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How reading at an early age can grow your children into smarter adults

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How reading at an early age can grow your children into smarter adults

Encouraging your child to start reading at an early age means introducing them to creativity and imagination.

It’s the period when young children’s brains are like sponges, able to absorb more information than those of adults.

So, it’s a great age for brain development and language learning. And, reading is a great way to do that!

Let’s discover more about it:

Why is reading at an early age important?

Reading at an early age offers better cognitive, mental health, and behavioural outcomes. It helps boost memory, build critical thinking, promote emotional and social growth, and foster a lifelong love of learning.

Reading keeps them away from screen time, protecting them from possible mental health disorders resulting from harmful content on the internet. Eventually, they will become teens who read rather than are addicted to screens.

Important piece of advice: For early childhood, we strongly recommend physical books. They are better than screens for brain development, focus, sleep and parent-child bonding.

Do gifted children read early?

Children who start reading early, on their own, with little to no support may be gifted. But it’s not always the case.

Reading is a habit that you can instil in your child at an early age. Because kids are hardwired to copy their parents and caregivers, it’s best that you cut down your unnecessary screen time. Read to your kids, tell them age-appropriate stories, listen to audiobooks together, and help your child learn how to interpret pictures and words as symbols.

Over time, your child will develop a love for reading, which is a wonderful habit for their growing minds.

Is 3 years old too early to read?

No, 3 years old is not too early to read. But not through format instructions! Kids learn language best through play, and the back-and-forth with parents, grandparents, siblings, and other caregivers who talk, read and sing to them.

Kids will learn to recognise sounds in their native language and develop oral skills, which are as valuable as learning to read early. If your child is also learning English as an additional language, regular story time can gently support their English vocabulary alongside their home language.

Reading at an early age activities

Early age reading activities depend on your kid’s exact age. For instance, kids between 3 and 5 years old do better with rhymes, while 5-8-year-old children should read physical books.

Below is a list of some interesting early age reading activities you can pick from, as per your child’s age:

  • Develop a strict reading routine (Minimum 20 minutes a day)
  • Read what’s interesting to your child
  • Try physical books with pictures
  • Act while narrating the story
  • Daily bedtime story
  • Picture book discussion
  • Library visits
  • Letter and sound games
  • Rhyming games
  • Storytelling with puppets
  • Acting out favourite stories
  • Sing nursery rhymes
  • Choose books together
  • Read recipes step by step while cooking
  • Listen to audiobooks

Do everything that interests your kids and make them love reading. Physicians and paediatricians have been touting the benefits of early childhood reading for years.

Credible scientific studies have also confirmed that starting to read at an early age helps build a strong foundation for learning and emotional development.

 

Trafford Centre’s sweetest new attraction has the crowds flocking

Helen Greaney
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Trafford Centre’s sweetest new attraction has the crowds flocking

There’s something about walking into a chocolate shop that makes you feel like a kid again… and Trafford Centre’s brand-new Lindt store definitely has that effect.

Lindt, the luxury chocolatier, officially opened its newest UK location on May 28, taking over the old Lacoste unit on the top floor of the shopping centre after the fashion brand moved a few units away.

But this is far from just another shop opening. From the second you spot the giant Lindt chocolate Truffles at the entrance, people are already stopping to stare before they’ve even stepped inside.

When I visited, shoppers were crowding around the doorway taking selfies with the colourful displays in the background, while others made a beeline for the pick’n’mix scoops.

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The new 1,200 sq ft store centres around one thing most people can’t resist: chocolate.

And not just any old chocolate. Invented by Rodolphe Lindt in 1879 and still used today, the conching process revolutionised the chocolate industry. Continuously stirring chocolate for over 72 hours created a chocolate so fine that it could melt completely on the tongue.

The store’s biggest attraction is the enormous pick’n’mix station filled with 34 flavours of Lindor truffles including Popcorn, Milk Chocolate, Strawberry and Cream and Marc du Champagne, with rows of brightly coloured wrappers stretching towards the back wall.

You can fill a bag or a box with whichever flavours catch your eye before paying by weight, and watching people try to narrow down their choices was half the fun. Some carefully picked out a few favourites while others filled bags to the top without thinking twice.

