Business

More than 330 businesses across Greater Manchester have been supported to grow, innovate and improve productivity through the University of Salford’s Centre for Sustainable Innovation (CSI), which is marking two years since its launch.

Established in 2024, the Centre for Sustainable Innovation was created to give small and medium-sized enterprises access to university expertise, specialist facilities and funding opportunities that are often out of reach for growing businesses. Since opening, the centre has secured more than £2.5 million in external funding to deliver direct support to SMEs across the region.

The programme has helped businesses develop new products, test ideas, improve operational processes and embed more sustainable business models. According to the university, this support has contributed to the creation of 30 new innovations, strengthened leadership and management capability, and enabled firms to move into longer-term growth activity, supporting jobs, skills development and investment across Greater Manchester.

One business to benefit is Lagan’s Healthcare, a Bolton-based provider of training for paid carers and nurses working in residential and community care settings. Founder Carren Bell worked with the centre to develop leadership and management skills before progressing a new spin-off idea. With access to specialist innovation support and funding guidance, the business secured more than £10,000 to develop a prototype, helping transform an early-stage concept into a product with commercial potential.

Another beneficiary is AJAX Equipment, also based in Bolton, which designs and manufactures bespoke solids handling and processing machinery for global markets. Over the past two years, the company has worked with CSI to strengthen its strategic foundations, introduce new machinery, improve internal processes and boost operational efficiency. The collaboration is now supporting further exploration of automation and innovation opportunities to drive long-term growth.

Sara Boswell, director of the Centre for Sustainable Innovation, said the centre’s second year had seen rapid progress against its original ambitions.

“When we launched in 2024, our goal was to create a leading hub for sustainable business and digital transformation, giving SMEs access to the expertise, facilities and technologies they need to innovate and grow,” she said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see that vision translating into tangible benefits for businesses across Salford and the wider region.”

Boswell added that the centre’s strength lies in supporting organisations through every stage of their development. “From building leadership and management capability, to developing new innovations, accessing grant funding and forming knowledge transfer partnerships, we’re already seeing the difference this work is making across Greater Manchester,” she said.

Alongside its direct work with businesses, CSI collaborates closely with industry, government and academic partners to ensure innovation and investment remain rooted in the region. Partners include Salford City Council, Microsoft, Barclays, Siemens, the Northern Automotive Alliance, the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and The Growth Company.

The University of Salford said the centre’s early success demonstrates the role universities can play in driving regional productivity and sustainable economic growth, particularly by helping smaller businesses overcome barriers to innovation and investment.

Read more:
University of Salford innovation centre secures £2.5m and supports 330 local businesses

The owner of Revolution Bars is preparing to enter administration, putting as many as 2,200 jobs at risk across its UK estate.

Revel Collective, which operates 62 pubs and bars under brands including Revolution Bars, Revolucion de Cuba and Peach Pubs, confirmed on Monday that it has filed to appoint administrators, with a formal appointment expected within the next 10 days.

The company said discussions with a buyer are “well advanced”, but warned that any sale would wipe out existing shareholders. Revel Collective’s shares have been suspended from trading on London’s junior AIM market.

Despite the move, the group said all venues will continue trading while the administration process unfolds.

Revel Collective, chaired by former Pizza Express boss Luke Johnson, put itself up for sale in October after what it described as a prolonged period of “external challenges”. In December, it said it had attracted a “significant number” of potential buyers and has since been linked with hospitality groups including Neos Hospitality. An announcement on a sale is expected in the coming days.

The company said it had chosen to enter administration to “protect creditors”, including its banks, while a transaction is completed.

When launching the sale process last autumn, Revel Collective blamed tough trading conditions and policy decisions announced by the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, in Labour’s first Budget after taking office in 2024. Measures included higher employer national insurance contributions and an increase in the national minimum wage.

The group also criticised the government’s decision to raise duties on spirits, which it said would add more than £4 million a year to its cost base. A turnaround plan that included closing 15 loss-making sites proved insufficient to stabilise the business.

The move makes Revel Collective the latest hospitality operator to succumb to mounting pressures on the high street. Data published on Monday by NIQ showed that 382 hospitality businesses closed in the final three months of 2025, more than four a day, leaving the UK with 98,914 hospitality sites by year end.

Karl Chessell, director of hospitality operators and food at NIQ, said “relentless increases in operating costs” were taking a severe toll on the sector.

Industry leaders have warned that conditions could worsen when changes to business rates come into force in April. The chancellor is expected to soften the impact of the reforms for pubs following warnings of mass closures, but is under pressure to ensure any support extends beyond pubs to the wider hospitality industry.

The Treasury has been approached for comment.

Read more:
Revolution Bars owner set for administration with 2,200 jobs at risk

The Barbour family has paid itself a £30 million dividend after a fashion-led revival of waxed jackets helped drive a sharp increase in profits at the heritage outerwear group.

Accounts filed at Companies House show that J Barbour & Sons posted a £10 million rise in operating profit to £49.5 million in the year to the end of April, as renewed demand for its signature waxed jackets boosted sales and margins.

The company, founded in 1894 and still wholly owned by the founding family, has benefited from a resurgence in popularity as waxed jackets returned to fashion, driven by collaborations with luxury labels, musicians and designers that have broadened its appeal among younger consumers.

Turnover rose by 9 per cent to £350.8 million, supported by a recovery in its wholesale business after a challenging period, alongside higher direct-to-consumer sales through Barbour’s stores and online channels. The group said this performance was achieved despite ongoing global cost and pricing pressures across its markets, which include the UK, Ireland, Germany, the United States and Asia.

A final dividend of £30 million was recommended for the year, matching the payout made in the previous year and marking the first dividends paid in two years. The highest-paid director, understood to be Margaret Barbour, received £2.5 million in remuneration, up from £1.9 million a year earlier.

Barbour said that a “significant proportion” of Margaret Barbour’s dividend is donated to the Barbour Foundation, which supports charitable, cultural and community initiatives, particularly in the northeast of England. Dividends of £822,000 were paid to the foundation last year.

