Business London Press

Celebrating a Year of Unparalleled Dental Services at Direct Dental Wandsworth

Medical

News Desk

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08/04/2024

Celebrating a Year of Unparalleled Dental Services at Direct Dental Wandsworth

Direct Dental Wandsworth, nestled in the heart of Wandsworth, commemorates its first year of providing exceptional dental services to the local community and visitors alike. Since its inauguration, Direct Dental Wandsworth has dedicated itself to delivering premium dental treatments, utilising the forefront of dental technology and team expertise while maintaining a congenial atmosphere for all its patients.

Conceived to be more than a mere dental practice, Direct Dental Wandsworth aimed to merge state-of-the-art dental care with a steadfast dedication to patient satisfaction. The clinic has successfully achieved and surpassed these objectives within the year, catering to hundreds of patients and establishing a commendable reputation in dental health and patient services.

A Year Filled with Noteworthy Accomplishments

Direct Dental Wandsworth’s inaugural year has been distinguished by significant achievements:

Introduction of Advanced Dental Technologies: The clinic has embraced the latest dental equipment and methodologies, such as cutting-edge digital imaging and pain-free dentistry, ensuring the highest standard of dental care for patients.
Expansion of Services: Over the year, the clinic has broadened its array of dental treatments, now providing everything from regular examinations and cleanings to sophisticated cosmetic and restorative procedures.
Award-nominated team: A highlight of the year is Melody Schwartz being nominated for the Dental Hygienist of the Year award at the 2023 Dentistry Awards, acknowledging her dedication to dental hygiene, exceptional patient care, and her significant role in promoting oral health in the community.
CQC Verification: Direct Dental Wandsworth proudly holds accreditation from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), affirming the clinic’s commitment to the highest standards of safety, quality, and patient care.
Over 130 5-Star Google Reviews: The past year has seen an overwhelming positive response from patients, as reflected in over 130 5-star Google reviews.

Insights from Direct Dental’s CMO

Simon Hubbard, CMO of Direct Dental Wandsworth, expressed his sentiments on the anniversary: “Reflecting on the past year, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to provide exceptional dental care and to make every patient’s experience as comfortable and positive as possible. We are thrilled to have reached this milestone and are excited about the future. We remain committed to promoting dental health and wellness in the Wandsworth community.”

The Path Ahead

As Direct Dental Wandsworth marks this significant occasion, the clinic is enthusiastic about continuing its pledge to dental excellence. Future plans encompass additional technological enhancements, the expansion of patient care services, and ongoing support for the community.

Exceptional Dental Services in Wandsworth – Direct Dental

Located at 63 – 65 Garratt Lane, SW18 4GR, Wandsworth, London, Direct Dental Wandsworth invites you to discover their comprehensive dental services. For more information or to book an appointment, please visit www.directdental.co.uk or contact 020 8090 9022.

Ditton Priors Embraces the Gigabit Broadband Era in Shropshire

Technology

News Desk

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08/04/2024

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Ditton Priors Embraces the Gigabit Broadband Era in Shropshire

The digital divide in Shropshire is closing, with nearly 200 properties in its secluded regions now enjoying the benefits of gigabit broadband, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Kloud9, the UK Government, and Shropshire Council’s Connecting Shropshire scheme. This leap forward was made feasible by the government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, designed to extend gigabit-capable broadband to the UK’s most remote locations.

This initiative ushers in a transformative era of digital access for Shropshire’s rural communities, notably Ditton Priors, offering both residential and commercial users the luxury of high-speed Gigabit broadband.

Launched in August 2023 by Kloud9, this project aimed to ensure Ditton Priors’ integration into the advanced digital infrastructure, positioning Gigabit broadband as an indispensable service for its community.

“Gigabit broadband has become a necessity rather than a luxury. Rural villages like Ditton Priors are in real danger of being left in the broadband dark ages. It was a pleasure to work so closely with the community,” stated Julie Bushell, Kloud9’s Community Engagement Manager, underscoring the project’s significance.

A Ditton Priors local praised the quick and efficient rollout of the project, which notably enhanced services at the village hall and Willows Café, leading to better operational efficiencies and customer experiences due to improved broadband.