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The shop had a proper atmosphere while I was there. Families wandered around the shelves, people popped in “just for a look” before joining the queue with bags of treats in hand.

Until now, the closest Lindt store was in Manchester Arndale, so for plenty of chocolate fans this opening has clearly been a long time coming.

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Joanne Brown, assistant manager at the new store, who is part of the 15-strong new team at the store, said: “Everyone has been really excited – people have been saying it’s about time Lindt was in the Trafford Centre! The opening day was really well received, we had a master chocolatier and we gave out 250 goody bags.

“The customers love the pick n mix but the best seller so far has been the classic boxes of Lindt Lindor chocolate truffles!”

It is easy to see why people are already obsessed with the pick’n’mix. Hidden among the classic flavours are some chocolates that previously meant a trip to London if you wanted to try them yourself. The emoji-face Lindor chocolates have finally made their way north, while Pistachio Praline chocolates are currently exclusive to the Trafford Centre store.

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Away from the truffles, shelves are packed with glossy gift boxes and ribbon-tied chocolate collections, while the Dubai-style chocolate bars currently all over TikTok have already found a home here too.

There are jars of rich hazelnut chocolate spread, neat rows of pralines and offers on multiple boxes if you are stocking up – and even Lindor Cherry Blossom, a delicate Sakura-flavoured truffle inspired by Japan’s iconic blossom season.

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For those planning on becoming regulars, a MyLindt rewards scheme is available in store, where shoppers can scan a QR code for 10% off their first purchase – though judging by the amount of people already queueing with armfuls of chocolate, most people hardly needed convincing.

The hardest part of my visit was convincing myself that I only needed one bag of pick’n’mix. Our family favourite is officially the Pistachio Lindt truffles – delicious.

Only days after opening, Trafford Centre’s Lindt store already feels like one of those shops people will end up pottering into, whether they planned to or not.

The Lindt store at Trafford Centre is open from 10am – 10pm on Monday – Friday, 10am – 9pm on Saturday and 12pm – 6pm on Sunday.

Icon of Industry Award for Manchester broker

Helen Greaney
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Icon of Industry Award for Manchester broker

A Manchester insurance broker has been named an icon of industry.

John Batty is Director of Technical Services at Bridge Insurance Brokers, based on Charlotte Street, Manchester. He is one of just 12 people who have been named in Insurance Business Magazine’s inaugural “Icons of Industry Awards” this month.

The awards recognise the most influential people in insurance, highlighting those proven to show leadership, vision and a commitment to the ongoing progress of the profession.

John joined the insurance industry at the age of 16 on a youth training scheme with Independent Insurance Company in Sale. He was fast-tracked into a full-time underwriting role within a few months, progressing through the business before moving from underwriting into broking in his twenties.

He joined Bridge Insurance Brokers in 2015, where he sits on the management executive and oversees all technical aspects of the business including broking, delegated underwriting, risk management, claims and insurer market relationships as well as technical colleague development for its 100+ team.

An Insurance Broking Standards Council Advisory Board Member of the BIBA (British Insurance Brokers Association) – and previously a full Board Director and Chair of BIBA’s Regional Chair’s Advisory Board) – John has overseen the implementation of several fair values frameworks and has assisted in industry responses to several new insurance legislations.

He is a regular speaker and panel member at property and insurance events throughout the UK, and internationally.

“I’m humbled to have been nominated and then selected alongside other industry leaders,” said John. “It’s a privilege to work in an ever-changing environment, helping to steer better standards and working lives for others.”

“This is a well-deserved accolade, and we are very proud to have John on our team,” said Bridge CEO Roger Potts. “He is very well-respected and liked in our Manchester HQ and our London office, as well as by many, many others working in the insurance profession.”

 

Alice Ferns unveils exclusive design for Russell Hobbs and Action Against Hunger partnership

Helen Greaney
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Alice Ferns unveils exclusive design for Russell Hobbs and Action Against Hunger partnership

Today, Manchester-headquartered Russell Hobbs, alongside global humanitarian charity Action Against Hunger, launched a global campaign unveiling four one-of-a-kind plate designs by artists from the UK, Germany, Spain and Poland.

