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Suella Braverman sacked from home secretary role

Helen Greaney
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Suella Braverman sacked from home secretary role

Suella Braverman has been dismissed from her position as home secretary.

Rishi Sunak faced mounting pressure following accusations that Ms Braverman exacerbated tensions leading up to Armistice Day protests, prompting calls for the prime minister to remove her.

A source from No 10 Downing Street stated that Mr Sunak “requested Suella Braverman to depart from the government, and she has agreed.”

The Conservatives announced that Mr Sunak is undertaking a broader reshuffle to “strengthen his team in the government for making enduring decisions towards a more optimistic future.”

Criticism

Ms. Braverman faced heightened scrutiny after penning an unauthorised article in the Times, published on Thursday. In the article, she criticised what she termed as ‘pro-Palestinian mobs’ and censured the Metropolitan Police for a perceived ‘double standard’ in handling protests.

Following her dismissal, Braverman said: “It has been the greatest privilege of my life to serve as home secretary. I will have more to say in due course.”

Former prime minister David Cameron has been seen entering No 10 this morning, as he has made a surprise return in his new role as foreign secretary.

Existing foreign secretary, James Cleverly has been appointed the new home secretary.

Jeremy Hunt will remain as chancellor.

Editorial credit: I T S / Shutterstock.com

Leaders in Digital Innovation Honored at 2023 Digital Transformation Awards

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Leaders in Digital Innovation Honored at 2023 Digital Transformation Awards

The 2023 Digital Transformation Awards, orchestrated by Business Awards UK, recently acknowledged the vanguards of digital innovation in a gala event. These awards celebrated the exceptional achievements of individuals and companies who have redefined industry standards through their innovative digital strategies and solutions.

2023 Digital Transformation Awards Winners
●        Akeno Ltd – Ecommerce Transformation Excellence
●        Azerbaijan Public Employment Agency (APEA) – Best Agile Transformation
●        Fusion Education People Solutions – Best Digital Transformation In Education, Large Business Digital Transformation
●        Impress – Best Health Digital Transformation
●        MillTechFX – Innovation In Digital Transformation
●        Molo Finance – Small Business Digital Transformation
●        Montgomery Coaching & Consultancy – Digital Transformation Triumph Over Adversity, Digital Transformation Diversity And Inclusion Champion
●        TechCare – Best Cybersecurity Transformation
●        Texaport – Customer Service Excellence From Digital Transformation
●        Towers Associates – Excellence In Cloud Transformation
●        Trade House Media – Best Startup Digital Transformation

2023 Digital Transformation Awards Finalists
●        Akeno Ltd – Customer Service Excellence From Digital Transformation
●        Exos Systems Limited – Best Startup Digital Transformation, Best Agile Transformation
●        Fusion Education People Solutions – Digital Transformation Triumph Over Adversity
●        MillTechFX – Best Startup Digital Transformation, Small Business Digital Transformation
●        Towers Associates – Digital Transformation Triumph Over Adversity
●        Trade House Media – Small Business Digital Transformation
●        Tectah – Excellence In Cloud Transformation, Ecommerce Transformation Excellence, Large Business Digital Transformation
●        Texaport – Innovation In Digital Transformation, Best Cybersecurity Transformation

2023 Digital Transformation Awards Individual Award Winners & Finalists
●        Winner: Dr Paul Cleverley, Infoscience Technologies Ltd – Best Digital Leadership
●        Finalist: Oliver Aleksejuk, TechCare – Best Digital Leadership
●        Finalist: Surendra Reddy Challapalli, Citi – Best Digital Leadership
The 2023 Digital Transformation Awards underscored the intersection of innovation and strategic insight across various industries. Companies like Akeno Ltd and Fusion Education are guiding examples of how digital solutions are reshaping traditional sectors. Impress’s win highlighted the expansive reach of digital transformation, affecting even the most personal aspects of life like healthcare.

The accomplishments of these winners and finalists paint a promising picture for the future, one where digital solutions continue to expand the horizons of possibility. Congratulations to all the digital pioneers recognised at this event. For more information or to arrange interviews, contact the Business Awards UK team.

