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Rishi Sunak to step down as Conservative leader

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Following the landslide Labour victory in the general election, outgoing prime minister Rishi Sunak has visited the King to hand in his resignation.

Sunak said outside Downing Street this morning, that he would step down as Conservative leader as soon as arrangements were in place to select a successor.

But he will continue to serve as an MP for Richmond and North Allerton in Yorkshire, where he did retain his seat.

He said: “To the country, I would like to say I am sorry.  I have given this job by all but you have sent a clear signal that the government of the UK must change and yours is the only judgement that matters.

“I have heard your anger, your disappointment and I take responsibility for this loss.

“It pains me to think how many good colleagues who contributed so much to their communities and their country will no longer sit in the House of Commons. I thank them for their hard work and their service.”

He said he had called Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory, adding: “Today power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner with good will on all sides. That is something that should give us all confidence in our country’s stability and future.”

 

British Entrepreneurial Legacy: Inspiring Innovation Abroad

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The esteemed tradition of British entrepreneurship has been shared with some of South Korea’s most dynamic young and female entrepreneurs through a partnership between Kickstart Asia and the Social Enterprise Academy (SEA).

SEA has become the largest Institute of Leadership and Management Centre in Scotland, working with over 1000 adults annually while extending its model globally.

Neil McLean and Jess Kemp from SEA, alongside Taeje Park from Kickstart Asia, have collaborated to translate British entrepreneurial principles into acceleration programmes tailored for Korean and Asian startups. These programmes focus on ethical innovation and have equipped numerous young entrepreneurs in Korea with the tools and inspiration needed for success.

As a result, many Korean entrepreneurs have been inspired and influenced by these initiatives. Furthermore, several British entrepreneurship experts have established valuable connections with Korean startups, fostering a strong network of international collaboration.

Leading these efforts is Taeje Park, a young and ambitious accelerator and policy advisor from Korea. As the Chair of Kickstart Asia, Park has been instrumental in advancing the UK-Korea entrepreneurial ecosystem collaboration. His work also encompasses doctoral research on entrepreneurship policy at the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research, bridging the gap between British and Korean experts.

Park has connected respected organisations such as SEA, Firstport, Grassmarket, Nesta, UCL, London Accelerator, and The Chartered Institute for IT with Korean governmental bodies and prestigious universities. These connections have established a robust support system that fosters opportunities and growth for young and female entrepreneurs.

Taeje Park said: “It is fantastic to see the impact the British entrepreneurial principles have had on those who have participated in our accelerator programs.”

“Thanks to these collaborative initiatives, we are enhancing the entrepreneurial capabilities of startups in Asia and empowering Asian startups to pursue sustainable and transformative innovations, driving positive change across the region.”

For more information about the accelerator programs, visit www.kickstart.asia.

The Flexiss Group Achieves Unprecedented Expansion and Strategic Acquisition

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The Flexiss Group, an independent leader in the self-storage and flexible space sectors, proudly announces a remarkable industry expansion. This includes the simultaneous opening of three new storage facilities across its SureStore and The Self Storage Company brands, alongside the strategic acquisition of Scotts Storage in Lincoln—all within a single month, representing a significant achievement and a first in the self-storage sector.

SureStore Gloucester, a former cinema redeveloped in partnership with investment firm Seneca Partners, marks an expansion into new territory as the first SureStore site to branch out to the west of the country. This state-of-the-art facility features a wide range of storage solutions, including home storage, business storage, student storage lockers, and last-mile logistics services, all accessible through advanced smart keyless access technology, solidifying SureStore’s status as one of the UK’s leading self-storage groups.

SureStore Stoke, located on Festival Heights Retail Park just outside the city centre, was developed in collaboration with ReAssure Limited. Based in a former health club, this site sets a new benchmark for self-storage in the region. Designed to achieve net-zero carbon in operation, it offers diverse storage options such as home storage, business storage, student storage lockers, office space, and three retail units, providing a comprehensive solution for local businesses.