The business remains under the stewardship of the fifth generation of the family. Margaret Barbour, 85, serves as chairman, while her daughter Helen Barbour, 59, is vice-chairman.

Steve Buck, group managing director, said the results underlined the strength of the brand. “Against a complex global backdrop, this year’s financial performance demonstrates the continued strength and resilience of our brands,” he said.

Founded by John Barbour as a supplier of oilskins to mariners in northeast England, Barbour holds a royal warrant and today sells outerwear, clothing and accessories to a global customer base that ranges from farmers to fashion influencers. High-profile wearers include the Catherine, Princess of Wales, Daniel Craig and Alexa Chung.

Recent collaborations with brands such as Ganni and Farm Rio, as well as partnerships with musicians including Sam Fender, have helped reposition Barbour for a new generation of shoppers.

Margaret Barbour joined the board in 1968 following the death of her husband, John Barbour. She and her daughter were ranked fourth in the northeast in last year’s Sunday Times Rich List, with an estimated combined fortune of £580 million.

To date, the Barbour Foundation has donated more than £32 million to causes including The Glasshouse, Age UK, The King’s Trust and a £1 million gift to Newcastle University to support PhD research in medical sciences.

Read more:
Barbour pays £30m dividend to founding family as profits jump by £10m

British high streets once featured betting shops on every corner. William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral, and independent bookmakers occupied prominent retail positions.

Punters gathered inside to watch racing, study form guides, and place wagers with staff behind counters. This familiar scene faded as smartphone technology delivered gambling directly into pockets across the nation.

The transformation happened faster than industry analysts predicted. Mobile apps offered convenience that physical shops could not match. Players discovered non GamStop casinos UK platforms alongside traditional bookmaker applications. The entire gambling landscape shifted from public retail spaces to private screen interactions. Betting shops that survived decades of social change struggled against devices that made gambling available anywhere, anytime.

The Golden Era Of British Betting Shops

Betting shops became legal in Britain through the 1960 Betting and Gaming Act. The BBC documented how shops proliferated rapidly across working class neighbourhoods. By 1970, thousands of licensed premises operated throughout England, Scotland, and Wales.

The shops served social functions beyond gambling. Regular customers formed communities around shared interests. Retired men spent afternoons discussing horses and football. Staff knew customers by name and understood their betting preferences. The atmosphere combined leisure, competition, and camaraderie.

Physical characteristics defined early betting shops:

Minimal windows prevented passersby from viewing activities inside
Basic furnishings discouraged lengthy visits
Paper slips recorded every wager manually
Tannoy systems broadcast racing commentary
Smoke filled air before indoor smoking bans

Regulatory restrictions kept shops deliberately unwelcoming. Legislators feared comfortable environments would encourage excessive gambling. This changed during the 1990s when deregulation allowed improved facilities. Shops installed televisions, comfortable seating, and later electronic gaming machines.

How Technology First Enhanced Then Replaced Physical Venues

Betting shops embraced technology before smartphones emerged. Electronic point of sale systems replaced manual odds boards. Fixed odds betting terminals arrived during the early 2000s. These machines generated substantial revenue and transformed shop economics.

The Guardian reported that FOBTs produced over half of betting shop profits at their peak. Customers played casino style games on touchscreen terminals. Stakes reached £100 per spin before regulatory intervention reduced limits. Shops became dependent on machine income rather than traditional counter betting.

Internet gambling arrived during the late 1990s. Desktop computers allowed home betting without visiting shops. Early adopters appreciated the convenience but limited internet access contained the impact. Most punters continued visiting physical premises.

Smartphones changed equations entirely. Mobile devices combined internet connectivity with portability. Apps delivered superior experiences compared to shop visits. The technology reached mass adoption around 2012 when affordable smartphones became available across income levels.

The Smartphone Revolution In Gambling

Mobile gambling apps offered advantages physical shops could not replicate:

24 hour availability eliminated opening hour restrictions
Privacy removed social stigma some gamblers experienced
Wider markets covered sports and events shops ignored
Live betting enabled wagers during matches
Instant deposits through linked payment methods
Promotional offers delivered personalised bonuses

According to the Gambling Commission, online gambling revenue surpassed retail gambling for the first time during the mid 2010s. The crossover point marked fundamental industry transformation. Digital platforms dominated while physical retail contracted.

Younger demographics drove the shift particularly strongly. Adults under 35 showed minimal interest in betting shop culture. They grew up with smartphones as primary entertainment devices. The notion of travelling to a shop to place bets seemed absurdly inefficient. Mobile apps matched their expectations for immediate digital access.

The experience of modern entertainment in Surrey and other affluent areas reflects broader trends. Residents access gambling through apps alongside streaming services, food delivery, and ride hailing. Physical venues compete against frictionless digital alternatives across multiple leisure categories.

Shop Closures Transformed High Streets

Betting shop numbers peaked around 2014 when approximately 9,000 licensed premises operated across Britain. Closures accelerated through subsequent years. Major operators announced hundreds of shop closures annually. By 2023, the total fell below 6,500.

Sky News covered closure impacts on employees and communities. Each shop employed between four and eight staff. Mass closures eliminated thousands of jobs concentrated in economically disadvantaged areas. Former betting shop workers often lacked transferable skills for alternative employment.

Empty premises created visible high street decline. Betting shops occupied prominent corner locations with good footfall. Vacant units attracted vandalism and antisocial behaviour. Local authorities struggled to find replacement tenants for gambling specific fit outs.

The consolidation affected major operators differently:

Operator
Peak UK Shops
Current Estimate
Reduction

William Hill
2,300+
1,400
40%

Ladbrokes Coral
3,500+
2,400
30%

Betfred
1,650
1,400
15%

Independent
1,500+
900
40%

Companies redirected investment toward digital platforms. Marketing budgets shifted from shop refurbishment to app development and online customer acquisition. The strategic pivot acknowledged where future growth would occur.

Fixed Odds Betting Terminal Restrictions Accelerated Decline

Government intervention compounded smartphone competition. The maximum stake on FOBTs reduced from £100 to £2 in April 2019. This single regulatory change devastated betting shop economics.

