DEVON, UK – 6th August 2026 – Referrals remain one of the most effective ways for businesses to win new clients. They arrive with trust already established, often convert more quickly than outbound enquiries and are widely recognised as a sign that a business is delivering exceptional work.

According to Dean Seddon, Founder of Maverrik, the problem isn't referrals themselves.

The problem is becoming dependent on them.

Dean has called the term Referral Dependency to describe businesses that rely on referrals as their primary source of new clients, leaving future growth dependent on circumstances they cannot control.

"Every business should want referrals," said Dean.

"They prove you're doing a great job. But if referrals become your only reliable source of new business, you've handed one of the most important parts of your company to chance."

Having worked with hundreds of consultants, agencies, coaches, technology companies and professional service firms over the past two decades, Dean believes Referral Dependency often develops without business owners noticing.

"It's rarely something people plan," he explained.

"Businesses become busy, referrals keep coming in, and business development naturally slips down the priority list. The danger is you don't notice the problem until referrals slow down."

According to Dean, there are five warning signs that a business may have become too reliant on referrals.

Some months are exceptionally busy while others are unexpectedly quiet. Rather than being driven by a consistent sales pipeline, new business arrives whenever referrals happen to appear.

As client work increases, business development disappears. Marketing slows, LinkedIn activity becomes less consistent, and prospecting is postponed because there never seems to be enough time.

Strong client relationships are valuable, but relying on a small number of people for the majority of new opportunities creates unnecessary risk. If those relationships change, so does the pipeline.

Many businesses become reactive. Marketing starts when the diary looks empty and stops again once projects return. This creates an ongoing cycle of feast and famine rather than sustainable growth.

Perhaps the clearest sign of Referral Dependency is uncertainty. If referrals stopped tomorrow, would you know exactly where your next clients were coming from?

"That's the question every business owner should ask," said Dean.

"If the answer is 'I'm not sure', you've probably become more dependent on referrals than you realise."

Dean believes changing buying behaviour has made the issue even more significant.

While referrals continue to introduce opportunities, decision-makers increasingly research businesses before making contact. LinkedIn profiles, thought leadership, client evidence and digital credibility all influence purchasing decisions long before the first meeting takes place.

As a result, more businesses are investing in social selling to complement referrals rather than replace them. By consistently sharing expertise, building relationships and engaging decision-makers through platforms such as LinkedIn and LinkedIn Sales Navigator, businesses can create a second, more predictable route to market.

"The businesses growing most consistently aren't choosing between referrals or social selling," Dean added.

"They're using both. Referrals continue to play an important role, but they're supported by a repeatable client acquisition system that gives the business greater control over its future."

Through its Social Selling Workshops, Sales Navigator Masterclasses and Build Beyond Referrals programmes, Maverrik helps consultants, professional service firms and sales teams develop practical systems that reduce Referral Dependency while creating more consistent opportunities for growth.

"Referrals should always be welcomed," said Dean.

"They just shouldn't be your business plan."

For more information about Maverrik's Social Selling Workshops, Sales Navigator training and Build Beyond Referrals programmes, visit https://maverrik.io/

Maverrik helps expert-led businesses and sales teams build predictable client acquisition systems through social selling, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, relationship-led outreach and thought leadership. Through workshops, masterclasses and implementation programmes, Maverrik enables organisations to reduce Referral Dependency and create sustainable, repeatable business growth.

QLS Group, one of Europe's largest independent eCommerce fulfilment providers, has appointed Anneke Keller as Chief Technology Officer, joining on 4th August 2026.

The appointment comes as QLS continues to sharpen its technology focus across a network that now spans Europe, the UK, North America and Australia, following the Group's acquisitions of ShopWeDo and J&J Global Fulfilment in 2024 and 2025 respectively. Anneke will sit on the Group Board and report directly to Quincy Boogers, Group CEO, giving the Group's technology strategy a direct voice at leadership level.

Anneke will take charge of technology across the whole Group, with a mandate to keep QLS ahead of the curve in tech-enabled fulfilment. That includes steering the next phase of QLS' my.QLS platform and J&J's ControlPort™ platform, and pushing forward the adoption of AI and automation throughout the business. For QLS Group's customers, Anneke's appointment signals a continued investment in the technology that underpins their day-to-day operations, including platform reliability and faster releases to smarter tools that help eCommerce stores manage stock, orders and fulfilment with greater speed and accuracy as they scale.

She joins with more than 20 years of senior technology leadership experience, having held roles including CTO at PostNL and Wehkamp, Head of Jumbo Tech Campus, and senior technology positions at Coolblue, KPN and TomTom. Across a 30-year career, she has led digital transformations, built and reshaped tech teams, introduced DevOps and agile ways of working, and delivered both embedded and cloud-based solutions, always with a focus on enabling faster innovation that stays aligned to business strategy.

Alongside her technical track record, Anneke is known for her focus on people and leadership, having spent recent years coaching leaders and teams through complex organisational change. She sees strong technology and strong teams as inseparable, and believes that building resilient, high-performing teams is just as important as the technology itself.

Quincy Boogers, Group CEO of QLS Group, said: "Anneke's appointment is a real step forward for QLS Group as we continue to invest in the technology that supports our growth. She brings a rare mix of deep technical expertise and a genuine focus on people. We're delighted to welcome her to the Group.”

Anneke Keller, Chief Technology Officer of QLS Group, said: "I'm excited to join QLS Group at such a pivotal moment. The Group has a clear ambition to lead on tech-enabled fulfilment, and I look forward to working closely with the teams across Europe, the UK, North America and Australia to deliver on that vision.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact kristian.longden@jamesandjames.com

About QLS Group

QLS was founded in 1990 as a parcel service business, moving into eCommerce fulfilment in 2015, and remains family-owned today. The Group has grown significantly through the recent acquisitions of J&J Global Fulfilment and ShopWeDo, extending its reach across Europe, the UK, North America and Australia. Built around tech-focused solutions, QLS helps eCommerce brands scale with confidence, combining fulfilment expertise with the technology to support ambitious growth at every stage.

IFOY recognition places the J1600 between familiar manual equipment and classic automated guided vehicles

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, 5 August 2026 - The winner of the IFOY AWARD 2026 Industrial Truck of the Year looks like a pallet jack, drives like one when a person takes the tiller and becomes a mobile robot when the operator sends it to a saved destination.

The Mobile Robot Company's J1600 entered IFOY in the Warehouse Truck lowlifter applicant class. The independent jury recognized it after practical testing and a scientific Innovation Check that described a new product level between classic automated guided vehicles and manual pallet jacks.

Those categories have traditionally been bought and operated differently. Manual pallet jacks are flexible but require a person for every metre traveled. Classic automated guided vehicles can remove more labor, but often arrive as engineered systems with fixed processes and specialist integration.

The J1600 combines the two. The operator handles pickup, close maneuvering and exceptions, then uses a touchscreen to send the load across the facility autonomously. After floor-level delivery, the vehicle can return, wait, park or continue to another point.

"Warehouse automation has been stuck between two extremes," said Emil Hauch Jensen, co-founder and CEO of The Mobile Robot Company. "We built the J1600 for the space in between."

The distinction is visible on the floor. White lights show manual operation; blue light strips display the protective field in automatic mode. A physical button confirms autonomous start, and moving the tiller restores manual control immediately.

The industry's mobile-robot terminology now overlaps in one machine. The J1600 specification pairs a 1,600 kg payload and 1.6 m manual lift with 3D LiDAR SLAM and autonomous path planning. Basic use is stand-alone; advanced software can add fleet and API integration.

The 2026 competition drew 49 entries, with 17 finalists completing the IFOY Audit. The award recognized the J1600 in the Industrial Truck category while the scientific assessment placed it in the emerging middle ground between truck and robot.

The Mobile Robot Company ApS is a Danish robotics company founded in November 2024 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. Its first product, the J1600, is a dual-mode self-driving pallet jack made in Denmark. It can be driven manually or sent autonomously to saved locations, carrying loads up to 1,600 kg. Learn more at www.mobilerobot.com.

Emil Hauch Jensen, Co-founder and CEO
The Mobile Robot Company ApShello@mobilerobot.com | +45 88 10 90 12

Media Release Tuesday, 4 August 2026 Historic Bitton Railway Station Hosts Free Vintage Cycling Event

Bitton and Oldland Cycling Club and Avon Valley Railway are delighted to announce a "Grand Vintage Potter" for cyclists as part of the Festival of Transport at Bitton Station, on the 26th and 27th of September 2026

 Highlights include exhibitions of vintage cycles and cycling from Penny Farthing Bike Tour Bath, Solent Veteran Bicycle Club and the Veteran-Cycle Club. Along, of course, with several splendiferous heritage railway engines and the sensual delights of some beautiful examples of automobile artistry. 

While the festival atmosphere will span the entire weekend, Saturday is set to be the premier day for cycling enthusiasts to gather. The highlight of Saturday’s shenanigans is a dignified, one-hour "spirited potter" starting at 2 pm on Saturday 26th.

Participants will cycle from Bitton Station along the Bristol and Bath Railway Path towards Bath, turning back at Saltford Bridge or at a safe spot of their choosing. The organisers are expecting a wide variety of "iron steeds," ranging from historic penny-farthings and Victorian safety bicycles to modern carbon, folding and electric bikes. And, as this is a social parade with an emphasis on coffee and cake consumption not competition, the pace will be leisurely, and participants will be reminded that they join the ride entirely at their own risk. The event organisers commented:

Sunday is more for those visitors, exhibitionists and vintage cycle admirers wishing to mingle, chatter and chuckle over suitable refreshment and repast. Visitors are encouraged to embrace the theme by wearing period-appropriate attire. Rational dress, knickerbockers, bonnets, blazers, capes, and caps, etc are very welcome but not de rigueur.

Tickets are free! Those wishing to join the merriment can find more information and book tickets through the Eventbrite platform For more info, insight and inspiration Contact:Steve Cox, Chair, Bitton and Oldland Cycling Club chair@bittonandoldlandcc.com 07795247160

Links:Organisers

Bitton and Oldland Cycling Club bittonandoldlandcc.com

Avon Valley Railway https://www.avonvalleyrailway.org/Exhibitors

Penny Farthing Bath Tour https://www.airbnb.co.uk/experiences/1899171?

Solent Veteran Bicycle & Tricycle Club https://svbtc.uk/

Veteran-Cycle Club https://v-cc.org.uk/Tickets: 

For cyclists

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/vintage-cycling-at-the-festival-of-transport-at-bitton-station-26-27926-tickets-1986799932080

For esteemed visitors wishing to ride a locomotive https://www.avonvalleyrailway.org/events/festival-of-transport/

Photos attached

Image credits 

Betti Bhandari/Penny Farthing Bath 

Solent Veteran Bicycle and Tricycle Club

The Veteran-Cycling Club

UK SMEs risk losing billions in government and corporate contracts because they cannot evidence responsible business practices.

