Business Manchester

Grind heads north in exclusive partnership with Arighi Bianchi

Helen Greaney

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22/05/2025

Grind heads north in exclusive partnership with Arighi Bianchi

Arighi Bianchi, the renowned 170-year-old furniture destination based in Macclesfield, Cheshire, has announced an exciting new partnership with cult London coffee brand Grind.

The collaboration will see Grind coffee served exclusively in-store at Caffè AB, which has been given authorised partner status, marking the first time Grind coffee will be officially served outside of London.

While Grind has partnered with selected retailers to offer its signature pink compostable pods and ground coffee for home and office use, this marks the brand’s first hospitality partnership beyond the capital. To date, Grind coffee has been served in its own branded cafés across London, and at Soho House (opening in Manchester 2025), and it has penned a deal with Gary Neville to open its first cafe outside of London, at No. 1 St Michael’s in Manchester, this summer.

The new partnership brings Grind’s signature ethically sourced, speciality-grade coffee to the heart of Cheshire. And for Arighi Bianchi, this is a carefully considered step in evolving the in-store experience. While the store’s building itself is a local landmark – its ornate Victorian façade and original features have stood the test of time – the retailer isn’t one to stand still. Over the past decade, it’s quietly redefined what a furniture store can be: part gallery, part home, part social space. And now, a destination for truly good coffee.

“This is more than just a new brew on the menu,” said Arighi Bianchi Director Nick Bianchi. “It’s a meeting of two brands with shared values: design-led, ethically conscious, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. It’s about creating connection; culture; conversation.

“Partnering with Grind allows us to extend our ethos of craftsmanship, quality and great design into the café experience. Our customers can now enjoy one of the UK’s most exciting coffee brands as part of their visit to the store, hand-crafted by our experienced baristas.”

Nick added: “Grind understands the importance of experience. Their coffee isn’t just about taste (though it’s exceptional) – it’s about sustainability, creativity and culture. It feels a natural partnership for us.”

Grind is on a mission to change the way we drink coffee for the better, making craft coffee accessible to more people in more places, from their cafés to your kitchen. Since opening in 2011, Grind has grown to include cafés, coffee shops, and a state-of-the-art coffee roastery. You can also find their speciality coffee online through their DTC business, in supermarkets all over the UK, in every Soho House around the world, and up 35,000ft on British Airways flights.

With ethically-sourced coffee from sustainable farms, home-compostable pods, plastic-free packaging, and their own charity, the Better Coffee Foundation®, Grind is a certified B Corp reshaping modern coffee culture with a brand built on sustainability, community, and craft expertise.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Arighi Bianchi on this new chapter,” said Kate Jeffries, head of Grind Pro. “They’ve built something really special in Cheshire – design-led, community-driven, and a little bit iconic. It’s the perfect fit as we expand out of London.”

Barista-made coffee Grind coffee is now available at Caffè AB seven days a week. Arighi Bianchi will also retail Grind home-compostable pods and bean and ground coffee, for customers to enjoy at home.

FREESMO Rolls Out Amazon Voucher Offer for New Customers Ahead of Vape Ban

Business

News Desk

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22/05/2025

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FREESMO Rolls Out Amazon Voucher Offer for New Customers Ahead of Vape Ban

In a bid to encourage more smokers to switch to safer alternatives, FREESMO has unveiled a new customer reward scheme—offering a £20 Amazon voucher to all first-time buyers who spend at least £20 on their initial order.

The offer marks the end of FREESMO’s previous Golden Ticket campaign, which rewarded winners on a weekly basis. Under this new promotion, every first-time customer is guaranteed a reward, not just a lucky few.

“We’ve taken everything our customers loved about the Golden Ticket campaign and made it better,” said Georgi Keckarovski, CEO of FREESMO.
“We’re not just rewarding luck, we’re rewarding action. If you’re ready to switch to a better alternative, we’re ready to help, and that support now comes with a guaranteed reward.”

The initiative coincides with the upcoming UK ban on disposable vapes, due to take effect on 1st June 2025. This change is expected to impact thousands of smokers who rely on disposables as a key part of their smoke-free strategy.