Forbes analysed how shops depended on high stake machine play. Many premises operated profitably only because FOBT revenue subsidised counter betting operations. Removing this income stream made marginal shops unviable immediately.

Operators announced closure programmes within weeks of stake reductions taking effect. William Hill identified 700 shops for closure. Ladbrokes Coral followed with similar numbers. The industry blamed government policy while critics noted closures were already occurring before intervention.

The combination of smartphone competition and regulatory restriction proved devastating. Shops lost customers to mobile apps while simultaneously losing their most profitable product. Dual pressures left no viable path for many premises.

Who Still Uses Physical Betting Shops

Remaining shops serve specific customer segments that digital platforms struggle to attract:

Older gamblers who learned betting through shop visits maintain habits developed over decades. They enjoy social interaction with staff and fellow punters. Technology barriers prevent comfortable app usage. This demographic provides loyal but declining custom as members age.

Cash bettors who prefer anonymous transactions without bank records continue using shops. Some wish to hide gambling from partners or family. Others distrust digital payment systems. Cash transactions require physical premises.

Event day punters visit shops near stadiums before football matches. The ritual of placing bets with fellow supporters maintains appeal despite app availability. Shops near major sporting venues perform better than average.

Problem gamblers excluded from online platforms sometimes return to shops. Self exclusion schemes like GamStop cover online operators but physical shop bans require separate arrangements. This creates concerning gaps in player protection.

Read more:
Physical Betting Shops Declined As Smartphones Made Online Gambling Accessible

Pilot Adaptation Fortress in Satkhira district protects against both cyclones and extreme heat for 30 million residents

Construction has begun on the first Adaptation Fortress in southwest Bangladesh, a climate-resilient shelter designed to protect communities from both cyclones and heatwaves. The Jameel Observatory–Climate Resilience Early Warning System Network announced the initiative, which transforms existing school-based cyclone shelters into multi-purpose structures.

The pilot is being built at the Baradal Aftab Uddin collegiate school in Baradal union, Assasuni sub-district, Satkhira district. A second pilot location has been selected at Satbaria high school in Satbaria union, Keshabpur sub-district, Jashore district.

The climate resilient shelter model is the first of its kind in Bangladesh and aims to serve as a blueprint for infrastructure development across South Asia. If successful, the initiative could scale to 1,250 Adaptation Fortresses with additional funding, providing heatwave relief to half a million of the region’s most vulnerable residents.

Addressing Cyclone and Heat Threats

Over 30 million people live in southwestern Bangladesh, where climate change poses dual threats. Between 2019 and 2021, multiple cyclones hit the region, devastating land, homes and entire communities. Hundreds of thousands of people were forced to flee and agricultural land and drinking water supplies were flooded and contaminated by saltwater.

Extreme heat represents a growing danger alongside cyclone risk. The United Nations in Bangladesh found that heatwaves caused nationwide school closures for two weeks in 2024. Some districts saw schools closed for six to eight weeks due to the combined impact of heatwaves and flooding.

Children are particularly affected by heat stress, facing risks of dehydration and heatstroke. Rising sea levels and more extreme weather mean that people living in this region are likely to face similar crises in the years ahead.

The Jameel Observatory-CREWSnet used its mid-century climate projections and analysis of local human systems to design the Adaptation Fortress. The approach repurposes schools that serve as cyclone shelters to function as sanctuaries during extreme heat events.

Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel on Proactive Climate Response

“The Jameel Observatory-CREWSnet’s construction of this first pilot Adaptation Fortress marks a milestone for Bangladesh and the region,” said Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel, founder of Community Jameel. “It lays the foundation for a proactive response to cyclones and heat stress – emergencies that the team has projected will become frequent events, threatening the lives of millions in Bangladesh. By adapting infrastructure today, we are building the resilience needed for tomorrow.”

The initiative emerged from a 2019 visit to Bangladesh by a Community Jameel delegation led by Mohammed Jameel, during which the team met with leaders from BRAC and learned about the challenges posed by climate change for people living in southwest Bangladesh. Community Jameel subsequently joined with MIT to cofound the Jameel Observatory-CREWSnet.

Adaptation Fortresses feature solar power generation and battery backup systems to ensure the shelter is resilient to outages during extreme heat conditions. The sites also include rainwater harvesting capacity and are designed so that excess energy generated when air conditioning is not in use is made available for community use.

The Baradal Aftab Uddin collegiate school currently serves as a school throughout the year and as a cyclone shelter during government-declared emergencies. The building is a central community hub, within close walking distance to the local market, health clinic and union parishad building.

Dr. Deborah Campbell, executive director of the Jameel Observatory-CREWSnet, said Bangladesh is getting hotter and will experience more frequent and severe heatwaves, leaving many people very vulnerable to heat stress and lacking the resources to adapt. “The Adaptation Fortress initiative will provide shelter for the most vulnerable community members in southwest Bangladesh and has the potential to serve as a model for similar proactive climate resilience infrastructure development across Bangladesh and South Asia,” she said.

Professor Elfatih Eltahir, lead principal investigator of the Jameel Observatory-CREWSnet, said Bangladesh built a vast network of cyclone shelters that have been effective in protecting vulnerable population. “For the first time the Jameel Observatory-CREWSnet is introducing the concept of shelter from heatwaves as well as cyclones in southwest Bangladesh,” he said. “This integrated and proactive initiative will significantly improve climate resilience in a region with some of the highest risks from climate change.”

The pilot fortress’ performance will be evaluated based on community surveys during the heat season, operational feedback from the school committee, energy generation and air conditioning usage meters and hyper-local weather data. This evaluation will inform any follow-up project on modification and expansion of the initiative across southwest Bangladesh.

The Jameel Observatory-CREWSnet was launched in 2022 at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, to transform climate response by developing the world’s first fully integrated system for forecasting climate impacts, supporting proactive decisions and guiding interventions. One of MIT’s five Climate Grand Challenges flagship projects, the initiative brings together scientists and humanitarians from MIT, including the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab; BRAC; the International Water Management Institute; and Sudan’s Agricultural Research Corporation.

