “A pre-paid funeral plan allows you to pay today’s prices, not tomorrow’s. That alone could save around £900 or more.”
But the price tag can increase significantly when families are uncertain about what the deceased would have wanted. “Something as seemingly small as the design of the coffin can push costs up by £1,100,” she adds. Choosing a weekend date for the service, often without realising the extra charges involved, can also add hundreds of pounds.
Even if a formal funeral plan is not affordable, Peach encourages people to leave clear instructions for their loved ones. “Our free online tool allows people to record their funeral wishes and share them with family. It’s a powerful way to take control and reduce both financial and emotional strain.”
2. Inexistent or DIY will – thousands of pounds in legal costs
Shockingly, over half of UK adults (52%) do not have a will. This can leave their families in a legal and financial mess.
“Dying without a will triggers a process called intestacy, which is typically a third more expensive than standard probate procedures,” says Peach. “And that is assuming there are no disputes.”
Disputes, however, are common. A recent Law Society survey revealed that one in four people dealing with a will in the past five years encountered legal problems or family disagreements. These complications can quickly increase costs and cause lasting emotional stress within families.
DIY wills might appear to be a cost-saving solution, but they often fail to meet the necessary legal standards. “Wills need to be properly witnessed and worded. A mistake can render the entire document invalid,” Peach warns. “If you are going to do the right thing and write a will, make sure it is done properly.”
3. Inheritance Tax Traps – tens of thousands of pounds
Without proper planning, inheritance tax (IHT) can claim a large portion of family wealth unnecessarily.
“A £500,000 family home could result in a £40,000 tax bill if not structured correctly,” says Peach. “But with the right planning using the nil-rate band and residence nil-rate band allowances, that bill could be eliminated entirely.”
For couples, these allowances can extend to cover estates worth up to £1 million. Yet many families miss out due to lack of awareness or failure to act.
Life insurance policies are another common trap. “If a life insurance payout goes directly to the estate, it could push the estate over the IHT threshold and trigger a large tax bill,” Peach explains. “Simply putting the policy in trust could avoid this completely.”
A small investment now could save a fortune later
“Most Brits spend more time planning their summer holiday than preparing for the inevitable,” says Peach. “But your mistakes could cost them tens of thousands more than a jaunt to Majorca.”
Facing death is never easy, but ignoring it can come at a very high cost. With a bit of planning, whether that means writing a will, securing a funeral plan, or understanding inheritance tax, families can avoid unnecessary stress and preserve more of what truly matters. “Our goal is to help people plan ahead in a way that is personal, practical, and financially sound,” says Peach. “By spending just a few hours on proper planning, families can convert unexpected six-figure liabilities into manageable, predictable expenses.”
Two Shropshire-based champions of natural wellness are combining efforts to make ethical skincare accessible to customers around the globe—while staying true to their planet-first principles.
Green Woman, known for their 100% natural deodorant Fit Pit, has historically limited its delivery area to the UK to reduce environmental impact. Now, with growing international demand for their award-winning products, they’ve joined forces with long-time stockist Lily & Loaf to expand their reach globally.
Under the new partnership, Lily & Loaf will manage global distribution for the entire Green Woman range. With a strong reputation for distributing premium wellness brands internationally, they’ve carefully curated eco-conscious packaging and shipping solutions to align with Green Woman’s sustainability mission.
Fit Pit is a multi-award winning certified organic deodorant and Green Woman’s first product
In addition to deodorants, Green Woman’s range includes skincare solutions made entirely from plant-based ingredients and free from synthetic chemicals. The brand has earned a loyal following for its transparency, ethical sourcing, and plastic-free packaging.
Suzanne Carnall, Managing Director at The Green Woman said of the international market expansion: “At Green Woman, we’ve always put the planet first. Expanding internationally was something we approached with care, and Lily & Loaf have made it possible to grow without compromising our values. This partnership lets us share our natural, ethical products with the world-sustainably and proudly.”
The move marks a significant milestone for the eco-conscious brand, which started as a home-based, family-run operation dedicated to offering a natural alternative to conventional skincare.
This partnership brings together the businesses shared commitment of offering ethical, sustainable and natural products in the health and beauty sector, reflecting a growing consumer shift towards products that are kind to the planet.