FREESMO is helping customers prepare through a range of resources, including its Smoke-Free Questionnaire—a tailored assessment tool that recommends nicotine products based on a person’s unique profile and usage behaviour.

“Every nicotine user is different. That’s why a one-size-fits-all product recommendation just doesn’t work,” added George Keckarovski.
“Our Smoke-Free Questionnaire ensures that every customer is getting a tailored recommendation so they’re not just buying a product, they’re making a truly informed choice.”

The voucher campaign is available throughout May for all eligible first-time customers. While returning customers aren’t included in the offer, they’ll continue to have access to specialist support, personalised product guidance, and exclusive pricing on smoke-free alternatives like refillable kits and nicotine pouches.

To redeem the offer, new customers must visit freesmo.co.uk, place a first order of £20 or more, and they’ll receive their Amazon voucher within 48 hours.

Gutter cleaning checklist every homeowner in the North West should know

Homes & Interiors

Helen Greaney

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21/05/2025

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Gutter cleaning checklist every homeowner in the North West should know

When it comes to home maintenance in the North West, one task consistently gets
ignored—gutter cleaning. It’s out of sight, out of mind… until something goes wrong.

But if you’re living in places like Bolton, Wigan or Blackpool, where rain is just part of daily life, ignoring your gutters can become a costly mistake.

Gutters play a vital role in protecting your home from water damage. They collect rain from the roof and direct it safely away from your walls and foundations. But when gutters get clogged with leaves, moss, or debris, water can overflow and cause major structural problems.

So how do you stay ahead of the damage? Here’s your essential North West Gutter Cleaning Checklist:

Check your gutters at least twice a year

You should inspect your gutters at least once in spring and once in autumn—especially if you live near trees. In cities like Manchester, where mature trees line many residential streets, gutters can fill with fallen leaves quickly, particularly in areas like Chorlton, Didsbury, and Withington.

Also watch for moss buildup from older rooftops – a big problem in places like Wigan, Bury, and Rochdale, where period homes are common.

Look for visible overflow or water damage

One of the most obvious signs your gutters need attention? Water spilling over the edges during or after heavy rainfall. You might also see:

Dark streaks on your walls
Moss or plants growing from the gutters
Rotting wooden fascias or peeling paint
Damp spots near the base of your home

These are red flags that your gutters aren’t doing their job. If you’re seeing these signs around your property in Blackpool, Shrewsbury, or Wrexham, it’s time to act.

Avoid DIY if your gutters are high or awkward to access

Sure, you can attempt to clean your gutters yourself—but if your home is more than one storey or has hard-to-reach roof lines, it’s risky business. Climbing ladders without proper safety equipment can lead to accidents, and makeshift tools often don’t get the job done properly.

That’s why professional services like Aaron’s Gutter Cleaning Services are worth the investment. Their team uses high-powered vacuum systems and telescopic cameras to clean gutters safely from the ground—no ladders, no mess, no damage to your roof.

Don’t forget the downpipes

Many homeowners clean their gutter channels but completely forget about the downpipes. A blocked downpipe can cause water to back up and overflow, just like a clogged gutter.

Professional gutter cleaning services inspect and clear downpipes as part of a complete clean—ensuring the entire system is functioning properly.

Book gutter cleaning before winter or after big storms

If you live in Telford, Wigan, or Bolton, where storms and windy weather are common, it’s smart to schedule a clean after heavy weather. Twigs, tiles, and debris often blow into the guttering system, and buildup can happen fast.

It’s also important to clean before winter sets in. Frozen water in clogged gutters expands and can crack the guttering or lead to ice dams—causing water to leak under the roof tiles.

Use a local service that knows the area

Not all gutter cleaning services are the same. A local team that understands the quirks of North West weather and housing stock can offer a better experience.

That’s exactly what you get with Aaron’s Gutter Cleaning Services. They serve homes and businesses throughout:

Bolton
Wigan
Blackpool
Bury
Telford
Wrexham
Shrewsbury
Rochdale
Bolton

Whether you live in a city-centre flat, a Victorian terrace, or a rural cottage, their experienced technicians will tailor their service to your property.

Make it part of your annual maintenance plan

The best way to protect your home from water damage? Consistency. Make gutter cleaning part of your routine maintenance schedule—just like boiler servicing or window cleaning.