The Self Storage Company Aston, developed in partnership with Schroders, is another significant addition to the Flexiss Group’s portfolio. Situated in a former retail space, this facility represents a major step forward for The Self Storage Company brand, featuring a new reception area—the first of its kind under Flexiss Management—and strategically located as the first TSSC site outside Greater London.

All newly developed sites benefit from Smart Keyless Access for enhanced security, as well as PV solar panels and EV car charging points as standard, showcasing the company’s commitment to green energy solutions.

The strategic acquisition of the formerly family-run Scotts Storage further enhances The Flexiss Group’s market position, enabling the company to expand its reach and continue delivering exceptional storage solutions across the UK. Currently offering crate and container storage, the purpose-built site on the outskirts of Lincoln will maintain its budget-friendly proposition until a full SureStore rebrand is planned for early 2025.

Mike Wilson, co-founder of SureStore and Flexiss, expressed his excitement over the company’s growth: “We’re delighted to expand our self-storage portfolio with these three exceptional facilities and the acquisition of Scotts Storage Lincoln. Our partnerships with Seneca, ReAssure, and Schroders have been instrumental in bringing these projects to fruition. We are proud to offer our customers innovative, sustainable and convenient storage solutions.”

The Flexiss Group’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the operation of the new facilities and the incorporation of the pioneering ‘Flextechs’ building management software. This software offers unparalleled monitoring capabilities to optimise efficiency and sustainability. Moreover, features such as PV solar panels and EV car charging stations, standard across all sites, underscore the company’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting an environmentally friendly future.

Andy Wood, co-founder of SureStore and Flexiss, added, “Our goal is to challenge the status quo in the self-storage sector by constantly rewriting the playbook on how we approach self-storage projects. Our constant desire to bring new innovation to the sector fuels our rapid expansion and our desire to create more sustainable operations incorporating the latest cutting-edge technologies demands a bold approach. The delivery of four new projects in the space of a month has brought a unique set of challenges, but we’re incredibly proud of our teams and third-party stakeholders who have risen to the challenge.”

With the opening of SureStore Gloucester, SureStore Stoke, and The Self Storage Company Aston, along with the acquisition of Scotts Storage, The Flexiss Group continues to reinforce its position as a leader in the UK self-storage industry, setting new standards and achieving milestones that reflect its ambitious vision.

Labour wins general election in landslide victory

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Sir Keir Starmer will be the next prime minister after his party won in a landslide general election.

With a few seats left to come in, Labour have won more than 410 – a gain of more than 200 – whilst the Conservatives bagged just over 110.

Tories losing their seats include senior high-profilers like Liz Truss, Jacob Rees-Mogg and Penny Mordaunt.

Outgoing prime minister, Rishi Sunak, told the nation: “The British people have delivered a sobering verdict (tonight), there is much to learn, and I take responsibility for the loss.”

Labour landslide

Sir Starmer said: “We did it! You fought for her, you voted for it and now it has arrived. Change begins now.

“And it feels good I have to be honest. 4.5 years of work to changing the party, This is what it is for a changed Labour party. ready to serve our country, ready to restore Britain to the service of working people. And across our country people will be waking up to the news that a weight has been lifted from the shoulders of this great nation.”

Meanwhile Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey said his party looks to achieve the best results in its history, with wins in more than 65 constituencies.

Nigel Farage was elected MP for the first time, as the Reform party won four seats.

The Green Party had its most successful night after winning four seats. It had only ever won one in Brighton Pavilion.

 

 

Wimbledon 2024: Andy Murray’s farewell begins with doubles defeat alongside brother Jamie

Andy Murray’s Wimbledon farewell began with defeat in the first round of the men’s doubles alongside brother Jamie.

Two-time champion Murray is playing for the final time at the All England Tennis Club ahead of retiring later this year.