“We’re delighted to expand our partnership with Green Woman,” said Andrew Ewan, Managing Director of Lily & Loaf. “Our shared values around natural living and responsible business make this a perfect fit. We’ve been shipping ethical brands overseas for years, and we’re proud to help Green Woman do the same, without compromising on their eco-conscious ethos.”
By joining forces with Lily & Loaf, Green Woman is now poised to tap into new markets across Europe and beyond, helping consumers make more environmentally friendly choices.
With sustainability at the heart of their operations, both companies are proving that global reach doesn’t have to come at the expense of environmental responsibility and serves as an example of how small, local businesses can be leaders in sustainability and innovation, meeting market demands while safeguarding the environment.
Salesforce implementation leader Forte DGTL has announced its rebrand to forténext, aligning its identity with the evolving digital landscape.
The new brand reflects a forward-looking approach that integrates AI, data intelligence, and customer-centric strategies to create unified, personalised digital journeys. As the largest B2B Salesforce implementation specialist in the United States, forténext will continue to serve industries such as retail, healthcare, fintech, and manufacturing.
Boasting two decades of experience and a 120-strong team of certified Salesforce professionals, forténext stands out for its comprehensive mastery of Salesforce technologies, including Sales Cloud, Marketing Cloud, Service Cloud, and Commerce Cloud.
With 100 completed Salesforce Lightning implementations, the company has built a reputation for delivering transformative outcomes for clients of all sizes.
“Our rebrand to forténext reflects our ongoing focus on future-proofing businesses through best-in-class Salesforce solutions,” said Nadiya Kreynin, CEO of forténext.
“As we move forward under our new identity, our goal is to emphasize our specialized expertise in Salesforce and continue to deliver transformative results for our clients.
“With 150 Salesforce certifications in our team and a proven track record, we are perfectly positioned to help organizations streamline operations, automate processes, and deliver exceptional customer experiences in an increasingly digitized world.”
For over two decades, forténext has helped businesses optimize their Salesforce ecosystems, improving operational efficiencies and driving growth.
The rebrand marks the next step in forténext’s evolution, with a renewed focus on its deep specialization in Salesforce and an unwavering commitment to providing tailored solutions for diverse industries.
The company serves clients across North America, Europe, and South America, with offices in Miami and Chicago and delivery centers around the globe.
A new era of specialized Salesforce expertise
With the rebrand, forténext underscores its dedication to offering not only implementation services but also comprehensive staff augmentation and ongoing managed services.
The company’s leadership team, including CEO Nadiya Kreynin, CTO Alex Kolesnichenko, and Head of Delivery Maksym Koval, is focused on expanding its multi-industry expertise and ensuring the seamless integration of Salesforce products that drive meaningful business outcomes.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on being more than just Salesforce implementers,” said Alex Kolesnichenko, CTO of forténext.
“As forténext, we’re doubling down on our specialization to ensure our clients not only adopt Salesforce solutions but also realize the full potential of these tools to elevate their business operations, enhance customer experiences, and remain competitive.”
Delivering tailored solutions for the next generation of digital transformation
forténext’s deep-rooted expertise and multi-industry experience uniquely position the company to help organizations overcome their most complex challenges in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
From streamlining operations to enhancing customer journeys and delivering ROI-driven results, forténext is committed to empowering businesses with the tools, strategies, and insights needed for sustained success in today’s digital-first world.
As forténext continues to build on its legacy of excellence, the company remains committed to nurturing its team of Salesforce-certified specialists and further expanding its reach across global markets.
This rebrand reinforces the company’s focus on becoming the go-to Salesforce partner for businesses seeking to digitally transform and drive lasting impact in their industries.
The innovative team behind Sixes Social Cricket—the immersive cricket experience that took the UK by storm—has stepped up to the plate once more with a brand-new venture: Moonshot Social. Set in the heart of Shepherd’s Bush, this exciting new venue is bringing the thrill of interactive baseball to London for the very first time.
Building on the momentum of Sixes, which redefined how people engage with cricket in a fun, accessible setting, the team spotted a gap in London’s sporting scene—baseball. With Moonshot Social, they’ve created a one-of-a-kind venue where guests can step into a virtual batting cage, face off against digital pitchers, and soak in the dynamic atmosphere of a true American ballpark.