He shared, “The work Kloud9 did for the café has made a real difference. The broadband was so bad that the café staff used to struggle to take card payments. However, Kloud9 installed some free wireless access points, which also allowed customers to browse the internet while enjoying the great coffee and delicious cakes available at the café.”

This undertaking in Ditton Priors forms part of Kloud9’s broader strategy to boost digital connectivity across Shropshire and the UK, with numerous projects lined up as part of the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme.

Alex Jackson, CEO of AJ Technology, reflected on the project’s success, particularly highlighting the community engagement and the timely completion of the network before the holiday season.

In addition to Ditton Priors, Kloud9 has successfully implemented similar projects in Cleehill and Cressage and is in the process of initiating more projects in the vicinity.

Cllr. Robert Macey of Shropshire Council commented on the funding’s impact: “I’m really pleased that AJ Technology has benefitted from Shropshire Council top-up funding of DSIT’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme. This additional funding has enabled AJ Technology to work at pace to install their full-fibre broadband network in some of Shropshire’s more rural communities, bringing them into the digital fast lane.”

Canary Wharf’s Pozitive Energy relaunches with new brand identity

Energy

News Desk

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05/04/2024

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Tech-first utility company and the UK’s largest independent energy supplier, Pozitive Energy, has relaunched with a new brand identity, expanded product suite and new headquarters in London’s Canary Wharf.

The new brand, PE, reflects the firm’s renewed position as a holistic business solutions provider and its ambitious strategy to further expand its foothold in the UK’s business market – from a new office situated in One Canada Square, the landmark hub for the most progressive global businesses.

Alongside utilities – electric, gas and water – PE’s growing suite of products now includes telecoms, financial services, electric vehicle charging, renewables and smart tech. When used collectively, they will help customers to save time, reduce costs, increase profits, and become more environmentally sustainable; all from one easy to use, cutting-edge online portal.

Steve Daniels, chief sales officer and co-founder of PE, said: “We work very hard to understand our customers and the challenges they each face in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world. In response, we’re delighted to introduce our new brand and our extended product and service offering to the market – all from our new headquarters in London.

“Reflecting our dedication to innovation, our renewed PE brand now offers a wider portfolio of technology and customer centric solutions to the nation’s businesses, enabling them to reap the many commercial and operational benefits from partnering with one holistic supplier.”

The relaunch follows PE’s significant growth over the past 12 months, with revenue increases of 127% year-on-year in 2022/23. During this period, the firm also installed 62.5% more business meters, supplied 44.7% more gas and power combined more than doubled the number of brokers it works with and increased its headcount to more than 500 employees globally.

2023 was also the year that PE acquired First Business Water, made several significant senior level appointments, and opened a new office in Mumbai, India’s financial capital, to accommodate its skilled and experienced customer relationship team.

Since its inception in 2016, PE has become synonymous with delivering innovative and reliable energy solutions to UK businesses – including multi-site retail outlets, hospitality venues, educational establishments, public sector buildings and warehouses.

Steve added: “We are committed to evolving our solutions in line with changing business needs, helping to ensure our customers have the tools and resources they require to succeed in 2024 and beyond. With our new strapline “anything is possible” we’re looking forward to supporting the UK’s business community to realise their ambitions.”

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Gang sentenced following hundreds of thefts from motorists

News

News Desk

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05/04/2024

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Gang sentenced following hundreds of thefts from motorists

A successful City of London Police operation has resulted in a criminal gang being sentenced to years in prison.

Luke Stephen (38) of Brentwood, Essex, was sentenced to 40 months imprisonment for stealing a suitcase with more than £100,000 worth of jewellery by Faberge, Cartier, Bulgari and Van Cleef and Arpels.

Stephen and four other members of a gang, thought to have stolen millions of pounds worth of goods from hundreds of motorists in and around the Square Mile, were all sentenced at Inner London Crown Court.

Detective sergeant Graham Willis, who led the investigation at the City of London Police, said: “With the permission of the victim, officers used the location facility on an electrical gadget and tracked the device to a block of flats in Brentwood, Essex. However, the technology is accurate only to within a few metres so officers began to knock on some doors.

