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INTO University Partnerships Offers New Routes to US Higher Education for International Students

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INTO University Partnerships is expanding its range of supported direct entry routes for international students seeking to study in the United States. This development aims to provide these students with additional support services that will aid in their academic success at several US universities.

These programs provide international students with an invaluable opportunity to enrol in US universities with the added advantage of receiving enhanced support services provided by INTO Centers located on the campuses. These services are tailored to meet the specific needs of international students, providing excellent quality support at an additional but affordable cost. The length of support provided varies from one semester to one year, tailored to the individual needs of the student.

Jeffrey Bialy, Recruitment Director at INTO University Partnerships said: “Supported direct entry programs represent our commitment to empowering international students to thrive in their academic journey. We believe that by providing enhanced support to directly admitted students, we can support them to achieve their full potential and make the most of their educational experience in the US.”
The programs are available for both undergraduate and graduate students, with a variety of options offered by INTO and partner institutions, including Oregon State University, George Mason University, Suffolk University, Hofstra University, Drew University and The University of Alabama at Birmingham.
INTO and its university partners are committed to making this experience and support accessible to all qualified students. Generous scholarship awards for supported direct entry programs are available, ranging from $1,500 to $8,000 for graduate students and from $2,500 for one semester to $10,000 per year for undergraduate students. With scholarships in place, students can enjoy the benefits of supported direct entry without significant financial burden.
Key Benefits of supported direct entry include:
  • Direct Entry Status
  • Dedicated advising and tutoring services
  • Access to scholarships for the full duration of studies
  • Dedicated support for visa process through INTO’s PASS program
  • Opportunity to earn degree credits from day one
  • Pre-arrival support, including assistance with housing and airport pickups
Since the initiative was first launched for graduate routes at The University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2018, INTO’s range of supported direct entry programs have become a huge hit with international students and university partners alike.
The impressive statistics showcase the programs’ effectiveness. Since introducing the supported program for all undergraduate students, Oregon State University has seen retention rates increase to 95% for international students compared to a 75% national average. Additionally, the average GPA for students completing undergraduate supported programs at Oregon State University exceeds 3.1 after their first year of study. For the University of Alabama at Birmingham graduate supported programs, students’ average GPA is above 3.5, showing that students with the right support whatever their academic background can be successful in a US degree program.
Since 2018, over 950 students have enrolled in graduate supported programs at partner universities, while since 2020, nearly 500 students have enrolled in undergraduate supported programs. Notably, over 800 students from India – the single largest group by nationality – have benefited from these supported direct entry programs since 2018.
Diwakar Chandiok, INTO’s Vice President of Recruitment for South Asia said: “More than ever before, Indian students are opting to study abroad to pursue their educational and career aspirations. The supported direct entry programs are designed and optimized to meet their needs and support them in their academic journeys in the United States,” said “Through the supported direct entry programs, we aim to empower students to reach their academic goals and attain success in their careers.”
Shengzong Qi, instructor at Hofstra University said: “In teaching Academic Writing, I’ve been continually impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm of our Indian students within the Integrated Master’s Program. Their eagerness to engage with course material and their commitment to academic excellence truly embody the spirit of our educational initiatives.”
Jaskaran, a student from India who opted for supported direct entry at Oregon State University said: “One of the most remarkable aspects of Oregon State University is the quality of its instructors. They are among the best, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the classroom. Their dedication to teaching has truly enriched my learning journey.”
Neha, an Indian student pursuing her master’s degree in public health at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) said: “I would highly recommend UAB to students from India. UAB offers a wealth of opportunities, especially in the healthcare field. The University’s robust programs, cutting-edge research and renowned faculty provide an excellent platform for aspiring professionals.”
INTO University Partnerships connects ambitious international students with leading universities in the US, UK, and Australia. Since its inception in 2005, INTO has helped over 150,000 students from more than 180 countries achieve their dream of obtaining a degree from a world-class institution.
For more information about supported direct entry programs, please visit: education.intostudy.com/india-launch

2024 Childcare Services Awards: Showcasing Leaders in Childcare Innovation and Excellence

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Business Awards UK proudly announces the recipients of the 2024 Childcare Services Awards, recognising those who have made outstanding contributions to the childcare sector. This year, the awards have brought attention to the dedication and innovation that significantly enhance children’s care and development across the UK.