A Fresh Take on Baseball in the Capital
Combining immersive gameplay with a buzzing social environment, Moonshot Social is set to do for baseball what Sixes did for cricket. State-of-the-art simulators give players the chance to swing at fastballs, curveballs and more, catering to everyone from laid-back first-timers to competitive groups and corporate parties.
But it’s more than just the game—Moonshot Social is a full experience. Visitors can tuck into gourmet hot dogs, enjoy nostalgic ballpark-style snacks, and sample from a curated drinks list, all while enjoying the vibrant New York-inspired vibe right in West London.
Sport Meets Social: A New Era Begins
With the launch of Moonshot Social, the Sixes team are once again setting the standard for sport-meets-hospitality experiences. Their goal? To reimagine how people connect with sport—and each other—in a fresh, social setting.
“Our mission has always been to make sport more engaging, social, and inclusive,” said Calum Mackinnon, co-founder of Sixes and Moonshot Social. “With Sixes, we saw how cricket could be transformed into a high-energy social experience, and we knew we could do the same for baseball. Londoners have never had an interactive baseball experience like this before, and we can’t wait to welcome them into Moonshot Social.”
Step Up to the Plate at Moonshot Social
Now open in Shepherd’s Bush, Moonshot Social welcomes bookings for solo visitors, groups, and private functions. Whether you’re a lifelong baseball fan or just after a lively new evening out, this unique venue guarantees an unforgettable time.
Officers from the Met donned their superhero costumes for some unusual new tactics to tackle an influx of illegal gambling on Westminster Bridge.
Illegal gambling gangs target tourists with games known as the ‘three cups challenge’ or ‘shell game’. Because the local Met officers have become so well known to these individuals, officers have had to come up with creative plans to deliver ‘vengeance’.
On February 15, inspector Darren Watson and police constable Abdi Osman donned their alter ego Batman and Robin costumes and launched their superhero mission.
Inspector Darren Watson, said: “We know that two repeat offenders have been operating on Westminster Bridge and have come to recognise me and my team from our patrols.
“I knew that if we were going to catch them we would have the think outside the box, and then I remembered that I had Batman and Robin costumes to hand which could come in use.
“Although dressing up may not be the most conventional policing method, we were thrilled to see that in this case it worked perfectly and the team were able to get some great results, taking these people off the street and protecting tourists and Londoners from being fleeced.”
Eugen Stocia (32) of no fixed address and Constica-Gherorghe Barbu (53) of Herbert Road, Greenwich were arrested on February 15 for providing the facilities to gamble.
Barbu was convicted at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on February 17 after being remanded by police and fined £925.
Stocia was convicted in absence at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on April 10 after failing to appear in court. A warrant is out for his arrest.
Whether you’re shopping for a chocolate-munching monster or someone who prefers a glass of vino, we’ve got you covered with our suggestions for Easter gifts this year.
Award-winning white wine
Sea Change is an award-winning vegan and eco-conscious wine brand – perfect for the first toast of Easter or a thoughtful meal. With no plastic packaging and a commitment to marine conservation, Sea Change makes sustainable sipping effortless. Its Pinot Grigio is absolutely sensational. Light, citrussy and refreshing. A winner for any Easter table.
For the ultimate Easter pairing, how about this moreish collaboration?
The fabulous mid-afternoon pick me up or an elegant after-dinner indulgence features TrueStart’s Super Blend Coffee (Its range is packed with antioxidants and available pre-ground or as wholebean for you to grind at home) and one of Divine’s decadent Dessert Bars – choose from White Chocolate Lemon Cheesecake Milk Chocolate Tiramisu or Dark Chocolate Cherry Bakewell.
With Easter bringing family feasts and roast dinners, having sharp knives is essential. A well-sharpened knife ensures precision when carving roasts, slicing fresh bread and cakes, or prepping vegetables, making cooking smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
The NEW Limited Edition Tormek T-1 Florentine Vibrant is the result of an exciting collaboration between Tormek and Florentine Kitchen Knives. Featuring a playfully colourful handle designed by Tomer Botner, founder of the Barcelona-based knife-making studio, this edition brings a striking contrast to the sharp, industrial aesthetic of the Tormek T-1 – making it a standout feature in any kitchen. Each handle is randomly assembled from a shared colour palette, meaning no two machines are identical – each one has its own unique “fingerprint.”
