Author: Sam Allcock

Danfoss, the global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, has reported a challenging first half of 2024. After experiencing significant growth over the past three years, the company’s latest figures reflect a dip in demand across key markets. Group sales totalled €5 billion, with EBITA standing at €533 million, marking a decrease in the EBITA margin from 12.4% to 10.6% compared to the same period last year. The lower demand, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and automotive, has affected Danfoss’ Power Solutions segment. The construction market in Europe remains subdued, notably in Central Europe, impacting heating businesses…

Iceland’s leading chocolatier, Nói Síríus, has taken significant strides to modernise its production capabilities by partnering with Rockwell Automation, a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. The collaboration aims to streamline maintenance operations and enhance production-line performance, marking a pivotal step in the company’s journey towards greater efficiency. Nói Síríus, a household name in Iceland renowned for its high-quality chocolates, faced the challenge of improving the reliability and efficiency of its production line while reducing the burden on its maintenance team. Seeking a comprehensive solution, the chocolatier opted to standardise its maintenance management using Fiix CMMS (computerised maintenance…

Kunlun Tech has launched SkyReels, the world’s first AI-powered reels platform that seamlessly integrates AI video generation with a 3D engine. Announced on 19th August, SkyReels is poised to revolutionise the video creation landscape by allowing users to generate high-quality reels with unprecedented ease and efficiency. SkyReels offers a comprehensive suite of tools that merges script generation, character customisation, storyboarding, plot development, dialogue, and background music (BGM) into a single, user-friendly platform. This all-in-one approach enables creators, from seasoned professionals to novices, to bring their imaginative ideas to life with just a few clicks. The platform is capable of producing…

American fashion house DKNY has announced that model Kaia Gerber will continue as the face of its brand for the upcoming Fall 2024 campaign. This marks the second consecutive season for Gerber, whose involvement is being hailed as an embodiment of the brand’s enduring connection to the dynamic spirit of New York City. Building on the momentum from its Spring 2024 campaign, which reintroduced DKNY’s iconic American style with a fresh perspective, the Fall collection delves deeper into the narrative that has long defined the brand. With a focus on the rich cultural tapestry of New York, DKNY is drawing…

Coursera has announced a significant milestone in the recognition of online learning credentials, with the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA) certifying 12 Professional Certificates from Google and IBM. This certification now allows these industry micro-credentials to carry European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credit recommendations, a move expected to have wide-reaching implications across 49 member nations participating in the ECC/Bologna process. The certification opens the door for universities, ministries, and students to accept and transfer credits earned from these online courses towards university degrees. This development marks a crucial step towards creating a global framework for the…

American Express, in collaboration with retail analysts GlobalData, has released a new report identifying the British high streets that excel in offering shoppers the most appealing blend of retail and leisure experiences. The research, based on a survey of 2,000 consumers across the UK, highlights the key factors that contribute to a successful high street. According to the study, the most valued elements include a diverse range of retailers, ample parking, and a variety of independent pubs and restaurants. Additionally, entertainment options such as cinemas and theatres are increasingly important to shoppers, although proximity to train stations and green spaces…

In a bid to promote sustainable fashion and reduce consumption, Selfridges has launched its first-ever swap shop in London, offering customers a new and exciting way to refresh their wardrobes. The initiative, part of Selfridges’ broader commitment to sustainable fashion, invites shoppers to exchange clothes they no longer wear for new-to-them pieces, rather than buying new items. A Creative Approach to Sustainable Shopping Opening on 12 July, the swap shop is hosted in collaboration with LOANHOOD, a circular fashion community that specialises in rental and swapping. The concept is simple: customers bring in up to five items of men’s or…

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and several African nations a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The announcement, made on 14 August 2024, follows the recommendations of an International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee that assessed data from WHO and affected countries. The committee’s decision highlights the alarming increase in mpox cases, particularly the emergence of a new virus strain, Clade 1b, in the DRC. This strain, which emerged last year, has rapidly spread, prompting concerns about its potential to affect additional countries across Africa…

Molly-Mae Hague’s TikTok stardom has increased rapidly after announcing her shocking split from ex Tommy Fury  The stars’ TikTok earning potentials were calculated after each saw a rise in followers in the aftermath of the breakup  Hague gained over 45,000 followers overnight, leaving Fury in the dust, as the boxer saw a mere 4,000 increase  The British public have favoured Molly-Mae Hague over her ex, Tommy Fury in the aftermath of their unexpected breakup, boosting her online earnings 718% above those of her former fiancé.   The data was collected by site CSGOLuck, who monitored the TikTok likes and follower…

A new study has revealed that students across the UK are working significantly longer hours in part-time jobs to cope with rising living costs. The NatWest Student Living Index shows that the average time students spend working part-time has surged by 154% over the past year. In 2023, students were working an average of 46.39 hours per month, up from 18.3 hours in 2022. Those in Salford, Ormskirk, and Derby are working the most, averaging over 60 hours per month. This increase reflects the growing financial pressure on students, driven by soaring rents and utility bills. The index, based on…