The UK’s construction sector is facing a critical skills shortage as demand for new housing and infrastructure surges. With government plans to build 1.5 million homes and invest in major projects, the industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom. However, a lack of skilled workers threatens to derail these ambitions. Recent industry data reveals that over 35,000 construction job vacancies remain unfilled, with more than half proving difficult to recruit due to a skills gap. Reports indicate that by 2028, an additional 250,000 workers will be needed to meet the growing demand, highlighting the severity of the labour shortfall. In response…
Author: Perthshire Scotland
A British technology company has developed a new smart running track that could enhance athlete performance through AI-driven analytics and energy-returning surfaces. Feldspar Limited, based in the UK, has completed early-stage testing of its prototype, which it claims provides a 20% improvement in energy return compared to conventional tracks, including those used in major events such as the Paris Olympics. The development, led by AI and real-time data analytics, is expected to benefit both athletes and coaches by offering live performance insights. The technology behind the track is designed to convert vertical force into horizontal momentum, enabling runners to achieve…
Nestlé has expanded its Maggi Air Fryer product range in the United Kingdom and Malaysia as demand for quick, home-cooked meals continues to grow. With air fryers becoming a staple in many households, the company aims to offer consumers more variety with seasoning mixes and coatings tailored specifically for the appliance. Growing Popularity of Air Fryers The global adoption of air fryers has surged, with 33% of households now owning one. In the UK, air fryers are the third most used cooking appliance, and 58% of people own one. Meanwhile, in Malaysia, 42% of households have adopted the device. The…
Stunning projections of Hollywood icon Harrison Ford have illuminated some of Scotland’s most picturesque landscapes, celebrating the latest episode in Glenmorangie’s Once Upon a Time in Scotland film series. The striking visuals, featuring Ford in a kilt, were displayed at prominent locations including the Three Sisters of Glencoe, Castle Stalker, and Dunrobin Castle. The event marks the launch of Ford’s favourite episode, The Mountain, directed by actor and filmmaker Joel Edgerton. A cinematic tribute to Scotland The Once Upon a Time in Scotland series, produced by the renowned single malt whisky brand Glenmorangie, explores the magic of Scotland’s landscapes, traditions,…
A newly revised biography of Sir Keir Starmer sheds fresh light on the man who led Labour to a landslide victory in the 2024 general election. In Red Knight, Lord Michael Ashcroft traces Starmer’s journey from his early days as a schoolboy socialist to his career as a radical lawyer and Director of Public Prosecutions, before entering politics in his fifties. The book explores how he rose rapidly through Labour’s ranks, becoming Leader of the Opposition in 2020 and Prime Minister just four years later. Ashcroft, a former Conservative Party deputy chairman, originally published Red Knight in 2021. This new…
British ceramic specialist Habulous has launched a new collection of handcrafted stoneware designed to showcase the unique beauty of air plants. The Air Plant Holders, inspired by nature, feature miniature ceramic creatures where the plants themselves become an integral part of the design. Air plants, known for their ability to absorb nutrients from the air rather than soil, have grown in popularity among plant enthusiasts. However, Habulous’ new range aims to offer a fresh, creative way to display them. The collection includes ceramic whales, jellyfish, and birds, each carefully designed to incorporate air plants into their appearance. In the bird…
UK-based Managed Service Provider Wanstor has launched a refreshed brand identity, reflecting its commitment to innovation and simplicity. Wanstor, a leading Managed Service Provider (MSP) in the UK, has announced a major brand transformation, unveiling a new visual identity and revamped digital presence. The refresh reflects the company’s mission to simplify complex IT environments while ensuring security and efficiency for businesses across industries. A Bold New Look for a Trusted IT Partner The rebranding introduces a modern, dynamic identity, aimed at reinforcing Wanstor’s expertise in managing challenging IT landscapes. The company’s refreshed digital presence includes an overhauled website, designed to…
A new partnership between global video game commerce firm Xsolla and UK Interactive Entertainment (Ukie) aims to support game developers and strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in the gaming industry. Xsolla has been named Ukie’s official monetisation partner and exclusive programming sponsor, a collaboration that seeks to provide game developers with the tools and resources needed to maximise commercial success. The announcement comes ahead of the Game Developers Conference 2025 and signals a major investment in the UK gaming sector. Empowering UK Developers As part of the partnership, Xsolla and Ukie will roll out a UK-wide series…
Hundreds of fans gathered across the UK last night for the highly anticipated midnight launch of Sunrise on the Reaping, the latest instalment in The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. The book, published by Scholastic, marks the fifth entry in the global bestseller franchise and explores the 50th Hunger Games, focusing on Haymitch Abernathy’s backstory. A Night of Themed Celebrations The largest launch event took place at Waterstones Piccadilly, where fans were treated to a themed lock-in from 10pm until midnight. The six-floor bookshop was transformed to reflect the dystopian world of Panem, with each section representing a different…
Fashion retailer Parfois has partnered with global technology firm DXC Technology to enhance customer experiences through data-driven insights and artificial intelligence. The collaboration is part of Parfois’ wider Data Intelligence strategy, aiming to personalise shopping experiences by tailoring product recommendations to individual preferences. Parfois, a leading Portuguese fashion brand, operates over 1,000 stores across 67 countries and has a growing online presence. In a bid to stay competitive in the fast-moving fashion industry, the company is investing in advanced analytics to refine its understanding of customer behaviour. DXC Technology, a Fortune 500 company specialising in IT services, will support Parfois…