Some companies, like Aaron’s, even offer regular service plans, so you never forget. It’s one less thing to worry about—and far cheaper than fixing mouldy walls or a leaking roof.

Final thoughts

Gutter cleaning isn’t glamorous, but it’s one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make. Especially in the North West, where our roofs deal with more rain in a month than some areas get all year, you simply can’t afford to ignore it.

With affordable, ladder-free solutions and expert service from Aaron’s Gutter Cleaning Services, keeping your home dry and protected has never been easier.

So before the next storm hits, take a look up. Your gutters might be telling you it’s time for a clean.

Arklow Wastewater Plant sets new standard for sustainable infrastructure

Construction

News Desk

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20/05/2025

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Arklow Wastewater Plant sets new standard for sustainable infrastructure

The Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant – a €139 million project that ends decades of raw sewage discharge into the River Avoca – has officially opened, marking a major environmental milestone for Ireland.

Ayesa, a global leader in engineering and technology, joined Irish Water utility Uisce Éireann, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister James Browne, and local representatives to celebrate this long-awaited achievement.

Strategically located in Ferrybank on Ireland’s east coast, the state-of-the-art facility brings long-overdue environmental protection to the region while unlocking potential for future housing and commercial development in Arklow and its surroundings.

Fully operational since late 2024, the project was delivered six months ahead of schedule and within budget—an exceptional achievement in major infrastructure delivery.

In a striking departure from conventional wastewater facilities, the Arklow plant has captured international attention for its bold design and architectural excellence.

Blending industrial function with sculptural form, the building integrates seamlessly into its coastal setting with a design that is both practical and visually compelling. It was recently awarded the prestigious Downes Medal—the highest honour from the Architectural Association of Ireland, and one rarely granted to utility infrastructure. This recognition positions the plant as a global case study in how essential infrastructure can also enrich the built environment.

“This project has been a decade in the making, and I couldn’t be prouder of the Ayesa (formerly ByrneLooby) team,” said Luke O’Connor, Director of Water, Ayesa Ireland. “Their dedication—from the earliest feasibility studies to project handover—has shaped a facility that is now a global benchmark in wastewater infrastructure.”

Ayesa has played a central role in this nationally significant project for over a decade, supporting Uisce Éireann and its delivery partners from inception to completion. The company’s multidisciplinary expertise spanned early environmental studies, land acquisition, and stakeholder engagement, through to the design of interceptor sewers, a marine outfall, and key infrastructure components, including a 1,000m offshore pipeline, river tunnel beneath the Avoca and high-capacity pumping station.

During construction, Ayesa acted as Employer’s Representative, overseeing delivery and ensuring seamless coordination across all stakeholders. Michael Looby, Director at Ayesa added: Being here on the first day we turned the sod and now to see the plant fully operational—ahead of schedule and already making a difference for the community—is incredibly rewarding. This is more than just infrastructure; it’s a legacy project for Arklow and it’s deeply personal to us.”

Michael Tinsley, Wastewater Senior Portfolio Delivery Manager, Uisce Éireann, said: “The successful delivery of the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant marks a major milestone for the community and for Uisce Éireann. Ayesa’s collaborative approach with all stakeholders, and technical expertise were vital to progressing this complex and long-anticipated project.”

Speaking at the event, the Irish Prime Minister, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin praised the project as a key step in Ireland’s environmental and housing ambitions. He said: “The Government recognises the vital role of strategic infrastructure investment in meeting the country’s demand for housing while also protecting and enhancing the environment. That’s why we are committed to working with Uisce Éireann to bring forward essential projects like this plant in Arklow, which is currently capable of supporting a population of 24,000 but holds the potential to expand to 36,000.”

With the plant now fully operational, Arklow is entering a new era—one defined by environmental protection, improved public health, and sustainable growth. More than just a treatment facility, this project stands as a model for how essential infrastructure can create long-lasting social, environmental, and architectural value.

Why Muslims are choosing the Muslim Pro App to perform Badal Hajj

Events

Helen Greaney

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20/05/2025

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Why Muslims are choosing the Muslim Pro App to perform Badal Hajj

Muslims in the United States and United Kingdom increasingly turn to digital solutions for organising religious obligations, including Badal Hajj – a pilgrimage performed on behalf of
someone unable to complete it personally.