2024 Childcare Services Awards Winners:

  • Lavenham Pre-school – Best Employee Training And Development
  • Bells & Bunting Childcare – Best Family Run Childcare Business
  • The House of Yaya – Diversity and Inclusion Champion
  • Language Garden – Most Innovative Childcare Programme
  • Bounce Playzone – Best After-school Programme
  • Roots Federation – Best SEN Support
  • Cheryl Garman, Shine Bright Nursery – Childcare Leader of the Year
  • The Play Yard – Biggest Community Impact
  • Fortress Childcare – Outstanding Childcare Website
  • Anderton Centre (Lancashire Outdoor Activities Initiative) – Exceptional Customer Satisfaction
  • Banbury School Day Nursery – Exceptional Childcare Provider
  • VIM Camps Ltd – Best Childcare Startup
  • Bosworth Wood Community Day Nursery CIC – Best Nursery Facility

2024 Childcare Services Awards Finalists:

  • Nurseriesandschools.org – Outstanding Childcare Website
  • Lavenham Pre-school – Best Nursery Facility
  • Bells & Bunting Childcare – Best Childcare Startup
  • Language Garden – Excellence in Early Childhood Education
  • Bounce Playzone – Best SEN Support
  • Little Learners Lincoln – Best Employee Training And Development
  • Mini Mayhem Softplay – Best Family Run Childcare Business
  • Anderton Centre (Lancashire Outdoor Activities Initiative) – Diversity and Inclusion Champion
  • Banbury School Day Nursery – Childcare Leader of the Year
  • VIM Camps – Best After-school Programme
  • Tots In London – Most Innovative Childcare Programme
  • Bespoke Family – Exceptional Customer Satisfaction
  • Lavenham Pre-school – Exceptional Childcare Provider
  • Language Garden – Exceptional Customer Satisfaction
  • Bounce Playzone – Biggest Community Impact
  • Fortress Childcare – Exceptional Childcare Provider

Leading the Way in Childcare Development

The 2024 Childcare Services Awards have underscored the significant impact of dedicated professionals and groundbreaking programmes in shaping the field of early childhood education and care. The winners have shown remarkable commitment and innovation, enhancing everything from employee training to incorporating diversity and inclusion into their daily operations.

The progress in special educational needs support and community-focused initiatives particularly highlights a deeper understanding of holistic child development and the critical importance of creating inclusive environments. These developments are redefining childcare services, making early childhood experiences both enriching and nurturing.

As we look forward to the future, the accomplishments of this year’s awardees point towards a childcare sector driven by creativity, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Their contributions not only improve their immediate environments but also serve as benchmarks for national best practices.

For additional details about the 2024 Childcare Services Awards or to discover more about the distinguished winners, please contact Business Awards UK.

Comparing Mediation Techniques: A UK vs USA Perspective from Manleys Solicitors

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Chester-based Manleys Solicitors recently engaged in a virtual mediation case with parties in New York, USA, providing valuable insights into the differing mediation practices between the UK and the US. Managing Director Mark Manley shared his observations on these distinct approaches.

He explained: “The first thing we noticed was that the top mediators command significantly higher fees in the US. We were quoted some eye-watering fee scales. Then the pre-mediation procedure was really quite different. The parties do NOT exchange Position Statements. Each provides a private statement to the mediator. Whilst additional ‘for your eyes only’ confidential statements are common in the UK, the notion of not exchanging anything at all pre-mediation was something of a surprise, and not helpful as it just elongates the process. Instead of this exchange we were invited to a pre-mediation discussion – not just with the mediator but with the opponent (without client attendance from either side). It’s all very ‘keep your cards close to your chest’ rather than full and frank exchange so each side knows the case they have to meet.”