The Jameel Observatory-CREWSnet was selected as an innovation package by the Agricultural Innovation Mechanism for Scale at COP28 in Dubai in 2024. AIM for Scale, chaired by Nobel laureate Professor Michael Kremer, seeks partnership and investment into selected innovation packages.

Read more:
Jameel Observatory Launches Dual-Purpose Climate Shelter in Bangladesh With Mohammed Jameel’s Support

For many small firms, pest control has traditionally meant reacting when a problem becomes visible.

A mouse in the stockroom, ants near the break area, or flies around a service counter can trigger a quick call and a quick fix. Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, takes a more strategic approach.

Instead of relying on routine chemical treatments, IPM focuses on prevention, monitoring, and targeted action. For business leaders, that shift can translate into better outcomes for operations, budgets, and compliance.

At its core, IPM is not just a service but a framework. It provides structure for identifying, managing, and documenting pests over time, which is especially valuable for small firms that require consistency without unnecessary complexity.

Understanding the IPM Framework

The first step in IPM is knowing what you are dealing with and where. Providers often start with identification and monitoring, setting up inspections that establish a baseline for pest activity. When service companies explain how they tailor this approach by geography, it helps leaders see what localized support looks like.

A regional example, such as reliable pest control for Spartnaburg homeowners, shows how solutions can be tailored to specific climate conditions, building styles, and seasonal pressures rather than generic treatments.

From there, IPM relies on clearly defined action thresholds. These thresholds answer an important question for managers: when does pest activity require intervention?

Instead of spraying on a schedule, IPM only escalates when monitoring data shows a real risk to health, safety, or inventory.

Key elements of the framework typically include:

Regular inspections to track trends, not just one-time sightings
Documentation that supports internal reviews and external audits
Clear decision points that guide when and how treatments are applied

This structure helps small firms move from reactive fixes to informed decisions.

Control Methods Beyond Chemicals

One of the most practical benefits of IPM is its layered approach to control. Chemical treatments are still part of the toolbox, but they are not the first or only option. Physical and biological controls play a major role, especially in customer-facing environments.

Examples of non-chemical controls often include:

Sealing gaps, improving door sweeps, and managing moisture to remove entry points
Using traps or barriers in targeted areas to reduce populations without disruption
Adjusting sanitation and waste handling practices to limit attractants

When treatments are needed, IPM emphasizes precision. Products are selected based on the specific pest and applied only where monitoring shows activity. This reduces overuse, supports safer workplaces, and aligns with growing expectations around responsible operations.

Why IPM Delivers ROI for Small Firms

From a financial perspective, IPM can deliver a strong return on investment. While it may seem more involved upfront, the long-term savings often come from avoided damage, fewer emergency calls, and less downtime. Consistent monitoring also means issues are addressed early, before they escalate into costly infestations.

For multi-site operators or growing firms, IPM offers additional advantages:

Standardized reporting that makes performance easier to compare across locations
Predictable scheduling based on data rather than guesswork
Documentation that supports food safety, health inspections, and internal audits

These factors make IPM especially attractive for leaders thinking beyond the next quarter.

ESG and Audit Readiness Considerations

Environmental, social, and governance goals are no longer limited to large enterprises. Small firms are increasingly asked to demonstrate responsible practices, whether by partners, customers, or regulators. IPM supports these goals by minimizing unnecessary chemical use and emphasizing prevention.

From an audit readiness standpoint, the records generated through IPM can be just as valuable as the treatments themselves. Inspection logs, monitoring data, and action reports provide a clear narrative of how risks are managed. That clarity can reduce stress during inspections and build confidence with stakeholders.

Read more:
 What Integrated Pest Management Means for Small Firms

The tools that modern students possess can mean the difference between a hectic semester and a smooth, organized one.

With technology continuing to transform education, students worldwide are starting to make their studying life a lot more efficient, organized, and enjoyable. Every student must have a few essential tools in their academic toolkit.

Grammar and Writing Improvement Software

In academics, precise and error-free writing is paramount in communicating ideas appropriately and achieving success. Some of the writing improvement tools go beyond traditional spell-checking.

Students can conduct real-time editing and get instant suggestions regarding a piece of work’s grammar, tone, style, and readability. For instance, SpinBot’s Grammar checker is an indispensable tool for writing assignments, essays, or emails and provides a plagiarism check to guarantee students submit original work, an immense help for research-heavy projects.

Writing improvement software also provides numerous advanced options in terms of research and long-form writing. It makes it easy for students to organize their sections, outline, and handle notes and references within one project.

Using these tools separately and in conjunction with one another can assist scholars in improving their writing quality and, ultimately, communicating and organizing better for life.

Reliable Laptops or Tablets

A reliable laptop or tablet is the backbone of any student’s academic toolkit. From typing notes and researching online to attending virtual classes, good battery life, quick processing, and portability can make all the difference.

Any of the younger MacBook models, iPad tablets, or Surface Pros offer flexibility for most study tasks, from writing an essay to watching educational videos.

Tablets, supporting pens, and styluses are pivotal for creative tasks and note-taking, allowing students to annotate documents, draw diagrams, and sketch ideas. This is crucial for visual learners and subjects that favor interactive study.

Digital Note Taking Apps

Digital note-taking apps like Evernote offer dynamic, flexible forms that make organizing study materials more accessible than ever. They are capable of supporting multimedia notes.

Thus, text combined with images, audio, and videos makes the note-taking journey even more pleasurable. Notes can be easily organized into folders or tagged for quick reference, and they sync across all devices. You can access your notes on your device no matter where you are.

Cloud Storage Services

Staying organized is essential, as copious volumes of class assignments, lecture notes, and study materials accumulate over the semester. Google Drive and other cloud services make storing, sharing, and accessing files simple yet effective.

They are especially great for group projects where simultaneous contributions require information updating by multiple individuals.

Cloud platforms are also useful for storing downloadable academic resources, like free invoice templates for working students handling freelance or internship projects that involve basic client billing. Keeping these templates accessible ensures students are prepared for real-world responsibilities alongside their studies.

Storing work on a cloud lessens the dread of emergencies due to lost assignments from faulty devices or lost flash drives. Further enhanced by cross-platform compatibility, cloud storage permits students to continue exactly where they left off.