The Muslim Pro app, known primarily for prayer times and Quranic resources, has expanded its services to include Badal Hajj arrangements.

Badal Hajj represents an important Islamic practice allowing Muslims to fulfill the pilgrimage obligation for those physically or financially unable to perform it themselves.

Muslim Pro’s Expanision services reflects the company’s broader evolution from a basic utility app to “the digital home for all things Muslim,” according to Nafees Khundker, CEO and group managing director.

“Of course. Slowly when we started… Very quickly actually, from being just a utility app, we started providing additional services,” Khundker explained.

“Anything that we thought the users wanted or the user feedback that we received, we started expanding on those services.”

Addressing geographic and logistical challenges

Muslims in Western countries face particular challenges in fulfilling Hajj obligations. Limited access to reliable agencies, language barriers with Saudi service providers, and complex visa
processes create substantial hurdles.

Muslim Pro initially gained traction in Western countries precisely because it addressed accessibility issues.

“The app was very quickly accepted in the Western world, and we started getting a
lot of downloads and usage from there,” Khundker noted. “That’s where we really grew initially.”

The app now leverages this established Western user base to provide Badal Hajj services specifically tailored to American and British Muslims looking to arrange pilgrimages for elderly parents, deceased relatives, or others unable to perform Hajj themselves.

Trust built through data privacy practices

Following data privacy concerns in 2020, Muslim Pro implemented stringent protections that have strengthened user trust—a critical factor for services involving financial transactions and religious obligations.

“We have a very, very strong process of managing data. Very few people will ever have access to individual data,” Khundker explained. “In terms of working with partners, also, we have changed quite a bit to actually manage this one.”

This enhanced data security has made users more comfortable using the platform for sensitive arrangements like Badal Hajj, which often involve personal information about the beneficiary and substantial financial commitments.

Expanding beyond core functions

The addition of Badal Hajj services aligns with Muslim Pro’s broader strategy of becoming a comprehensive Islamic lifestyle platform.

“Now we have a new vision, is to be the digital home for all things Muslim, which is basically combining faith, technology, and also the whole lifestyle for Muslim,” Khundker explains. “Whatever a Muslim needs in their daily life, we want to be there to provide those services.”

Transparent communication and verification

For Muslims in Western countries, ensuring that Badal Hajj is performed correctly and authentically remains a significant concern. Muslim Pro addresses this through detailed verification processes and transparent communication about each stage of the pilgrimage.

Users receive confirmation when their Badal Hajj delegate receives their information, begins the pilgrimage rituals, and completes the necessary rites. This transparency helps bridge the geographical gap between Western Muslims and the sacred sites in Saudi Arabia.

Accessibility for diverse communities

With the app available in more than 60 languages on the platform today and continuous localisation efforts, Muslim Pro makes Badal Hajj arrangements accessible to diverse Muslim
communities across the US and UK.

This linguistic accessibility proves particularly valuable in multicultural societies where Muslims may speak various languages but share common religious obligations. The platform
standardises and simplifies the process regardless of users’ native languages or cultural backgrounds.

Muslim Pro’s expansion into Badal Hajj services exemplifies how faith-based digital platforms evolve to address specific community needs. By transforming a traditionally complex religious
arrangement into an accessible digital service, the app continues its mission of supporting Muslims worldwide in fulfilling their religious obligations, particularly those in Western countries with limited access to traditional Islamic resources.

Climate guilt isn’t making Brits drive less…It’s the cost of living

Transport

Helen Greaney

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20/05/2025

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Climate guilt isn’t making Brits drive less…It’s the cost of living

New data reveals financial and ethical factors are still shaping the nation’s transport choices – but with more weight on the financial impact.

Private plate supplier Regtransfers suggests that cost of living concerns are a stronger influence than environmental guilt when it comes to reconsidering car use.

Speaking with 1,000 UK drivers, 56.6% of respondents reported they had either actively sought alternatives (12.8%) or occasionally considered other options (43.8%) to private car use – such as cycling, public transport, or car sharing – as a result of rising motoring costs. By contrast, a third (33.8%) said these costs had not influenced their travel choices at all.