Jam Press Teams Up with IMAGO to Widen Global Media Impact

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Jam Press Teams Up with IMAGO to Widen Global Media Impact

Jam Press, an esteemed UK-based news agency and member of the News Agency Photographers Association (NAPA), is delighted to announce a strategic partnership with IMAGO. This alliance is set to make a significant impact on the media industry, offering global audiences a wider range of premium news content, stunning images, and engaging videos.

Well-known for producing captivating content across various platforms, including print, digital, and social media, Jam Press has established itself as a leader in delivering high-quality, engaging content. With a team of dedicated journalists, the agency produces a plethora of news stories each week, captivating and informing its audience.

Joining forces with IMAGO represents a significant step in Jam Press’s journey. IMAGO’s renowned presence in the media industry complements Jam Press’s ambition to expand its reach and deliver superior content to a more diverse audience.

Through this partnership, Jam Press is set to elevate its offerings, reaching an expanded global audience and affirming its role as a top news source. This collaboration is expected to enhance the variety and quality of content available to readers and viewers across the globe.

As the media landscape undergoes continuous transformation and digital platforms grow, both Jam Press and IMAGO are committed to being at the forefront of these changes, providing content that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Their combined strengths and resources are geared towards delivering top-quality news and media content to their audiences.

For those looking to access the premium stories, images, and videos offered by Jam Press, the company’s website https://www.jampress.co.uk/ is the primary destination. This partnership marks an exciting period in content distribution, promising a steady stream of unique and compelling news and media to a worldwide audience.

Vernon Building Society receives accreditation as living wage employer

Helen Greaney
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Vernon Building Society receives accreditation as living wage employer

Vernon Building Society in Stockport has been accredited as a Living Wage Employer.

Its Living Wage commitment will see everyone working at the Vernon receive a minimum hourly wage of £12, higher than the government minimum for over 23s, which currently stands at £10.42 per hour.

The accreditation has been announced during Living Wage Week.

In the North West 12.5% of all jobs pay less than the Real Living Wage – around 367,000 jobs. Despite this, Vernon has committed to pay the Real Living Wage and deliver a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work.

Centenary year

The building society, which celebrates its centenary next year, has been benchmarking salaries as part of the BSA Benchmarking Survey for four years.

This enables Vernon to compare salaries with more than 20 other building societies and ensure the wages are in line with others from the sector.

The Real Living Wage initiative has seen the lowest paid staff benefit from an increase in salary.

Judith Aspin (pictured), finance director at Vernon Building Society says: “Paying the Real Living Wage is not only the right thing to do, but it makes good business sense. Vernon Building Society has been benchmarking our salaries for the past four years as part of our commitment to fair pay, and it’s resulted in higher job satisfaction amongst staff, and it helps us recruit the brightest talent.

“Vernon is a firm supporter of the Real Living Wage. We ask all suppliers and contractors to check if they are paying the Real Living Wage, and during Living Wage Week I encourage other businesses to do the same.”

Real Living Wage

The Real Living Wage is the only rate calculated according to the costs of living. It provides a voluntary benchmark for employers that wish to ensure their staff earn a wage they can live on, not just the government minimum.

Since 2011 the Living Wage movement has delivered a pay rise to over 460,000 people and put £3 billion extra into the pockets of low paid workers.

The Living Wage Foundation said it was delighted the building society had joined the movement of over 14,000 responsible employers across the UK who voluntarily commit to go further than the government minimum to make sure all their staff earn enough to live on.

 

Gvardiol can’t replicate Stones’ role at Manchester City – Guardiola

Jon Fisher
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Gvardiol can’t replicate Stones’ role at Manchester City – Guardiola

Josko Gvardiol is not a like-for-like replacement for the injured John Stones, according to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

Stones has been ruled out until at least after the international break due to an unspecified muscle injury sustained in the midweek Champions League win over Young Boys.

Guardiola said Stones’ injury was not as bad as initially feared but dismissed the idea that Gvardiol could easily replicate the England international’s ability to move from central defender into a midfield role.

He said: “Maybe, but we haven’t seen it in training, or in the drills we do. To see how he moves more central, I haven’t seen it. Maybe in the future as he’s 21 years old.

“When John arrived [from Everton], he couldn’t do it but the fact that he can do it now is because we have had eight years together. Josko has only had two or three months with us.”

Check out our other sports stories here:
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Stones has struggled with numerous injury problems this season and will take his place on the sidelines along with Kevin De Bruyne.