“When Stephen answered his door, it was like a scene from The Bill. The door swung open and in the background was all this stolen stuff spread out over the floor. The officers could see these were the items stolen from the Aston Martin because of the descriptions we had. They recovered that property – and then found a further £60,000 worth of stolen designer handbags, shoes, belts and jewellery.

“After the arrest of the gang, thefts from cars in and around the Square Mile fell by 85 per cent.”

Investigations began after an emergency call from a woman who had returned to her silver Aston Martin to find her jewels stolen on August 4, 2022, at an NCP car park in Bell Wharf Lane, near the River Thames. She had flown into London with her partner that day and had not had an opportunity to find a safer place for them.

The theft was picked up by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) because of the value of the items stolen.

When Stephen’s home was raided, police seized his mobile phone and on it were messages sent between him and four other men, boasting of stealing goods from cars over a number of years – they even included pictures of some of the items they had stolen.

Guilty plea

The men were arrested in simultaneous raids on June 6 last year. After seeing the evidence against them, the gang pleaded guilty.

Stephen was sentenced to 40 months imprisonment for the thefts from the Aston Martin, with a further 14 months suspended for two years.
Gareth Davies (41) from Teddington, south-west London, was sentenced to 43 months.
Ian Matthews (32) from Shepherd’s Bush, north-west London, was given three years in custody.
James Saddington (33) from Earls Court, west London, was sentenced to 14 months, suspended for two years.
Jake Colassi-O’Connor (32) from Chelsea, west London, was given 20 months, suspended for two years.

Stephen, Davies and Matthews have also been made subject to Serious Crime Prevention Orders (SCPOs), which impose restrictions on who they may associate with, and where they may or may not go. These will last for five years after they are released from prison – and can result in another prison sentence if breached.

Detective chief superintendent Mandy Horsburgh, head of specialist operations, exclusively told the Daily Mail:

“This case is another example of dedicated, hard-working police officers following leads, knocking on doors and cracking the case.

“This was a sophisticated criminal gang intent on taking possessions from those who work, visit and live in the City for their own financial gain. We hope this delivers the message to any criminals thinking of entering the City of London to commit crime that they should think again, as we will work tenaciously to bring them to justice.”

Heating installers in London could get a refund following government changes on ‘boiler tax’

Home Improvement

Lauren Lister

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05/04/2024

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Heating installers in London could get a refund following government changes on ‘boiler tax’

Following recent announcements about the changes in government policy surrounding the Clean Heat Market Mechanism, City Plumbing will make it quick and simple for customers in London to get a refund for the added cost – the so-called ‘boiler tax’ – that was applied to any boilers purchased between January 1, 2024 – March 21, 2024.

Refunds will range from £95-£120 per boiler, depending on the manufacturer.

City Plumbing is working with the industry’s leading boiler brands and offering any customer who has purchased a boiler from January 1, 2024 – March 21, 2024 a refund onto their account for the difference in price that was applied due to the increase. Contact will now be made with all City Plumbing customers who are affected with details of the refund process.

Adam Foy, chief commercial officer at City Plumbing, said: “Customers have lots to keep track of in this ever-changing landscape as we transition to low temperature heating and more renewable technologies. Keeping things fair and straight-forward for our installers is fundamental to how we do business at City Plumbing, which is why we’ve been working closely with all the leading boiler manufacturers to create a process for refunds for the additional cost that was applied, and ensuring this process is quick and easy in order to give the best possible customer experience.”

The Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM), which has now been delayed until April 1, 2025, mandated that manufacturers of fossil fuel boilers must sell a percentage of heat pumps proportional to their fossil fuel boiler sales. This resulted in an increase in the cost of boilers from the start of 2024, with manufacturers passing the cost on into the supply chain.

Account customers will receive notification of how refunds will be automatically processed, and Cash customers will receive information about a simple process to enable them to claim the refund. City Plumbing will be making contact with all its customers, with direct communications having started on Tuesday.

INTO University Partnerships and Oregon State University Reflect on 15 Years of Transformative Partnership

Education

News Desk

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04/04/2024

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INTO University Partnerships and Oregon State University Reflect on 15 Years of Transformative Partnership

INTO University Partnerships and Oregon State University (OSU) are currently celebrating a significant milestone – 15 years of a partnership that has revolutionized the educational experiences of a vast number of international students.