This insight comes at a time of ongoing economic strain. Rising fuel prices, inflated insurance premiums and the development of Low Emission Zones have increased the cost of car ownership, with recent polling showing that 73% of drivers are concerned about insurance affordability, and 67% are worried about fuel costs.

When asked whether environmental impact influences how they travel, 66.2% of respondents said they consider it to some degree – though only 7.1% say they “always” do, while a majority of 32.6% said they only “sometimes” factor it in. This suggests that while environmental impact is on people’s minds, it is rarely decisive in shaping transport behaviour.

This data echoes findings from the Environment Journal, which found that while 73% of European travellers prioritise climate impact when planning trips, their actual behaviours often lag behind their expressed values.

Regtransfers data also highlights some notable gender differences, with women twice as likely than men to already rely on alternative transport (8.09% against 4.53%) and to consider environmental impact in their travel decisions. Only 10.43% of women said they “never” consider the environment, compared to 16.42% of men. This 6% difference equates to something in the region of 2.4 million British adults.

Mark Trimbee, CEO of Regtransfers, said: “Drivers today are being pulled in two directions – on one hand, they’re facing the rising cost of simply getting from A to B, and on the other, there’s growing pressure to make greener choices.

“It’s clear that people are feeling the pinch, but while most of us care about the environment, it’s rising fuel prices and insurance costs that are making us think twice about jumping in the car.

“What’s interesting is that women seem more likely to factor in environmental concerns and to already be using alternatives like public transport. That gap matters – if we want greener travel habits to stick, we need to make the sustainable choice the easy and obvious one for everyone.”

Michael Smith Engineers Expands ULTRAChem® Range with Two New Pump Series from Finish Thompson Inc.

Manufacturing

News Desk

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20/05/2025

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Michael Smith Engineers Expands ULTRAChem® Range with Two New Pump Series from Finish Thompson Inc.

Michael Smith Engineers Ltd, the UK’s leading provider of specialist pumping solutions, is excited to introduce two innovative pump ranges from Finish Thompson Inc. (FTI)—a world-renowned manufacturer of chemical transfer systems.

The newly released UCR and UCP pumps join the existing ULTRAChem® range, delivering magnetically driven, ANSI-compatible performance for industries handling aggressive and corrosive chemicals. These pumps are engineered to maximise uptime and durability in even the most hostile processing environments.

The UCR range is built for extreme resistance to chemical corrosion, featuring a pure ETFE lining, barrier liner, and over-moulded magnets—a configuration tailored for use in demanding sectors such as plating, mining, chemical processing, and metal manufacturing.

In contrast, the UCP range provides a budget-friendly alternative, combining polypropylene and ETFE materials to offer chemical resistance and operational efficiency. It’s ideal for businesses seeking a reliable yet economical pumping solution without compromising on build quality.

“We are delighted to bring the UCR and UCP series to the UK market,” said Jason Downing, Sales Director at Michael Smith Engineers Ltd.

“Our customers in the chemical industry already rely on the ULTRAChem range for its outstanding performance. These new additions offer even greater flexibility, reliability, and value—meeting the diverse and demanding needs of corrosive liquid transfer.”

Renowned for its decades-long experience supporting clients with difficult liquids—from flammable substances to acidic and abrasive fluids—Michael Smith Engineers continues to be the go-to partner for resilient and tailored pump systems across the UK.

For more information on the UCR and UCP pumps or to explore other high-specification solutions, visit: www.michael-smith-engineers.co.uk

Global tech fulfilment platform delivers profitable, double-digit revenue growth

Tech

Helen Greaney

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16/05/2025

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Global tech fulfilment platform delivers profitable, double-digit revenue growth

A global tech enabled fulfilment provider has posted record revenues for FY25.

In the year ending March 31, 2025, fulfilmentcrowd – a global fulfilment platform, driven by technology – recorded unaudited total revenues of £21 million, up 20 per cent on 2024.

Figures also show that profitability increased by 83% YoY, and that over nine million items were shipped through the platform across all territories in the last 12 months, an impressive +41% against FY24.