Online and Learning Platforms

Besides regular classroom time, complementary educational resources are invaluable. Platforms like Coursera offer video tutorials and hyperlinked quizzes, flashcards, and exercises on different subjects. Additionally, learning about what a work study program offers can help students graduate with less debt.

These platforms are supportive and cheaper tutors whenever students think they are not performing well and require extra help. There are numerous apps targeted at language learners, such as Duolingo and Babbel that add fun and interactivity to learning new languages.

Such resources greatly supplement classroom learning as they help students deepen their understanding and improve their scores.

Organizational and Task Management Apps

The organization is essential for controlling and managing examinations, assignments, and other co-curricular activities.

Task management apps like Trello and Asana allow students to prepare to-do lists, set deadlines, and have precise visual progress trackers. With the help of boards and cards, task management apps make it easy for students to see all their tasks in one place, which helps them prioritize their work more effectively.

These apps will not only keep students on track with their work but will also allow them to polish their time-management skills, preventing them from freaking out at the last minute.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones can be a lifesaver in a noisy dorm, cafe, or shared study space. Quality noise-canceling technology blocks distractions and enables the students to construct an environment that will serve them right in a focused and peaceful way during study or class hours.

Noise-cancellation headphones, such as Anker Soundcore Life Q20, offer no compromise on quality, giving access to noise cancelation without burning too big a hole in the pocket. Students can immerse themselves in their studies regardless of their surroundings with the ability to listen to lectures, audiobooks, or music without outside interference.

E-Readers or Digital Textbook Apps

Textbooks are bulky, expensive, and inconvenient to carry around. E-readers like Kindle offer lighter and easier portable options, enabling students to hoard several textbooks and articles on a single portable device.

Apps such as VitalSource Bookshelf and Chegg eReader allow access to an extensive catalog of textbooks and other academic resources. Features like highlighting, bookmarking, and note-taking are also available.

All of these allow students to save money, lessen their load, and always have study materials available.

A Smart Planner or Calendar

Tracking assignments, exams, and personal commitments with an intelligent planner or calendar is more straightforward. Google Calendar and Apple Calendar are digital solutions that allow alerts, reminders, and synchronization.

The intelligent option for students who prefer a physical planner is the Rocketbook, which blends the beauty of taking notes like old school but is stored digitally. One just scans and uploads their handwritten notes to cloud services, fusing analog and digital organization.

Blue-Light Blocking Glasses

Staring at screens for hours can leave you with profound eye fatigue and disruption of sleep cycles. Designed to filter out the blue light that causes most eye strain and disrupts sleep cycles, the glasses can lower this risk.

Brands like Felix Gray and EyeBuyDirect offer stylish, affordable options that can be worn comfortably for long study sessions. By investing in a good pair, students avoid headaches, eye fatigue, and the possibility of long-term eye damage from prolonged use of screens.

Endnote

Having the right study tools makes studying easier and builds good organizational and productivity habits.

By incorporating these tools, students can transform their educational experience, focusing on learning, achieving their goals, and making the most of their academic journey. From note-taking apps to task managers, these tools are designed to assist students in every step of their journey.

Read more:
Top 9 Tools Every Modern Student Needs in Their Kit

Over the past few years, the way businesses work has changed significantly. Hybrid and remote-first models are now firmly established across the UK, particularly among small and medium-sized businesses.

While video calls and messaging platforms are useful for day-to-day communication, there are still many situations where a physical meeting space is essential.

This shift has led to growing demand for flexible meeting rooms that can be hired when needed without the commitment of a permanent office. Warrington has emerged as a popular choice for these meetings, offering a central location in the North West that is accessible from Cheshire, Greater Manchester, and beyond. With excellent transport links and fewer of the distractions associated with city centres, it provides a practical setting for productive business discussions.

As part of this growing demand, a new meeting room location has opened in Birchwood, bringing high-quality meeting rooms in Warrington to businesses looking for a professional yet flexible solution.

This article explores why meeting room hire continues to grow, what businesses should look for when choosing a space, and why Warrington is becoming a smart place to meet for Greater Manchester businesses.

Why Businesses Are Choosing Meeting Room Hire Over Offices

For many businesses, the traditional office model no longer makes financial or practical sense. Long-term leases, ongoing overheads, and underused space can be difficult to justify, particularly for companies with remote teams or flexible working patterns. Meeting room hire offers a more adaptable approach, allowing businesses to access professional spaces only when they need them.

Hiring a meeting room provides control over costs while still maintaining a credible business presence. Instead of paying for space that sits empty for much of the week, companies can book rooms by the hour or day for key meetings and events. This approach works particularly well for SMEs, start-ups, and project-based teams who need flexibility rather than permanence.

Meeting room hire also allows businesses to scale easily. As teams grow or project requirements change, it is straightforward to book larger rooms or additional sessions without renegotiating contracts.

The Benefits of Hiring Professional Meeting Rooms

A Professional Environment for Clients and Teams

First impressions still matter, especially when meeting new clients or partners. A dedicated meeting room provides a neutral, business-focused environment that reflects professionalism and credibility. This can be difficult to achieve in informal settings such as cafés or home offices, where distractions are harder to control.

Privacy for Confidential Discussions

Many business conversations require a high level of confidentiality. Recruitment interviews, HR meetings, legal discussions, and strategic planning all benefit from being held in a private setting. Professional meeting rooms are designed to offer that privacy, ensuring sensitive information is not overheard or compromised.

Technology That Supports Hybrid Meetings

Modern meetings often involve a mix of in-person and remote attendees. Reliable technology is therefore essential. Well-equipped meeting rooms remove the stress of setting up equipment and reduce the risk of technical issues disrupting important discussions.

What to Look for When Choosing a Meeting Room

Location is often the first consideration. A meeting room should be easy for all attendees to reach, with good transport links and nearby amenities. Accessibility by road and rail can make a significant difference to attendance and punctuality.

Technology is another key factor. Reliable AV equipment, large screens, and video conferencing facilities are essential for modern meetings. Natural light, comfortable seating, and climate control also contribute to a more productive environment, particularly for longer sessions.