Small businesses could gain access to billions of pounds in government contracts over the next three years, but many risk being left behind because they cannot clearly evidence that they operate responsibly.

Frustratingly, most of them already do. The Cabinet Office wants 30 per cent of government procurement spending to go directly to SMEs by 2027/28, an opportunity expected to be worth more than £7.4 billion a year, while larger corporations are increasingly demanding the same evidence from the smaller businesses in their supply chains.

For many SMEs, trying to understand what is required and how to prove it has become a minefield of confusion, cost and frustration. Business owners do not want to become compliance experts. They want to get on with running and growing their business.

The UK SME Responsible Business Association (UKRBA) was created to remove that burden.

Kevin Turner, Founder and Chief Executive of UKRBA, said:

“Too many SMEs are leaving money on the table as procurement increasingly demands evidence, not good intentions. Most SMEs are already doing many of the right things. They support their communities, look after their employees and try to operate responsibly. The problem is that they are not always recording it or presenting it in a way that buyers want to recognise and verify.”

“We saw businesses wasting time and money. So, we fixed the problem. UKRBA does the work for them, leaving business owners free to get on with running and growing their business.”

“Good intentions do not win contracts. Evidence does.”

UKRBA.org helps SMEs put the evidence in place through documented policies, verification, accreditation, ESG and CSR reporting, social impact measurement and ongoing support.

Each accredited member also helps fund 24 meals every month through The Felix Project for people facing food poverty in the UK, turning responsible business commitments into a direct and measurable social impact.

The service gives smaller businesses a practical way to meet growing procurement expectations without hiring consultants, building an internal compliance team or trying to piece everything together themselves.

For more information, visit www.ukrba.org.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Key facts and sources

About UKRBA

The UK SME Responsible Business Association (UKRBA) is a national membership organisation helping small and medium-sized businesses evidence responsible business practices, offering a practical framework covering documented policies, verification and accreditation, ESG and CSR reporting, and social impact measurement. It is supported by a network of Regional Directors across the UK. Founded in [year] by Kevin Turner, [one line of relevant background].

Media Contact

Kevin Turner, Founder & Chief Executive
UK SME Responsible Business Association (UKRBA)
Email: support@ukrba.org | Tel: [phone number]

Kevin Turner is available for interview and comment on SME procurement, social value and responsible business. Photography available on request.

London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children Celebrates 98th Summer Outing with 4th Trip to Hertfordshire Zoo

LONDON, UK  The London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children (LTCFC) has completed its historic 98th annual summer outing, taking a convoy of London taxis to Hertfordshire Zoo for the fourth consecutive year.

Over the last four years, the annual trip to Hertfordshire Zoo has taken nearly 1,000 London school children predominantly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) on a day out tailored entirely to them.

Organising trips for children with complex needs can be an overwhelming hurdle for parents. By providing stress-free transport and coordination at the venue alongside classmates and families, the charity aims to create memories that the children and their families will look back on for the rest of their lives.

Mark Wiltshire, a contact from one of the participating schools, shared feedback on the day:

"Our children had a fabulous time at Hertfordshire Zoo! The event was well-organised, inclusive and run with tireless enthusiasm. The greatest care was taken with pupil's safety and wellbeing. Our driver really looked after us and gave us a superb, smooth ride."

Highlights from the children on the day included:

The LTCFC extends its gratitude to the sponsors, volunteers, and partners on its 2026 Roll of Honour who made the operation possible:

Planning is already underway for summer 2027.

Funded entirely by voluntary donations and run by volunteer London cab drivers, the LTCFC provides free outings, entertainment, and equipment for children with special educational needs, disabilities, or disadvantaged backgrounds

- ENDS -

MIAMI, FLORIDA, 20 July 2026

Marquis Holdings has published the inaugural edition of Marquis Quarterly, its periodic research and perspective publication examining the physical foundations of economic growth.

The Q2 2026 edition, Bulk Commodities and the Growth Imperative, considers why steel, aluminium, energy and infrastructure remain central to productive capacity, economic development and rising living standards.

The publication presents a positive but disciplined outlook. It argues that global growth continues to require investment in power, transport, housing, industrial capacity and resilient infrastructure. These systems depend on the availability of bulk commodities and on the ability to finance, construct and operate major projects through economic and commodity cycles.

The paper draws on current forecasts from the World Bank, World Steel Association and International Energy Agency. The World Bank forecasts its metals and minerals price index to rise 17 percent in 2026. Worldsteel forecasts global steel demand of 1,724 million tonnes in 2026 and 1,762 million tonnes in 2027, with African steel demand growth forecast at 3.8 percent in 2026 and 4.6 percent in 2027. The International Energy Agency forecasts global electricity demand growth of 3.7 percent in 2026.

The publication also examines the potential contribution of responsible resource development to host nations. Properly structured projects can support employment, skills, fiscal revenue, export earnings and infrastructure that serves the wider economy. These outcomes require commercial discipline, stable partnerships, effective governance and integrated infrastructure.

Marquis Holdings said: “Economic growth has a physical foundation. It depends on reliable power, transport, industrial capacity and the materials from which those systems are built. Our focus is on assets and infrastructure that can endure while contributing to the productive capacity of host nations.”Read and download Marquis Quarterly Q2 2026:

https://www.marquishq.com/quarterly/q2-2026.html

Read the full paper online:

https://www.marquishq.com/insights/bulk-commodities-growth.html

ABOUT MARQUIS HOLDINGS

Marquis Holdings is the public brand of Marquis Group Holdings LLC, a private investment platform focused on major resource, energy and infrastructure opportunities across Africa, Latin America and Australia. Marquis invests with a long term ownership horizon and builds the capital structures, operating capability and infrastructure required to support major assets through cycles.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Marquis Holdings

media@marquishq.com

https://www.marquishq.com

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This announcement and the publication are provided for general information only. They do not constitute investment advice, an offer or a solicitation. Full terms are available at:

https://www.marquishq.com/disclaimer.html

It just became easier for travelers to buy Japanese rail tickets

Today, JRPass.com announced the launch of individual Tōkaidō Shinkansen ticket sales. The UK-based online ticketing platform has helped Western travellers navigate Japan by rail for seventeen years. With this launch, and through a partnership with JR Tokai Tours, the travel agency subsidiary of JR Central, JRPass.com becomes the first authorised company based outside of Japan and with no office in Japan to sell city-to-city Shinkansen tickets directly to international customers.

The service launches with two of Japan's most-travelled routes on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen: Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Kyoto. One-way tickets start from 16,500–17,000 yen (approximately $102-106 USD), depending on the exchange rate at booking. Tickets are issued digitally as QR codes, allowing travellers to head straight to the gate without needing to collect a physical ticket or queue for pickup.

Solving a Real Problem for International Travellers

As the price of a Japan Rail Pass has changed in recent years, some travellers making shorter intercity journeys may find a pass isn’t the best fit. JRPass’s individual ticket option addresses this directly, giving customers the choice to book only the routes they plan to take.

At launch, tickets can be booked up to 30 days in advance, with plans to extend the booking window to 180 days, subject to system rollout. Customers receive their ticket as a QR code, which serves as their boarding pass for the day of travel.

“Japan's railways are one of the great travel experiences in the world, and the Shinkansen is at the heart of that. We at JRPass.com have spent seventeen years making Japan by rail accessible to Western travellers, and this is the moment that work has been building toward. Being the first Western company based outside Japan to sell individual Shinkansen tickets through a partnership with JR Tokai Tours is something we don't take for granted. It means our customers can now book with the flexibility they need and the confidence they expect from us. We're genuinely proud to be doing this in partnership with JR Central.”

— Haroun Khan, Founder, JRPass

Partnership with JR Tokai Tours

JR Tokai Tours is the travel agency subsidiary of JR Central (Central Japan Railway Company), the operator of the Tōkaidō Shinkansen, the world's busiest high-speed rail line, connecting Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka. Through a partnership with JR Tokai Tours, an official supplier of Tōkaidō Shinkansen QR tickets, JRPass.com has become the first authorised overseas retailer of these tickets. This collaboration enables international travellers to conveniently purchase city-to-city Shinkansen tickets directly through JRPass.com.

JR Tokai Tours:

“JR Tokai Tours is a member of the JR Central Group and provides travel products featuring the Tokaido Shinkansen. Through its integration with JR Central’s EX reservation system, it enables a fully digital booking experience, including QR-based ticket issuance, delivering a highly convenient travel experience for customers.

We are delighted to have signed a sales agreement with JRPass.com, making it the first company based outside Japan authorized to sell Tokaido Shinkansen QR tickets. Through this partnership with a company that has extensive sales experience, we aim to make Shinkansen travel more accessible and convenient for international visitors.”

— Masaya Sugiura, CEO, JR Tokai Tours

How it works

Customers book their Shinkansen ticket through JRPass.com in a simple, guided online flow, selecting their route, travel date, and preferred seat. Key details at launch:

On the day of travel, customers present their QR code at the Shinkansen gate by scanning it at gates marked with the yellow “QR” symbol, then keep the printed Seat Information slip (car + seat number) and scan the same QR code again to exit. You can find images of the Shinkansen and QR codes here, provided by JR Tokai Tours.

Availability

Individual Shinkansen tickets will be available to purchase at JRPass.com. The service is open to passengers travelling on the Tokaido Shinkansen.

— ENDS —

Notes to Editors

About JRPass.com: JRPass.com is a UK-based online seller of Japan rail products, founded in 2008. The company has sold Japan Rail Passes to customers in over 100 countries and holds an independent customer satisfaction rating of over 99%. JRPass.com is an authorised retailer of the Japan Rail Pass and, from 13th July, the first Western company official seller of individual Shinkansen tickets through a partnership with JR Tokai Tours.

About JRTokai Tours: JR Tokai Tours is a travel agency of subsidiary of JR Central that provides travel products and tourism content centered on the Tokaido Shinkansen. Through its integration with JR Central’s EX reservation system, it enables a fully digital booking experience, including QR-based ticket issuance, delivering a highly convenient travel experience for customers.

New study analyzes EV purchase prices and market trends in Germany, Europe's largest car market

(Berlin) July 20, 2026 – In Europe's largest automotive market, battery electric cars became about 18 percent cheaper in real terms between 2020 and 2025, even as average prices appeared to rise as a result of a changing model mix. Meanwhile, the number of electric models available on the market has more than quadrupled.

That is the finding of a new joint study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI, covering the German market as a key indicator of broader European trends. The study draws on more than 100,000 individual data points across six vehicle segments, from small to luxury cars.

“Our results show that the market for electric cars has evolved significantly in recent years. Today, these vehicles offer, on average, longer ranges and more engine power, while the actual prices of comparable models have fallen. This a clear indicator of where Europe’s automotive market is headed,” said Peter Mock, Europe Managing Director at the ICCT.