He continued by highlighting the implications of no pre-disclosure: “Then the complete lack of any disclosure pre-mediation also caused delay on the day of the mediation itself. Our US opponents didn’t contribute anything to the mediation bundle at all. As a result, old-style ‘ambushing’ is fully in play in mediations with a US opponent – where ‘surprise’ documents come to light for the first time during the mediation process.”

Discussing negotiation strategies, Manley said: “The American lawyers and mediators are big fans of ‘bracketed’ offers. So instead of making an offer of an amount it is more ‘if your client is willing to accept an offer in a bracket between $x – $y’, our client is willing to pay an amount in a bracket between $A – $B’. I’ve now mediated nearly 1000 cases since becoming an accredited mediator 25 years ago – but I’d not come across this before. There is a wholly different psychological approach to offers in brackets rather than precise amounts. It took a bit of working out and the moment of digression from brackets to specifics caused a lot of problems.”

Regarding the mediator’s role, Manley observed: “The mediation ended successfully but instead of either blind bids, crossover bids, or one of the ‘usual’ methods of breaking stalemate, the mediator was willing to convert from facilitation to active participation in determining the amount of damages. Not that far removed from Early Neutral Evaluation, it was a variation of Mediator non-binding evaluation of a claim with an element of ‘blind’ acceptance/offer which I found both novel, risky but very effective. I’m not sure how parties in disputes in the UK would be willing to embrace it but it certainly worked and I might at least offer it as part of my mediation practice going forwards.”

Reflecting on the challenges posed by time differences during the mediation, Manley concluded: “I enjoyed it. The time differences made life a bit tough for the clients – we had 4 different time zones to deal with – parties in Texas and Dubai and Lawyers in New York and here in the UK. So 9 hours difference at most. It made for a late night for some of us!”

Lord’s cricket ground to undergo £61.8m redevelopment

Lord’s is set to undergo a major £61.8million revamp at the end of the season.

The famous ground dubbed ‘the home of cricket’ has had plans to add an additional 1,100 seats, taking the total capacity to 32,100.

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Construction is expected to be completed in 2027, with the Allen Stand being demolished and rebuilt with an extra tier.

As well as this, another level will be added to the Tavern Stand to accommodate extra fans.

Lord’s opened in 1814 and is one of the oldest stadiums in the country, but members of Marleybone Cricket Club have voted in favour of the works.

The plans include improvements in catering, hospitality and accessibility on top of the structural construction.

In 2021 a £53m project to improve the Compton and Edrich stands was completed, taking the capacity to 31,000 but there is more work to be done in the capital.

Middlesex County Cricket Club, who have been tenants at Lord’s for 160 years, have recently said they could leave the ground in what would be a huge shock in the world of cricket.

Chief executive Andrew Cornish said: “We have had – and continue to have – conversations with several groups of potential investors.

“London also actually needs another elite cricket facility.

“If you look at the Harlequins model, they play most of their games at the Stoop, but for big games go to Twickenham.

“When Arsenal women go to the Emirates they fill it out, but most of the time they’re not playing there. There’s definitely a model there to be considered.

“Things do become available and there are a couple of potential opportunities now.

“There are a lot of people looking at cricket as an investment opportunity right now. Our global reach is enormous.”

Greater Manchester to become UK’s first centre of excellence for music and dementia

Over £1million of funding will enable Greater Manchester to become the UK’s first Centre of Excellence for Music and Dementia – hosted by Manchester Camerata.

The cash, committed by the mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, Sir Richard Lees (chair of NHS Greater Manchester) and the National Academy for Social Prescribing, will allow Manchester Camerata and Alzheimer’s Society to continue their ground-breaking research-based music therapy programmes.

Music in Mind (Camerata) and Singing for the Brain (Alzheimer’s Society) want to offer more musical support to people living with dementia across all of Greater Manchester.

The project will also receive in-kind support from the University of Manchester and Alzheimer’s Society.

Alzheimer’s Society suggests that by 2025 there will be over 1 million people with dementia in the UK, projected to rise to nearly 1.6 million by 2040.

Currently, the care of those living with dementia in the UK costs more than £34 billion per year.

