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McIlroy resigns from PGA Tour policy board as PIF talks continue

Rory McIlroy has resigned from the PGA Tour’s policy board, with the circuit still locked in negotiations over a potential partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

McIlroy earned a reputation as a staunch defender of the PGA Tour after the foundation of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit, which enticed household names including Phil Mickelson, Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka to its rival events with huge financial rewards.

After months of tensions and legal battles, the tours surprisingly announced an intention to merge in June, with the new unified entity to be backed by the financial muscle of the PIF.

McIlroy said he was made to feel like a “sacrificial lamb” after being kept in the dark over the potential deal, adding he still “hated” LIV Golf.

In a memo issued to players on Tuesday, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said the circuit was continuing to work towards a definitive agreement on the merger, saying “deliberate” progress had been made.

McIlroy, who joined the board as a player director in 2022, gave no indication that he was about to resign while speaking to reporters ahead of the DP World Tour Championship on Tuesday, announcing his exit in a letter to the board later that day.

In a statement, Monahan and board chairman Ed Herlihy thanked the four-time major champion for his efforts, saying: “Rory’s insight has been instrumental in helping shape the success of the tour, and his willingness to thoughtfully voice his opinions has been especially impactful.

“Given the extraordinary time and effort that Rory – and all of his fellow player directors – have invested in the tour during this unprecedented, transformational period in our history, we certainly understand and respect his decision to step down in order to focus on his game and his family.”

McIlroy had been reluctant to comment on the merger negotiations in the aftermath of June’s announcement, saying he had been forced to come to terms with Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning presence in multiple sports.

The deadline for the tour to finalise a deal with the PIF is December 31, though that date could be pushed back amid reports it is unlikely to be met.

Gorvins boosts workforce with four new recruits

Stockport law firm Gorvins Solicitors, has bolstered its workforce with two new associate solicitors and two paralegals.

Joining across the Family Law, Wills, Trusts & Probate, Commercial Litigation and Crime & Regulatory divisions respectively, they each bring a wealth of knowledge from their respective fields.

Rachael Day, associate solicitor, family law, began her legal career in 2017 before qualifying in September 2020.

She is joined by Magdalena Kiszczynska, associate solicitor, Wills, Trusts & Probate who is experienced in both contentious probate and personal injury departments having started her legal career in 2019.

Rachel Lipschutz, paralegal, Commercial Litigation, completed both her Law degree and the LPC LLM at the University of Law and starts alongside Mia Senior, Paralegal, Crime and Regulatory. She previously studied Law at the University of Leeds and recently completed her LPC at the University of Law in Manchester.

Christian Mancier, partner at Gorvins Solicitors, said: “We may have been around for more than 150 years, but we’re not standing still!

“Client demand has driven growth across most practice areas and the headcount has had to increase to accommodate requirements.

“Our quartet of new recruits each bring their own skillset to the table and are a welcome addition to the business.”

Gorvins Solicitors is a full-service law firm with more than 70 employees and 18 partners. Headquartered in Greater Manchester, its roots date back more than 150 years.

Pictured are (from left): Rachel Lipschutz, Magdalena Kiszczynska, Mia Senior and Rachael Day.

Cricket World Cup 2023: Australia v South Africa – preview, expected line-ups and prediction

The State of Play

Five-time World Cup champions Australia appear to be hitting their straps at just the right time. Having started with defeats to India and Thursday’s opponents South Africa, Pat Cummins’ men have rebounded impressively with seven successive wins to coast into the semi-finals.
Their experienced line-up has the know-how to get them through difficult situations, typified by Glenn Maxwell’s incredible 201 not out against Afghanistan which saved them from the jaws of defeat. Opener David Warner is bang in form, averaging over 55 in the tournament, and spinner Adam Zampa is the leading wicket-taker with 22.

South Africa have offered more consistency than Australia, with the one major blip being a stunning defeat to the Netherlands, while they were also undone by India. Quinton De Kock remains their key batter having hit four centuries in the tournament and the Proteas will hope he will fire again in what could be his final ODI. South Africa will look to win the toss and bat first, a scenario in which they have an excellent record, and then allow their quicks to get stuck into Australia’s top order.

One other factor to add to the mix is the fact the forecast for Kolkata on Thursday is not great, so Friday’s reserve day could be utilised.

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Team News

Australia have a major decision to make in whether to omit Marnus Labuschagne or Marcus Stoinis to accommodate the returning Maxwell, who sat out their final group game against Bangladesh. Stoinis is favourite to get the chop having failed to excel in India so far. Maxwell will bolster a batting line-up which has got better as the tournament has gone on. Mitch Marsh’s 177 not out against Bangladesh marks him out as a man to watch.

