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Former England and Manchester City boss Eriksson reveals he has terminal cancer

Jon Fisher
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Former England and Manchester City boss Eriksson reveals he has terminal cancer

Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has terminal cancer and believes he has “best case” a year to live.

The Swede, 75, said he was shocked to discover he was living with the condition but hopes to make the best of the time he has left.

Read our other sports news stories here:
India v Afghanistan preview and prediction
McIlroy to target majors in 2024
Palmer never wanted to leave Manchester City but delighted with Chelsea decision

He told Swedish radio station P1: “Everyone understands that I have an illness that is not good. Everyone guesses it’s cancer and it is. But I have to fight as long as I can.”

Asked if he knew how long he had left, he replied: “Maybe at best a year, at worst even less, or in the best case I suppose even longer.

“I’m not in any major pain. But I’ve been diagnosed with a disease that you can slow down but you cannot operate. So it is what it is.

“It’s better not to think about it. You have to trick your brain. I could go around thinking about that all the time and sit at home and be miserable and think I’m unlucky and so on.

“It’s easy to end up in that position. But no, see the positive sides of things and don’t bury yourself in setbacks, because this is the biggest setback of them all of course.”

Renown for his calm demeanour, Eriksson carved out a reputation as one of Europe’s best coaches in the 1980s and 90s, winning domestic titles with IFK Gothenburg, Benfica and Lazio before taking on the England job in 2001.

He led the ‘Golden Generation’ that included the likes of David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Michael Owen to three successive quarter-final appearances at major tournaments before leaving after the 2006 World Cup.

A year-long spell at Manchester City followed, after which he had a nomadic career that included spells in Mexico, Ivory Coast, China and the Philippines.

Book Technologies Inc. Takes Over Bradford and Sheffield Taxi Groups

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Book Technologies Inc. Takes Over Bradford and Sheffield Taxi Groups

Book Technologies Inc. has made a significant strategic move by acquiring Bradford Taxi Group Limited and Sheffield Taxi Group Limited. This acquisition is part of an effort to consolidate their position in the market. Founder Cash Haleem has confirmed that both companies will continue to operate as divisions under Taxi Group Ltd., now owned by Book Technologies Inc.

Taxi Group Ltd., under the leadership of CEO and Founder Cash Haleem, initiated the merger of Sheffield Taxi Group Limited and Bradford Taxi Group Limited with Book Technologies Inc. in October 2023. This move is set to propel the company’s national and international expansion plans, with Book Technologies Inc. lending its support.

International Expansion Plans

Taxi Group Ltd. is currently in negotiations for service expansion into several international markets, including Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Turkey, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Africa, Singapore, and the Netherlands. The company plans to align its 2024 expansion dates with an extensive recruitment drive in Britain and internationally.

Localised Headquarters

Sheffield Taxi Group Limited operates from Sheffield, and Bradford Taxi Group Limited is based in Bradford. This local focus ensures tailored, efficient services that cater specifically to the needs of residents and visitors in these cities.

Technological Innovations

In 2024, Sheffield and Bradford will see the launch of dedicated mobile apps and city-specific call lines. These developments are designed to enhance the convenience and accessibility of daily commutes, significantly improving travel experiences in both cities.

Diverse Recruitment and Driver Support

Both Sheffield and Bradford Taxi Groups are committed to diverse recruitment practices, welcoming individuals from all walks of life. Taxi Group Ltd. plans to introduce the Living Wage scheme to address the challenges faced by drivers amidst the UK’s cost of living crisis, replacing the commission-based pay structure.

Enhanced Opportunities for Drivers

Taxi Group Ltd. is focused on creating additional income opportunities for drivers nationwide, aiming to provide financial stability and growth prospects across the UK.

Future Services and Opportunities

Cash Haleem is set on expanding services to benefit both drivers and riders. He aims to set new standards in the transportation industry, catering to the evolving needs of drivers and passengers alike. Additionally, Taxi Group Ltd. is developing a strategic employment initiative to offer more employment rights to its drivers.