The UK’s first Centre of Excellence for Music and Dementia plans to use the knowledge and research built up over the next three years to analyse how the implementation of music in dementia care can reduce the need for health and care services whilst simultaneously improving quality of their life.

This significant and successful bid will see both organisations run four weekly music cafes in each of the 10 Greater Manchester boroughs.

Together they will collaborate with the University of Manchester and the NHS to undertake anonymised data-driven research into the impact and power that these music sessions have for people living with dementia and the way in which they can reduce pressure on hard-pressed frontline NHS and social care staff.

Manchester Camerata and Alzheimer’s Society will recruit, nurture and train a volunteer and community workforce of 300 ‘Music Champions’ who will be trained to deliver the Music Cafes, helping to support over 1000 people living with dementia in Greater Manchester across three years starting from October 2024.

Bob Riley, chief executive of Manchester Camerata, said: “This is a colossal moment built on over ten years of work and research in partnership with The University of Manchester. We know it will bring much-needed support for people living with dementia and their carers. It will create new opportunities for our amazing musicians in the UK, and bring about changes in the way we invest in music to bring the widest possible benefits to society.

“Sincere thanks to the leadership and vision of Andy Burnham, Sir Richard Leese and NHS GM, the National Academy of Social Prescribing, The Utley Foundation, Arts Council England and many others.”

Mr Burnham, said: “This is fantastic news for Greater Manchester, and a reminder of the power of music to shape our lives and our communities. Manchester Camerata have played a key role in our Music Commission, and I’ve seen firsthand the transformational impact of what they do in our city-region. They are the ideal partner to pioneer the UK’s first Centre of Excellence for Music and Dementia, working with the Alzheimer’s Society to unlock the potential of music as therapy.”

Pic credit: Jay Cipriani

North West start-ups secure £16.6 million boost

North West companies received £16.6m of Start Up Loan funding from the British Business Bank last year.

The local authority areas within the North West whose businesses received the highest value of loans included Manchester, Cheshire East, Liverpool and Wirral.

New data from the bank reveals that in the 2023/24 financial year, it provided 1,269 businesses in the North West with funding.

Within the North West region, Greater Manchester has been dubbed the most entrepreneurial place outside of London, after the Bank announced it provided almost £7m worth of Start Up Loan funding to businesses across Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan.

Funding to entrepreneurs in the Manchester local authority area was distributed to 143 businesses, with an average loan of £13,565.

Cheshire East followed closely behind, with more than £1.3m being provided to 91 businesses – an average loan of £14,658 per business.

North West businesses receiving a Start Up Loan this year, included sustainable subscription services platform, Wuva, ecological consultants Evelyn Ecology, and award-winning dessert business Layers Treats.

Matthew Ridd, co-founder of Wuva, said: “Through the Start Up Loan programme and with support from Virgin StartUp, we’ve not only gained financial freedom to invest properly in the growth of Wuva, but it has also connected us with invaluable business resources and networks.

“This support has been transformative. It has propelled us towards our vision of redefining consumption for the next generation where you can rent the functionality of an item. Going forward, consumerism must be sustainable, and Wuva is the first step in achieving that, offering consumers the option to swap and cancel items when they don’t need them.”

Delyth Edwards, senior network manager for the North West at the British Business Bank, said: “I am incredibly proud of the impact the Start Up Loans programme is having on businesses in the North West.

“The 2023-24 financial year was Start Up Loans’ best ever in terms of the amount of financing provided to business owners based in the North West, and we want to continue to support businesses in the region. More than that, we want to help founders overcome barriers that may emerge when accessing finance and to help underrepresented groups who may otherwise struggle to start a business.”

The Start Up Loans programme offers loans of up to £25,000 at a fixed interest rate of 6% per annum, to be repaid over one to five years. It also offers 12 months of free business mentoring and support to successful applicants.

University of Manchester puts North West on the biotech map with new launch

The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC), launched by The University of Manchester today, establishes the North West as a global leader in biotechnology innovation.

The project, which aims to boost job creation, collaboration, investment and upskilling in the region, leverages a £5 million investment from the EPSRC’s Place-Based Impact Acceleration Account.