Finally, flexibility matters. The ability to book rooms easily, choose different layouts, and access refreshments can all improve the overall experience. These practical details often make the difference between a meeting that feels rushed and one that runs smoothly.

Why Warrington Is an Ideal Location for Business Meetings

Warrington’s location makes it a natural meeting point for businesses operating across the North West. Positioned between Manchester and Liverpool, it is easily reached from Cheshire and Greater Manchester while avoiding the congestion and parking challenges often associated with city centres. For many teams, this means shorter travel times and less disruption to the working day.

The town benefits from strong road links, with quick access to the M6, M62, and M56. Rail connections also make Warrington an accessible option for those travelling from across the region. This combination of accessibility and convenience makes it an attractive alternative to city-centre meeting rooms.

Spotlight on New Meeting Rooms in Birchwood, Warrington

A new meeting room location in Birchwood is set to expand the availability of modern meeting room hire for businesses looking for high-quality facilities in Warrington. Designed with practicality and comfort in mind, these meeting rooms offer a professional setting suitable for a wide range of business uses, from client meetings to collaborative team sessions.

Each room is equipped with large 4K displays and professional AV equipment, including cameras and microphones that support high-quality video conferencing. This makes the space particularly well suited to hybrid meetings, allowing in-room and remote participants to communicate clearly and effectively. Natural light and privacy glass contribute to a calm, focused environment throughout the day.

Coffee machines and carefully considered design features add to the overall experience, making the rooms suitable for everything from short interviews to full-day workshops. For businesses searching for meeting rooms Warrington that balance technology, privacy, and convenience, this Birchwood location offers a flexible option without the pressures of a long-term commitment.

Flexible Meeting Spaces for Today’s Business Needs

Meeting room hire remains a practical solution for businesses working flexibly. Warrington offers a well-connected location with professional meeting spaces that avoid the cost and congestion of city-centre venues.

With flexible meeting rooms available on demand, businesses can manage costs while maintaining a professional presence. For organisations across Cheshire, Greater Manchester, and the wider North West, Warrington continues to stand out as a convenient and sensible place to meet.

Read more:
Meeting Rooms Warrington: Professional Spaces for Cheshire & Greater Manchester Businesses

Choosing a domain name looks simple—until you realize it’s a long-term strategic asset. Your domain will appear on your website, in your email addresses, in ads, on invoices, in app stores, and in every social profile bio.

It shapes brand recall, influences trust, affects how easily people find you, and can trigger expensive legal disputes if you select the wrong name.

The best domain names are not just available strings of characters. They are communication tools with measurable business impact. A strong domain shortens customer acquisition by being easy to remember and type, reduces support problems (no “is it with a dash?”), and protects you from trademark headaches.

This expert guide walks you through how professionals choose domains using three lenses:

Branding and memorability
SEO and marketing performance
Legal risk and ownership security

Along the way, you’ll get practical criteria, decision frameworks, and the common traps that cost founders months.

The Core Principle: Your Domain Is a Brand Shortcut

A domain name does three jobs at once:

It identifies you (brand signal)
It guides discovery (search and navigation)
It establishes legitimacy (trust, security, stability)

A great domain is rarely the most “clever.” It’s usually the most clear.

Expert Comment: Domains Win by Reducing Cognitive Load

Branding is fundamentally about lowering mental effort. When a domain is short, readable, and intuitive, people are more likely to:

remember it after hearing it once
type it correctly
recommend it verbally
trust it in a crowded market

That’s why the strongest domains behave like “frictionless language.”

Step 1 — Define Your Brand Position Before You Search

Most domain mistakes happen because founders shop for availability before they clarify what the brand must communicate.

Start With These Three Brand Decisions

Category cue: Should your name signal what you do?

Example: “Notion” doesn’t, “Booking” does.

Tone: Should it feel premium, playful, technical, or friendly?
Scope: Are you building a narrow product or a broad platform?

Practical rule: If you’re early-stage and need fast clarity, choose a name that suggests the category. If you’re later-stage or heavily funded, you can afford a more abstract name and build meaning through marketing.

Step 2 — Branding Criteria: What Makes a Domain Memorable

Brandability is not subjective; it has patterns that repeat across successful names.

The 7 Brandability Tests

A domain is strong when it passes most of these:

Short (ideally 6–12 characters)
Short names reduce typos and increase recall.
Easy to pronounce
If people can’t say it, they can’t share it.
Easy to spell after hearing it
“Audiobook” is easier than “Awdibuk.” That’s obvious, but many startups ignore it.
Low ambiguity
Avoid names that are commonly misheard (e.g., “site” vs “sight”).
Distinct rhythm
Strong names have a clean syllable pattern (2–4 syllables often works best).
No hyphens or double letters (when possible)
Hyphens and double letters increase error rate.
Works across cultures and languages
Check for unintended meanings in major markets (especially if you plan global growth).

Naming Formats That Usually Work

Invented brand names: Zendesk, Shopify-style (high uniqueness, strong trademark potential)
Compound words: PayPal, DoorDash (clear and easy)
Suggestive names: Netflix, Slack (evokes category but not purely descriptive)
Founder names: Rarely ideal in tech, common in professional services

Expert comment: The “best” naming style depends on your marketing budget. Invented names are easier legally but harder to explain; descriptive names are easy to explain but harder legally and harder to differentiate.

Step 3 — SEO Reality: Domains Matter Less Than Most People Think (But Still Matter)

Search engines today rely primarily on content quality, intent match, site authority, and user experience—not exact-match keywords in the domain. In modern SEO, a great domain does not replace great content.

However, domain choices still affect SEO indirectly through:

click-through rate (CTR)
brand searches (people searching for you by name)
linkability (people are more likely to link to credible brands)
shareability and memorability

Should You Put Keywords in the Domain?

Sometimes—but carefully.

Good: canva.com (brandable)
Risky: best-cheap-business-loans-now.com (spam signal, low trust)

Balanced approach: Use a brand name, then clarify your category in:

homepage headline
metadata
URL slugs
content hubs

Expert Comment: Brand Search Is a “Hidden SEO Moat”

When people type your brand name into Google, it signals real demand. That makes your overall SEO stronger because search engines interpret branded search as a trust indicator. A memorable domain supports brand search growth; an awkward one suppresses it.