BigDayCakes’ Easter photo cake designs are fun, quick and easy to personalise and print onto ready made cakes in ASDA stores across the UK and Ireland – a cracking Easter activity to brighten up the weekly shop! Or, design a topper to arrive by post to add to homemade Easter bakes – the toppers are vegan and gluten free! A great way to entertain the kids this Easter holiday!
Big Day Cakes has hundreds of seasonal frames and designs to personalise for all occasions, as well as official licenses for kid’s characters such as Bing and CoComelon and Premier League football teams. More licenses are added every month.
Packed in a stylish little box, Raphia presents a bright, colourful selection of deliciously smooth mini Easter eggs – a treat for the tastebuds. Both alcohol free and vegetarian, they make the perfect present this Easter.
Something a little stronger for the Bank Holiday? Using sustainable and minimal-intervention methods wherever possible, Graham’s commitment to sustainability in the Douro Valley adds an extra layer of appeal to this exceptional port.
Aged for a decade in seasoned oak casks, Graham’s 10YO Tawny Port offers nutty aromas with hints of honey and figs, leading to rich, mature fruit flavours and a lingering finish. It’s a dream pairing for Easter eggs and chocolate desserts. For a savoury pairing, consider serving it with nutty cheeses.
Start your mornings with a touch of Easter cheer with the Easter Bunny Billie Mug from Cath Kidston. Featuring a classic Easter colour palette and a charming contrasting handle, this mug brings a playful yet elegant design to your everyday moments.
Perfectly sized for your favourite tea or coffee, it’s both dishwasher and microwave safe, making it as practical as it is stylish. Whether you’re enjoying a peaceful morning or hosting an Easter gathering, this mug adds a delightful seasonal flair to your tableware collection.
Working wonderfully well with chocolate is 2021 Cotes de Roussilon Villages ‘Infusion’ Chateau des Jaume aromatic wine with raspberry and cocoa notes and an intense fruity sensation on the palate. Rich and pleasant, it offers roundness, making a silky and easy-to-drink wine.
This lovely red is a blend of three grape varieties (Syrah, Grenache and Carignan) and is made without the addition of sulphites.
Voyager Coffee has launched a limited edition Mocha Gift Pack just in time for Easter, in collaboration with Barbers Bean to Bar. Perfect for coffee lovers and chocolate lovers alike, this indulgent egg is rich and smooth, perfectly balanced with subtle coffee notes that enhance the chocolate’s deep, natural sweetness.
To make the Mocha Chocolate 40% Easter Egg, Barbers first source cocoa beans from the Peruvian Amazon, before pairing them with Peruvian coffee beans, sourced by Voyager. Voyager roasts the coffee beans to highlight their natural chocolate notes, adding depth and character to Barbers’ mocha chocolate.
A woman has been sentenced to life for murdering her two young sons in their Dagenham home.
Kara Alexander (47), of Cornwallis Road, was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 24 years in prison at Kingston Crown Court today for drowning her children.
Detective chief inspector Paul Waller of the Metropolitan Police, who led the investigation, said: “This is an incredibly tragic case, which has left a father without his two beloved boys and a family without two young brothers.
“Kara Alexander will spend the next two decades behind bars, where the memory of what she has done will haunt her forever.
“To the family and friends of Elijah and Marley, while no amount of time will erase the pain of such a loss, I hope this sentence serves to bring some semblance of justice.
“I hope you can now move on with your life, remembering the boys as you knew them, and treasuring the happy times you spent with them.”
Emergency services were called at around 2pm on December 16, 2022, after the bodies of two young children were found by their father in their shared bunkbed inside their house in Dagenham.
Two-year-old Elijah Thomas and five-year-old Marley Thomas were both pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the discovery, their mother Kara Alexander ran from the house, but was arrested nearby a short time later.
Post-mortem examinations identified drowning as the cause of death for both boys.
Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command launched an investigation, reviewing footage from local CCTV cameras and doorbells and forensically analysing Alexander’s phone.
Alexander was charged in December 2022 with two counts of murder and was convicted at Kingston Crown Court on February 21 following a three-week trial.
Verge Motorcycles has broken the Guinness World Record for the longest journey by an electric motorbike on a single charge.
The record-breaking journey was almost 311 kilometres in length and was accomplished with the serially manufactured Verge TS Pro electric motorbike in London.