The Murray brothers, pairing up in the doubles for the first time at SW19, arrived on Centre Court to a standing ovation.

Australian pair John Peers and Rinky Hijikata ran out 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 winners but that did not stop the crowd giving Andy another ovation at the end of the match.

Murray will appear again at Wimbledon on Friday when he will team up with fellow Brit Emma Radacanu in the mixed doubles.

Legendary BBC presenter Sue Barker returned to Centre Court to interview Murray and and celebrate the 37-year-old’s glittering career.

Asked about appearing alongside his brother Jamie, Andy said: “Yeah it was obviously really special. We never got the chance to do it before. There was a chance this year.

“Jamie’s usual partner was playing with Neal Skupski so he asked me.

“Obviously it was a bit of a race against time to try and get out here and physically it wasn’t easy today but I’m glad we were able to get out here and do this one time together.”

 

Business storage solutions: how self-storage can help your small business

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Running a small business comes with a unique set of challenges, not least of which is managing space efficiently. Self-storage can offer an ideal solution if you’re dealing with excess inventory, seasonal fluctuations, or need a secure place for important documents and equipment. Here are some key ways self-storage in Guernsey can help streamline operations and support your business growth.

Flexible and scalable storage options

One of the primary advantages of self-storage for small businesses is flexibility. Unlike traditional warehousing, which often requires long-term leases and large spaces, self-storage facilities offer various unit sizes and flexible rental terms. This scalability means you can adjust the size of your storage unit as your business needs change.

For instance, if you have seasonal inventory that takes up more space during certain times of the year, you can rent a larger unit temporarily and downsize when the inventory decreases. This flexibility helps you manage costs effectively and ensures you’re only paying for the space you need.

 

Secure storage for valuable assets

Security is a top priority for any business, and self-storage facilities are equipped with advanced security features to protect your valuable assets. These include surveillance cameras, access control systems, and on-site management. Such measures ensure that your inventory, documents, and equipment are safe from theft and damage.

For small businesses that operate out of shared office spaces or home offices, self-storage offers a secure alternative for storing sensitive or valuable items. Important documents, expensive equipment, and excess inventory can be kept in a safe environment, providing peace of mind.

Cost-effective solution

Managing costs is crucial for small businesses, and self-storage can be a cost-effective solution compared to leasing additional office or warehouse space. Traditional commercial leases often come with high rents, maintenance costs, and long-term commitments. In contrast, self-storage facilities offer competitive pricing and flexible lease terms, allowing businesses to save on overhead expenses.

By utilising self-storage, you can avoid the high expenses associated with expanding your physical office space. This is particularly beneficial for startups and small businesses that need to allocate resources efficiently.

Improved organisation and efficiency

A cluttered workspace can hinder productivity and efficiency. Self-storage provides a solution to keep your business organised and your workspace clutter-free. By moving non-essential items, seasonal inventory, or rarely used equipment into storage, you can create a more organised and efficient working environment.

Efficient storage also means that your employees can find and access items quickly, reducing the time spent searching for supplies or inventory. This improved organisation can enhance overall productivity and allow your team to focus on more critical tasks.

Business continuity and disaster recovery

Self-storage can also play a crucial role in business continuity and disaster recovery planning. In the event of a natural disaster, fire, or other unforeseen circumstances, having a secure off-site location for important documents, backups, and equipment can ensure your business can continue to operate or recover more quickly.

By storing duplicates of essential documents, backup servers, or critical equipment in a self-storage unit, you create a safeguard against potential disruptions. This proactive approach to disaster recovery can be vital for maintaining business continuity and protecting your assets.

Self-storage offers numerous benefits for small businesses, from flexibility and security to cost savings and improved organisation. By leveraging self-storage solutions, you can optimise your workspace, protect valuable assets, and support your business growth.

Wimbledon 2024: Djokovic sees off valiant Fearnley to reach fourth round

British wildcard Jacob Fearnley took a set off Novak Djokovic but fell short of pulling off a shock in the second round of Wimbledon.