The Belgium midfielder has not played since August and recently admitted he doesn’t have a specific return date in mind.

Guardiola said: “I spoke with him and he said he feels really good. He’s not training with us and I don’t know [when he will return].

“With this kind of injury it’s better we don’t put pressure on. Kevin’s was a bad injury with surgeries so it’s step by step.”

Guardiola takes his table-topping side to Chelsea on Sunday with the hosts buoyed by their 4-1 defeat of London rivals Tottenham on Monday night.

“They are aggressive and have good patterns,” Guardiola said of Mauricio Pochettino’s men.

“They are not close to winning the Premier League [at the moment] but it’s [still] one of the strongest teams and one of the toughest games we have during the season.

“They showed in the last game they are alive, have spirit and are aggressive. [We will] try to maintain the level of our game but sooner or later Chelsea will be there fighting for titles [again], no doubt about that.”

Ten Hag backs unhappy Rashford to come good for Manchester United

Jon Fisher
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Ten Hag backs unhappy Rashford to come good for Manchester United

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is confident Marcus Rashford will soon regain his best form but admitted the England striker is “not happy” at the moment.

Rashford has scored just one goal in 15 appearances for United this season and was sent-off in the midweek Champions League defeat at FC Copenhagen.

He has cut a forlorn figure in recent games but Ten Hag has backed him to regain his spark.

Speaking ahead of the weekend clash with Luton, the Dutchman said: “He [Rashford] is not happy and we’re not happy but he has high expectations of himself. At the minute he’s not in his best form but I know he’ll be back.

“When the team plays better, he’ll play better, he will score goals, I am confident of that. He’s totally aware of everything and will get back on track.

“It can happen very quickly, sometimes you only need one game and I’m sure he will get there.”

Rashford’s red card in Denmark came when United were leading 2-0 in a game they eventually went on to lose 4-3.

Asked if he trusts his players in moments of adversity, Ten Hag added: “We often proved like at Fulham, like against Brentford, that this team can overcome big setbacks.

“It’s always about the end result and we have to win every game so we are very disappointed to lose any game.”

Mason Mount is another player that has struggled in recent weeks following his summer switch from Chelsea, failing to break back into the team after a period out with a hamstring injury.

Ten Hag has sympathy for the timing of Mount’s setback but offered no reassurances that he will be restored to the starting XI.

He said: “He started the season and then got injured, so it was the worst moment for a new player to get injured because it stops their integration process.

“That was a setback for us and him. Now he has to fight for his place back.”

Check out our other sports stories here:
https://www.businessmanchester.co.uk/category/sport/

Luton arrive at Old Trafford on the back of a battling 1-1 draw with Liverpool last time out and Ten Hag is expecting another stiff test from Rob Edwards’ men.

“They have had some good performances and results and we are fully aware of that,” he said.

“In the Premier League there are no easy games, you have to play to your highest levels every game. We have to be 100 per cent focused to win.”

United will be without central defender Jonny Evans, who limped off early on against FC Copenhagen, with Raphael Varane set to deputise, although Victor Lindelof is also in the reckoning.

Rashford, who missed the win at Fulham last weekend, is available as his suspension applies only to European games.

Breaking Boundaries: A Game-Changing Blueprint for Infusing AI into Your Business Strategy

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Breaking Boundaries: A Game-Changing Blueprint for Infusing AI into Your Business Strategy

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, staying ahead of the curve is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity. One of the most impactful ways to future-proof your business is by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into your business plan. AI has the potential to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive innovation. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can successfully incorporate AI into your business strategy, ensuring a competitive edge in today’s dynamic market.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into implementation, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamentals of AI and its diverse applications. AI encompasses a range of technologies, including machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. Machine learning, in particular, allows systems to learn and improve from experience without explicit programming.

Identify Business Goals and Challenges

Start by identifying your business goals and challenges. Whether it’s improving efficiency, increasing customer satisfaction, or staying ahead of market trends, understanding your objectives will guide the selection of AI applications that align with your strategic vision. Assessing current pain points will help you target areas where AI can make the most significant impact.

Data, the Fuel for AI

AI systems thrive on data. To harness the full potential of AI, ensure that you have a robust data strategy in place. Clean, relevant, and diverse data sets are essential for training AI algorithms effectively. Implement data governance practices to maintain data quality, security, and compliance, fostering a foundation for reliable AI-driven insights.