Russell Hobbs today announces Alice Ferns as the chosen artist for its global charity partnership with Action Against Hunger, unveiling her exclusive limited-edition design for the campaign.

The Plates for Change campaign combines creativity and purpose, commissioning artists globally to design one-of-a-kind plates that spark conversation in UK households about hunger, while raising vital funds to support Action Against Hunger’s life-saving programme.

Alice is an illustrator based in Bristol, known for her joyful work which includes playful characters, humour and bold colour. With a social media following of almost 30,000, Alice has built a highly engaged online community.

The plate design reflects the campaign’s message, with the artist sharing the creative journey online and inviting audiences to bid in the charity auction to win the one-of-a-kind plate. Taking inspiration from Action Against Hunger’s work to empower and support female farmers, the final piece celebrates the community, joy and physical labour of growing and providing food.

Alice said: “I’m incredibly proud to have been selected by the team at Russell Hobbs and play a role in this exciting global campaign. This project is much more than creating a visually striking piece, it’s about using art as a platform to spark conversation – something I’m incredibly passionate about. I look forward to seeing the impact this auction and donations will have on the charity’s mission.”

Founded in 1979, Action Against Hunger operates in 56 countries and, in 2024, supported 26.5 million people in their fight against hunger and malnutrition. Its work combines frontline emergency response with long-term programmes to prevent and treat malnutrition, ensuring children and adults everywhere can access proper nutrition.

Russell Hobbs’ Plates for Change campaign sees artists from the UK, Spain, Poland and Germany commissioned to each create a one-of-a-kind plate for the campaign, engaging with audiences across Europe to highlight the importance of nutrition for overall wellbeing.

Robyn Milner, Global Brand Partnerships Manager at Spectrum Brands, said: “At Russell Hobbs, we believe everyday moments in the home can be a powerful force for good. By collaborating with artists across the world, we hope to inspire communities both locally and nationally to take action and shine a light on the urgent issue of global hunger.”

Sarah Canniford, Head of Partnerships at Action Against Hunger, said: “It’s a privilege to collaborate with such gifted artists who share our commitment to ending hunger. Today, one in 11 people go to bed hungry every night, a fact that demands more than awareness. Art has the power to move people and we hope it inspires everyone to take meaningful action, however small, for those living with hunger and malnutrition.”

The final plate is available to purchase via auction online, with all funds raised donated to support Action Against Hunger’s food security programmes. The auction will run via Zeffy until Friday, June 12, with proceeds raised going directly to the charity.

Alice Ferns’s auction can be viewed here.

Setting up your Manchester start-up for success

Helen Greaney
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Setting up your Manchester start-up for success

Manchester has never been a more compelling place to build a business. With a thriving
digital economy, a growing investment scene, and a talent pool that rivals any city outside London, the foundations for start-up success are firmly in place.

But making the most of them takes more than a good idea, and it takes strategy, structure, and the right support.

1. Take advantage of Manchester’s growing start-up ecosystem

Manchester is now the third-ranked start-up ecosystem in the UK, home to more than
10,000 digital and tech businesses and over 1,600 start-ups and scaleups across the city
region.

The city has produced three unicorn companies and continues to attract serious
investment in fintech, AI, healthtech, and creative industries. For founders, that density
is relevant.

Networking events, incubator programmes, and accelerator schemes give
early-stage businesses access to mentors, investors, and potential collaborators from
day one.

According to Deloitte’s Emerging Growth Insights 2025, Manchester’s tech ecosystem comprises 661 high-growth tech firms generating £4.91 billion in turnover and employing almost 27,000 people, which is a clear signal of the commercial momentum the city has built.

2. Build a financial strategy that can withstand economic uncertainty

Cash flow is where most early-stage businesses run into trouble, and getting the
fundamentals right from the outset makes a significant difference. Realistic forecasting,
disciplined budgeting, and a clear understanding of your runway are non-negotiable.

It is also worth exploring the full range of funding options available, from angel investment
and venture capital to government-backed start-up loans and regional grants designed
specifically for smaller businesses.

