Manchester-based animation and storytelling studio, BWS, has reached a significant milestone, earning YouTube’s coveted Silver Play Button after surpassing 100,000 subscribers.

This achievement highlights the studio’s commitment to producing engaging, high-quality content that resonates with audiences across the globe. BWS’ unique blend of artistry and innovation has helped carve out a distinct niche in the animation industry.

The milestone is a reflection of both the hard work and creativity of the BWS team and the dedicated fans who continue to engage with their content.

BWS’ top-performing videos showcase its ability to craft compelling narratives and push creative boundaries, consistently captivating viewers.

Some of the most popular videos on the channel include:

• A Royal Grand Design | ITV
• Waterloo Road x Warner Bros | Animated Moments
• Channel 4: A Lake District Farm Shop
• Life & Spicy Peppers | Mini-Doc
• Animating Comic Books!
• Lisbon
• Deadpool 3 | Lofi Draw
• Debuchelon’s | Take A Look at Me | Official Music Video

Founder and Chief Animator, Ben Wild, acknowledged the significance of this milestone: “This achievement is a celebration of our incredible team and the loyal community that has supported us. Reaching 100,000 subscribers motivates us to continue producing content that inspires and entertains. We’re excited about the journey ahead and grateful for everyone who’s been part of it.”

With this milestone behind them, BWS is looking ahead to future projects that will further expand its creative reach and engage an even wider audience.

Soap Media, a Manchester and Preston-based digital agency, has successfully designed and launched a new website for Claremont, one of the UK’s leading office design and fit-out firms.

This collaboration builds on an existing relationship in which the agency had previously supported Claremont with SEO improvements and technical fixes.

Claremont has been delivering office interior design and fit-out projects from its Warrington and Bristol offices for more than 40 years. Some of its multi-million-pound projects include Admiral, AQA, and Grant Thornton. The firm was recently awarded the Employer of the Year award at the BCO Next Gen Awards 2024.

Claremont’s brief called for the new website to showcase its enviable and high-profile client roster, bring its signature concept of the Destination Office to life, and lend itself to easy content updates for the in-house marketing team.

Recognising the need for a complete overhaul, the company entrusted Soap Media to create a modern site that aligns with its brand identity and highlights its expertise in creating innovative office spaces.

Despite a tight two-month timeline, Soap Media delivered an advanced WordPress site built on their custom SUDS platform; a proprietary CMS designed for performance and user-friendliness.

The new site incorporates dynamic animations, enhanced optimisation, and an intuitive user experience. With better SEO, improved page speed, and greater editing flexibility, the website now aligns with Claremont’s need for a low-maintenance, long-term solution.

The project also benefitted from Soap’s newly formed motion design team, which crafted visually striking animations to showcase Claremont’s work. As a visual business, Claremont had high expectations, and the animations delivered reflect their creative ethos and attention to detail.

Claremont initially chose to work with Soap Media due to the team’s work ethic, transparency, performance-driven approach, and ability to deliver personalised solutions.

The decision to proceed with the new website project without a formal pitch highlights the strong trust and rapport developed between the two companies.

Emma Calter, marketing operations manager at Claremont Group Interiors said: “At Claremont, we’ve always invested heavily in brilliant photography and video to showcase our work, so the new site needed to really celebrate and maximise those assets, enhancing how we tell our story and connect with clients.

“The Soap team took the time to understand our brand and goals, maximise our material, and capture what makes us unique. Their expertise and attention to detail were second to none, guiding us through the process and ensuring every element was designed with purpose. This website is a testament to the collaboration and hard work between Claremont and Soap, and represents an exciting step forward for us!”

Paige Coulthurst, operations director at Soap Media, said: “Working with Claremont has been a privilege. Their vision for creating inspiring workplaces is revolutionary, and we’re thrilled to have delivered a website that embodies their innovative approach. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this site will have on their business, and we’re excited to continue working with them in 2025 and beyond.”