Digital Marketing Consultancy Insights: Navigating the UK’s 2024 Digital Landscape

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Digital Marketing Consultancy Insights: Navigating the UK’s 2024 Digital Landscape

As we embrace 2024, the digital marketing world is more dynamic than ever, and the expertise of digital marketing consultancy  has become a linchpin for success in the UK’s competitive market. These consultancies are guiding businesses through a landscape brimming with technological innovations and evolving consumer behaviours, ensuring strategies are both current and effective.

Embracing Digital Evolution

 

Emerging technologies like AI and machine learning are at the heart of today’s digital challenges. Digital marketing consultancies leverage these advancements to offer deeper insights into consumer trends and craft highly targeted marketing campaigns.

 

Personalised and Sustainable Strategies

 

Key to the approach is a bespoke strategy uniquely tailored to each business’s needs, underpinned by a commitment to sustainable growth. Digital consultants, such as Verkeer  are champions of personalised marketing, using technology to tailor messages to specific consumer groups, fostering stronger, long-term customer relationships.

 

SEO: A Pillar of Digital Strategy

 

SEO remains a cornerstone, with digital consultancies constantly adapting to the latest search engine algorithms. This approach ensures that SEO strategies are not just effective but also resilient to future changes.

 

In digital marketing, keyword research and optimisation are fundamental, and consultancies play a key role in this. We utilise advanced tools and expertise to pinpoint the most relevant keywords for specific industries and audiences, ensuring content ranks well in searches and resonates with potential customers. Beyond keywords, content strategy is equally important; consultancies focus on crafting high-quality, engaging content tailored to audience interests and behaviours. Local UK businesses also emphasise local SEO, optimising listings and location-based keywords for visibility in local searches. Additionally, digital consultants provide expertise in technical SEO, enhancing website architecture and performance to improve user experience and search engine rankings.

Innovative Content: Video and Beyond

 

Recognising the power of video marketing, consultancies are helping businesses harness this medium to enhance engagement and conversion rates. They also explore other innovative formats like interactive content, pushing the boundaries of traditional marketing.

Data-Driven Decisions

 

In the digital realm, where data is king, digital marketing consultancies harness analytics’ power to drive strategic decisions. Their approach is not just about collecting data; it’s about deriving meaningful insights that inform and refine marketing strategies. By analysing patterns in consumer behaviour, campaign performance, and market trends, these consultancies are transforming raw data into actionable intelligence. This data-driven methodology ensures that marketing initiatives are not just guesswork but are grounded in concrete evidence, offering a roadmap for businesses to maximise their impact in the digital marketplace. This approach epitomises how consultancies make informed, impactful marketing decisions in today’s data-rich landscape.

Future Trends and the Role of Consultancies in Preparing Businesses

 

As we look towards the future, digital marketing consultancies are providing invaluable insights into emerging trends and equipping businesses with adaptable strategies. From their vantage point, consultancies predict significant shifts in digital marketing, encompassing evolving consumer behaviours, technological advancements, and the increasing importance of data-driven decision-making. They are guiding businesses to remain agile, emphasising the need for continual learning, embracing innovation, and adapting marketing strategies in real-time. This forward-thinking approach is vital for companies to stay ahead in the rapidly changing digital landscape, ensuring they are responsive and proactive in embracing future opportunities and challenges.

Smith to open for Australia in Test cricket

Jon Fisher
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Smith to open for Australia in Test cricket

Australia have taken the surprise decision to replace the retiring David Warner with Steve Smith as Test opener.

Warner stepped away from the Test arena at the conclusion of the Sydney Test against Pakistan, leaving a gap at the top of the order.

Read our other sports news stories here:
India v Afghanistan preview and prediction
McIlroy to target majors in 2024
Palmer never wanted to leave Manchester City but delighted with Chelsea decision

Smith has carved out a reputation as one of the world’s great middle-order batters – he averages over 58 in Tests –  but has never opened in 167 first-class games.