Choose the Right AI Applications

Selecting the right AI applications for your business is a critical decision. Common applications include:

  1. Customer Relationship Management (CRM): AI-powered CRM systems can analyse customer data to provide personalised recommendations, anticipate needs, and enhance customer interactions.
  2. Predictive Analytics: Leverage AI for predictive analytics to foresee market trends, demand fluctuations, and potential business risks, allowing proactive decision-making.
  3. Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: Enhance customer service and support with AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants that can handle routine queries, freeing up human resources for more complex tasks.
  4. Supply Chain Optimisation: Implement AI in supply chain management for better demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics optimisation, ultimately reducing costs and improving efficiency.
  5. Employee Productivity: AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, enabling employees to focus on higher-value activities. From automating data entry to scheduling, AI can significantly boost productivity.

Integration into Workflows

Successfully incorporating AI into your business plan requires seamless integration into existing workflows. Collaborate with your IT team to integrate AI applications into your systems, ensuring compatibility and minimal disruption. Provide training to employees to familiarise them with the new tools and encourage a culture that embraces AI-driven innovation.

Measure and Iterate

Implementing AI is not a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process. Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of AI on your business goals. Regularly assess and iterate on your AI strategy based on performance metrics and feedback from users. Continuous improvement is key to maximising the benefits of AI integration.

Address Ethical and Regulatory Considerations

As AI becomes more prevalent, ethical considerations and regulatory compliance become paramount. Ensure that your AI initiatives align with ethical standards, respecting user privacy and avoiding biases in algorithmic decision-making. Stay informed about evolving regulations related to AI to maintain compliance and build trust with your customers and stakeholders.

Investing in AI Talent

Building and maintaining AI capabilities requires skilled professionals. Invest in hiring or upskilling your workforce to include data scientists, AI engineers, and experts in machine learning, and make sure to recognise their value with rewards schemes and mementos such as engraved glass trophies. Collaborating with external AI specialists or consulting firms can also provide valuable insights and support in implementing and optimising AI solutions.

Conclusion

Incorporating AI into your business plan is not just a strategic choice; it’s a transformative step towards future success. By understanding your business goals, harnessing the power of data, choosing the right AI applications, and fostering a culture of innovation, you can position your business at the forefront of technological advancement. Remember, the journey with AI is a continuous evolution, and staying adaptable and proactive will be key to reaping the full benefits of this revolutionary technology. Embrace AI, and let it propel your business into a future of unprecedented growth and competitiveness.

Stockport PC hailed Greater Manchester police officer of the year

Helen Greaney
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Stockport PC hailed Greater Manchester police officer of the year

Stockport Response Officer Tracy Hallworth has earned the title of Greater Manchester Police’s Police Officer of the Year.

PC Hallworth (pictured centre) – who is based at Cheadle Hulme Police Station was honored at the Chief Constable’s Annual Awards ceremony at the Etihad.

In a recent incident in Stockport town centre, PC Hallworth, alongside her team, successfully apprehended four individuals wielding machetes.

On another challenging call, she faced danger as a male suspect attempted to push her out of a window during the arrest.

Her commendable actions and commitment to duty have earned her the prestigious recognition as she also serves as a family liaison officer.

Award winner

She said: “I am absolutely delighted to represent all frontline uniformed police officers as the winner of the award.

“I have been on response for the past 15 years and still have pride and a sense of accomplishment in doing my job.

“I still get emails every year from a teenage girl that I talked down from a bridge.

“I have lost count of the amount of jobs where a calm demeanour makes the difference between significant harm and a place of safety for the individual involved.

“It is not always an easy role and it’s certainly not ‘just a job’. It’s a vocation, and there is no other job like it – I couldn’t sit behind a desk all day.

“I cannot express enough that the role of response officer is exhilarating, sometimes heart-breaking but mostly rewarding, and I am lucky to be part of an amazing team with fantastic supervision.”

PC Hallworth was put forward for the Chief Constable’s Annual Awards by chief superintendent Webster, Stockport’s district commander.

Dedicated officer

He said: “Tracy is a dedicated and experienced officer who does her very best every day to support our community, celebrating over 15 years as a response officer with a work ethic and determination which is second to none.