Read the full press release, including additional findings on battery prices and model availability, at https://theicct.org/pr-battery-electric-vehicle-prices-fell-18-percent-and-model-choice-quadrupled-between-2020-and-2025/

Publication details

Title: Price and market trends of battery electric and internal combustion engine vehicles in Germany, 2020 to 2025

Authors:

Patrick Plötz, Steffen Link (Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI)

Kyle Morrison, Uwe Tietge, Eyal Li, Peter Mock (International Council on Clean Transportation, ICCT)

Please use this link to cite the study: theicct.org/publication/price-and-market-trends-of-battery-electric-and-internal-combustion-engine-vehicles-in-germany-2020-2025-jul26

Media contact

Sophie Ehmsen (ICCT)Communications Specialistcommunications@theicct.org

Plymouth, UK – 16th July 2026 – For many business owners, referrals are considered the gold standard of business development. They arrive with trust already established, often convert more quickly than cold enquiries and are widely seen as evidence that a business is delivering exceptional work.

Yet an increasing number of business leaders are questioning whether referrals alone are sufficient to support sustainable growth.

Dean Seddon, Founder of Maverrik, believes many successful businesses have become what he calls "referral dependent", a position in which recommendations are no longer simply welcomed but have become the primary source of new business.

"Referral dependency isn't about receiving referrals," said Dean.

"Every business should aspire to earn them. The issue is when referrals become your only reliable source of new clients. At that point, you're placing one of the most important parts of your business, client acquisition, outside of your control."

According to Dean, referral dependency often develops gradually.

Businesses build strong reputations, deliver excellent results and naturally begin receiving recommendations from satisfied clients. As referrals increase, marketing activity slows, business development becomes less consistent and proactive lead generation receives less attention because new work continues to arrive.

For many businesses, this approach appears to work well until market conditions change.

Economic uncertainty, changing buying behaviour, staff turnover within client organisations or the loss of a key referrer can all reduce the flow of recommendations. Businesses that have relied predominantly on referrals often find themselves without a predictable way of replacing that lost pipeline.

"It's rarely something business owners notice while they're busy," explained Dean.

"In fact, referral dependency often disguises itself as success. When work is flowing, there's no obvious reason to invest time building another route to market. The vulnerability only becomes visible when referrals become less predictable."

Dean believes the issue is particularly relevant for the UK's growing community of expert-led businesses, including consultants, executive coaches, advisers, technology specialists and professional service firms.

As digital technology has made it easier to work with organisations anywhere in the world, the opportunity to export British expertise has grown significantly. However, businesses looking to expand internationally often discover that referral networks become less effective outside their existing markets.

"A referral network is naturally strongest where you've already built relationships," said Dean.

"If your ambition is to win clients nationally or internationally, referrals become increasingly difficult to rely upon as your only growth strategy. That's where businesses need predictable client acquisition systems that create opportunities regardless of where those opportunities come from."

While referrals remain one of the most valuable indicators of trust, Dean argues they should be viewed as one component of a broader growth strategy rather than the strategy itself.

He believes businesses should regularly assess how dependent they have become on recommendations by asking a simple question:

If referrals stopped tomorrow, where would your next client come from?

For organisations able to answer that question confidently, referrals become an additional source of opportunity.

For those who cannot, referral dependency may already be limiting future growth.

As more businesses seek sustainable ways to generate predictable revenue, Dean believes referral dependency is likely to become an increasingly important conversation within the UK's business community.

"The objective isn't to replace referrals," he said.

"It's to reduce dependency on them. The strongest businesses don't stop receiving referrals; they simply make sure they have other ways of creating opportunities as well."

Maverrik recently launched the Build Beyond Referrals One-Day Intensive, a practical workshop designed to help expert-led businesses develop structured client acquisition systems that work alongside referrals, enabling more consistent growth and reducing reliance on word-of-mouth alone.

More information is available at www.buildbeyondreferrals.com.

Organic Waste Solutions is processing an estimated 9,000 tonnes of household food waste per year from Durham County Council, converting county-wide collections into renewable energy and agricultural bio-fertiliser.

Durham County Council has started household food waste collections across the county, with around half of the material being processed by Organic Waste Solutions at the Wardley Anaerobic Digestion facility on the outskirts of Gateshead. The estimated 9,000 tonnes of food waste collected annually is being converted into enough renewable energy to help fuel up to 10,000 North East homes, waste that would otherwise have gone to an Energy from Waste facility.

The partnership follows the introduction of legislation requiring all English local authorities to provide food waste collection services to their households. Durham County Council is among the first councils in the region to begin collections under the new duty, with them now underway county-wide.

Food waste collected from County Durham residents is transported to the Wardley facility, where anaerobic digestion breaks down organic material to produce two outputs: biogas, which is injected directly into the National Grid as a renewable energy source; and digestate, a nutrient-rich bio-fertiliser applied to agricultural land to grow future crops. The result is a complete circular economy loop with food waste being returned to the food chain.

“Durham County Council has been a committed partner throughout this process, and it’s great to see collections now underway across the county. The Wardley facility is well-placed to handle this volume, and what the figures show is the genuine scale of what becomes possible when local authorities treat food waste as a resource rather than a disposal problem.”

- Harry Tomlinson, Commercial Manager, Organic Waste Solutions

Cllr Kyle Genner, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods, environment and police relations, said: “Following the government’s introduction of the food waste recycling scheme, we are working hard to implement the service across the county. This partnership will support our growing demand for energy and bring tangible benefit to our economy and farmers. We’re always on the lookout for great partnerships to help us deliver for residents, and we’re hopeful that’s what this partnership will prove to be.”

The Wardley facility’s capacity to process and convert food waste at this scale positions Organic Waste Solutions as a key partner for local authorities across the North East as the new statutory collections duty takes effect nationwide.

09 July 2026 (Sydney, Australia) - Productivity collapse, weak innovation and growing geopolitical instability threaten Australia’s future prosperity.

Australia risks squandering its economic advantages unless business leaders, policymakers and boards confront the growing productivity crisis and rapidly changing global environment, according to a new book by Kearney ANZ Chairman Adam Dixon and the firm’s Australian partner team.

In Australia: A Lighthouse in the Global Storm – The CEO Imperative, Dixon argues that while Australia remains a “privileged nation”, the foundations of future growth are weakening. Slowing productivity growth, declining innovation investment, increasing geopolitical fragmentation and the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence are creating structural challenges that cannot be ignored.

The book contends that Australia's prosperity can no longer rely on natural advantages alone.

"Australia is one of the world’s most prosperous and stable nations – rich in resources, strong in institutions, and globally respected,” Dixon said.

“But advantage must be persistently earned in a world of accelerating technological change, rising geopolitical tension, and intensifying competition."

Drawing on Kearney's global experience advising governments and leading corporations, the book identifies five transformational forces that will shape Australia's economic future:

Leadership in a time of moral confusion

The urgent need to improve national productivity

The impact of artificial intelligence on organisations and society

Building more resilient supply chains in an increasingly fragmented world

Rolling back Agile across corporate Australia

The book argues that business leaders must take a more active role in strengthening Australia's longterm competitiveness.

"Every CEO, board and sector has a role to play," Dixon said. “We are entering a more volatile era: geopolitically, technologically, economically and socially. The instinct is to hunker down, play it safe or wait for clearer skies. But history tells us: storms do not reward timidity. They reward preparedness, principle and courage. The leaders who steer into challenge who move towards the hard things – are those who emerge stronger on the other side. This book is written for those leaders.”

Below are just some of the book's key findings:

Global management consultancy Kearney is this year celebrating "100 years of impact," and its latest publication reflects that legacy of forward-looking business thinking. While the book highlights significant risks, it ultimately presents an optimistic vision for Australia's future – described as "a practical manifesto for CEOs, Chairs and business leaders in a defining era."

The book also deep dives into seven of Australia’s most important sectors. Sectors that play an essential role in our society - telecommunications, financial services, natural resources, consumer goods, retail, logistics and defence.

Timely, provocative and solutions-focused, Australia A Lighthouse in the Global Storm - The CEO Imperative challenges business leaders to confront uncomfortable truths about Australia's future competitiveness while providing a practical framework for action.

Advance Praise

“This is essential reading for every CEO in Australia. It is bold, practical, and grounded in the many realities we face — from lagging productivity to the transformative impact of artificial intelligence. If we want Australia to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world, as business leaders, we must be willing to lead — not just manage. This book provides a thoughtful and timely starting point and reminder.”

David Thodey AO – Australian Business Leader

“This book is a must read for anyone who wants to understand key aspects of the Australian story - where we have been, where we are today and what we face going forward. It brings a clarion focus on challenges and opportunities, together with critical choices we must make to today to shape our share future.”

The Honourable Kelly O'Dwyer, Former Assistant Treasurer of Australia.

“As Australia faces a veritable ‘sea of troubles’, it would be easy for CEOs to focus narrowly on the future of their own businesses. This book is a clarion call for CEOs to step up and lead, not just their own businesses but the business community more broadly. It is an engaging and stimulating take on Australia’s prospects and how CEOs might play their part in leading the nation through stormy waters.

Emeritus Professor Ian Harper AO, Member of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s Monetary Policy Board and Member of Kearney’s ANZ Advisory Group.

“A thought provoking, insightful and challenging assessment of the issues facing Australian businesses and a call to action for every Board and CEO in the country.”

Robert Nason, Former Senior Executive Tabcorp, Telstra, Former Chairman Foxtel, Former Board Member and CEO of Maxis Communications (Malaysia).

About the author

The lead author Adam Dixon is a Senior Partner at Kearney and Chairman of its Australia and New

Zealand business. With more than two decades at the firm, Adam has built a reputation as one of Australia's most trusted advisors to C-suite leaders navigating transformation, strategy, and growth. He is based in Sydney.

About Kearney

For 100 years, Kearney has been a leading management consulting firm and trusted partner to threequarters of the Fortune Global 500 and governments around the world. With a presence across more than 40 countries, our people make us who we are. We work impact first, tackling your toughest challenges with original thinking and a commitment to making change happen together. By your side, we deliver - value, results, impact.

To learn more about Kearney, please visit www.kearney.com.

Media contact:

Sandpiper on behalf of Kearney

kearney@sandpipercomms.com

Published by LID Publishing on 16 July 2026.

Available in hardcover and e-book: ISBN: 9781917391696

Priced $49.99 AUD/ £19.99 GBP

GREATER MANCHESTER, UK. If your business has shipped commercial goods across the UK in the last ten years, there is a high probability that your delivery was quietly handled by an independent operator like Avango Couriers. You just didn’t know it.

For years, Avango - alongside a network of other 'secret' independent courier services - has been trusted implicitly by the UK's largest logistics brands to fulfil high-priority B2B contracts behind the scenes. Now, following twelve months of development on their own software and six months of successful live testing, the Greater Manchester-based transport specialist is stepping out of the shadows.

The Avango Couriers Delivery Management System (DMS) is a sophisticated SaaS platform designed to cut out corporate middle-men and connect commercial clients directly with the independent operators who actually do the work.