Manchester benefits from strong regional investment activity, and founders who engage early with the funding landscape tend to be far better prepared when growth opportunities or unexpected pressures arise.

3. Choose the right location and create a scalable workspace

Where you base your business sends a signal to investors, clients, and the people you want to hire. Commercial districts such as Spinningfields, the Northern Quarter, and NOMA continue to attract ambitious businesses precisely because of the professional networks and energy they generate.

Office space in Manchester can be customised to your needs through flexible leases and co-working environments that allow you to scale up or down without the cost and disruption of a full relocation, which is a genuine advantage for start-ups whose headcounts change quickly.

The right space shapes culture, attracts talent, and makes the right impression on day one.

4. Recruit and retain talent in a competitive market

Manchester’s universities produce a deep and diverse pipeline of graduate talent, and the
city consistently punches well above its weight on retention.

According to The Student Pocket Guide’s 2025 analysis, Manchester has the second-highest graduate retention rate in England at 76.3%, second only to London, a figure that gives local businesses consistent access to skilled, motivated people who have chosen to build their careers in the city.

Start-ups are competing for the same talent as major employers, which means culture, flexibility, and clear career progression are what tip the balance in favour of smaller businesses. Founders who invest early in building a workplace people genuinely want to be part of consistently find it easier to attract and keep the people they need to grow.

Manchester rewards founders who show up prepared, stay financially disciplined, and
build deliberately. The ecosystem is there, and it is up to you to make the most of it.

Mits Griffin shares expertise to help entrepreneurs transform ideas into a tangible online business

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Mits Griffin shares expertise to help entrepreneurs transform ideas into a tangible online business
YORK, UK. June 4th, 2026 – Intrapreneur Mits Griffin is on a mission to help experts, coaches, mentors and specialists, share their solutions that help solve the world’s problems.
But what is an intrapreneur?
“An intrapreneur is actually an entrepreneur who is working inside the business of another entrepreneur,” explained Mits. “It is having two highly skilled people build things together, where they can both bring their collective experiences to the table and into business.
“It covers everything from thinking about the big picture to planning what steps a business might need to take next to actual implementation of those steps.”
Mits’ particular area of expertise focuses on helping entrepreneurs find their way through business and handle marketing, tech, systems, launches in the best possible way – especially on-line.
“I work with visionary entrepreneurs who are starting new ideas, initiatives and adventures,” she said.
“I started in the web designer realm, then got into marketing and digital marketing in that space. I got experienced in running virtual events and creating platforms where people can share their vision and message. I was also looking at how people can best present themselves on-line at virtual events.
“Even people who have experience in business might not have experience in the online space Sometimes they just want someone else to bounce ideas off and someone who understands them, so they don’t have to explain themselves.”
Laser focus on a business’ targets is essential in those formative early days, and that is where Mits comes in: “In the early stages, it can really help to have someone leading in that area so you, as the entrepreneur, can focus on your area of expertise without having to manage anyone else,” she said.
“You don’t have to tell them, ‘Do this, this and this.’. Instead, an intrapreneur will say ‘How about trying this, this and this?’ and if it sounds good, we do it.
“It accelerates progress and makes the business building more fun, because now you have a co-worker who is enough like you to understand you but has a different skill set, so you don’t need a huge team with lots of specialists that you need to manage.”
The intrapreneur’s role is to take some of the pressure off: “When you are an entrepreneur, you have to wear so many hats,” said Mits. “Working with an intrapreneur lets you take a couple of those hats off. “The thing that I do as an intrapreneur that makes it different from other roles, is that it blurs boundaries.”
“It’s different from having a coach, who might tell you what to do then just leave you to do it, and it’s different from having a team member who’s just waiting for you to give them a task. An intrapreneur works in-between.
“With the way the world is going, there is so much turmoil that I think there is going to be an increase in the problems that people face and I really, passionately believe that businesses are one way of providing solutions.
“Every business that exists is there to help solve a problem and there are so many ideas that can help people in everyday life, but the issue is getting that idea into made into something real, tangible and sustainable.
“I love the thought of helping launch these new initiatives and ideas, so they contribute to making people’s lives better in some way. That’s the heart of why I’m doing what I do and in the way I’m doing it is to make it more fun.”
To find out more, visit mitsgriffin.com or e-mail [email protected].