He will, however, form half of a new opening partnership alongside Usman Khawaja when Australia take on the West Indies in Adelaide on January 17.

Chairman of selectors George Bailey said: “There were plenty within the team who were pretty keen to go on record and say that they weren’t keen to do it.

“So it was refreshing that Steve had come forward and said he wanted it.

“It was something that we’d been chatting about in the background as a selection panel with the coaches as well.

“It’s selfless that someone who’s had such success in one position or a couple of positions in the middle order is open and willing and hungry to go and have a crack at something new and something different.”

Cameroon Green will come in at number four with Bailey confirming Smith would be given time to adjust to his new role.

He added: “That’s been part of the discussions I believe with Steve, that he’s keen for this to be a significant chapter in his career. 

“As far as the panel goes, I think we’ve been pretty consistent in saying that we don’t look too far ahead. We’ve obviously got these two Test matches against the West Indies. We go to New Zealand, different conditions, different challenge. We’ll have more information then. 

“We’ve clearly got a big gap between Test cricket and then India over the summer. But for all intents and purposes, this is where Steve wants to stay.”

McIlroy targets the majors ahead of 2024 debut in Dubai

Jon Fisher
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McIlroy targets the majors ahead of 2024 debut in Dubai

Rory McIlroy is hoping to secure “the final piece of the puzzle” and win another major in 2024.

The Northern Irishman makes his season debut at the Dubai Invitational tomorrow with a clear target for the year of recording a fifth major win with his last coming in August 2014 at the PGA Championship.

Read our other sports news stories here:
India v Afghanistan preview and prediction
Raducanu and Osaka withdraw from charity match ahead of Australian Open
Palmer never wanted to leave Manchester City but delighted with Chelsea decision

It is a lengthy drought for a player as talented as McIlroy, who has been trending in the right direction with seven top-10 finishes in his last eight major starts.

He told Golf Digest: “I’m excited for the year. This is my 18th full season on tour, which is mad to think about. But I’m as excited as I was for the first one. I think every new year [brings] new opportunities, new goals.

“My consistency has really been there over the last couple of years, without winning one of the big ones.

“I think that’s the final piece of the puzzle for me, especially coming out of Covid and sort of going through some dips in my game and then coming back up and playing so well the last couple years.

“The final piece of the puzzle is trying to knock off one of those four.”

McIlroy is hoping his resignation from the PGA Tour’s policy board, which is still trying to thrash out a deal with LIV Golf-backed PIF, will enable him to focus on the playing side this season.

He added: “I don’t feel like I’m caught up in it all. For the last two years, every time I’d be walking from the locker room to the range, I’d be stopped by someone with a couple of questions.

“I get that I made myself the go-to guy. I was on the board and knew what was going on, so I felt like I could speak to it. Now, if someone asks me, I can honestly say I don’t know what is going on.

“I can’t give the best opinion anymore. Because they aren’t based on absolute facts.”

Inevitably, however, McIlroy was asked his opinion about the future of the game, and he believes a more global tour is the way to go.

“The Australian Open, for example, should almost be the fifth major,” he said. 

“The market down there is huge with potential. They love golf. They love sport. They have been starved of top-level golf. And the courses are so good.

“The South African Open is another I’d have in the mix. Then you have places like Singapore and Hong Kong and Japan. What a market Japan represents. That would be another opportunity.

“We could end up with something that resembles Formula One, but with a little more of an American presence.

“Throw in the four majors and you have a brilliant schedule for the top 70-100 guys, whatever the number is.

“We’d have, say, a 22-event schedule. That would look pretty good to me.”

India v Afghanistan: preview, expected line-ups, how to watch and prediction

Jon Fisher
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India v Afghanistan: preview, expected line-ups, how to watch and prediction

The State of Play

India will play their final T20 tune-up series before the World Cup when they host Afghanistan over three matches, the first of which coming tomorrow in Mohali.