Verge Motorcycles CMO Lauri Laukkanen, said: “This world record is an amazingly proud moment for the entire Verge team. We have been developing the efficiency, driveability, and features of our motorbikes for years, and we wanted to show the world that anything is possible.
“This record is a concrete demonstration of what our unique technology and proprietary architecture are actually capable of. For us, this is first and foremost a symbol of setting bold goals, reinforcing trust, and being able to show the reliability and performance capabilities of our solutions in a concrete way. It is good to shift into even higher gear from here and head towards new opportunities for putting our bikes to the test.”
A top team of experienced electric vehicle specialists was assembled for the attempt to set the new Guinness World Record.
The drivers were Sam Clarke and Sara Sloman, both well-known and experienced influencers in the industry.
Their record-breaking trip lasted for just over 16 hours and took them through suburban areas inside the London M25 ring road, passing through various districts of the city. The traffic conditions during the record-setting effort were typical of a big city, meaning occasional congestion, traffic lights, and pedestrian crossings.
The journey of the motorbike was tracked with a professionally precise tracking system, and its battery was not charged at any point during the trip.
Vehicle management specialists Webfleet collected data for the record-breaking performance, and the whole project was captured by the content production company Generate Media.
“It is noteworthy that, even after setting a new world record, the motorbike battery still had about seven percent of charge remaining. That means that the bike could have gone on even further, but the team decided to stop to ensure the reliability of the data after driving for 16 hours and breaking the record, “ Laukkanen added.
Research from private plate supplier Regtransfers reveals an alarming number of Brits unaware of plans to digitise driving licenses this year.
At the start of 2025, The British Government announced the launch of a Gov.uk virtual wallet and app for services and documents – including a digital driving licence – due to arrive later this year.
However, a recent study from private plate supplier Regtransfers revealed that over half (57%) of British Road users may be unaware of this shift to digital documentation.
In a study of 1,000 participants – all of whom carried a full or provisional driving licence – only 43% said they were aware of the upcoming changes, which will allow Brits to access and use a digital version of their driver’s licence from their phone. This shift will see mobile phones being able to be used as a means of proving age when buying age restricted items online and in person, as well as proving one’s right to drive.
The technology will make use of security features already built into modern smart phones, but despite this, many expressed concerns around the security of a digitised form of identification.
The risk of identity theft or data breaches stands as one of their primary concerns around digitised driving licenses, with worries about digital surveillance and data misuse being another. In fact, when asked, 41% of study participants said that they had “little to no trust” in the government to manage and protect their personal data.
Regtransfers CEO, Mark Trimbee, said: “There’s no escaping the fact that our lives are being lived in an increasingly digitised space. Putting our driving licences on our phones feels like a natural next step, especially when so many of us already rely on mobiles for everything from banking to boarding passes. That said, a driving licence isn’t just another app – it’s a key part of our identity.
“Our data shows that a lot of people still don’t know much about the government’s proposed changes. That kind of gap in awareness can naturally lead to concerns, or reluctance to adopt. It’s important the government takes the time to explain how it all works, what the benefits are, and – perhaps most importantly – how people’s data will be kept safe. The more informed people are, the more confident they’ll feel about using these new tools.”
When asked if he felt digital licenses should replace card licenses outright, Trimbee added: “I think people should be free to choose whatever they feel most comfortable with. While a digital driving license certainly would be convenient in many cases, a card license doesn’t run the risk of being completely inaccessible if my phone breaks or runs out of battery.”
In the Gov.uk press release, science secretary Peter Kyle said: “Along with CDs, the Walkman and flip phones, the overflowing drawer rammed with letters from the government and hours spent on hold to get a basic appointment will soon be consigned to history. GOV.UK Wallet will mean that every letter or identity document you receive from the government could be issued to you virtually.
“For people who choose to use GOV.UK Wallet, they will find it easier to prove they’re entitled to benefits or check their age when buying alcohol or DIY equipment, with more security and trust than ever before. Crucially, it also opens huge opportunities to make interacting with public services much easier by putting people in control of their own data.
“We will be overhauling how the public sector uses technology which is essential to delivering our Plan for Change, and in combination with this new tech for people to use themselves, we are going to slash the time people waste dealing with annoying processes so they can focus on what matters to them.”
At this time, digital versions are being introduced as an “optional” measure – meaning traditional card licenses will remain valid for the foreseeable future.