Under the traditional logistics model, major courier brands secure corporate contracts, only to quietly auction those jobs off via private digital "load boards" to smaller, independent operators.

"The public sees a famous logo, but behind the scenes, the job is frequently sold to the lowest bidder in a reverse-auction system," says Stuart Drinkwater, Founder and Managing Director of Avango Couriers. "The major players pocket a massive, hidden margin simply for acting as an intermediary. We know this because Avango has been the company on the receiving end of many sub-contract bookings for years. The Avango DMS changes that dynamic completely, passing control and substantial savings back to the businesses moving the goods."

Avango’s new platform solves sub-contracting anonymity by giving the customer total visibility over the identity of the driver collecting and delivering their goods, backed by a strict Digital ID Security Protocol.

As part of this new level of control, customers are able to shortlist the specific independent drivers they like working with, as well as block the ones they do not.

When a delivery is claimed by a vetted driver, the client receives a secure digital credential displaying the driver’s verified name, headshot, and photos of the specific vehicle and registration number. Clients are actively instructed to withhold freight if the arriving asset or driver does not match the system profile.

Avango’s disruptive tech is backed by its sister platform, Couriers TV, a popular information service dedicated to championing the independent driving community.

Rather than just sourcing drivers, Avango uses Couriers TV to actively mentor rookie couriers, helping them learn the ropes of delivery work and scale their businesses. The platform serves as a vital hub, connecting independent operators with the essential industry products, specialized insurance, and business services they need to run a successful, compliant courier operation.

"We don't just want to offer drivers work; we want to help them succeed long-term," Drinkwater commented.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LONDON CABBIES TO FORM SPECTACULAR 68 TAXI CONVOY FOR CHARITY ZOO OUTING FOR SEND AND DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN

LONDON, UK –

On Wednesday 8th July 2026, the iconic sights of London will be treated to a heartwarming spectacle as a convoy of 68 traditional London licensed taxis takes to the roads for the annual London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children outing to Hertfordshire Zoo.

Driven entirely by volunteer London cabbies who are giving up their time and normal trade, the convoy will bring together children aged 4 to 11 from a diverse range of backgrounds, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged backgrounds, for a magical, much-needed day out.

08:30 AM – The Gathering & Arrival: Children and families begin arriving at Asda Isle of Dogs. This is a fantastic window for vibrant, high-energy photos as the kids see the line-up of 68 iconic cabs and get ready for the day. Interviews with volunteer drivers, organisers, and families are available here.

09:30 AM – The Grand Departure: The spectacular sight of the 68-taxi convoy setting off from Asda Isle of Dogs, waving goodbye to London.

11:00 AM – The Zoo Arrival: The convoy arrives in style at Hertfordshire Zoo, greeting the zoo staff and animals.

16:00 PM – The Farewell: The convoy departs Hertfordshire Zoo to head back to the capital, arriving back in London for approximately 17:00 PM.

The Best-Dressed Taxi Competition: Many of the 68 iconic London cabs will be specially decorated for the occasion, with drivers competing for the coveted "Best-Dressed Taxi" title. Expect a vibrant, colourful display perfect for video and photography.

All-Expenses-Paid Magic: To ensure the children and their hard-working carers, teachers, and drivers can purely focus on fun, the charity is providing everyone with a completely all-inclusive day out—including complimentary lunch, refreshments, ice cream, mini-golf, and unlimited rides on the Hertfordshire Zoo train.

The London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children is a fiercely proud, personal, and hands-on charity run entirely by volunteers. For generations, London's legendary cabdrivers have fundraised and organised these special outings for nearly 100 years!, providing unforgettable experiences and lasting memories for children who face daily challenges.

Claire Zazzara, PR and Social Media Officer for the charity, said:

"There is nothing quite like the sight of dozens of traditional London cabs driving together to bring pure joy to these incredible children. Our drivers do this out of love, volunteering their time to make sure these kids get a day out they'll never forget. Seeing the smiles on their faces when the convoy moves out makes every single mile worth it."

Members of the press are warmly invited to attend the departure point at Asda Isle of Dogs or meet the convoy at Hertfordshire Zoo. Interviews and filming opportunities can be fully accommodated on-site.

### ENDS ###

Media Contact:

Name: Claire Zazzara (PR and Social Media Officer)

Phone: 07944 959 924 / 07956 612 307

Website: www.ltcfc.org.uk

The London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children is funded entirely by donations and run by volunteer London taxi drivers to provide outings and specialised equipment for special needs and disadvantaged children.

Event Details: Wednesday 8th July 2026.

Departure Point: Asda Isle of Dogs, London, E14 3YS.

Destination: Hertfordshire Zoo, Broxbourne, EN10 7QA.

Drivers across Cardiff are some of the safest in the UK, according to claims and accident data from Marshmallow Car Insurance.

The affordable car insurance company analysed over 500,000 data points covering claims made, accidents, police attendance to accidents, and the seriousness of accidents to find which postcode area had the highest safety score.

It found that drivers in both Wales and Scotland scored highly for safety compared to their English counterparts, with Cardiff, Aberdeen and Motherwell taking three of the top four places.

The 10 postcode areas with the highest safety score are:

Marshmallow, which provides affordable car insurance, analysed 69 postcode areas, covering hundreds of thousands of policies, tens of thousands of accident claims and more than 50,000 publicly available road collision data points.

They then looked at both claim rate per 1,000 policies and police collision rate and serious/fatal collision rate per 1,000 cars owned.

Visit www.marshmallow.com/safe-driver-index to see our interactive map with the top ten areas.

Oliver Kent-Braham, Co-CEO at Marshmallow said: “Cardiff topping the Safe Driver Index shows why it’s important to look beyond raw accident totals.

“Larger towns and cities naturally have more drivers and more collisions overall, so adjusting the data helps give a fairer comparison between postcode areas.

“By looking at claim rates alongside collision rates adjusted for local car ownership, we can get a clearer picture of where drivers appear to be performing most safely.

“At Marshmallow, we recognise and reward safe drivers, wherever they’re from. That’s why we consider driving history and proof of claim-free driving from anywhere in the world. Plus with Marshmallow Move, our telematics car insurance, drivers can get a low price up front and get feedback on their driving to stay safe on the road.

We’re also moving beyond car insurance to help customers with car finance and home insurance, with more products to come soon.”

Scottish postcode areas performed strongly in Marshmallow’s analysis, with Aberdeen and Motherwell ranking second and third overall.

Aberdeen recorded a safety score of 96.5, while Motherwell scored 94.1, putting both ahead of most English postcode areas included in the study.

Across the regions analysed, Scotland recorded the highest average safety score, with an average of 95.3. This was followed by Wales with a score of 80.3. London had the lowest average safety score, at 30.5.

Regional averages are based on postcode areas included in Marshmallow’s analysed dataset.

Sustain360° and K2 Consulting Partners have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), formalising a strategic partnership to deliver integrated supply chain intelligence, climate resilience, and transformation solutions for clients across multiple sectors and geographies.

The partnership combines Sustain360°’s advanced data and platform capabilities with K2 Consulting Partners’ proven expertise in complex operational and organisational transformation. Together, the organisations will help clients anticipate disruption, strengthen compliance, reduce risk, and build resilient, sustainable operating models that can withstand increasing regulatory, environmental, and geopolitical pressures.

The partnership will focus on joint business development, knowledge exchange, and integrated market engagement. Initial offerings will support organisations in mapping supply‑chain risk, meeting emerging regulatory requirements, and building climate‑resilient operating models.

Both organisations share a commitment to helping clients build responsible, future‑ready operations through the combination of technology, insight, and execution excellence.

About Sustain360°

Sustain360° is an AI-powered Supply Chain Intelligence platform that helps organizations map complex supplier networks, identify geopolitical, climate, and sourcing risks, and quantify their financial impact, enabling more resilient and sustainable supply chains.

About K2 Consulting Partners

K2 Consulting Partners is a global business and IT consulting firm with over a decade of client success and zero programme failures. The firm delivers advisory and implementation services through its proprietary K2DF delivery framework, combining deep industry expertise with a client-centric approach.

Press Release 29.6.2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday 29 June 2026

Fuel Pump AdNozzles Campaign Launches Across Three West Country Stations to Humanise People on Bikes

- Grassroots pilot launches targeted fuel pump advertising at three select forecourts in Willsbridge, Bristol and Bath to bridge the social divide.

- hook: "Over 39% of local motorists surveyed admit they feel unsure or neutral about the safest way to pass a person on a bicycle on winding country roads"

BRISTOL, UK – 29 July 2026 – A localized road safety initiative has taken over three select petrol stations across the West Country today, placing powerful reminders of human vulnerability directly into the hands of motorists.

Led by Bitton and Oldland Cycling Club (BOCC) in partnership with the Bristol Cycling Campaign, Bath’s Bicycle Mayor, Walk Ride Bath and the global More than A Cyclist campaign, the 'More Than A Cyclist' (MTAC) West Country Pilot has officially launched a targeted ambient advertising campaign. For the next four weeks, custom-printed 'AdNozzles' will be active across just three strategic regional forecourts: the local Willsbridge garage, one station in Bristol, and one in Bath.

The physical campaign, running until 26 July, features striking 'More Than A Cyclist' split-image portraits displayed directly on the petrol pumps. These visuals juxtapose individuals in their cycling gear alongside their everyday professional and family identities—reminding drivers that the person they are overtaking is a teacher, shopkeeper, partner or parent.

The three-station pilot was informed by a revealing local pre-campaign traffic survey. The data collected from regional road users highlighted a critical vulnerability in motorist confidence: more than 28% of surveyed local drivers admitted they occasionally feel anxious or unsure about the safest way to pass a person on a bicycle on winding country roads.

By utilizing the 2-3 minutes while motorists hold the fuel pump, the campaign aims to replace frustration with empathy, to offer a human reminder of the passing space required by the Highway Code.

"Local motorists aren't looking for conflict—they are looking for clarity," says Steve Cox, Chair of Bitton and Oldland Cycling Club and Local Representative for Cycling UK. "Winding country lanes can be stressful for both drivers and cyclists. By placing powerful images directly onto the fuel pumps at Willsbridge and our two other pilot sites, we are aiming to break down an artificial 'us vs them' barrier. We’re reminding our driving community that people on bikes aren't traffic obstacles; they are vulnerable neighbours, friends and colleagues just trying to get home safely."

The summer pilot acts as a tight, focused blueprint for grassroots safety. The campaign will culminate later this year in a flagship public event in Bristol hosted by a nationally renowned cyclist and author, anchoring a wider conversation on street designs that prioritize human life.

Riders from across the West Country are being encouraged to support the initiative throughout July by photographing the adnozzles in situ at the three locations and sharing them across social platforms tagging @morethanacyclist #iammorethanacyclist to amplify the message.

### QUOTES FOR EDITORIAL USE ###

Quote 1 – Amy, club member, Bitton and Oldland Cycling Club

"I ride my bike to keep fit after an illness, but underneath the helmet, I’m just a local mum, an animal carer, and a fundraiser trying to get home. Please check your mirrors, slow down, and let’s look after each other out there."