Since its inception in 2008, the objective has been to amplify OSU’s international presence. The partnership has successfully delivered a comprehensive array of academic support and services for international students, encompassing direct entry and specially tailored preparatory courses for all undergraduate majors, as well as a vast selection of postgraduate degrees. OSU stands in the top 1.4% of universities worldwide and is recognized for having graduates among the top 20% highest earners in the US.

At the heart of OSU’s historic campus lies the INTO OSU Centre, an energetic hub of learning that provides students with an additional level of academic and personal support, courtesy of the centre’s dedicated staff and faculty.

This centre, a pioneering initiative in the US, has facilitated over 11,900 international students from more than 155 countries in achieving academic excellence in their chosen disciplines. INTO OSU-supported students have also made their mark across all 11 of OSU’s academic colleges at the doctoral level.

Edward Feser, Provost and Executive Vice President at Oregon State University and a member of the INTO OSU Board, stated: “In 15 years of collaboration, the INTO Oregon State University partnership helped bring more than 12,000 international students to OSU. This has strengthened the university by enriching the intercultural experiences of domestic students; providing support for faculty hires, infrastructure, and study abroad opportunities; influencing improvements to our academic program mix; and elevating OSU’s global visibility and brand.”

John Sykes, CEO of INTO University Partnerships, expressed: “Our partnership with Oregon State University marked a real breakthrough moment in US public universities’ approach to internationalizing the student experience. We could not be prouder of our partnership and what it has accomplished. It has been a privilege to watch the life-changing experiences this great American university has delivered to the thousands of Chinese students who made Corvallis their home.”

Bob Gilmour, INTO OSU’s Executive Director, conveyed: “At INTO OSU, we’re so proud of the students we have supported over the last 15 years and the range of academic, personal, and professional successes that they have gone on to achieve. Over that time, it’s really been an honor to have been a part of a team of people at INTO OSU that shows up every day to put students first and provide them with the support and experience that they deserve.

“With both INTO and OSU’s combined efforts, this pioneering Centre has played a significant role in raising the standards and expectations for international student support in higher education from application to graduation and beyond. And as a team, we at INTO OSU look forward to the next 15 years with as much passion and excitement as the day this innovative model was conceived.”

The partnership continues to excel in student satisfaction and retention rates. OSU’s launch of International Direct Services in 2020, which offers bespoke academic and personal support to all international undergraduates in their initial year, has facilitated a seamless start to their degree programmes at OSU. The retention rates for first-year students since the establishment of INTO OSU have impressively climbed to 95%.

INTO University Partnerships is dedicated to connecting motivated international students with top-tier universities in the US, UK, and Australia. Since its founding in 2005, INTO has assisted over 150,000 students from 180 countries in realising their dream of attaining a degree from a prestigious global university.

The Impact of Societal Perceptions on the Acceptance and Understanding of Non-Traditional Relationships

Lifestyle

News Desk

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04/04/2024

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The Impact of Societal Perceptions on the Acceptance and Understanding of Non-Traditional Relationships

When we talk about relationships outside the conventional monogamous pairing, the numbers tell a vivid story of how these forms of relationships have gained traction over the years. For instance, as of 2021, between 4-5% of those living in the U.S. were practicing polyamory. This statistic reflects a broader shift in societal attitudes towards non-traditional relationship models. Yet, acceptance varies, with 17% of Americans viewing polyamory as acceptable, showcasing a gender difference in perspectives – 21% of men compared to 13% of women. A more surprising figure might be that 34% of Americans described their ideal relationship as not entirely monogamous in 2023, indicating a changing perspective on relationship dynamics.

Despite these shifts, acceptance doesn’t equate to full understanding or freedom from stigma. The participants in these relationships frequently encounter misconceptions. For example, there’s a substantial number of people who associate polyamory with immorality, potential harm to children, or even an increased spread of sexually transmitted infections. However, these assumptions lack a solid basis in reality, much like the misunderstandings surrounding more complex relationships such as those of married sugar babies. More so, within the polyamorous community, there’s a noteworthy representation of sexual diversity, with 65% identifying as bisexual, hinting at the intertwining of sexual and relationship diversity.