The IBIC will give businesses and start-ups a platform to engage with higher education institutions, governmental organisations and researchers in the North West, and support translating fundamental biotechnology research from the lab to the real world.

The IBIC launches at a significant time for the UK’s biotechnology market. The government’s focus on biotechnology and new £5 million sandbox fund signal increasing interest in the sector, which was valued at £21.8billion in 2023, according to IBISWorld.

Professor Aline Miller, professor of biomolecular engineering and associate dean for business engagement and innovation at The University of Manchester, (pictured) said: “Combine academic research with industrial application, and together we can yield transformative outcomes for both our economy and environment.

“With the launch of the IBIC, we are inviting businesses and startups to join us as we take on global challenges like climate change and sustainability. To do that, we need to create a vibrant ecosystem of interconnected disciplines to help scale businesses, bring research to life and ultimately deliver huge economic benefits to the north-west and beyond.”

This invitation extends particularly to SMEs, high-growth biotech companies, and other businesses interested in contributing to and benefiting from a thriving biotechnology industry in the North West.

Charge-M8 Secures Triple ISO Certification

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Charge-M8, a leader in EV charging solutions, is proud to announce their recent achievement of triple ISO certification. This recognition came after a thorough audit conducted by Citation, confirming their adherence to the highest standards in quality, environmental sustainability, and occupational health and safety.

Peter Gratton, the HSEQ Manager at Charge-M8, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We really are delighted to achieve certification to three key ISO standards in quality, environmental & occupational health & safety. The award demonstrates both the fantastic teamwork at Charge-M8 and rewards the attention to detail and systems that we’ve put in place from day one.”

ISO certifications are crucial for companies serving both multinational corporations and the public sector, as they showcase a commitment to maintaining the highest standards without complacency. These standards are instrumental for businesses globally to continuously improve and manage the quality of their products and services effectively.

Iain Hughes, Technical Director of Charge-M8, commented, “It’s really important for us to demonstrate our professionalism and technical expertise by achieving recognisable standards like ISO. Our growing range of products and expert technical know-how is augmented by key accreditations & certifications like ISO Standards. We set ourselves very high benchmarks and want to push these all the time, a well-managed standards system like ours keeps us on our toes and helps deliver our mantra of ‘talk to an expert not a call centre’, which really resonates in a saturated market.”

Julian Smith, CEO of Charge-M8, added, “Since launching Charge-M8 we’ve been laser-focused on our mantra of getting it right first time. We’ve collected a number of accreditations along the way, and ISO certification was top of our list of objectives. I’m thrilled for the team to have achieved the certification so comprehensively at the first time of asking, and our clients can be assured there’s more to come!”

For further information and case studies from Charge-M8, please visit their website at www.charge-m8.com, or to book an appointment, email [email protected] or call 0333 242 3328.

INTO University Partnerships Introduces “Return & Connect” for Global Career Opportunities for International Students

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INTO University Partnerships is excited to launch “Return & Connect“, a new service that combines a digital platform with physical support to empower international students with superior career opportunities, effectively bridging the gap between education and employment worldwide.

Designed to support international students as they return to their native countries post-study, the platform connects them with robust employer and alumni networks to secure vital in-market work experience and post-study work placements.

This service is a collaborative innovation by INTO and its partners across universities in the UK, US, and Australia, effectively bringing together academic institutions, students, alumni, and employers under one integrated system.