Quote 2 – Pete Dyson, Bicycle Mayor, Bath

"The West Country needs a mindset shift in how we share our road spaces. Less toxic rhetoric and more shared humanity is part of a truly safe, liveable and inclusive community of road users. I hope this three-station pilot gives people pause for thought right at the moment they’re out on the road."

Quote 3 - Martyn, club member, Bitton and Oldland Cycling Club

"Squeezing past a cyclist in a dangerous spot to save two seconds on your commute isn't worth a life. Please fall back, be patient, and don't compromise a rider's safety for the sake of impatience."

Quote 4 - Ian Pond, Chairperson, Bristol Cycling Campaign

“This is a great initiative by Bitton and Oldland Cycling Club (BOCC) to not only bring the “More Than A Cyclist” (MTAC) campaign to our region, but also to place it at local petrol stations to directly reach drivers on the road. We fully support the campaign objectives. It's good to be reminded that whilst we all have pressing priorities, the people on bikes, we see, are first and foremost people, who just want to get to work or home to their families safely, the same as all the other users of the road. Let's all ensure that happens."

### ENDS ###

Notes to Editors:

About Bitton and Oldland Cycling Club (BOCC) bittonandoldlandcc.com

Affiliated with Cycling UK, BOCC is a progressive, community-focused cycling club rooted in South Gloucestershire. Reviving an inclusive 1888 ethos, the club prioritises social riding, active travel advocacy and road safety for riders of all abilities aged "8 to 80."

About More Than A Cyclist (MTAC): morethanacyclist.org

More Than A Cyclist is a volunteer-led advocacy campaign dedicated to humanising bicycle users to improve road safety and mutual respect. The Summer 2026 West Country Pilot represents a localized, multi-agency push combining grassroots cycling clubs with city-wide active travel campaigns across three select fuel stations.

Data Source:

Statistical insight drawn from the MTAC West Country Pre-Campaign Local Traffic Survey (June 2026), evaluating regional driver behavior, confidence metrics and attitudinal sentiment regarding multi-modal road usage.

Media Contacts & Asset Pack:

Name: Steve Cox (Chair & Founder, Bitton and Oldland Cycling Club)

Email: chair@bittonandoldlandcc.com

Phone: 07795247160

High-Resolution Imagery:

1. Photographs of the newly installed 'AdNozzles' at the Willsbridge forecourt and other pilot sites.

2. High-res campaign split-image featuring the official 'More Than A Cyclist' artwork.

Further images are available for download here https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1mlqdIF0XcMf9BcbwvZkiB21EayWXaodM

25 June 2026 - London, UK / Shenzhen, China

Parkopedia, the Automotive & Data (A&D) brand of leading global mobility platform Arrive, and BYD Auto, the world's leading manufacturer of new-energy vehicles (EV and PHEV), are collaborating to provide a next-generation in-car parking experience for drivers across Europe. Parkopedia will supply a new mobility solution that enables BYD models to use Parkopedia parking data and in-car payment functionality, making searching and paying for parking from the vehicle seamless for drivers.

The new arrangement will address the weaknesses of some off-the-shelf parking and charging services, by providing easy discovery, notifications and auto-stop, equipping BYD with a setup that is straightforward to integrate but also offers the effortless user experience that drivers demand. Helping to add additional value, BYD cars will also benefit from RingGo parking payment integrations in the UK and EasyPark parking payment availability across Europe, providing even broader coverage.

The service is due to be made available in production BYD vehicles at the start of 2027. While the service initially covers parking data and in-car payments, it is planned to be expanded in future to cover EV charging and tolling payments, and parking reservations, helping to simplify more of the driving experience for motorists. This collaboration enables BYD drivers to benefit from high-quality, accurate Parkopedia parking data and in-car payment functionality, plus a strong, branded user experience, all within the Android Automotive OS (AAOS) environment.

The app will be pre-installed on newer models, including the Denza Z9 GT and BYD Atto 3 Evo, with over-the-air (OTA) updates to add these to older BYD vehicles. When BYD models recognise parking behaviour in supported locations, the system provides an on-screen notification to drivers to inform them that they can pay for parking via ParkPay, powered by Parkopedia. If the driver clicks on the notification, the app will open with the relevant parking area pre-selected, enabling them to start a parking session with just a few clicks. These services will come together as part of a BYD mobility app, which provides broad connected-car functionality within one platform, ensuring that drivers can easily access the services they want, all within one domain.

Highlighting the value of the new service, Duncan Licence, Head of Automotive & Data at Arrive, said: “We are proud to provide BYD with our connected services to ensure that BYD drivers can benefit from seamless in-car experiences. BYD is leading the industry by showing the importance of supporting cutting-edge hardware development with a robust, data-driven in-car driver experience. We look forward to the continued development of the service for additional convenience and added value for BYD drivers.”

Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, added: “BYD is a committed to bringing the finest technologies accessible to as many people as possible, and with our DENZA brand, FLASH Charging and 2nd Generation Blade Battery will remove barriers to electric-vehicle adoption. We're pleased to partner with Parkopedia to provide streamlined in-car parking payments that will further simplify the user experience for our drivers. Innovation plays a significant role in BYD’s products, and this latest ParkPay service forms part of our next-generation connected-car experience.”

ENDS

About Parkopedia

Parkopedia, part of the global mobility platform Arrive, is the world’s leading provider of connected‑car services, trusted by automakers, organisations and millions of drivers. To make cities more livable, Parkopedia helps drivers find and pay for parking, EV charging, fuel and tolls across 90 countries. It is also developing indoor maps that enable end-to-end navigation for drivers and autonomous vehicles without GPS. Visit business.parkopedia.com for more information.

About BYD Auto

Founded in 2003, BYD Auto is the automotive subsidiary of BYD, a multinational high-tech company devoted to leveraging technological innovations for a better life. Aiming to accelerate the green transition of the global transportation sector, BYD Auto focuses on developing pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The company has mastered the core technologies of the entire industrial chain of new energy vehicles, such as batteries, electric motors, electronic controllers, and automotive-grade semiconductors. The company is the world’s first carmaker to stop the production of fossil-fueled vehicles on EV shift and has remained top of new energy passenger vehicle sales in China for 12 years in a row.

Parkopedia Global Media Contact

Christofer Lloyd

PR and Communications Manager

T: +44(0)7762300016

E: christofer.lloyd@parkopedia.com

BYD UK Media Contact

Michael Gale

Head of PR

T: +44(0)7908905678

E: michael.gale@byd.com

Edinburgh, Scotland - June 2026

New research from Studio Graphene, surveying 500 senior decision-makers across UK businesses, found that while over three quarters of UK businesses now use AI tools, only 31% have seen a positive return on their investment. Less than half can even define what success would look like.

But what if that's because they've been told to expect the wrong thing entirely?

"Businesses are expecting AI to generate ROI directly," says Angus Hay, CEO and Founder of Edinburgh-based AI agency Vereus. "That's the wrong expectation entirely. AI doesn't close deals, win clients or grow revenue. But it can free up the people who do - and that's where the real return lives."

The distinction sounds simple. In practice, it changes everything.

Most businesses deploy AI where it's visible and easy to point to: content generation, customer-facing chatbots, sales tools. These feel productive. But they rarely move the needle, because they're not addressing the real drag on performance. The real drag is the hours that skilled, experienced people lose every week to work that is necessary but low-value. Research. Reporting. Administration. Compliance. The work that fills the diary and empties the capacity for the things that actually matter.

AI, deployed correctly, takes that weight off. It gives people back their time, their focus and their energy, and it directs all three toward the activities that genuinely drive business outcomes.

Vereus is deliberate about this. The Edinburgh-based agency describes itself as AI-sceptic: selective about where AI gets deployed and always starting with the business rather than the technology. "We look at where time is being lost, where decisions are being delayed, where talented people are stuck in the weeds," says Hay. "Then we ask whether AI can fix that. Sometimes it can and sometimes it can't. We're very clear on both."

When it does fit, the results are tangible. Vereus has seen an investment firm reduce a six-day intelligence process to under two minutes. A rental company reclaim eleven days of manual reporting work per cycle. A telecoms business shave more than £30,000 per month from expansion costs. In none of these cases did AI directly generate revenue. In every case, it gave people back the capacity to generate far more of it themselves.

The KPMG finding that 65% of UK businesses would continue investing in AI regardless of tangible ROI suggests that, on some level, business leaders already sense this. They know something valuable is there. They just haven't been given the right framework for finding it.

"The question to ask isn't: what will the AI earn?" says Hay. "It's: what will our people be able to do that they couldn't before? When you answer that honestly, the ROI becomes very obvious, very quickly."

London’s recent Underground strikes caused widespread disruption, but new workplace data suggests the impact on office working was less severe than many feared. Proprietary data from Feedr, a leading workplace meals provider, reveals that more than 8 in 10 office workers (83%) still came into the office and ordered lunch as usual during the strike week - significantly higher than industry expectations. This marks a notable surge in workplace resilience compared to the September 2025 strikes, when just 77% of workers made it to their desks.

With a broad footprint across London's corporate sector, Feedr uses real-time workplace food order volumes as a reliable proxy for office attendance. The signal is unusually clean: employees only order through Feedr's Cloud Canteen on days they're physically in the office, so order volumes map directly to who's at their desk. The data shows that while strike days trigger an expected dip, today's offices remain far from empty.

This resilience is being heavily driven by a shift towards multi-modal commuting, as Londoners increasingly turn to active travel alternatives to bypass transport disruptions. CycleSaver, a leading bike-sharing subscription platform, reported a massive 200% increase in applications for smaller subscription minute bundles during the April 2026 tube strike period, indicating that a sizable number of users proactively secured subscriptions in anticipation of the travel disruptions. Furthermore, CycleSaver’s net new subscriptions grew by 80% during the strike period compared to the previous month, reflecting a clear surge in demand as commuters sought alternative options to maintain their office routines.

“We expected Tube strikes to hit much harder than they did. What the data actually shows is a city that's learned to flex around disruption - whether that's changing how people commute, adjusting their office days, or shifting their travel times. The workforce is becoming more and more adaptable.”

- Katie Fenton, Managing Director at Feedr

“Shared city bikes are giving Londoners a genuine, flexible alternative to the London Underground, allowing more people to get into the office even when services are disrupted. The more employees have access to schemes like CycleSaver, the less dependent they become on any single mode of transport. It's a shift that's good for workers, for businesses, and for the long-term health of our cities.”

- Dino Bertolis, Founder and CEO of CycleSaver

The combined findings reflect a broader shift in how London works, pointing to a growing resilience among the workforce as hybrid working patterns and increased flexibility help businesses adapt more effectively to disruption. Compared to pre-pandemic patterns - when transport strikes frequently led to sharp drops in office attendance - today’s hybrid model and flexible transport options are acting as a “shock absorber”, heavily reducing the overall impact on businesses.