South Africa have a conundrum of their own. Do they pick spinner Tabraiz Shamsi or the all-out pace and lower-order hitting ability of all-rounder Gerald Coetzee? It will depend on the conditions at Eden Gardens.
Captain Temba Bavuma has a hamstring strain but is likely to be fit to lead the side after taking part in an optional training session on Monday.

Expected Line-ups

Australia: Head, Warner, Marsh, Smith, Labuschagne, Maxwell, Inglis (wk), Cummins (c), Starc, Zampa, Hazlewood

South Africa: De Kock (wk), Bavuma (c), Van der Dussen, Markram, Klaasen, Miller, Coetzee, Jansen, Maharaj, Rabada, Ngidi

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Eden Gardens

What They Said

Australia paceman Mitchell Starc on Australia’s improved form after their slow start in India
“It’s a World Cup, it’s what we play for. We seem to be peaking at the right time, which Australia tend to do in tournament play.
“Whilst we didn’t start the way we wanted to, we’ve certainly had good contributions from individuals along the way, and we find ourselves in another World Cup semifinal.
“It’s a very calm group, this one, and fairly experienced with a couple of younger, less experienced guys gelling in really nicely.”

South Africa coach Rob Walter on playing in a World Cup semi-final
“The semi-final becomes what you allow it to become. I don’t ever want the guys to downplay a semi-final, because they have played good cricket to get there.
“I would much rather tell them to enjoy the fact that we are here, enjoy the fact that we have played good cricket to be here, and enjoy the experience of being in a semi-final, against a team that we know very well, are highly competitive and probably have just started playing their best cricket.”

Prediction

A very close call which could produce a thrilling finish. The toss will be key with both teams preferring not to chase. South Africa have won the last four ODIs between the sides but Australia, as Starc suggests, seem to be peaking at the right time. I’m taking the Aussies to edge it.

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Global Launch of CREST’s New Registered Penetration Tester (CRT) Exam with Exclusive Discounts until January 2024

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Global Launch of CREST’s New Registered Penetration Tester (CRT) Exam with Exclusive Discounts until January 2024

The CREST Registered Penetration Tester (CRT) exam, a new benchmark in cyber security certification, is now globally accessible. With its introduction in over 70 countries at more than 1000 Pearson VUE test centres, CREST celebrates this expansion by offering significant discounts.

To commemorate the launch, CREST is providing a substantial 75% discount to employees of member companies and a 40% reduction for all other candidates for exams booked by 31 January 2024 and taken by 30 April 2024.

CREST, an esteemed international not-for-profit cyber security organisation, has announced the worldwide availability of its new Registered Penetration Tester (CRT) certification. This global rollout is a significant step in making industry-standard cyber security skills more accessible.

The CRT exam has been revamped to reflect the dynamic nature of the cyber security sector. As an intermediate level examination, it evaluates candidates’ proficiency in penetration testing tasks with enhanced depth and breadth, covering a range of topics such as Windows and Linux file permissions and Web Application logic flaws. This updated content has been meticulously crafted and tested by CREST’s expert assessors.

Nick Benson, CEO of CREST, commented: “CREST’s goal has always been to raise the quality and professionalism of cybersecurity practices, leading the way in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment as well as red teaming, incident response and threat intelligence. Our commitment to ensuring cybersecurity professionals adhere to rigorous ethical and technical standards is exemplified by the growing popularity and recognition of our CRT qualification internationally.”

The CRT exam is widely acknowledged by employers, cyber service purchasers, and regulators globally. It is considered a standard requirement in many regions and aligns with the UK’s NCSC’s CHECK Team Member requirements. The revamped CRT exam maintains the high standards and security synonymous with CREST certifications, continuing to serve as a badge of honour for individuals and a mark of competence for employers and regulators.

For a limited time, CREST offers the CRT exam at a 75% discount for employees of member companies and 40% off for all other candidates. This promotional period extends until 31 January 2024, with exams to be taken by 30 April 2024.

Candidates must hold a valid CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) certification before attempting the CRT exam, which is also available at Pearson VUE centres and included in the discount offer.

Andy Woolhead, Head of Cyber Skills and Certifications at CREST, stated: “We have fully refreshed the exam, retaining the high calibre that our member companies and exam candidates expect. We have gone to great lengths to ensure the quality of the new exam, with the support of our expert assessors and the broader CREST Community. The new CRT test is more evenly balanced across infrastructure and web and a larger skillset is tested. This is all part of our remit to fully support cyber security professionals everywhere in their ongoing professional development.”