Step 4 — Choose the Right TLD (.com, .net, .io, country domains)

Your top-level domain (TLD) is a trust signal. People still default to .com in many markets. If you can get the .com, it’s usually the best long-term asset.

When .com Is Best

you want mainstream trust
you sell to broad consumer markets
you plan global expansion
you want fewer “lost visitors” typing the wrong ending

When Alternatives Are Reasonable

.io / .ai: popular in tech, but can be mis-typed and may raise compliance questions in some industries
.co: short and common, but can be confused with .com
Country TLDs (.de, .uk, .fr): excellent for local trust and local SEO, ideal for region-first brands
New gTLDs (.app, .dev, .store): can work if your audience accepts them, but they sometimes face trust hurdles

Expert comment: Choose a TLD that matches your audience’s expectation. A fintech product may need conservative trust signals; a developer tool can thrive on .io or .dev.

Finding Names Efficiently Without Getting Trapped

At this stage, most teams hit the same problem: the good names are taken. You need a method to generate options quickly without falling into terrible compromises (extra hyphens, long phrases, awkward spellings).

A professional approach is to create three lists:

category words (what you do)
benefit words (what users get)
brand tone words (how you want to feel)

Then combine them into:

compounds (two clean words)
portmanteaus (blends)
invented names inspired by the vocabulary of your space

When brainstorming, it’s also normal to explore handle and naming variations using tools like a cool username generator—not for the final decision, but to surface patterns, word roots, and phonetic structures you might not have considered. The key is to treat outputs as inspiration and then apply the branding + legal filters below.

Step 5 — Legal Risk: The Most Expensive Domain Mistake

The biggest domain failure is not SEO—it’s trademark conflict. Many founders buy a domain and build a brand, only to receive a legal notice months later.

Facts You Must Know About Trademark Risk

Trademark rights often depend on use in commerce, not simply registration (varies by jurisdiction).
Conflicts are assessed by likelihood of confusion, not identical spelling.
Similar names in the same category are the highest risk.
“I didn’t know” is not a defense.

Expert comment: Domain ownership doesn’t grant trademark rights. You can legally own a domain and still be forced to stop using it as a brand.

The Professional Clearance Checklist (Before You Buy)

Do these checks before committing:

Search Google for the name + your category

Look for existing companies, apps, products

Search trademark databases (e.g., USPTO for the U.S., EUIPO for EU)

Check related classes, not only exact matches

Check social handles across major platforms

Brand consistency matters

Check app store listings

Conflicts can block growth

Check if the name is used in your target region

Local conflicts can be as damaging as global ones

High-Risk Naming Patterns to Avoid

names that differ by one letter from a major brand
names that share the same root in the same category
names that imply affiliation (“applecloudtools.com”)
descriptive generic names that can’t be protected
geographic terms combined with generic service words (“BerlinMarketing.com”)

Step 6 — Domain Ownership and Security: Protect the Asset

After legal risk, the next major issue is operational: domains can be stolen, lost, or hijacked. This is more common than many people think, especially for valuable domains.

Security Best Practices for Domains

Use a reputable registrar
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Turn on domain lock to prevent unauthorized transfers
Use private registration where appropriate
Separate billing email from public contact email
Renew for multiple years (reduces accidental expiration risk)

Step 7 — Strategic Portfolio: When to Buy Multiple Domains

Many businesses benefit from owning a small “defensive portfolio” of domains:

the .com plus your primary country TLD
common misspellings
the singular/plural version
hyphenated variants (to prevent misuse)

But be careful—buying 50 domains rarely helps early-stage startups. The objective is protecting the main brand, not hoarding.

Expert Comment: Think in “Risk Coverage,” Not “Collection”

A good defensive portfolio blocks competitors, reduces phishing risk, and protects confused users. It’s not a substitute for strong branding.

Step 8 — Decision Framework: Score Your Final 5 Options

When you’re down to 5 candidates, use a scoring model to remove emotion from the choice.

The 10-Point Domain Scorecard

Give each factor 0–10:

Memorability
Pronounceability
Spellability
Length
Brand tone fit
Market differentiation
Legal clearance confidence
TLD strength
Social handle availability
Long-term scalability

Expert comment: The highest-scoring name is not always the “favorite.” It’s the one with the best total business outcome.

Common Domain Traps (And How to Avoid Them)

Trap 1: Over-Optimizing for SEO Keywords

Keyword-heavy domains can lower trust and reduce brand flexibility. Use content strategy for SEO; use domain for memorability.

Trap 2: Using Clever Spelling to “Get Availability”

Misspellings reduce word-of-mouth growth. Every time someone asks “how do you spell that?” you pay a marketing tax.

Trap 3: Choosing a Name That Limits You

If you name your company after a single feature, it may restrict expansion. Example: “InvoiceOnly” becomes awkward when you add payments, analytics, or payroll.

Trap 4: Ignoring International Meaning

A name can be harmless in English and problematic elsewhere. Quick checks in major languages can prevent embarrassing issues.

Trap 5: Buying a Domain Without Checking History

Sometimes domains were previously used for spam. That can damage email deliverability and trust. Check archive/history and basic reputation signals when possible.

Conclusion: The Best Domain Is the One You Can Build Into a Brand Safely

A great domain name is not just available—it’s usable, scalable, and defensible. The best choices balance:

Brand clarity: short, memorable, readable
Marketing practicality: high trust, strong CTR potential, easy sharing
Legal safety: low confusion risk, strong distinctiveness
Operational security: properly protected and renewably owned

If you make one decision from this guide, make it this:
Do legal and brand checks before you fall in love with the name.

Because the cheapest time to avoid a domain problem is before you launch—and the most expensive time is after your customers already know you by it.

Read more:
How to Choose a Domain Name: Branding, SEO, and Legal Risks

Getting safe access sorted is one of those things that can make or break a construction job. Pick the wrong scaffolding provider and you’re looking at delays, safety risks, or equipment that doesn’t quite fit what you need.