Summer Maths Programme Launched to Prevent Summer Learning Loss and Build Confidence

Helen Greaney
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Summer Maths Programme Launched to Prevent Summer Learning Loss and Build Confidence

Mathnasium of Altrincham has now launched a special Summer Programme designed to help children retain and strengthen maths skills over the long summer break through personalised learning and confidence-building support.

Mathnasium is a leader in maths-only education with learning centres across the UK.

Josh Hammond, Centre Director, Mathnasium of Altrincham confirmed: “Summer should be a time for children to relax and enjoy themselves, but it can also be a period where important maths skills begin to fade. Students can lose a significant amount of progress over the summer, with research showing that ‘summer slide’ affects maths far more than reading, and children may lose up to 39–42% of the maths skills they gained during the school year.

“Summer is a critical time for learning retention for both primary and secondary school students, and it also provides a valuable opportunity to get ahead in preparation for GCSE studies.

“Our Summer Programme is designed to keep children engaged, motivated and progressing in a positive environment, helping to prevent summer learning loss while building confidence and understanding. By September, students return to school feeling more prepared, more confident and ready for the year ahead.”

Mathnasium’s Summer Programme is suitable for children who need support catching up, keeping up or getting ahead in maths. Each child follows a personalised learning plan, allowing them to work on their individual goals at a pace that suits them.

The programme is built around the Mathnasium Method™, a proven approach that focuses on developing deep understanding rather than memorisation, helping students strengthen core skills and build long-term confidence in maths.

The Summer Programme includes a comprehensive assessment and personalised learning plan tailored to each child’s needs and summer goals, along with engaging maths activities designed to make learning interactive, enjoyable and rewarding. Activities will also include painting, drawing, jewellery-making, sensory play, sand art, competitions and more. Face-to-face maths instruction is focused on building understanding, strengthening key skills and increasing confidence, with flexible scheduling to fit around family holidays and summer plans.

The flexible programme sessions start from now and run until the end of September.

For further information please contact: [email protected] or visit: https://www.mathnasium.com/

Over 60,000 Call for Urgent Reform of Roadside Animal Laws

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Over 60,000 Call for Urgent Reform of Roadside Animal Laws

STOURBRIDGE, UK. June 4, 2026 – Campaigners from CatsMatter are calling for urgent reform of the UK’s roadside animal protection laws after their petition attracted over 60,000 signatures. They say the current law leaves people at their most vulnerable, with pets and other kept animals left without assistance and their owners without answers.

They are calling for a modern legal duty for drivers to stop and assist if they are involved in a collision and it is safe to do so — a requirement already in place in jurisdictions such as Italy and Hong Kong.

In Italy, Article 189(9 bis) of the Highway Code (Codice della Strada) requires drivers involved in a collision with “pets, livestock or protected animals” to stop, provide assistance, and alert the authorities. Guidance from the Automobile Club d’Italia confirms this includes ensuring the injured animal receives help. Meanwhile, Hong Kong amended its Road Traffic Ordinance in 2021 to require drivers to stop after hitting a cat or dog, citing the need for timely veterinary care.

The UK has no legal duty to assist any animal after a collision — only a duty to report for a narrow list of species. Section 170(1)(b)(ii) and (8) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 requires drivers to report collisions involving only “horse, cattle, ass, mule, sheep, pig, goat or dog”. “Ass” is an archaic term for donkey, and the list includes mules but not hinnies. Cats are excluded entirely, even though the law requires drivers to report collisions with dogs that are smaller than the average cat. Poultry, alpacas and many other commonly kept animals are also omitted, and wildlife is not covered at all. Although the Department for Transport says the list is intended to cover “working animals”, campaigners argue it no longer achieves that purpose. They say the UK should examine how other parts of the world have already implemented these duties in practice. CatsMatter have posted a short video explaining Section 170.