Feedr’s data also highlights the crucial role of evolving workplace strategies in maintaining attendance levels. Companies offering enhanced in-office experiences such as high quality office catering, subsidised lunches or cycling initiatives appear to be significantly better positioned to encourage employees into the office, even during periods of transit disruption.

"Employers who invest in the workplace experience are seeing the benefits in moments like this," Fenton added. "When coming into the office feels worthwhile, employees are more willing to navigate the inconvenience."

About Feedr

Feedr is a leading corporate catering platform helping businesses deliver flexible catering and employee lunch benefits for modern, hybrid teams. Feedr works with hundreds of UK workplaces, connecting them to high-quality, diverse food suppliers while giving employers full control over spend and employee experience.

For more information about Feedr visit: Feedr Website.

About CycleSaver

CycleSaver is the UK’s first cycle to work scheme for bike share, helping businesses offer their employees access to shared city bike subscriptions for less via salary sacrifice. CycleSaver partners with all major UK bike share providers - including Lime, Forest, Beryl, Voi, Santander Cycles and Dott - giving employees savings of up to 47% on their subscriptions, at no cost to the employer.

For more information about CycleSaver visit: CycleSaver Website

Ministers must adapt devolution plans beyond a uniform Greater Manchester style metro-mayoral model to help those parts of England without strategic powers quickly catch up and deliver local growth opportunities, a new report from the independent think-tank Localis has advised.

In a report published today entitled “Everything in its right place: establishing strong organisations and practices for successful devolution”, developed in partnership and sponsored by Local Partnerships, Localis argues that policy frameworks for devolution in England should more closely match individual local economic contexts, with failure to do so risking the deepening of regional imbalances and surrendering local economic control to Whitehall.

However, in the context of local government reorganisation (LGR), which is leading to the creation of new unitary councils, the authors argue responsibilities between strategic authorities and local authorities must be finalised before the dust settles on the process – so as to fix which functions should be held regionally and strategically or remain closer to neighbourhoods.

The study also recommends the benefit of adopting a universal fiscal devolution roadmap for all emerging strategic authorities, not just the established mayoral strategic authorities, and signposts avenues for exploring further reform - including greater devolution of revenue-raising powers to levies such as income tax or VAT.

And in order to drive local public service reforms across regions, the paper recommends that strategic authorities should use their convening power to support whole-place, prevention-first delivery in the use of strategic scale to align councils, ICBs, transport bodies, and other local partners.

Among the key recommendations in the ‘Everything in its right place’ report, Localis calls for:

Localis senior researcher, Sandy Forsyth, said: “The continued prioritisation of more mature, ‘established’ authorities, the traditional deal-first approach, and top-down control from Whitehall may stifle genuine regional autonomy and reaffirm existing asymmetries in regional development.

“However, at this crucial moment in time strategic authorities can, and should, be provided with the means to develop strong foundations that can respond to their own, unique place contexts.

“‘Everything in its right place’ argues for stronger scrutiny and accountability processes for strategic authorities, including a minimum national standard for scrutiny, so that they might have the trust and confidence of their peers, communities, and government in order to make a success of devolution.

“The report also offers a routemap for a new iteration of devolution that accounts for the inherent asymmetries of place to which strategic authorities both old and new must respond, providing a method to temper the present variability in policy that might otherwise leave its mark on the local government sector.”

Adele Gritten, chief executive, Local Partnerships, said: “Devolution is entering a new phase, with combined authorities playing a vital role in driving growth in their regions. This report makes clear that a more place-based approach is needed, one that reflects local areas rather than relying on a single model for all regions. 

"With the right foundations and support, combined authorities are well placed to turn ambition into real outcomes for their communities and economies.

“Local Partnerships works across the public sector to help make that happen in practice – strengthening capability, navigating complexity, and ensuring devolved powers translate into delivery on the ground and positive outcomes for communities.”

END

Press enquiries:

Jonathan Werran, chief executive, Localis

(Telephone)  0870 448 1530 / (Mobile) 07967 100328 / (Email) jonathan.werran@localis.org.uk

Notes to Editors:

Localis is an independent think-tank dedicated to issues related to politics, public service reform and localism. We carry out innovative research, hold events and facilitate an ever-growing network of members to stimulate and challenge the current orthodoxy of the governance of the UK.

www.localis.org.uk

‘X’ @Localis

Local Partnerships is an in-house public sector consultancy jointly owned by the LGA, HM Treasury and Welsh Government. We work solely for central government departments, the Welsh Government, councils and combined authorities.

Local Partnerships delivers value and efficacy for the public purse. As a key interface between local and central government, we provide expert advice and practical resources alongside project and programme delivery support, enabling public services to thrive.

Whether supporting and accelerating the delivery of major infrastructure, tackling climate challenges through waste efficiency and renewable energy propositions through to wider place-making initiatives, we help transform services across the public sector ecosystem.

Recommendations

National policy for the successful development of strategic authorities

Building the right environment for devolution

Strengthening the remit of strategic authority scrutiny

Strategic authority best practice

Building strong foundations

Working across place

Supporting effective scrutiny

28 May 2026 - London, UK

Parkopedia, the leading connected-car services provider and part of Arrive, has enhanced its EV charging data offering to enable OEMs to provide EV drivers with an improved charging experience by highlighting charger reliability and availability. By introducing high-fidelity reliability and utilisation datasets, Parkopedia is enabling automakers to solve the industry’s most pressing hurdle to EV mass adoption: the inconsistency of public charging infrastructure.

As EV ranges increase, the primary barrier to adoption has shifted from ‘range anxiety’ to ‘charging anxiety’, the uncertainty over whether a charger will be functional or available upon arrival. With industry research showing that up to 43% of public chargers are effectively unavailable - based on a 25% failure rate from inoperative equipment, and an additional 18% facing significant congestion to charge in hubs such as San Francisco1, Parkopedia’s enhanced API provides the high-fidelity transparency required for OEMs to restore driver confidence.

Precision Data for the Next Generation of In-Car Navigation

The enhanced dataset integrates seamlessly into vehicle head units via API, providing:

Parkopedia’s EV charging data already covers location, charger numbers, speed, connector types and operator details. The addition of reliability and utilisation metrics represents a significant step in the company’s mission to provide an end-to-end, stress-free ecosystem for the global automotive industry, enabling drivers to make informed decisions about their charging and better plan their journeys.

“For OEMs, the charging experience is now a core component of brand loyalty,” said Duncan Licence, Head of Automotive & Data at Arrive. “As we move from early adopters to the early and late majority, drivers expect the same ‘plug-and-play’ reliability they had with ICE vehicles. Our unique data allows automakers to act as a trusted companion, guiding drivers away from broken or congested infrastructure and directly to a successful charge to effortlessly complete their journeys.”

12025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study - JD Power

ENDS

About Parkopedia

Parkopedia, part of the global mobility platform Arrive, is the world’s leading provider of connected‑car services, trusted by automakers, organisations and millions of drivers. To make cities more livable, Parkopedia helps drivers find and pay for parking, EV charging, fuel and tolls across 90 countries. It is also developing indoor maps that enable end-to-end navigation for drivers and autonomous vehicles without GPS. Visit business.parkopedia.com for more information.

Parkopedia Global Media Contact

Christofer Lloyd

PR and Communications Manager

T: +44(0)7762300016

E: christofer.lloyd@parkopedia.com

STOCKHOLM – [May 27, 2026] – PipeChain, a global provider of cloud-based Collaborative Planning & Execution software for large multinational companies and Multi-Enterprise Network solutions for the automotive and retail industries, today announced the acquisition of the Dutch supply chain software company Quyntess Holding B.V. (“Quyntess”, https://www.quyntess.com/) with established operations in the Benelux region, Germany, France, and the United States. The combined entity will reach sales of approx. EUR 22 million, with a current yearly ARR run rate of EUR 16 million.

This strategic acquisition significantly expands PipeChain’s geographic presence and broadens the company’s ability to support the entire procure-to-pay process. The combined offering will provide customers with comprehensive digitalization of both direct and indirect material flows and spend, strengthening PipeChain’s ability to serve as the leading collaborative platform for modern, data-driven supply chains.

Quyntess brings state-of-the-art technology built on the latest architectural principles, enabling fundamental back-end enhancements as well as substantial functional and feature improvements across the PipeChain product portfolio. Together, the companies will deliver increased customer value, greater AI-enabled automation capabilities, and higher levels of supply chain execution excellence.

“This acquisition marks a major milestone in PipeChain’s journey to become the strongest collaborative platform for achieving the highest degree of supply chain digitalization in our customers’ industries. By adding both geographic reach and cutting-edge technology, we can offer an even more powerful solution that addresses the full procure-to-pay process — something increasingly critical for companies operating in complex global networks.” Says Hans Berggren, CEO & Co-founder of PipeChain.

“The future of supply chain management lies in enabling companies to see what’s next. By expanding our digital coverage and unlocking more data across the value chain, we can help our customers move from reactive management to automated, intelligent decision-making on a large scale.” Hans further adds.

“We are excited to join forces with PipeChain. Our technology and domain expertise complement PipeChain’s mission perfectly, and together we will be able to deliver end-to-end digitalization capabilities that our customers — and the market as a whole — are demanding.” comments Rob van Ipenburg, CEO of Quyntess, and adds:

“With our shared vision of connected, data-driven supply chains, this partnership accelerates our ability to innovate and scale for the benefit of our customers, our people, and our shareholders. We look forward to contributing our latest-generation technology to strengthen and support customers across Europe, the US, and beyond.”

Advisors on the deal

PipeChain was advised by lawyers DLA Piper. Quyntess was advised by Marktlink Mergers & Acquisitions and Fruytier Lawyers in Business.

To learn more

www.pipechain.com

www.quyntess.com

About PipeChain

We are committed to realizing our customers’ visions and solving problems that deliver true value. By being curious, creative, and customer-focused, we find new ways to create smarter supply chains and better business flows.

PipeChain is a privately owned company. To learn more about how PipeChain, as your reliable expert with Swedish delivery quality, can help you boost your business, visit www.pipechain.com.

PipeChain® is a registered trademark of PipeChain AB.

Media Contact:

Hans Berggren, CEO & Co-founder
PipeChain AB

hans.berggren@pipechain.com

More than 20 people joined an exclusive pre-launch walking tour through Bristol city centre, led by Show of Strength Theatre Company, before heading inside for the main event.

The evening featured seven guest speakers alongside the Bristol Walk Fest team, and opened with a specially recorded video message from Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England.

Starting at Queen Square, Sheila Hannon and Gerard Cooke from Show of Strength led walkers through the old city - historic lanes, hidden churchyards and medieval streets - emerging into the bustle of Broadmead, the Bear Pit and Stokes Croft to arrive at Hamilton House for the launch. Along the way, walkers heard stories of Blackbeard, Cary Grant and Long John Silver, and the location of the prison where ten Bristol women were held before transportation to Australia.