New Collaboration Empowers Organisations with Data-Driven Insights to Manage Open Source Risks

The Code Registry, a leading provider of AI-powered code intelligence, has announced a strategic partnership with SCANOSS, a key player in open source software (OSS) intelligence. This collaboration aims to help businesses uncover and address hidden complexities within their codebases, particularly regarding open source usage, licensing compliance, and security vulnerabilities.

By integrating SCANOSS’s extensive Knowledge Base (SCANOSS KB) into The Code Registry’s platform, users gain unprecedented visibility into their OSS components. This enables organisations to identify open source libraries and dependencies, understand relevant licensing obligations, assess risks linked to outdated or insecure components, and take proactive measures to mitigate potential legal and security threats through data-driven strategies.

“At The Code Registry, we believe that knowledge is power. By leveraging SCANOSS’s unparalleled OSS intelligence to complement our full suite of code intelligence, we’re equipping our customers with the deeper insights they need to manage their open source usage confidently and securely,” said Mark Purdy, CEO of The Code Registry. “This partnership underscores our commitment to helping businesses navigate the complex world of third-party software dependencies and risks at every level.”

Helping Business Leaders Make Informed Decisions

Open source software is now a fundamental part of software development, delivering significant benefits but also introducing risks when not properly managed. Many business executives struggle to obtain clear, actionable insights from their technical teams regarding these risks. Through this partnership, The Code Registry and SCANOSS provide a powerful platform that not only identifies risks but also translates complex technical details into clear, business-friendly language.

“We are thrilled to partner with The Code Registry,” said Alan Facey, CEO of SCANOSS. “Our mission has always been to empower organisations with the insights needed to adopt open source safely and securely. By joining forces, we will extend our reach and help even more companies make informed decisions about their OSS strategies.”

“Today, organisations need clarity and speed when it comes to understanding their open source usage,” added Julian Coccia, CTO of SCANOSS. “This collaboration is a game-changer for businesses seeking real-time security and compliance data. We’re excited to see how our combined capabilities will shape the future of software risk management.”

Enhancing Transparency and Cross-Team Collaboration

Beyond providing deeper insights into open source usage, The Code Registry’s AI-driven platform offers a holistic view of overall code health. With over 4,000 rules and data points, the platform delivers intelligence on development team performance, cost-to-replicate valuations, security vulnerabilities, and compliance risks. This comprehensive analysis enables better collaboration between executives, IT teams, and stakeholders, ensuring alignment on key business objectives and strategic goals.

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, time is running out to find the perfect gift. If you’re looking for something unique and memorable, Racing Club has introduced its latest racehorse—Love You Millions.

Shares in Love You Millions are available for just £30, making this beautifully bred three-year-old filly an exciting and affordable gift choice. She is set to make her racecourse debut in the coming weeks, giving owners the thrill of following her journey.

“For anyone racing to find a last-minute gift for their loved ones, racehorse shares are the perfect choice, and buying them a share in Love You Millions will tell them exactly that! Becoming a racehorse owner is an unforgettable experience that will keep your special someone entertained for much longer than the usual Valentine’s gifts.” – Richard Jaques, Co-Founder of Racing Club.

Beyond Love You Millions, Racing Club offers a variety of other racehorse shares, including:

• Wendigo (£60) – A talented runner who finished second in a Grade 1 race and is set to compete at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.
• Spirit Of Summer (£70) – A promising racehorse in training with multiple Group 1-winning trainer Andrew Balding.
• Blackwaterfoot (£25) – A well-bred horse and the most budget-friendly option for those wanting to experience racehorse ownership.
• Handlethekettle (£60) – A capable hurdler preparing to return to the track after a winter break, ready for an exciting spring, summer, and autumn campaign.

Alternatively, Racing Club also offers gift vouchers, allowing your loved one to choose their own racehorse shares.

For presentation, Racing Club provides a printed welcome pack (£5.99, delivered in 3-5 working days) or a free digital version that can be emailed on a specific date, making it the perfect last-minute gift.

Racing Club members enjoy all the perks of racehorse ownership, including updates on their horse, an equal share of prize money, ballots for owner badges when their horse races, and opportunities to visit their horse at the stables.