They will have some of their big guns back in the shortest format with both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli set to take part, although Kohli will miss tomorrow’s opener for personal reasons. Neither has played T20 cricket for India since the World Cup semi-final defeat to England in November 2022.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Ten Hag won’t rule out loan moves at Manchester United
Raducanu and Osaka withdraw from charity match ahead of Australian Open
Palmer never wanted to leave Manchester City but delighted with Chelsea decision

It is an indication that India are taking this format seriously although they still have to weigh it against the forthcoming Test series against England which explains the absences of bowlers Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindran Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj.

Afghanistan showed at the ODI World Cup that they have plenty of nous when it comes to white-ball cricket and they will be tricky opponents for India, particularly on spin-friendly wickets.

With the T20 World Cup in mind, they have also lined up matches against Sri Lanka and Ireland before the tournament in the West Indies and USA gets underway in June.

Team News

The returning Sharma will open with Yashasvi Jaiswal with Shubman Gill likely to move up the order in Kohli’s absence. Ishan Kishan is unavailable after asking to be rested while Shreyas Iyer was left out of the squad.

Afghanistan will be without all-rounder Rashid Khan who has yet to recover fully from lower-back surgery.

Spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman is set to lead the tourists’ attack after resolving a dispute with the country’s cricket board.

Expected Line-ups

India: Sharma (c), Jaiswal, Gill, Samson (wk), R Singh, Dube, Patel, A Singh, K Yadav, Kumar, Khan

Afghanistan: Gurbaz (wk), Hazratullah, Ibrahim (c), Omarzai, Alikhil, Najibullah, Nabi, Mujeeb, Ahmad, Naveen, Farooqi

What they Said

India coach Rahul Dravid on juggling commitments

“Obviously, for the large part of the last year, and after the last T20 World Cup, we had prioritised the one-day World Cup. There has not been a lot of games after the one-day World Cup for us in terms of the T20 format. So this T20 World Cup is slightly different from that perspective, in the sense that there’s not been a lot of time to prepare for it. So we have to rely obviously on the cricket that we have. And also a little bit on the IPL. But the boys will play T20 cricket. So they’ll be playing here, they’ll play the IPL. We might not get many opportunities to play together, so we’ll just have to work around that.

Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran on the challenge of playing India 

Playing against India on their home soil is a difficult task, but we came here to play well against them and show our skills. We have lots of good T20 players, all our boys are playing good cricket, so I am sure they will play well. We will have a good series against India.”

When and How to Watch

India against Afghanistan takes place at 1.30pm UK time tomorrow. It is not being shown live in the UK.

Prediction

Afghanistan will fancy their chances of taking an early lead in the series and if their spinners can get on top, they will make life very difficult for India. Kohli’s absence would weaken any side so I fancy the tourists to edge it tomorrow. 

JPS and George Boyd collaborate for kitchens and bathrooms offering

Helen Greaney
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JPS and George Boyd collaborate for kitchens and bathrooms offering
Jewson Partnership Solutions (JPS) is joining forces with sister brand George Boyd to deliver kitchen and bathroom solutions for providers of social housing.
Ironmongery and door set specialist, George Boyd is expanding, enabling it to add a host  of new products and services to its offering.
Kitchens and bathrooms are the first phase of this venture, with a dedicated contracts team sitting under newly recruited business development director, John Moss (pictured left).
He will work alongside Brian East, kitchen and bathroom solutions director (pictured right) who has more than 35 years’ experience of supplying kitchen and bathroom products into the UK marketplace.

Elevated service

JPS and George Boyd will now work together to offer councils and housing associations an elevated service, enabling them to easily source kitchen and bathroom solutions that help them achieve compliance with the Decent Homes Standard and other regulations.
Scott Cooper, managing director for JPS & George Boyd, said: “Our ongoing mission is to continually identify relationships that deliver, elevating our service to help customers create safe, modern and comfortable homes.
George Boyd’s heritage and experience in the market as product specialists provides the perfect platform for the expansion into kitchen and bathroom solutions. Working together is a very natural fit and we know that our synergy is going to help local authorities and housing associations across the country to create spaces that their residents can be proud of and reassured by.”
John Moss added: “Kitchens and bathrooms solutions are the first in a line of product ranges we plan to add to George Boyd as part of our expansion project, with all being made available to the social housing sector via JPS.
“At our core, we are ironmongery specialists but there is an opportunity to evolve our brand and help customers to better navigate the various challenges they’re facing today. The combination of our new product ranges with JPS’ footprint in the market means we can increase our reach while providing high quality solutions that help those who need it most.”