Photo story from the walk: bristolwalkfest.com/bwf-launch-walk-in-photos

Jennifer Graham, Bristol Walk Fest event manager, introduced the evening and thanked supporters before handing over to the guest speakers.

Misfits Theatre Company - Anita Karla Kelly, artistic lead, talked about the company’s work supporting people with learning difficulties to find their creative voices. Misfits members Bill Loveridge and Rob Traill then shared poems from the poetry audio trail they have created, inspired by their walks around Bristol Harbourside.

Dr Subitha Baghirathan, who received an honorary doctorate from UWE in 2025 for over a decade of work advancing health equity in Bristol, shared the creative and practical approaches she uses to make walking inclusive and accessible, particularly for women of Caribbean and South Asian heritage, through her work with SoulTrail Wellbeing.

Hana Sutch, co-founder and CEO of Go Jauntly, talked about the multi-award-winning walking app and its mission to make walking accessible for everyone. Hana also introduced the brand new Bristol Ring - a 33-mile circular route around the city in six sections, each accessible by public transport, created in partnership with Bristol City Council, Bristol Ramblers and the Bristol Walking Alliance.

Sheila Hannon and Gerard Cooke from Show of Strength Theatre Company rounded off the evening with stories of real Bristol characters, intensely researched and told in the actual places where events unfolded. For the people who go on these walks, hearing history brought to life on the streets where it happened creates an experience no theatre or page can replicate. Sheila ended with a call for Bristol to be recognised as a Walking City.

Jennifer Graham, Bristol Walk Fest event manager

Full event write-up: bristolwalkfest.com/an-evening-of-walking-art-and-inclusion

Press Info – 04th June 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Trades United Announces Van Rally at Romford Magistrates Court to Raise Awareness of Tool Theft and Illegal Trading

Romford, UK – 4 June 2026 – Trades United has announced it will organise a van rally outside Romford Magistrates Court on 4 June 2026 to coincide with the trial of two individuals charged with offences relating to stolen goods and the illegal supply of medicines.

The case involves two individuals both from Hackney. The pair were charged on 6 February 2026 with handling stolen goods and selling, supplying, or offering to supply medicines subject to general sale outside of a registered pharmacy.

The charges follow a Metropolitan Police operation conducted at the Bonzer Boot Fare in Havering in May 2025, as well as an earlier operation at Willow Farm boot fare in April 2025. During these operations, officers seized a significant quantity of stolen tools, highlighting ongoing concerns within the trades community regarding tool theft and illicit resale.

The defendants appeared before Barkingside Magistrates Court on Friday 20 February 2026, where they entered not guilty pleas to both charges. The case is now scheduled to proceed to trial at Romford Magistrates Court on 4 June 2026.

Trades United’s planned rally aims to bring public attention to the case and to the wider issue of tool theft, which continues to impact tradespeople, small businesses and large construction companies across the UK, delaying projects and impacting the wider infrastructure. The organisation is calling for stronger consequences for those found guilty of such offences, emphasising the financial and professional damage caused to hardworking individuals in the industry.

Shoaib Awan, founder of Trades United said:“We are standing together as a community to shine a light on the serious issue of tool theft and illegal trading. These crimes have a real and lasting impact on tradespeople, many of whom rely on their tools to earn a living. This rally is about raising awareness and calling for meaningful deterrents.”

Tradespeople and supporters are encouraged to attend the van rally in solidarity and to help amplify the message that tool theft and illicit trade will not be tolerated.

ENDS

Visitors to Loch Katrine can now discover and enjoy one of the easternmost surviving fragments of Scotland’s Temperate Rainforest thanks to the creation of a new nature trail celebrating the internationally important wildlife, landscapes and natural heritage of this famous destination in the heart of the Trossachs.

Scotland’s Rainforest Nature Trail has been created by the Steamship Sir Walter Scott Trust along the path leading to their award-winning Scenic Tower & Lookouts above Trossachs Pier, at the site widely recognised as the Birthplace of Scottish Tourism in the early 1800s.

The new interpretation experience forms part of ongoing efforts by the charitable trust, responsible for the iconic 126-year-old Steamship Sir Walter Scott, to celebrate and protect the special natural and cultural heritage qualities of Loch Katrine while helping raising awareness and understanding of the rare habitats and stunning landscapes amongst the 250,000 visitors attracted to the loch annually.

Located within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and the Great Trossachs Forest National Nature Reserve, the woodland just above the busy Trossachs Pier visitor hub, is part of Scotland’s Celtic Rainforest, which covers less than 1% of the country. The site is protected through multiple international and national environmental designations including National Scenic Area, Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest status.

The new Trail explains how these ancient woodlands have evolved slowly over thousands of years since the end of the last Ice Age, creating ideal conditions for rare lichens, mosses, liverworts, butterflies, moths and other wildlife to thrive.

Along the Trail, visitors can discover stories about the remarkable species found within the rainforest, including lichens, which often pick up memorable nicknames from enthusiasts. One such lichen is the shaggy lichen affectionately nicknamed “Dennis the Menace” because of its resemblance to the wild-haired Beano comic character first created in 1951. The trail launch also coincides with the 75th anniversary year of Dennis the Menace, and special permission was granted by DC Thomson to feature the beloved mischief maker on one of the information panels.

Experts with interests in lichens, butterflies and moths have undertaken surveys and make regular monitoring visits to the area beside the new Trail, drawn by the richness and diversity of habitats present. Their survey findings have helped shape the new trail, which introduces visitors to this hidden underworld of the woodland through a series of carefully designed birch leaf-shape interpretation panels.

Importantly, the path itself also plays a key conservation role by helping manage visitor movement through sensitive habitats. Visitors are channeled along the enclosed route and boardwalk sections to reduce erosion and disturbance while allowing people to experience the rainforest responsibly.

The nature trail also links directly with the Scenic Tower & Lookouts, opened in 2024 on the rocky headland above Trossachs Pier. The sensitively designed tower and viewing platforms were highly commended recently at the RSPB's Nature of Scotland Annual Awards Ceremony and reconnect visitors with the famous views which inspired Sir Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake and helped establish Loch Katrine as one of Scotland’s earliest visitor destinations.

James Fraser, CEO and Lead Trustee of the Steamship Sir Walter Scott Trust, said:

“As custodians of this special place, with partners such as Scottish Water, we are keen to ensure that people visiting Loch Katrine not only enjoy the scenery but also better understand the nationally and internationally important rich biodiversity and stories associated with the loch and the surrounding catchment area.

The new Rainforest Nature Trail allows visitors to experience a fragment of Scotland’s Rainforest in accessible and engaging ways while helping protect the sensitive woodland canopy.

We have deliberately kept the interpretation light-touch and imaginative, so people still feel immersed in nature while discovering fascinating details about the woodland, its wildlife and its cultural connections.

The response to the Scenic Tower and Lookouts has been fantastic, with over 70,000 visitors since it opened, and the Rainforest Trail adds another dimension to the overall visitor experience at the site recognised as the ‘Birthplace of Scottish Tourism.”

The trail can be explored by visitors walking the short route from Trossachs Pier to the Scenic Tower & Lookouts, where panoramic views stretch across Loch Katrine and the surrounding hills and mountains.

HI Technology & Innovation finds AI is delivering meaningful productivity gains in UK engineering teams, around 20% on average where measured, but that 83% of businesses are tracking no quantitative metrics at all, leaving most leaders unable to tell where AI is genuinely working and where it is not.

LONDON, [13/05/2026] – CTOs and engineering managers across the UK are likely overstating the productivity gains being delivered by AI coding tools, according to a new report from technology advisory firm HI Technology & Innovation. The study, based on interviews with more than 100 CTOs, CISOs, VPs of Engineering and senior engineers, finds that AI is producing real and measurable improvements in engineering productivity. However, companies which actually track those improvements consistently report more conservative gains than those operating on impression alone, suggesting that leadership confidence in AI is, for many organisations, running ahead of the evidence.

Measured productivity gains attributed to AI coding tools sit at around 20% on average across the firms that quantify them, with some teams reporting concrete wins such as project timelines halved and sprint output up 20% to 25% after adopting modern coding assistants. The report makes clear these are real gains worth pursuing. The challenge is that, in the absence of measurement, perceived gains tend to drift higher than the figures organisations would actually arrive at if they tracked them. This is likely because engineers feel much faster with AI than they truly are and may find that their mental burden is lower when using it. In reality, code rewrite rates can creep up and engineers can spend more time on reviews and rearchitecting poorly designed code, something which qualitative feedback and positive bias can obfuscate.

That gap matters because investment is already large and accelerating. 91% of businesses are now investing in AI tools within engineering, yet only 22% have a formal documented AI strategy and 83% are not tracking any metrics to quantify AI’s impact. Without that data, leaders cannot reliably tell which parts of the software development lifecycle AI is genuinely accelerating, where it is quietly creating rework, or which teams and use cases deserve more (or less) investment. The result is one of the largest line items in engineering budgets being managed on anecdote rather than evidence.

AI is firmly established in UK software engineering. The question for technology leaders in 2026 is no longer whether to invest, but how to invest well. The report argues that strategy and measurement are what separate organisations that are already capturing AI’s gains from those that are spending without a clear picture of return. The companies which pair their AI investment with a written strategy and a small number of trustworthy productivity and quality metrics are best placed to direct AI where it delivers most, accelerate teams that are already winning with it, and avoid expanding it into areas where the evidence does not yet support it.

The report concludes that AI is producing real value in UK engineering teams, and that this value is likely to compound over the next 12 months for the organisations best set up to capture it. Practically, that means defining a written AI strategy, instrumenting a small number of trustworthy productivity and quality metrics, and using those metrics to decide where to expand AI use and where to refine it. The opportunity is not to dial AI back, but to find the parts of the engineering process where its impact is clearest and invest there with confidence.

AI in Software Engineering: Making Sense of the Noise synthesises insights from more than 100 interviews with CTOs, CISOs, VPs of Engineering and senior engineers, alongside published academic and industry research. It is intended as a guiding resource for technology leaders defining, deploying and measuring AI within their engineering organisations.

The full report can be downloaded free of charge at https://hitechnology.io/lp/ai-in-software-engineering-report/.

HI Technology & Innovation is a UK-based technology advisory firm that helps engineering and product organisations design, govern and deploy AI in engineering departments. Working with Executives and engineering leaders, the firm focuses on practical strategy, implementation and support.

United Kingdom, May 2026 — Customs Declarations UK (CDUK), the cloud-based customs declaration platform today announces that it is fully live with France's Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire (ELO), following direct integration and certification with the French customs authority, the Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects (DGDDI).

The announcement marks a significant expansion of CDUK's service offering, enabling operators crossing the UK–France RoRo corridor to generate a compliant ELO directly within the platform — eliminating the need to access external French customs systems and consolidating the entire cross-Channel compliance workflow in one place.