“We have all witnessed how Tracy serves our community ethically, fairly, with huge resolve and personal resilience.

“She has always gone above and beyond in her role – an example of that is her work as a family liaison officer, dealing with the relatives of individuals who have often died in tragic circumstances.

“Tracy’s performance is exceptional; her approach, her nurture and mentoring of junior officers is something to be admired.

“I am exceptionally proud of Tracy, she is a role model for many, and I know that the rest of the Stockport district will be proud too.”

 

GMP praised by inspectorate for approach to serious and organised crime

Helen Greaney
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GMP praised by inspectorate for approach to serious and organised crime

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has received praise from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) for its commendable and innovative approach to tackling serious and organised crime (SOC).

The assessment, conducted earlier this year, highlighted the effectiveness and efficiency of GMP’s response to SOC in the North West.

The report, released today, categorises GMP as ‘good’ noting ‘significant improvements’ made since the 2021 inspection.

Innovative practice

It specifically mentions two areas of innovative practice:

  • It commends GMP for effectively targeting SOC in high-risk locations, citing the success of operations Vulcan and Avro.
  • GMP is recognised for its successful targeting of criminal finance.

GMP’s Economic Crime Unit (ECU) plays a crucial role in freezing bank accounts and confiscating criminal assets. In the 2022/2023 financial year, the unit recovered over £15 million from offenders.

Notably, the ECU contributed to the development of a process to return money to victims, recognised nationally as a best practice example. The ECU is on track to secure a position in the top three best-performing police forces in the country for asset recovery for the second consecutive year.

Through the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS), confiscated assets are reinvested into communities to fund projects aimed at preventing and reducing crime. Recent initiatives include supporting youth zones, sports clubs, and theatre companies educating young people about the dangers of carrying knives.

Economic Crime is just one unit within GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime Team, comprising 130 police officers and staff, supported by district-based colleagues in local Challenger teams.

Satisfaction

Detective superintendent Joe Harrop, head of serious and Organised Crime, expressed his satisfaction with the recognition, acknowledging the significant progress made in recent years. He expressed GMP’s commitment not only to responding to incidents and investigating crimes but also to preventing offenders and protecting vulnerable individuals.

The report also highlighted achievements by GMP’s County Lines team, recording the recovery of drugs and weapons, numerous arrests and charges, and the sentencing of offenders.

GMP’s dedication to early intervention and collaboration with partner agencies to safeguard vulnerable individuals was underscored as a vital aspect of their strategy.

Marsden Moor starts fundraising festivities with return of Christmas tree sale

Helen Greaney
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Marsden Moor starts fundraising festivities with return of Christmas tree sale

Marsden Moor is gearing up for an early Christmas celebration as the National Trust prepares to kick off its annual tree sales from November 25.

The popular event, hosted at the National Trust office and exhibition space in the Old Goods Yard near Marsden train station, promises sustainably sourced, British-grown trees available in various sizes.

Proceeds from the tree sales, ranging from £30 to £70, will directly contribute to the National Trust’s conservation efforts on the moor to support vital work such as moorland restoration, wildlife protection, and repairing damage caused by this year’s moorland fires.

In addition to the festive trees, a variety of gifts will be on sale, including wooden nesting boxes, planters crafted by volunteers, Easter Gate pin badges, and other stocking fillers.

To enhance the seasonal spirit, free mulled wine and mince pies will be served by the local ranger team.

Importance of funds

National Trust area ranger, Ian Dowson, expressed gratitude for the support received, emphasising the importance of the funds in repairing the damage inflicted by the recent fires.

Dowson invited more volunteers to join their efforts, whether by participating in community moss planting days or purchasing one of their Christmas trees.

The tree sales, spanning three consecutive weekends, mark the beginning of the festive celebrations for the National Trust team.

New and familiar faces are welcome, with the hope of expanding their community of local volunteers.

The sales will run from 10 am to 3 pm every Saturday and Sunday until December 10.

To conclude the tree sales on December 10, a guided ‘seasonal saunter’ walk will be led by the National Trust’s expert volunteer guides.

The five-mile route around Marsden will include a break for more mulled wine and mince pies, providing a delightful way to cap off the Christmas tree festivities.

Book your place by emailing: [email protected]

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