This legal gap leaves many families in distress. Millie survived severe injuries after being hit and left on the road, facing months of painful recovery with no accountability. Rani was found dead on a quiet verge, her owner left without an explanation. These cases reflect experiences reported by thousands of animal owners across the UK each year. There have been numerous petitions over the years seeking to change the law. An Early Day Motion tabled in Parliament in 2022 cited PetPlan data estimating that around 230,000 cats are hit by cars in the UK each year, and urged the Government to consider reforms to better protect pets and support owners affected by road traffic incidents.

Public confusion adds to the problem. The AA reported in 2025 that many drivers wrongly believe cats are already reportable, as part of a wider misunderstanding about which animals the law covers. Meanwhile, UK animal welfare standards have moved on significantly since the Road Traffic Act was drafted. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 recognised animals’ capacity to suffer, and the Pet Abduction Act 2024 acknowledged the emotional bond people share with cats and dogs as companion animals.

Section 2 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 defines a “protected animal” as any domesticated or captive animal under human control, and CatsMatter is asking MPs to consider adopting this definition for the Road Traffic Act. Campaigners say this would create a consistent, harmonised, future‑proof standard across UK law while continuing to cover all currently listed species. If Parliament wished, Section 170 could be amended to allow additional species to be added later by Statutory Instrument, without the need for further primary legislation. Although the petition concerns cats specifically, campaigners emphasise that a parliamentary debate would allow MPs to explore broader reform.

Professional drivers and commuters face particular pressures when under time constraints or employer expectations. Confusion around the current law creates uncertainty as to whether stopping is permitted or professionally advisable. A clear statutory duty would support all those who drive for work‑related reasons, ensuring that acting responsibly cannot be misinterpreted as misconduct, lateness or a breach of commercial expectations.

The campaign has gained support from MPs Cat Eccles and Mohammad Yasin of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Cats, as well as social media accounts including George the Stourbridge Junction Station Cat and Blu the Blep. Walsall Road Allotment Cats have also backed the call. Cat Eccles, MP for Stourbridge, said: “I’m grateful to CatsMatter for their continued work on this issue. It makes no sense whatsoever that the law does not currently cover cats and other animals involved in road traffic collisions. I will continue to work with CatsMatter to press the Government to make this much needed change to the law to protect pets and their owners facing this distressing circumstance.”

CatsMatter have lent their support to a separate petition calling for a single, centralised microchip database. That petition highlights the problems caused by multiple commercial databases, which can make records difficult to trace, and called for a unified statutory system to improve the speed and simplicity of access. Campaigners noted that such reform would complement roadside reporting by ensuring ownership details can be accessed quickly when animals are found. Debbie Matthews and Dr Daniel Allen, who initiated the petition, have also expressed their support for CatsMatter, reflecting the shared goals across both campaigns.

Mandy Hobbis, spokesperson for CatsMatter, said: “Every day, families lose beloved pets on our roads with no legal requirement for drivers to stop, let alone give assistance. No animal should be left to suffer alone, and no family should be left without answers. Places like Italy and Hong Kong have already taken steps, putting them ahead of the UK in modern roadside animal protection. We call on the UK to recognise the deep bond people share with their animals in road traffic law, as is already the case in other UK legislation. We now have compulsory microchipping for cats, so not to make accidents reportable does not make sense.”

The CatsMatter petition closes on 17 June. Reaching 100,000 signatures will trigger consideration for a parliamentary debate.

Sapyen Partners with My Surrogacy Journey to Enhance Fertility Support Services Across the U.S.

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Sapyen Partners with My Surrogacy Journey to Enhance Fertility Support Services Across the U.S.

CALIFORNIA, US. June 4, 2026 – Sapyen, a global leader in male fertility diagnostics, has entered into a strategic partnership with My Surrogacy Journey, a widely respected international surrogacy organization. Through this collaboration, the two companies will work together to provide intended parents with greater access to fertility testing and reproductive health support, beginning with a rollout across the United States.

Under the partnership, Sapyen will serve as a fertility diagnostics partner for My Surrogacy Journey and its intended parents worldwide, offering services including semen analysis, DNA fragmentation testing, and infectious disease screening.