What the ELO Integration Means in Practice

The Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire is a mandatory logistics envelope required by French customs for all road vehicles crossing between the United Kingdom and France via RoRo routes. It links the physical crossing — vehicle, truck type, and direction — to the associated customs declarations and safety and security filings, providing French authorities with advance visibility of the movement before arrival.

With CDUK's live ELO integration, operators can now complete the full compliance sequence on a single platform:

Submit a CDS Import or Export Declaration for UK customs clearance; file an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) for GB safety and security, or an ICS2 declaration for EU safety and security requirements; and then generate the ELO directly within the platform, linking all associated Movement Reference Numbers and barcode data as required by French customs.

The ELO barcode — which drivers must present at the French border — is produced within the platform and can be downloaded and shared immediately.

ICS2 Integration: A Critical Component for EU-Bound Movements

For goods moving from Great Britain into the European Union, including France, the ELO is inherently connected to the ICS2 safety and security framework. French customs requires that ELO submissions reference the relevant ENS or ICS2 filing data, meaning that operators without a compliant ICS2 solution face a gap in their end-to-end compliance chain.

Customs Declarations UK supports ICS2 end-to-end across all transport modes — road, sea, air, and rail — and across all ICS2 declaration types, including House consignment-level and Master-level filings. EU-based carriers, hauliers, and freight forwarders operating inbound movements from Great Britain can therefore use CDUK to meet both their ICS2 obligations and their ELO requirements in a single, integrated workflow, without reliance on multiple systems or third-party intermediaries.

This positions Customs Declarations UK as a genuinely end-to-end compliance solution for the UK–EU corridor, particularly relevant for operators managing high-frequency RoRo crossings through Dover, Folkestone, and the Channel Tunnel.

ELO Available Free with Fair Usage

In recognition of the compliance burden that the ELO has introduced for operators crossing to France, Customs Declarations UK is offering ELO functionality free of charge under a fair usage policy, available to both existing customers and new subscribers. This decision reflects the company's commitment to removing friction from cross-border trade and ensuring that cost does not become a barrier to compliant operations.

Statement from the CEO

Jawahir Lal Lund, Director and CEO of AJ Software Solutions Limited, commented:

"The ELO has been one of the most operationally disruptive compliance requirements to hit the UK–France corridor in recent years, and we have been working to ensure our customers are not left managing it in isolation from the rest of their customs workflow. Going live with direct French customs certification means our users can now do everything — their customs declarations, their ICS2 or ENS filings, and their ELO — without switching systems or risking data mismatches. Offering ELO free with fair usage is the right thing to do. These are businesses that are already navigating significant regulatory complexity, and we want to be the platform that makes that easier, not more expensive."

About Customs Declarations UK

Customs Declarations UK is a cloud-based customs declaration platform built for freight forwarders, hauliers, carriers, customs agents, importers, and exporters operating across Great Britain and the European Union. The platform supports the full range of UK and EU customs filings, including CDS Import and Export Declarations, ENS Safety and Security Declarations, EU ICS2, & ELO. CDUK operates on a pay-per-declaration model with no contractual commitments, and was developed in close consultation with HMRC. The platform is integrated with leading Community System Providers, including MCP, CNS, and CCS-UK.

Website:
https://www.customs-declarations.uk/

Press Contact

Sonal NayyarCustoms Declarations UKhello@customs-declarations.uk

7 May 2026, Paris – Asendia, the international e-commerce and mail specialist, today announced a strategic partnership with Singapore Post (SingPost), a leading postal and e-commerce logistics provider. The partnership will strengthen cross-border e-commerce logistics capabilities, enhancing delivery performance, scalability and market access for businesses shipping into and out of Singapore and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

The partnership reinforces Singapore as a strategic gateway for cross-border e-commerce. With almost 75%[1] of online shoppers in Singapore having purchased from overseas sellers, the country is a key destination for international sellers. It also serves as an important logistics gateway to millions of online shoppers in the APAC region.

The partnership is timely as global regulators move to close taxation gaps that previously defined the sector. From 1 July 2026, the European Union will officially abolish the €150 de minimis customs duty exemption[2], introducing a flat €3 customs duty on all low-value imports. These changes, aimed at levelling the playing field for traditional retail, have taken effect in a few countries since March, where authorities have imposed national handling fees. SingPost and Asendia are working to offer Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) solutions to the EU, providing a "frictionless corridor" to help merchants navigate this transition.

“This partnership comes at a critical juncture for global trade. Following the US suspension of de minimis exemptions in August 2025, the upcoming July 2026 EU reform introduces new regulations for exporting businesses to navigate.” said Mark Chong, CEO, SingPost. “By extending our cross-border partnerships, we are providing businesses with the support to manage these complexities, ensuring that our customers can maintain access to these markets, minimising the risk of delivery friction or doorstep rejection.”

The collaboration builds on Asendia's long-established presence in the region, including its recent establishment of the Singapore Hub operation. International brands and global marketplace sellers on platforms such as Amazon, eBay and Etsy will benefit from more streamlined parcel shipping into Singapore and the wider APAC region.

Through Asendia's international network, SingPost’s Singapore-based e-commerce customers gain access to a more diverse, reliable set of options to sell and scale across new markets with delivery capabilities into Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East and Oceania, supported by a broad ecosystem of last-mile partners. In turn, Asendia's customers benefit from improved access into Singapore, Southeast Asia and the wider APAC corridor via SingPost's infrastructure.

Merchants working with both organisations will gain access to a comprehensive suite of delivery solutions. The core service offerings include Asendia's e-PAQ Home Delivery, e-PAQ Out-of-Home Delivery and e-PAQ Returns.

Simon Batt, CEO, Asendia, said: "By bringing together our global network and SingPost’s strong local know-how, we’re building a smoother, more connected logistics experience. This partnership takes the hassle out of cross-border e-commerce, helping our customers reach more markets with greater flexibility and making trade across the APAC region simpler in both directions."

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

About Asendia

Asendia is one of the world's leaders in international e-commerce and mail, delivering packages, parcels and documents to more than 200 destinations across the globe. With a rich heritage from founding companies La Poste and Swiss Post, Asendia combines extensive international and local know-how. Asendia's expertise is broad-reaching, encompassing different aspects of e-commerce, from webshop software and marketplace management to international logistics.

At Asendia, we don’t just deliver parcels - we connect brands and shoppers through intelligent,flexible logistics solutions built on experience, technology, and care. Our philosophy, smart-design by asendia®, brings together our people, technology and network to create solutions that work across borders and evolve with every customer’s needs.

Asendia's vision is to empower its customers worldwide with seamless access to global markets through our innovative and sustainable cross-border eCommerce logistics solutions. Asendia Group employs over 2,000 people in Europe, UK, Asia Pacific and the USA - a global network blended with a local presence.

Global expertise. Local understanding. Designed for you.

Please visit www.asendia.com

About Singapore Post Limited (SingPost)

Singapore Post (SingPost) is a leading postal and eCommerce logistics provider in Asia Pacific. The portfolio of businesses spans from national and international postal services to warehousing and fulfilment, international freight forwarding and last mile delivery, serving customers in more than 220 global destinations. Headquartered in Singapore, SingPost has approximately 3,000 employees. Since its inception in 1858, the Group has evolved and innovated to bring about best-in-class integrated logistics solutions and services, making every delivery count for people and planet. www.singpost.com

[1] https://www.citibank.com/tts/docs/CITI_E-COMMERCE_REPORT_V3_Licensed_AA.pdf

[2] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_735

W.D.M. Limited (WDM), a global leader in highway surveying and asset management solutions, has announced a new collaboration with SmartVision, a cutting-edge AI insight technology developed by Metricell. The partnership brings together strategic highway surveying expertise and a proprietary neural network designed to operate on real-time data, to support local authorities with PAS 2161 compliant road condition monitoring reporting.

By combining WDM’s long-established leadership in highway surveying and asset management solutions, with the pioneering SmartVision AI platform, the two organisations will deliver innovative, scalable surveying services. This collaborative solution will meet the requirements of the new PAS 2161 road condition monitoring standard, helping highway authorities transition confidently to the new national approach whilst retaining the granular objective data collected by WDM’s Road Assessment Vehicles (RAV) which operate to the SCANNER specification.

The introduction of PAS 2161 marks a significant change in how road condition data is collected and reported across English Local Authorities. Through this collaboration, WDM and SmartVision will provide customers with a comprehensive solution that combines engineering expertise with cutting-edge technology, merging detailed survey expertise with AI Innovation.

WDM demonstrates decades of experience in highway surveying and strategic road management planning. Utilising its modular software platform, Highways Infrastructure Asset Management System, the company has long supported highway authorities with data-driven insights that inform maintenance prioritisation, resource allocation and safety improvements across road networks.

SmartVision’s advanced artificial intelligence capabilities uses computer vision models to analyse road surface conditions and infrastructure assets from captured imagery, delivering the analysed data through the SmartVision platform. The system can automatically detect and classify defects and features across the highway network, providing scalable and efficient inspection capabilities.

By combining these complementary strengths, the collaboration enables an effective approach to PAS 2161 data collection, which pairs engineering principles and survey strategy with automated analytics and digital inspection tools.

As local authorities adapt to the new national standard, reliable and consistent road condition data will be essential to support decision-making and reporting requirements, as well as targeting the most essential works and justifying cost.

The WDM / SmartVision collaboration supports Local Authorities through the transition to PAS 2161 enabling access to PAS 2161 compliant survey data supported by both specialist highway engineering knowledge and advanced AI analysis. This approach helps ensure that condition assessments remain accurate, repeatable, and scalable across networks while maintaining confidence in results used to inform national statistics and maintenance planning.

Beyond compliance, the partnership reflects a wider focus, ensuring that road condition data delivers genuine value for asset management programmes, enabling highways authorities to access a wide range of additional RCM data from a single survey.

High-quality survey data provides far more than a snapshot of road condition. When collected and interpreted correctly, it becomes a foundation for wider infrastructure insight, supporting the monitoring of additional highway assets, improving maintenance planning, and enabling authorities to move towards more proactive and predictive network management.

By combining WDM’s survey expertise with SmartVision’s AI powered analytics, the collaboration aims to provide local authorities with detailed, more actionable datasets. Ultimately, it is the quality and integrity of this data that enables highway authorities to plan effective maintenance strategies, optimise budgets, and deliver safer, more resilient road networks to benefit the communities they serve.

About W.D.M. Limited

WDM is a global leader in data-driven road management and maintenance solutions.

For over 50 years, the company has delivered innovative surveying technology, highways asset management, data insights, and engineering solutions to make road networks safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. From local highways to national transport strategies, our expertise supports government authorities, engineers, and infrastructure leaders worldwide.

About SmartVision

SmartVision is an AI-powered highway defect detection solution by Metricell, a global technology partner.

Developed in the UK, SmartVision’s advanced AI model has been trained on over 11 million images to accurately identify more than 120 road condition criteria. Combined with a powerful data platform, the solution enables local councils, highway authorities and insurance providers to take a proactive, data-driven approach to maintaining a resilient transport network and improving road safety.