These relationships often bring reported benefits to those involved. Polyamorous individuals have disclosed higher satisfaction levels in areas such as sexual satisfaction, communication, and jealousy management, compared to their monogamous counterparts. Yet the reality remains harsh for many, due to the reigning cultural emphasis on monogamy, making it challenging for individuals in non-monogamous relationships to find the same level of societal support as others.

The Ripple Effects of Societal Perception

The societal lens through which non-traditional relationships are viewed can have real, tangible effects on the lives of those within them. For example, despite some benefits and levels of satisfaction reported by those in polyamorous relationships, only 14% of individuals not interested in polyamory express respect for those who engage in it. This lack of respect underscores how deeply ingrained cultural norms influence individual attitudes and values.

In light of such challenges, it’s not surprising that many polyamorous individuals choose to keep their relationships hidden. The fear of judgment, social stigma, or even consequences affecting employment and housing, can drive individuals to conceal important aspects of their lives. It’s a defensive response to a lack of societal understanding and acceptance, which further isolates these communities.

Nevertheless, there are sparks of progress that illuminate pathways to greater acceptance. Municipalities like Somerville, Cambridge, and Arlington in Massachusetts have moved to recognize polyamorous domestic partnerships, signaling a slow but relevant shift in institutional acknowledgment of these relationships. Moreover, a survey from 2022 highlighted that 30% of U.S. adults support legalizing polyamory, with a distinct generational divide: 42% support among those aged 18-44 and 52% opposition from those 65 and older.

This generational divide points to changing perceptions and possibly a future where non-traditional relationships might find a more welcoming space in society. However, the road towards full acceptance and understanding remains paved with challenges. The journey involves not only changing laws but also hearts and minds, combating misconceptions, and fostering a more inclusive environment for all types of relationships.

Even as we see some shift toward acceptance, the reality is that understanding and support often lag behind. Cultural emphasis on monogamy still plays a considerable role in how alternative relationship styles are perceived, affecting everything from legal recognition to everyday social acceptance. As societal views continue to evolve, so too will relationships in society. However, for real change to occur, it goes beyond just recognizing these relationships — it’s about respecting and valuing the variety of human connections.

Peecho Merges with Prodigi to Transform the Print-on-Demand Sector

News Desk

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04/04/2024

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Peecho Merges with Prodigi to Transform the Print-on-Demand Sector

Peecho, renowned for its innovative cloud printing solutions, has announced its acquisition by Prodigi, a global leader in the print-on-demand arena. This pivotal merger promises to broaden Peecho’s product spectrum, enhance fulfilment localisation, and grant its clientele access to Prodigi’s expansive international printing network and manufacturing prowess.

Since its inception in 2009, Peecho has spearheaded the digital-to-print revolution, facilitating the effortless incorporation of print-on-demand modules into applications and websites. The acquisition by Prodigi heralds a significant leap forward for Peecho, offering its clients an unmatched array of products and services.

“We’re thrilled to join the Prodigi family and leverage their global presence and expertise to take our offerings to the next level,” stated Eric Kickert, CEO of Peecho. “This partnership will allow our clients to benefit from a vastly expanded product catalog, improved localisation, and access to Prodigi’s vertically integrated manufacturing facilities.”

Kickert further commented on the industry dynamics, saying, “The print on demand industry is at a pivotal stage. While there’s been consistent growth from players like Gelato, Gooten, Printful, and Prodigi, the market remains highly fragmented, with no single company dominating the space. This fragmentation presents both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, it intensifies competition and makes differentiation more critical than ever. On the other, it opens up possibilities for capturing market share, serving niche segments, and forming strategic partnerships. We believe the key to thriving in this environment lies in combining cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of our customers’ needs. By joining forces with Prodigi, we’re not only expanding our product offerings and reach, but also gaining access to a wealth of expertise, talent, and data. This partnership allows us to directly address the challenges facing the market and seize the opportunities it presents.”

The merger offers Peecho’s clients the opportunity to leverage Prodigi’s robust North American presence, facilitating their expansion beyond European confines and into new markets with more promising consumer spending forecasts, circumventing the extensive investment typically required to develop supplementary business support functions during such expansion phases.