The collaboration brings together two organizations that are playing an increasingly influential role in the evolution of reproductive healthcare on a global scale.

For many years, male fertility testing and preservation services have been limited by fragmented systems, clinic-based processes, high costs, and logistical challenges, particularly for patients navigating care across multiple countries. These complexities are often amplified in surrogacy journeys, where intended parents may need to coordinate with laboratories, clinics, legal professionals, and service providers across different jurisdictions.

Both organizations share the view that the future of fertility care will be driven by integrated global infrastructure rather than isolated services, enabling patients to move more efficiently through reproductive pathways regardless of location.

My Surrogacy Journey has established itself as a leading force in international surrogacy through its carefully curated global network, commitment to ethical practices, patient advocacy, and ability to manage complex cross-border journeys. The organization is widely recognized by intended parents and fertility professionals for bringing greater transparency, consistency, and operational excellence to a sector that has historically lacked standardization.

Sapyen has also emerged as a significant infrastructure provider within fertility diagnostics. The company works with fertility clinics, laboratory networks, and healthcare organizations worldwide to deliver advanced at-home semen analysis, DNA fragmentation testing, infectious disease screening, and reproductive preservation solutions.

Its proprietary SPX72 stabilization technology extends the viability of analyzable semen samples from roughly one hour to as long as 72 hours, making laboratory-grade testing and preservation possible without the limitations of traditional clinic-based collection.

“The historical fertility model was built around geography,” said Ash Ramachandran, Founder and CEO of Sapyen. “Patients travelled to infrastructure. The next generation of reproductive medicine will invert that entirely.”

The partnership will initially launch throughout the United States, with plans to explore additional collaboration opportunities in fertility preservation and broader reproductive health services over time.

“Surrogacy is one of the most operationally complex categories in reproductive medicine,” Ramachandran continued. “It requires coordination across clinicians, laboratories, legal teams, donors, intended parents, and international jurisdictions simultaneously. Infrastructure quality materially impacts patient outcomes in that environment.

“My Surrogacy Journey has built one of the most sophisticated and trusted platforms globally for navigating that complexity. They are not simply facilitating introductions. They are helping define the operational and ethical standard for modern surrogacy internationally.”

Ramachandran noted that fertility diagnostics and preservation are becoming increasingly central to reproductive healthcare rather than supplementary services.

“For decades, fertility testing and preservation were positioned as reactive services. By the time many patients entered the system, optionality had already narrowed. We believe that changes now. Earlier diagnostics, better biological data, and accessible preservation infrastructure will increasingly become standard entry points into reproductive medicine globally.”

Michael Johnson-Ellis, Co-founder and Co-CEO of My Surrogacy Journey, said the partnership aligns with the organization’s commitment to building a comprehensive support ecosystem for intended parents around the world.

“Our responsibility to intended parents extends far beyond guidance. We are building an ecosystem around them capable of supporting extraordinarily complex journeys with consistency, credibility, and care.

“Sapyen immediately distinguished itself with both its scientific credibility and operational capability to execute fertility diagnostics and preservation at international scale.

“Their infrastructure, laboratory integration, and long-term vision for modern fertility care make them an exceptionally strong partner for My Surrogacy Journey and for the families we support across the world.”

Wes Johnson-Ellis, Co-founder and Co-CEO of My Surrogacy Journey, added that increasingly international fertility journeys require solutions that can function seamlessly across borders.

“Intended parents today are navigating fertility across multiple countries and healthcare systems simultaneously. That requires partners capable of operating with precision internationally. This partnership materially strengthens the level of fertility support available to intended parents navigating increasingly global reproductive pathways.”

The agreement further expands Sapyen’s international presence in fertility diagnostics and reproductive preservation, building on its continued growth across IVF clinic networks, laboratory organizations, benefits providers, and reproductive healthcare partners worldwide.

How Manchester is shaping the next wave of AI

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How Manchester is shaping the next wave of AI

Manchester has a habit of being underestimated. People still talk about UK technology as if it is a London story with a few regional footnotes. That view is already out of date. Manchester is becoming one of the more interesting AI cities in Europe, not because it is trying to copy Silicon Valley, but because its best companies are building practical AI for real business problems.