The 22-year-old Scot, ranked 270 in the world, put in a superb effort against the seven-time champion on Centre Court but was eventually beaten 6-3 6-4 5-7 7-5.

After taking the third set, Fearnley was two points away from taking the match to a deciding set but the Serb survived to come through the encounter.

Read our other sports news stories: 
Wimbledon 2024: Defending champion Alcaraz thrills fans to reach third round
Swiatek extends win streak to 20 games with victory in first round
Defending champion Vondrousova beaten in the first round

But that did not stop the Centre Court crowd from giving Fearnley a round of applause, which his opponent joined in with.

“He played very good tennis and deserves a great round of applause,” said Djokovic.

“I hadn’t had a chance to see him play until two days ago, there is always an element of surprise and nothing for him to lose.

“He served very well, it was hard to break his serve and he made me work.

“All in all this match potentially deserved to go into a fifth, particularly with the way he played in the fourth. But I’m very glad it didn’t.”

Djokovic, bidding to go level with Roger Federer with eight SW19 triumphs, takes on Australian Alexei Popyrin in the third round.

Dart stuns Boulter

Harriet Dart pulled off a shock win against British No1 Katie Boulter in the second round at Wimbledon.

The World No94 Brit became tearful when she found herself 6-2 down in a match-dedicing tie-break but won eight of the final 10 points to stun her 32-ranked compatriot.

Boulter took the first set on Court No1 but struggled to keep her forehand under control, with Dart completing the 4-6 6-1 7-6 (10-8) win in just under three hours.

The 27-year-old said: “My head-to-head is absolutely woeful against Katie Boulter so I wasn’t expecting too much

“But at the same time I just tried my best out there and even though I was down in that tie-break I just thought ‘give it everything, no regrets’ and I’m really pleased to be able to battle through.”

“I just had a tough day at the office, not my best tennis today unfortunately,” said Boulter. “But it’s what happens sometimes. I’ve just got to take it on the chin. She played well.”

Dart will face useeded Wang Xiyu of China in the third round.

Rising R’n’B star joins Rochdale’s big summer festival line-up

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Rising indie R’n’B pop star iamkyami will play the main stage at this year’s Rochdale Feel Good Festival in August.

Born and raised in New York, Kyami’s journey into music began at a young age, combining a passion for art, football and Taekwondo, where she achieved a second-degree black belt.

Now based in Manchester, she has captivated audiences with her alternative J-pop R’n’B sound and her dynamic performances have graced international festivals and earned glowing praise from BBC 1Xtra and BBC Introducing on Radio 1.

Taking experiences from her childhood to travelling overseas, the music tells a relatable story in a fresh new way with self-reflective lyricism, soul-driven melodies and production influences from pop, R’n’B, electronic and hip-hop. iamkyami is paving her own way and looking forward to her Rochdale debut.

iamkyami will join the festival line-up alongside indie rock giants Ocean Colour Scene, Lottery Winners, Heather Small – the voice of M People, soul, pop and funk artist Toucan, ska band Madame Claude, local rock band Atlas and DJ Dave Sweetmore on Saturday August 10.

On Sunday, August 11, there’s a new free afternoon of folk music produced by Sound Roots and funded by Arts Council England, headlined on the main stage by Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet alongside party band Marvara, new Rochdale musical Peter’s Field featuring Sean Cooney, Eliza Carthy MBE, Sam Carter and another act to be announced.

Kicking off the weekend on Friday, August 9, will be a ‘Feel Good Fringe’ – a series of free un-ticketed indoor gigs at ten venues across the town.

Saturday tickets (£15) at rochdale.gov.uk/FeelGoodFestival or in person at Middleton Arena. For the first time, to cut single use plastic, all tickets include a re-usable drink cup to be collected upon arrival at the festival site.