“CREST research has shown us that the quality of Pen Tests varies enormously and that the lack of defined standards complicates the landscape. The CRT exam has been designed to reflect current Pen Test practice and to accurately assess an individual’s knowledge, skills and experience. Available to take in over 70 countries, we are seeing more of a logical progression to standardisation across the sector – which can only be a good thing.”

CREST certifications are designed to verify the qualifications, ethical standards, and capabilities of cyber professionals. Offering the globally recognised CRT exam more broadly marks a step towards standardising the largely unregulated cyber security industry.

Pearson VUE, a globally renowned computer-based testing provider, administers the CRT exam, ensuring its integrity through physical proctoring. The exam now includes a virtual machine (VM) of tools for candidate use, enhancing the examination process.

CREST provides a clear career pathway in the cyber security industry, from entry-level to senior tester roles, and collaborates with numerous technical security providers to develop its exams and career paths.

For more details and to book a CRT exam, visit CREST’s website: www.crest-approved.org/skills-certifications-careers/crest-registered-penetration-tester/.

Cambridge Celebrates the Arrival of Pioneering UK Vein Clinic

Trumpington, Cambridge Becomes Home to the Latest UK Vein Clinic Branch

The UK Vein Clinic has inaugurated its newest clinic in Cambridge, a move that signifies a major advancement in the treatment of varicose veins. This initiative is part of the clinic’s ongoing commitment to provide exceptional private healthcare services at an equitable price, greatly enhancing the lives of those affected by varicose veins.

Varicose veins, affecting about a quarter of the population, can significantly impede daily activities, cause physical discomfort, erode self-confidence, and limit the enjoyment of life’s pleasures. With the NHS offering limited treatment options, the UK Vein Clinic steps in to fill this gap, offering widespread and immediate treatment solutions throughout the nation and transforming the conversation about vein-related health concerns.

Mr Manj Gohel, a Vascular Surgeon at UK Vein Clinic, articulates the clinic’s mission: “As vascular specialists, we recognise that vein disease can significantly affect both physical and mental well-being. Our mission is to provide the latest, minimally-invasive treatments and the very best clinical care to more people across the country.”

The clinic’s approach, known as “the smart choice for healthy veins,” advocates for a walk-in walk-out treatment model, highlighting the necessity for timely clinical intervention. Through focusing on accessibility and equity, the UK Vein Clinic aims to democratise access to state-of-the-art vein treatments.

For more information about the UK Vein Clinic and its endeavours, please visit www.ukveinclinic.com or contact 0208 1873999.

About UK Vein Clinic

UK Vein Clinic, headquartered on London’s Harley Street, is a leading provider of varicose vein treatment, committed to providing excellent clinical outcomes for varicose vein treatments. With a focus on accessibility, the clinic provides the latest cutting-edge techniques for minimally-invasive treatments across the country.

Manleys’ Staff Conference 2023: A Memorable Experience in Geneva, Switzerland

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The prestigious Chester-based media law and litigation firm, Manleys, recently held its 2023 annual staff conference in Geneva, Switzerland. Known for selecting exotic locations for their conferences, with previous years seeing them in Marbella, Lisbon, Milan, Palma, Amsterdam, and other European hotspots, this year’s choice brought the team to the picturesque city of Geneva.

The conference kicked off with an exciting round of Geneva’s unique bar-based crazy golf, where Sehar Hussain triumphed over Mark Manley in a memorable play-off. The team’s first day in Geneva included an adventurous trip to the summit of Mont Blanc, enjoying a sunny lunch on the mountainside, and a scenic train journey. The day was filled with both leisure and work, with Emma Howe, a dedicated paralegal, nearly missing the bus in a moment of drama, and Sehar Hussain working diligently on urgent client matters. Mark Manley, the Managing Director, didn’t miss the chance to capture stunning drone footage over a river.

On Saturday, the team delved into the heart of the conference, discussing strategies, personal growth, and business development. Every staff member actively participated, presenting ideas and proposals for enhancing various aspects of the firm’s operations. The firm’s commitment to continual improvement and client satisfaction was evident, with the team brainstorming ways to expand their impressive clientele, which includes members of the Royal family, governments, NHS Trusts, football clubs, and celebrities.