Jon Davies (pictured below), chief financial officer at fulfilmentcrowd said: “The onboarding of omnichannel customers in the year has helped drive an increase in item count whilst retained growth across our existing customers was in excess of 20%.

“Our flexible capacity, international footprint, and high service levels provide customers with the ability to grow their business through our global fulfilment platform. Also, our proprietary technology developments for both customers and warehouse partners help drive retention and efficiency”.

The UK remains the principal trading entity, but non-UK revenue continued to grow in FY25, and accounted for 32% of Group revenue in the year (up from 21% in FY24).

Chief executive Lee Thompson (pictured, main) said: “In FY25 we saw growth in export, including annualisation of new brand wins across EU and USA, and we will continue to invest in sales and marketing activity in these territories going forward.

“A sector focused approach, alongside discipline around our ICP, has delivered record results. Clothing, footwear & accessories grew the most YoY in isolation (+73%), and health, lifestyle and supplements saw the second biggest improvement year on year, at +57%”.

Davies added: “Our unique model has enabled us to drive profitable revenue growth whilst also generating cash and puts us in an enviable position within the market”. fulfilmentcrowd’s strategy for FY26 will include investment across its sales and marketing function to drive an increase in new customer wins for FY26.

Its goal for FY26 is for revenue growth to continue to be in excess of 20 per cent and break £25 million of revenue at an improved profitability. The new financial year has started well with budget achieved in the first month.

Thompson added: “We secured over £5 million of customer wins in FY25 and the annualised impact of these accounts will help drive performance into FY26.

“International capability will also be enhanced with operations starting in new centres in Ireland and Australia, and the team is also executing a well-developed technology roadmap to support customer and partner needs”.

For more information, visit https://www.fulfilmentcrowd.com/

How QI Group transformed employee engagement into business growth

Business

News Desk

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16/05/2025

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How QI Group transformed employee engagement into business growth

Who is the owner of QI Group?

Under the stewardship of founders Vijay Eswaran and Joseph Bismark, the QI Group has grown from a startup into a global enterprise. The founders’ commitment to principled leadership and innovative business tactics has driven success across QI Group’s diverse
portfolio since 1998.

It continues to guide the privately held organisation’s direction — Eswaran as executive chairman and Bismark as deputy chairman — working alongside their board of directors to shape strategic decisions.

Founded during the tumultuous Asian financial crisis of 1998, the Hong Kong-registered conglomerate has expanded into a multinational powerhouse operating in over 30 countries. Its remarkable workforce represents approximately 50 nationalities. This global footprint spans diverse sectors, including education, travel and leisure, luxury goods, and wellness.

At QI Group, leadership is not confined to titles or positions—it is a quality that can emerge at all levels of the organisation. Its democratic perspective on leadership enables the company to tap into its workforce’s varied talents, experiences, and viewpoints.

The resulting environment encourages experimentation and innovation while giving employees ownership over their career development and contributions to company objectives. This egalitarian approach transforms traditional hierarchies into collaborative networks where ideas flow freely, and everyone participates in shaping the organisation’s future.

What is the vision of the QI Group?

QI Group’s core vision centres on building a sustainable, inclusive global business ecosystem grounded in four foundational values: integrity, service, sustainability, and leadership. These principles aren’t corporate buzzwords but lived commitments that permeate every facet of operations.

Integrity manifests as “truth above all and truth in all”; throughout QI Group’s dealings. Beyond regulatory compliance, this represents a fundamental commitment to ethical practices that have earned the trust of customers, employees, and partners alike.

The Group embraces its role as a caretaker for the next generation through environmental initiatives that go beyond compliance. The organisation demonstrates practical ecological stewardship, from resource conservation to ecosystem restoration programs, while encouraging others to adopt similar practices.

Environmental responsibility is at the heart of QI Group’s business model. The company puts this commitment into practice through concrete actions, —from water conservation projects to reforestation initiatives that help restore damaged habitats. These efforts display a genuine dedication to protecting ecological systems essential for our shared future.

Employee engagement and leading through service: 120,000 hours of global community impact

When 2,000 employees unite in purpose, the impact reverberates across continents. In offices and communities worldwide, QI Group employees have transformed a simple idea into a powerful force for social change.