John Sykes, CEO of INTO University Partnerships said: “The Return & Connect service represents a pivotal step in INTO’s commitment to supporting the professional development of international students. It revolutionizes the landscape of employment and post-study work placements.
“With concerns over long-term employability driving international student decision making, this initiative empowers universities to extend the reach and impact of both their careers and alumni services well beyond their home campus and into parts of the world, traditionally under-served by the majority of overseas universities hosting large populations of international students.”
The Return & Connect service will initially roll out in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and mainland China in summer 2024 and will expand to other key international student markets in a phased approach.
Professor Sir Steve Smith, UK Government International Education Champion. said: “Return & Connect is a great idea that tackles a challenge that all universities face in providing accurate and timely employer connections to students that graduate and seek to return home, but it also simultaneously provides available in-market resource to strengthen all important institutional alumni activity. I wish them every success.”
As part of this groundbreaking initiative, INTO has forged an exclusive collaboration with mShare Tech, a leading Chinese firm renowned for its innovative internship and career services and tech solutions for students and graduates in the domestic market. This partnership will for the first time specifically streamline the journey for returning Chinese students as they enter the workforce post-study abroad.
mShare’s dynamic platform has served as a go-to resource for over 24 million students and graduates across Mainland China since establishing in 2016, offering a wealth of employment and work experience opportunities. Today, with an annual volume of new registered student users at over 4 million, it provides 330,000 employers registered on the platform with access to a vast talent pool for recruiting candidates for various roles.
As part of the partnership with mShare, INTO will leverage its global presence and profile in top study abroad destinations worldwide to work with universities to enroll international students on Return & Connect platform free of charge. Meanwhile, mShare will utilize its extensive local network of employers and expertise to seamlessly integrate its student registrations into the Return & Connect platform, establishing Return & Connect as the exclusive brand for international students in China.
John Sykes added: “We are thrilled to collaborate with mShare Tech to empower Chinese students who have completed their studies overseas with enhanced career opportunities. The launch of the ‘Return & Connect’ service underscores our commitment to unlock career opportunities for international students and facilitating meaningful connections between education and employment.”
Mr Rocky Zeng, CEO of mShare Tech, said: “The partnership demonstrates INTO and mShare’s shared vision of fostering global talent and advancing career pathways for international students. INTO’s unrivalled global reach and mShare’s extensive network in China will give returning Chinese students a distinctive advantage to thrive in the competitive job market.”
Under the agreement, mShare will develop new, specialized subscription propositions for employers on its platform, enabling them to access, engage, and service students in China who are studying abroad or have completed their studies overseas.
During launch phase, INTO is offering overseas universities free presence on the Return and Connect (China) platform. Universities can also enhance their presence and support for students through teaming up with market-based career experts, which INTO will facilitate. A wider variety of flexible subscription and revenue sharing models will be available as the initiative is rolled out.

McIlroy tells feuding PGA and LIV tours to learn from Northern Ireland peace process

Rory McIlroy has called on the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to take inspiration from the Northern Ireland peace process and reach a compromise which allows the sport to thrive again.

A bitter dispute has split the world of golf in two since LIV Golf held its first events in 2022, using the financial power of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund to prise big names away from the PGA.

Last June, the two parties agreed to pursue a merger with a deadline of December 31 for a final agreement to be struck, but that date came and went with no further announcement.

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The LIV circuit has continued to recruit leading players in recent months, with December’s swoop for two-time major champion Jon Rahm perhaps the biggest coup yet for the breakaway tour.

McIlroy – who has been a staunch critic of LIV – has called on the two parties to use the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which brought peace to his native Northern Ireland, as inspiration.

“I liken it to when Northern Ireland went through the peace process in the ’90s and the Good Friday Agreement. Neither side was happy,” McIlroy said ahead of this week’s Wells Fargo Championship.

“Catholics weren’t happy, Protestants weren’t happy, but it brought peace and then you just sort of learn to live with whatever has been negotiated, right?

“That was in 1998, and 20, 25, 30 years ahead, my generation doesn’t know any different. It’s just this is what it’s always been like, and we’ve never known anything but peace.

“That’s my way of trying to think about it and trying to make both sides see that there could be a compromise here.

“It’s probably not going to feel great for either side, but if it’s a place where the game of golf starts to thrive again and we can all get back together, then I think that’s ultimately a really good thing.”

While McIlroy is keen for a resolution to be found, he will not return to the PGA Tour policy board – which he left in November 2023 – in a bid to directly influence the talks.

“It just got pretty complicated and pretty messy,” McIlroy said of his time on the board. “With the way it happened, it opened up some wounds and scar tissue from things that have happened before.

“I think there was a subset of people on the board who were uncomfortable with me coming back on for some reason. I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing.”