James Old, founder and CEO of Prodigi, shared his excitement about the merger: “Peecho’s innovative print shop technology and strong presence in Europe perfectly complement our global footprint and manufacturing capabilities. Together, we’ll be able to provide an unrivaled print on demand experience for businesses and creators worldwide.”

Kickert envisages further industry consolidation, stating, “Looking ahead, we anticipate further industry consolidation as companies seek greater scale and efficiency. However, by joining forces with Prodigi, we intend to proactively shape this future. Our shared goal is to develop a platform that enables businesses and creators to work smarter, faster, cleaner, and greener, and this strategic merger marks a foundational step towards realising that vision.”

This strategic integration positions Peecho within the Prodigi framework, empowering businesses of all scales to utilise a comprehensive, global print-on-demand platform that is set to redefine their digital content monetisation strategies and audience engagement methodologies.

Grapey Launches in the UK, Offering a Unique Approach to Fine Wine Distribution

News Desk

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04/04/2024

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Grapey Launches in the UK, Offering a Unique Approach to Fine Wine Distribution

Grapey makes its entrance into the UK wine market as an innovative online distributor of fine wines, adopting a club card system as a novel alternative to the usual subscription models. This approach enables wine lovers to select their bottles from a handpicked selection, establishing a direct procurement chain from wineries and eliminating conventional retail intermediaries. Grapey’s business model facilitates perpetual discounts on their wine selection, contrasting with the periodic discounts of traditional retail outlets.

By aiming to make high-quality wines more accessible in the UK, Grapey secures exclusive wines directly from esteemed wineries in Europe and the New World at reduced prices. This strategy is set to offer lower prices for consumers and aims to decrease the carbon emissions associated with wine transportation. Grapey is dedicated to maintaining its presence online, foregoing the establishment of physical stores.

The club offers a choice between a one-time use card for up to five bottles or an annual card for unlimited purchases, with both providing continuous discounts on high-end wines. This initiative seeks to make the premium wine market more accessible, especially after the recent uptick in import costs.

Grapey curates its selection to include wines from producers renowned for their quality and limited-edition wines from smaller wineries with production below 100,000 bottles per year. The company aims to democratise access to fine wines in the UK while upholding the highest quality standards and affirming its position as the leading low-cost distributor in the country.

Grapey’s objective is to establish an online platform that offers a select range of outstanding wines at discounted prices, reducing its environmental impact and highlighting reputable sustainable wineries that have yet to gain prominence in the UK market. The club aspires to show that excellence and selection are achievable without resorting to widespread distribution, potentially making fine wines more widely available to consumers.

Kloud9 and Salboy Partnership Elevates Viadux Manchester with Premier Internet Service

Business

News Desk

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04/04/2024

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Kloud9 and Salboy Partnership Elevates Viadux Manchester with Premier Internet Service

In a landmark move for Manchester’s real estate and technological spheres, Kloud9 has joined forces with Salboy for the Viadux development, promising to implement unparalleled internet infrastructure. This partnership ensures that residents and businesses within Viadux will experience lightning-fast internet speeds up to 1 gigabit per second, redefining the city’s connectivity landscape.

Viadux is poised to become a bastion of modern luxury, interweaving Manchester’s rich industrial legacy with the finesse of modern living. The development, a 40-storey marvel designed by Simpson Haugh Architects, will endow its residents with an array of luxury amenities such as a gym, private lounge, bar, cinema room, and terrace garden, all while affording them magnificent views over Manchester.

“Kloud9 is excited to bring our state-of-the-art internet services to Viadux, enhancing the already exceptional lifestyle that Salboy is creating for its residents. Our technology will ensure that Viadux stands out as a symbol of modern living and connectivity,” affirmed Alex Jackson, the pioneer of Kloud9.

Committed to excellence in property development within the UK, Salboy has meticulously conceived Viadux to offer a singular living experience amidst the dynamic backdrop of Manchester. “Our partnership with Kloud9 reflects our commitment to providing the best possible amenities for our residents, and high-speed internet is at the forefront of modern urban living requirements,” stated Simon Ismail, Salboy’s Managing Director.

Guilty plea

The Ripple Effects of Societal Perception

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