Through the Employee Community Impact program, they’ve contributed more than 120,000 hours of service since 2013, turning corporate values into tangible community benefits.

This impressive volunteer commitment springs from RYTHM — Raise Yourself To Help Mankind — the philosophical foundation that guides the organization. The concept, derived from Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings, encourages personal development as a prerequisite for helping others.

QI Group implemented a policy encouraging employees to allocate 12 hours annually to volunteer work. The benefits flow both ways: Communities receive support while employees develop stronger connections to their work and each other.

Eswaran’s approach to leadership emphasizes service above authority. “I believe that leadership is not about telling people what to do. A true leader is one who knows how to serve,” he stated.

“Of course, service is not the same as servitude. It’s not about sacrificing our own needs and values for the sake of others. It’s about setting aside our own self-serving behaviours and priorities in favour of the greater good.

“It’s about putting the needs of others ahead of our own without sacrificing our own sense of purpose and identity,” Eswaran explained in a LinkedIn post. “I believe that the true test of success is not the size of our profits or the number of awards we’ve won, but how well we have served others.”

Speaking on principles that guide effective leadership, Eswaran noted, “Arrogance is a fundamental failure of many a leader. When mired in ego, a leader loses this anchor and is easily swayed by the storms of self grandeur. It is humility that keeps the person chained to the bedrock of reality.”

This grounding in reality through humility creates the foundation for another essential quality: patience, which stands as a cornerstone of his effective leadership.

“Patience is not just a virtue but a practice that requires daily application. It is a state of mind that emanates an inner sense of tranquility, calmness, and serenity that permeates one’s surroundings. Such a leader becomes an oasis amidst chaos so create an environment where your employees feel like they are valuable stakeholders,” he continues.

“Find the right people and give them ownership of what they do. You need a Sherpa to find your way to the top of a mountain. The best thing you can do for your business is to turn your employees into Sherpas.”

From Tragedy to Triumph: GP Opens London’s First Skin Café for Women Over 50

Health

News Desk

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16/05/2025

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From Tragedy to Triumph: GP Opens London’s First Skin Café for Women Over 50

In a moving tribute to resilience and womanhood, Dr Amina Adeniran — NHS GP and founder of The Super-Skin Clinic — is opening London’s first Skin Café dedicated to women aged 50 to 75 and beyond.

Timed to coincide with Women’s Health Week (11th–17th May), this innovative clinic and café in South London aims to challenge the invisibility often felt by older women in both beauty and healthcare spaces.

Dr Adeniran’s vision stems from a harrowing chapter in her life. In 2019, she was diagnosed with a brain tumour while pregnant, and was given just six months to live. Choosing to prioritise her baby’s health, she underwent brain surgery while pregnant, and again following a premature birth.

“It was the darkest chapter of my life,” said Dr Adeniran. “But surviving it gave me a new purpose, to celebrate ageing and resilience, especially in women who are so often forgotten by mainstream beauty and healthcare.”

Now nearing completion of her Master’s-level training in Aesthetic Medicine, she has launched a unique space that blends clinical precision with a holistic, woman-centred ethos.

The Super-Skin Café serves as the welcoming hub of the clinic — a sanctuary where women aged 45+ can connect over herbal teas, attend wellness sessions, and receive expert skincare support in a relaxed, empowering environment.

“Too many women over 50 feel invisible. The Skin Café is where they come to feel seen, heard, and celebrated,” said Dr Adeniran. “It’s a safe space for sharing stories, sipping herbal teas, and accessing everything from skincare to hormone advice in one empowering hub.”

From hormone advice to nutrition, the café offers a full schedule of community events, workshops, and drop-ins led by a network of professionals, including psychiatrists, mindfulness coaches, and aesthetic specialists.

The clinic’s tailored treatments include microneedling, skin peels, pigmentation treatments, and medical-grade skincare, designed with the unique needs of mature skin in mind.

“I believe beauty is survival made visible,” Dr Adeniran added. “My mission is to honour the warrior within every ageing woman — not just with treatments, but with compassion, dignity and community.”

In recognition of her courage, vision, and innovation, Dr Adeniran has received the 2025 Rose Global Recognition Award — a testament to the powerful intersection of health, healing and purpose.