For the latest festival updates on Facebook, go to facebook.com/feelgoodfestival and connect with @FeelGoodFest on X. On all social media search #FeelGoodFest24

Murder investigation launched after serious assault in Fallowfield

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A murder investigation has been launched after a man in his 60s was found dead on Platt Lane in Fallowfield.

Police were called to the scene at 8.50am on Monday, where Fintan McDwyer (pictured) was pronounced dead.

Officers believe a violent assault took place in the property. The victim suffered serious and fatal injuries to his face and neck which were caused by a sharp instrument.

Detective chief inspector Gina Brennand said: “Although the investigation is still in its very early stages, we are beginning to build a timeline of events leading up to Fintan’s death and will continue to work tirelessly to find out what has happened to him and my thoughts and the thoughts of the investigation team are with his family at this difficult time.

“A number of lines of enquiry are being looked into, but we ask that anyone with information comes forward to speak to us – regardless of how small you think it seems, to us, this may be the missing piece of information we need to progress this investigation. We know that someone, somewhere will know what has happened to him.

“We are specifically appealing to anyone who noticed anything suspicious on Platt Lane or in the surrounding areas from 7pm on Saturday, June 29 up until the morning of Monday, July 1 to get in touch with us.

“If you have any information or footage that could assist our investigation into this incident, please contact GMP on 0161 856 5415 quoting log 695 1/7/24.”

A dedicated portal has been set up and information, CCTV, dashcam, doorbell and phone images and footage can be submitted through the Major Incident Public Portal here: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)

You can also report information via www.gmp.police.uk or through the independent charity Crimestoppers – anonymously – on 0800 555 111.

“Game-changing” burns technology deployed in Manchester

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An innovative new technology that helps doctors and nurses to make faster treatment decisions for people with burn wounds is now being used in Manchester.

Until now healthcare professionals have had to rely on making subjective assessments based on their experience to determine if wounds – such as burns injuries – will respond to treatment.

But Spectral MD’s DeepView™ imaging system uses artificial intelligence to give clinicians a healing assessment on day-one of the burn wound injury to help them make the best decision about treatment for patients.

It was launched at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester last week having already been deployed at hospitals in Swansea, Newcastle, Essex, and Aylesbury earlier in the year.

Spectral MD’s clinical affairs manager, Lisa Wood, is a tissue viability nurse who has cared for people with wounds and is passionate about wound care innovation. She has helped to launch DeepView™ in the UK hospitals.

She said: “One of the brilliant things about DeepView™ is you can use it on day-one. You don’t need to wait for the burn to evolve for it to give you a healing prediction. This technology looks forward in time to know will the tissue heal and provides that information straight away.”

Consultant burns, plastic and reconstructive surgeon Zeeshan Sheikh, of Manchester Foundation NHS Trust, said: “We tend to use clinical judgement to assess burn wound depth and from that assess whether a patient would have a better outcome with or without surgery.

“Although technology is available which helps assessment in this area, the same technology has been around for over 20 years. With the advent of artificial intelligence, this has allowed some added benefits, which I’m hoping to see DeepView™ provide.

“With the recent delivery of the DeepView™ machine to our Burns Unit at Wythenshawe Hospital, we are one of only five centres currently evaluating this technology in the UK.

“We hope the outcome of the trial will aid in speedy accurate burn depth evaluation and ultimately better decision making in the care of burn patients with better outcomes in terms of scarring, shorter hospital stays and reduced financial costs for the NHS.”

The first site to start using DeepView™ in the UK was the Northern Regional Burn Centre in Newcastle.

Consultant Burn Surgeon Chris Lewis said: “The DeepView™ technology provides us with high quality photos and gives us a binary output in terms of whether we need to surgically remove an area of burned skin or whether it will heal. It makes the decision making about whether patients need surgery a lot easier.

“We can take it into patients’ rooms, operating theatres and all around the hospital and that’s a gamechanger. Rather than having to take the patient to the device, the device moves to them.”