Detectives appeal for five potential murder witnesses to come forward

Helen Greaney
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Detectives appeal for five potential murder witnesses to come forward

Five new potential witnesses to a shooting are being sought by Greater Manchester Police.

Cheriff Tall and Junior Ajose were both killed when they were shot in a car park off Caythorpe Street in Moss Side shortly after midnight on Sunday June 21, 2020.

Under Operation Tarnbrook, a dedicated team of detectives still need vital evidence to apprehend the outstanding suspect who used the firearm.

New potential witnesses (all pictured) have now been identified from mobile phone footage.

These five people are NOT connected in any way to the murder of Cheriff and Junior.

But detectives are keen to speak to them as they believe they have potential information that could help with their detailed enquiries.

A £50,000 reward, launched in June 2023 on the third anniversary, for key information that leads to the discovery and conviction of the killer remains available as detectives are focused on tirelessly piecing together evidence to bring the offender to justice.

GMP believes that more witnesses as well as answers do still lie within the community, as around 300-400 people were present at the time.

Detective chief inspector and senior investigating officer, Neil Higginson, said: “I once again want to appeal to the public in Manchester, in particular to these five people as we believe they are witnesses to what happened on that night. I want to make it clear though they are not connected in any way to the murder of Cheriff and Junior.”

Tragic circumstances

He said that they had reviewed hours of footage, carried out several warrants and spoken to several people about this incident, but that more is still needed to bring justice to their families after they continue to suffer immense heartbreak.

He added: “We have a good understanding of what occurred that night and we do have an outstanding suspect, but we need more evidence.

“We know most people who were present were there to enjoy themselves and not cause trouble. So, we are certain that they will have vital detail that can help in our investigation in the events leading up to, during or after the murder. Our focus is to obtain this key evidence so that we can convict the person responsible for the murders.

“I understand that people can be reluctant to come forward in this type of case, for a variety of reasons, but I ask that you do so as we can provide the relevant support needed as it’s not too late to do the right thing.”

Information needed

Anyone with information, however small or insignificant it may seem, should contact GMP in confidence on 0161 856 2035, quoting incident number 221 of 21/06/20.

Information, including pictures and videos, can also be uploaded anonymously to the Major Incident Public Portal here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP20S30-PO1

Direct Fabrics: A Decade of Excellence and Expansion into Innovative Curtain Markets

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Direct Fabrics: A Decade of Excellence and Expansion into Innovative Curtain Markets

Backwell, Bristol – Nestled in the quaint village of Backwell near Bristol, Direct Fabrics has emerged as a beacon of innovation and growth in the textile industry. Celebrating over 10 years of business, this once one-man operation has impressively expanded into a dynamic team of over 20 professionals, including skilled fitters, talented seamstresses, and dedicated customer service staff. Their journey from a small venture to a leading name in the fabric industry is a tale of dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to quality.

Founded as a modest enterprise, Direct Fabrics has always been more than just a business. It’s a story of passion for textiles and a deep understanding of customer needs. Over the years, this company has not only grown in size but also in its market reach and product innovation. Their website, www.direct-fabrics.co.uk, stands as a testament to their growth, offering a wide range of products and services.

One of Direct Fabrics’ most notable achievements is their foray into specialized markets, including stage curtains, soundproof curtains, and, more recently, certified thermal curtains. These thermal curtains are not just a product; they are a revolution in energy conservation. Demonstrated to reduce energy usage by 30% when used with double glazing, these curtains represent the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and technological innovation.