The conference was also an opportunity to reflect on the firm’s achievements over the past year, which ranged from handling shareholder disputes to preventing the publication of defamatory articles about celebrities, and representing clients in high-profile legal settings. The firm, aiming to build on this success, focused on enhancing its national presence and maintaining its high-quality service.

A highlight of the conference was a cruise on Lake Geneva, filled with laughter and good-natured banter, and capped off with a sumptuous meal and a lively karaoke session. The conference was not only a chance to discuss business but also a valuable team-building experience.

Newcomers Sehar and Emma, who joined Manleys in the summer, found the experience enriching. Sehar, an accomplished litigator with a background in London and northern commercial law firms, oversees Emma’s work. Together, they add significant strength to the Manleys team.

For information on commercial disputes or to learn more about Manleys, interested parties can reach out at [email protected] or call 01244 230 000.

JamPrime Launches 2024’s Essential Public Relations Handbook

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JamPrime, a prominent player in the digital communication arena, has just unveiled “The Ultimate Guide to Public Relations in 2024.” This manual serves as a vital resource for both corporations and individuals aiming to refine their public relations expertise in the current digital era.

This guide transforms intricate PR strategies into comprehensible, actionable insights. It underscores the importance of clear goals, engaging audiences, and employing storytelling to forge impactful PR campaigns.

The guide defines Public Relations as a strategic communication process that cultivates mutually advantageous relationships between organisations and their audiences. It employs a variety of media channels to nurture a favourable public perception.

It underscores PR’s crucial role in molding public opinion, fostering trust, and managing reputations. The guide further explores how PR enables organisations to communicate effectively across diverse platforms, including both social and traditional media.

Guiding readers through devising a thorough PR strategy, the guide takes into account elements like trust, climate change, and brand perception. It provides a roadmap for setting objectives, identifying target audiences, developing messages, choosing PR techniques, and planning budgets and timelines.

JamPrime’s speciality lies in authentic link-building with prominent news websites such as Mail Online, The Sun, and The Mirror, achieved through genuine outreach to journalists. Their strategy includes employing HARO (Help a Reporter Out) for link building and delivering ready-to-publish news content to journalists and editors. These tactics are focused on establishing direct ties with media professionals, presenting valuable insights, and consequently securing high-quality, organic media coverage. This approach accentuates the vital importance of honest media relationships in gaining attention and fostering a positive public image.

JamPrime’s guide presents an accessible tool for those looking to boost their brand’s visibility and skillfully manoeuvre through the media landscape.

New Plates4Business Portal Launched by Plates4Less for Custom Number Plates

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Plates4Less has responded to a significant rise in business-to-business interest by launching the Plates4Business Hub. This new online platform, created due to the heightened demand for custom number plates in the 2022-2023 period, provides informative guides, professional advice, and a special section where businesses can connect with an expert advisor. The primary motives for UK companies opting for custom plates include vehicle age concealment, fleet management enhancement, and marketing strategy improvement.

As a leading supplier of custom number plates in the UK, Plates4Less has introduced a Business Hub on their website. This new section is designed to assist business leaders in selecting and purchasing personalised number plates for their fleets, following a doubling in business client purchases.

Located at www.plates4less.co.uk/4business, the Business Hub offers tips on search and investment, ownership advice, and a form for business clients to request connection with a specialist.

Traditionally seen as luxury items by car enthusiasts, Private Number Plates, a division of VRM Swansea, are now being recognised as valuable assets for UK companies, offering investment, cost-saving, and marketing advantages.

Plates4Less experts have revealed a significant uptick in UK businesses investing in custom number plates. “Our business client base has expanded considerably in the past year,” said Antony Clark from Plates4Less. “Replacing plates on older fleet vehicles is an effective way to preserve a brand’s image, but the recent increase in business sales has been noteworthy.”

Clarifying why more businesses are opting for custom plates, Clark highlighted their benefits in enhancing vehicle branding, creating engaging online content, managing fleets effectively, offering a low-maintenance investment option, and disguising vehicle age.

VRM Swansea has provided outstanding service in the private number plate market since 1997. The introduction of the Plates4Business Hub represents a progressive step in meeting the specific needs of business clients, with further updates planned.

Antony added, “Client feedback is integral to our operations, and the Plates4 Business Hub is a testament to that. We plan to continually enhance this area with new features for our valued business customers.” Benefits for clients working with Plates4Less Business Solutions include specialised account management, free valuation for existing plates, and a quick, secure transfer process.

Plates4Less, despite its name, holds the record for the highest-priced private plate sale in the UK, exceeding £600,000 in 2022.