Several business leaders are already showing what that looks like. John Margerison, CEO of XFactorAi, is building communications intelligence that reads real business messages and turns them into clearer next actions, while Tom Dunlop at Manchester-born Summize is using AI to make contracts easier to understand, and Richard Potter, David Leitch and Atul Sharma built Peak AI in Manchester before its acquisition by UiPath.

Manchester is building useful AI, not just flashy AI

The strongest Manchester AI stories are not about chatbots doing party tricks. They are about businesses using AI to make work faster, clearer, and more commercial.

Peak is the obvious example. Founded in Manchester in 2015, the company built AI products to help businesses make better decisions around pricing, inventory, and demand. That is not glamorous in the way consumer AI can be, but it is exactly where AI becomes valuable. Retailers and manufacturers do not need more hype. They need better stock decisions, better margins, and fewer expensive misses.

Its acquisition by UiPath matters for that reason. It shows that Manchester can produce AI companies with products large enterprise software firms want to own. The lesson is simple. The next phase of AI will not only be won by companies with the best model. It will be won by companies that can put AI into the decisions businesses already care about.

Legal work is becoming easier to read

Summize is another strong Manchester example because it attacks one of the dullest but most important problems in business. Contracts are hard to read, slow to review, and often trapped inside legal teams when commercial teams need answers quickly.

Tom Dunlop and co-founder David Smith built Summize around a simple idea. Contracts should be easier to understand and faster to work with. That idea has turned into serious growth. Deloitte named Summize the North West regional winner in its 2025 UK Technology Fast 50, with reported growth of 2,678%. The company also secured a major investment in 2026 to support expansion and further AI development.

This is exactly the sort of AI Manchester should be known for. It is not abstract. It does not require a board to pretend it understands model architecture. It solves a problem people already have. Sales teams need to know what they can promise. Legal teams need to reduce repeated questions. Finance teams need visibility on risk. Good AI sits between those groups and makes the work less painful.

Recruitment is being rebuilt around potential

Manchester’s AI story is also about people. Arctic Shores, founded by Robert Newry and Safe Hammad, has spent years using behavioural science and technology to rethink hiring. Its products are designed to assess potential and soft skills, rather than relying only on CVs and old signals that often favour the same sorts of candidates.

That matters even more now. Companies are worried about skills, hiring costs, and whether traditional recruitment still works. AI can make those problems worse if it simply automates old bias at greater speed. It can also make them better if it helps employers see people more clearly.

Arctic Shores’ recent leadership changes show how this market is shifting. In 2025, Estelle McCartney was appointed CEO, with Newry moving into a new role focused on AI-driven recruitment trends. That tells us something important. The hiring market is not just adding AI to old processes. It is being forced to ask a harder question. What should companies actually measure when they hire?

Manchester is turning research into industry

AI cities need more than start-ups. They need universities, investors, large companies, founders, policy support, and places where all of those people keep bumping into each other. Manchester is starting to build that mix.

The University of Manchester is already a major part of the city’s AI base, and the wider region has been trying to turn that research strength into commercial output. The Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester has also launched support for early-stage AI founders, with its first Startup Lab cohort selected in 2026.

More recently, BNY and the University of Manchester launched the Future of Work Alliance, which will focus on responsible AI and new models of work. That is a useful signal. It ties Manchester’s academic strength to a real enterprise problem. Companies do not just need AI ideas. They need ways to test them safely, scale them properly, and understand what they do to work.

Manchester’s advantage is practical ambition

The best thing about Manchester’s AI scene is that it feels grounded. Peak was about decision-making. Summize is about contracts. Arctic Shores is about hiring. The university and business community are looking at responsible AI and the future of work. These are not small problems.
That is why Manchester’s rise matters. A 2025 report found that Greater Manchester AI companies were valued at $4.2 billion, more than five times their valuation in 2020. The region’s AI companies also secured £290.54 million in venture capital in 2024 alone. Manchester was also named the UK’s most AI-ready city for the second year running in the SAS AI Cities Index.
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