Pick the right one and your project runs smoother, your crew works safer, and you’re not chasing hire companies halfway through the job.

The UK has plenty of scaffold hire options, but they don’t all work the same way. Some specialise in quick tower hire for residential work. Others focus on powered access for commercial builds. Then there are suppliers who sell scaffolding materials rather than renting them out. Knowing which type of service fits your project saves time and money.

Lakeside Hire – Budget-Friendly PASMA-Certified Towers

Lakeside Hire built their reputation on straightforward scaffold tower hire at competitive prices. They’re PASMA-certified, which means staff know scaffolding properly. Equipment arrives clean and safety-checked. Pricing is transparent—no hidden fees jumping out when you pay.

They focus on Boss aluminium towers, podium steps, and GRP towers for electrical work. It’s not the biggest equipment range in the UK, but that keeps costs down and delivery fast. Nationwide coverage means they’ll deliver across England, Wales, and Scotland.

For Lakeside Hire scaffold hire London, they claim they’re 69% cheaper than competitors. That’s their figure, not independently verified, but their prices do sit at the lower end compared to high-street hire shops.

Boss aluminium scaffold towers are Lakeside’s core offering. These are industry-standard mobile towers used across UK construction sites. Heights vary from around 2.5m up to 12m working height, covering most residential and light commercial work.

All equipment is pressure-washed before delivery. Inspection happens after every return. PASMA guidelines aren’t optional here—they’re standard procedure. Equipment complies with Work at Height Regulations 2005.

Free delivery applies to hires over three weeks. Shorter hires incur delivery charges, but costs are clear upfront.

If your project is straightforward access work and your priorities are cost and speed, Lakeside’s worth calling.

Nationwide Platforms – Powered Access Specialists

Nationwide Platforms operates at a different scale. They’re the UK’s largest powered access hire company with over 14,000 machines, 31 depots, and 600+ employees. If you need cherry pickers, boom lifts, scissor lifts, or telehandlers, they’ve got the fleet and the expertise.

They’re not just equipment rental—they’re one of the UK’s largest IPAF training providers. That means operator training, site surveys, safety assessments, and technical support. Commercial and industrial projects use them when access needs are complex or heights go beyond what mobile towers can handle.

Both self-drive and operated hire options are available. If your team holds IPAF cards, you hire equipment and operate it yourselves. If not, Nationwide provides trained operators.

If you’re managing a commercial build where access is complex and safety documentation matters, Nationwide’s service model fits.

Portable Space – Site Accommodation and Storage

Portable Space doesn’t hire scaffolding. They provide site accommodation, welfare units, and storage containers. We’re including them here because they support construction project efficiency, which is part of running safe, well-organised sites.

Established in 2002, Portable Space operates from Suffolk with a team of 60+ and their own fleet of 13 delivery vehicles. They hold triple ISO certification (9001 Quality, 14001 Environmental, 45001 Health & Safety), which reflects serious commitment to standards.

Managing Director Mark Dolman runs a company that focuses on customer service and quality installation. Their Trustpilot rating sits at 4.3/5 from 22 reviews.

Minimum hire period is 4 weeks for containers. Linking and stacking capabilities mean you can create multi-room setups. Delivery covers the whole UK, with hire services focused on England.

Their own delivery fleet means trained drivers and reliable turnaround. Professional levelling and setup services mean containers arrive properly installed, not just dumped in your drive.

They’re not a scaffold hire company, but if you need site support services that keep projects running smoothly and safely, they’re worth knowing about.

First Fence – Scaffolding Materials Supplier

First Fence supplies scaffolding materials—tubes, boards, fittings, ladders. They don’t hire equipment out. If you’re buying scaffolding components to build your own structures, they’re a major UK supplier. Established in 2010, they manufacture in-house and deliver nationwide (and internationally).

Their 24/7 sales line (01283 512 111) means you can order outside normal hours. Trade accounts are available. ISO certifications cover quality, environmental, business continuity, information security, and health & safety.

Next working day delivery is available. Five-day guaranteed delivery option provides cost-effective shipping. Trade accounts with credit terms suit businesses buying regularly.

If you’re hiring scaffolding for a few weeks, this isn’t the company to call. If you’re building scaffolding structures and need quality materials delivered reliably, they’re a major supplier.

Jewson – Builders Merchant with Scaffold Hire

Jewson is a familiar name across UK construction—national builders merchant with hundreds of branches. They stock building materials, tools, and hire equipment including scaffold towers. If you’re already using Jewson for timber, cement, or fixings, adding scaffold hire to the same order simplifies logistics.

One-week minimum hire suits short-term projects. That’s standard for most hire shops.

Multiple branch locations mean local pickup is often possible. Click & collect saves delivery charges if you have transport.

Next-day delivery works for advance bookings. Delivery times and coverage depend on your local branch.

Trade accounts with payment terms benefit contractors managing multiple projects. Jewson’s trade account system integrates tool hire with material purchases.

Material estimation calculators and trade advice resources help plan projects. If you’re buying materials and hiring equipment at the same place, estimating and ordering is simpler.

Choosing the Right Service for Your Project

The right scaffold hire service depends on what your project actually needs. Budget matters, obviously. But so does getting equipment that’s safe, arrives when promised, and suits the job properly.

Lakeside Hire offers strong value for straightforward tower hire with PASMA-certified guidance. Nationwide Platforms brings full commercial capability when your build needs powered access and technical support. Portable Space provides site accommodation that keeps projects running smoothly. First Fence supplies materials if you’re buying rather than hiring. Jewson suits those wanting local convenience and integrated supply.

Safety certifications aren’t optional extras—PASMA, IPAF, BS EN 12811-1, and Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply regardless of which company you choose. Get quotes from a couple of providers, confirm delivery times for your area, and ask questions if you’re unsure which equipment suits your job.

If you’re unsure which option suits your project, a quick conversation can save time and cost. Hiring the right equipment from the start makes the job safer and smoother.

Read more:
Best Scaffold Hire Services Supporting Safe and Efficient Construction Projects