New Online Reputation Management Service Emerges as a Game Changer in Digital Privacy

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In the digital sphere, where online personas often outshine real-life identities, a new player has emerged in the UK’s digital privacy landscape. ‘Reputation Online,’ conceptualised by Cardiff’s legal tech entrepreneur Jeevan Mann, has quickly become a beacon for individuals desiring to correct their online image and safeguard their privacy. This initiative addresses the critical issue of digital defamation and its impact.

Reputation Online leverages the ‘Right to be Forgotten,’ a cornerstone of UK GDPR legislation, to help remove misleading online content. This ensures that an individual’s digital persona is a true reflection of their real self.

Jeevan Mann’s enterprise goes beyond just eradicating negative information. The service offers a holistic approach to digital footprint management, combining legal expertise and technological acumen to provide proactive online reputation management. Reputation Online aims to be a guardian against future digital issues, offering accessible services to a wide range of clients.

The company operates with a commitment to legal and ethical standards, tailoring its services to protect each client’s online dignity. Mann envisions expanding the company’s reach to serve up to 100 clients monthly and extending its offerings to the corporate world.

Mann is also eyeing European expansion, aiming to bring Reputation Online’s services to countries with privacy laws similar to the UK’s. “Our expertise is primed for the EU market, ripe for the services we excel in,” he says, indicating his ambition for broader influence.

This expansion represents a commitment to revolutionise the field of digital privacy management. Mann’s vision encompasses safeguarding the digital presence of individuals and businesses, ensuring secure and confident online interactions.

Reputation Online’s growth strategy involves venturing into corporate reputation defense, setting new standards in the online reputation management industry. For those looking to control their digital narrative, Reputation Online is a promising ally. Further information on Mann’s services is available at www.reputation.online.

The Popularity of Casual Gaming: A New Era of Digital Entertainment

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The video game industry has witnessed a paradigm shift over the past decade with the rise of casual gaming. No longer is gaming an exclusive club for the dedicated few with high-end PCs or the latest consoles. The proliferation of smartphones and the internet has democratized the joy of gaming, making it a ubiquitous pastime that transcends age, gender, and socioeconomic status.

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What Defines a Casual Game?

Casual games are characterized by their simple rules, short-term commitments, and the ability to entertain immediately. They are easy to learn but can be challenging to master, making them accessible to new gamers while still providing depth for experienced players. This genre includes puzzle games, match-three games, side-scrollers, and other straightforward formats that require minimal player involvement to begin.

The Growth of Casual Gaming

The explosion of mobile gaming has propelled casual games to the forefront of the industry. With the ease of downloading apps, anyone with a smartphone has instant access to thousands of games. This convenience has led to unprecedented growth in the gaming market, creating a billion-dollar industry that continues to expand.

The social aspect of casual gaming also cannot be overlooked. Games that encourage social interaction, either through competition or cooperation, have seen significant engagement. This trend has facilitated a new wave of social connectivity within the digital space, breaking down the barriers that once defined the more isolating aspects of traditional gaming.

Casual Games and the Gaming Industry

Casual games have reshaped the economic landscape of gaming. They often employ a freemium model, where the game is free to play, but players can make in-app purchases for enhancements or to progress faster. This model has proven to be immensely profitable and has also influenced the development strategies of more traditional game titles.

The Aviator game are part of this casual gaming wave, offering quick and engaging experiences that players can enjoy in short bursts or longer play sessions. They provide an entry point for those who may not consider themselves gamers in the traditional sense but are looking for interactive entertainment.

Casual Gaming as a Cultural Phenomenon

Casual games have transcended the boundaries of mere entertainment; they have become a cultural phenomenon. They are part of daily routines for millions, filling gaps in schedules, providing stress relief, and even offering cognitive benefits through problem-solving and strategy.

The Future of Casual Gaming

With technology advancing, the future of casual gaming looks bright. Increased connectivity, better graphics, and more immersive experiences are on the horizon, with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) set to take the stage. These technologies promise to make casual games even more engaging, potentially reaching a wider audience and creating new ways for people to enjoy gaming.

Conclusion

The casual gaming market’s growth signals a shift in how society perceives and consumes games. No longer a niche hobby, gaming has become a mainstream leisure activity. The industry’s expansion into casual gaming has not only introduced a new era of entertainment but also highlighted the potential for games like Aviator to serve as a bridge between casual play and more complex gaming experiences. As we move forward, it will be fascinating to see how casual gaming continues to evolve and shape the landscape of digital entertainment.