The stage curtains segment has seen Direct Fabrics become a trusted name in the theatrical and performance arts industry. Their expertly crafted curtains have adorned stages across the country, known for their quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal.

In the realm of soundproof curtains, Direct Fabrics has excelled by combining functionality with style. These curtains are a boon for both commercial and residential spaces, offering a serene and noise-free environment.

Direct Fabrics’ growth from a single entrepreneur to a team of over 20 is a story of perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit. Their office in Backwell, Bristol, serves as the hub of creativity and customer-centric service. The team’s diverse skills, from fitting to sewing, enable the company to offer a comprehensive service package to their clients.

In conclusion, Direct Fabrics’ decade-long journey is a narrative of transformation and growth. Their expansion into new and innovative markets like stage curtains, soundproof curtains, and energy-efficient thermal curtains reflects their adaptability and foresight. With a dedicated team and a strong commitment to quality and sustainability, Direct Fabrics stands poised to continue its impressive trajectory in the fabric industry.

Having an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, this dynamic company has become a trusted name in the industry. Specialising in providing a vast array of fabrics and materials, Direct Fabrics caters to a diverse clientele, ranging from homeowners to businesses seeking to enhance their spaces. What sets them apart is not just their extensive collection, but also their dedication to sustainable practices, ensuring that their products align with the principles of eco-friendliness. The showroom in Bristol serves as a creative hub, inspiring customers with its tastefully curated displays and expert guidance from a team of seasoned professionals. Direct Fabrics transcends the conventional boundaries of a fabric supplier, evolving into a valuable resource for those embarking on design journeys. In Bristol, this establishment has become synonymous with style, reliability, and a genuine passion for transforming spaces into expressions of individuality and comfort.

Rochdale’s Touchstones redevelopment plans approved

Helen Greaney
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Rochdale’s Touchstones redevelopment plans approved

A green light has been given to ambitious redevelopment plans for Touchstones, an arts and heritage venue in Rochdale.

The transformative project, scheduled to commence this spring, is made possible through funding from the Cultural Development Fund, a DCMS fund administered by Arts Council England and Rochdale Council.

The total investment in arts and culture across the borough amounts to £8.5 million.

Touchstones attained the prestigious status of being one of Arts Council England’s ‘National Portfolio Organisations’ in 2023.

Dynamic hub

The approved plans envision the conversion of Touchstones into a dynamic creative and cultural hub, featuring new adaptable performance and production spaces for artists, enhanced training areas, and improved spaces for live events and exhibitions.

The redevelopment also includes the creation of a novel dining space, merging the theme of food with the borough’s collections.

This collaborative initiative with Rochdale’s diverse communities has received an additional grant of just under £250,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Dubbed ‘The Dining Room,’ the project involves three commissioned artists working with 20 community curators to craft a new museum space.

The anticipated reopening in 2025 will showcase collaborations with Tate and the National Gallery, along with a reimagining of Harry Meadley’s 2022 exhibition Free-For-All.

Essential improvements

Apart from the cultural enhancements, the redevelopment project encompasses essential improvements to the building’s accessibility and sustainability. The collaboration for this endeavor involves Rochdale Borough Council, YourTrust (operators of Touchstones as the council’s culture and leisure partner), and Rochdale Development Agency (RDA), which leads regeneration efforts, including culture and placemaking on behalf of the council.

In the upcoming months, the appointment of a main contractor is expected, with Hive Projects from the North-west leading project management.

The architectural aspect is overseen by Architectural Emporium, heritage architect BB Heritage Studio, and landscape architect Gillespies. Sutcliffe, Identity Consult, and Steven Hunt & Associates are handling structural, civil engineering, quantity surveyor, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering aspects, respectively. Jenson Hughes is providing expertise as the fire consultant.

The Touchstones redevelopment is a pivotal component in establishing a creative district in Rochdale town centre. This initiative encompasses the refurbishment of Rochdale Town Hall, the creation of a new town hall square, the Fire Up digital and creative co-working space, new artist workspaces on Richard Street, and the introduction of new public art, signage, and marketing.

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