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LONDON, UK - April 23, 2026•Parcelhero•23 Apr 2026

Ten years on from Parcelhero’s ‘Death of the High Street’ report, are our town centres still dying?

Parcelhero's 2016 report predicted the decline of the High Street due to the rise of e-commerce, forecasting the closure of 100,000 stores by 2030. Their new report reveals that over 122,000 stores have already closed, surpassing initial predictions, with many big retail names disappearing. While some sectors like convenience and coffee shops are growing, the overall trend shows significant challenges for physical retail, with online sales still holding a substantial market share.

OSAKA, JAPAN - April 23, 2026•Ryu-Raku Inc.•23 Apr 2026

Japanese Web Firm Launches Tool to Address Growing Contact Form Spam Problem Facing Small Businesses

A web marketing company in Osaka, Japan, Ryu-Raku Inc., has launched a tool called MUTE to combat spam from automated submissions through website contact forms, a growing issue for small businesses. The tool uses a hidden field and behavioural monitoring to block spam before it reaches business inboxes, without affecting legitimate users. This solution is significant as it helps businesses manage spam, which can otherwise degrade email deliverability and consume time.

Sheffield - 23rd April, 2026•Bluesilver Consulting•23 Apr 2026

Finland’s Largest Confectionery and Food Manufacturer Selects ITI Group for €400m Factory of the Future Project

Fazer, Finland's largest confectionery and food manufacturer, has chosen ITI Group to design and implement a €400 million 'Factory of the Future' in Lahti, Finland. This factory, the largest food manufacturing investment in northern Europe in over 70 years, will be highly automated and emissions-free, supporting Fazer's international expansion. ITI Group will deploy Parsec Automation’s TrakSYSTM software to automate operations, enhance quality management, and monitor performance.

CHESHIRE, UK - April 23, 2026•Ad Hoc-PR•23 Apr 2026

The Heat Pump Warehouse Launches Pre-Matched LG Heat Pump Kits to Simplify Specification and Installation

The Heat Pump Warehouse has introduced LG heat pump kits that combine LG THERMA V heat pumps with pre-matched cylinders and components, simplifying installation for domestic and light commercial projects. These kits are designed to reduce specification time and ensure compatibility, offering a streamlined solution for low-carbon heating. Additionally, official LG training and a rewards programme are available to support and incentivise installers.

London, UK - April 22, 2026•Paul Andrews, Founder - Surfaced•22 Apr 2026

Surfaced Launches First AI Search Visibility Platform for Shopify - Audit, Fix, and Push Live Without Touching Code

Surfaced has launched an AI search visibility platform for Shopify, allowing over 2 million merchants to audit, fix, and update their stores without needing to write code. This tool helps Shopify stores improve their presence in AI-driven product recommendations by addressing issues like schema markup and product data, which are crucial for AI search engines. The service is available for £49 per month, making it more accessible than hiring agencies for similar tasks.

PRESS RELEASE: April 2026•Outrank•22 Apr 2026

Teesside agency creates 10 jobs as it scales services and invests in regional talent

Middlesbrough-based digital marketing agency Outrank has created 10 new jobs as part of its expansion in the North East, enhancing its services in SEO, web development, social media, and AI technology. The agency has also strengthened its leadership team with two senior appointments: David Crawford as a non-executive advisor and Amit Aggarwal on the advisory board, both bringing extensive industry experience to support Outrank's growth. This expansion reflects Outrank's commitment to investing i

PRESS RELEASE: April 2026•Propel Tech•22 Apr 2026

UK businesses ramp up AI investment - but most still struggle to see real returns

UK businesses are increasing their investment in artificial intelligence (AI) for bespoke software solutions, with 93% already investing and 95% planning to increase spending by 2026. However, many companies struggle to see tangible returns from these investments, with 85% reporting challenges in AI implementation. Propel Tech, a bespoke software development firm, highlights that while AI enhances software delivery and adaptability, it also exposes underlying issues in data, systems, and costs,

UK - April 22, 2026•Inspired Agency•22 Apr 2026

Bagnalls Shortlisted for Employer of the Year at British Business Awards 2026

Bagnalls, a national painting contractor, has been shortlisted for the Employer of the Year category at the British Business Awards 2026, recognising its strong focus on workforce development and community impact. The awards, which received over 400 entries, evaluate companies on business performance, innovation, workforce culture, customer impact, and societal contributions. The ceremony will be held on 30 April 2026 in Edinburgh, featuring notable speakers and raising funds for a homelessness

April 22, 2026•Eden PR•22 Apr 2026

Gi Group says Temporary Employment is the Stepping Stone to Permanent Amid Job Market Struggles

Gi Group UK highlights the importance of temporary employment as a pathway to permanent jobs amid a challenging job market, where unemployment figures have fallen but job opportunities remain scarce. The company encourages candidates to consider temporary roles, which can offer flexibility and a chance to demonstrate value, potentially leading to permanent positions. This approach is gaining traction as businesses seek to mitigate hiring risks in an uncertain economic climate.

22 April 2026•[email protected]•22 Apr 2026

Walnut Portici Door Brings Modern Elegance and Practical Performance to Doors 2 Floors.co.uk customers

The Walnut Portici door, available at Doors2Floors.co.uk, offers a modern design with practical features, including a pre-finished surface that simplifies installation. Its robust construction enhances sound control and durability, while matching glazed and fire-rated options provide flexibility for various residential needs. This door is designed to meet the demand for stylish, reliable, and convenient interior solutions.

Energy PR•22 Apr 2026

Brits expect mums to spend an extra 13 hours a week parenting than dads

Research by My Nametags reveals that Brits expect mothers to spend 13 more hours per week on parenting tasks compared to fathers, highlighting a significant gender disparity in domestic responsibilities. The study shows that mothers are anticipated to handle most childcare and household duties, often without support, while fathers are praised for basic involvement. This expectation persists despite most mothers also maintaining careers, underscoring the pressure on them to manage both work and f

jwc•22 Apr 2026

Decorative Garden Screens by Naturewall Combine Style with Low-Maintenance Appeal

Naturewall, a British brand known for interior wall panels, has launched a new collection of decorative garden screens made from durable wood composite. These screens, available in various patterns and finishes, offer a low-maintenance way to add style and structure to gardens, with easy installation suitable for DIY enthusiasts. This launch aims to enhance outdoor spaces by providing options for decoration, privacy, and zoning within gardens.

Wow PR•22 Apr 2026

Brands that ignore influencers risk falling behind, according to new Kolsquare report

A Kolsquare report warns that brands treating influencer marketing as optional risk falling behind, as it has become a crucial tool for achieving measurable results like increased web traffic and sales. In the UK and Europe, a significant number of marketers are integrating influencer marketing into broader campaigns and increasing budgets for creator partnerships and user-generated content. The report highlights the importance of trust and authenticity in influencer content and notes that brand

LONDON, UK - 22 April 2026•Vanbar Associates•22 Apr 2026

South Croydon nursery marks World Art Day with creative exhibition

Partou Gingerbread House Day Nursery and Pre-School in South Croydon celebrated World Art Day with an exhibition showcasing the artistic expressions of babies and pre-school children. The event featured hands-on activities that encouraged creativity and exploration, highlighting the importance of art in early childhood development. The exhibition also involved families, emphasising community and the role of creativity in building confidence and communication skills in young children.

jwc•22 Apr 2026

Nature-Inspired Green Hues Surge in Popularity Among UK Homeowners

Research from eco paint brand Victory Colours reveals a 20% increase in searches for "Shades of Green" on Pinterest among UK homeowners. This trend is attributed to green's natural, calming qualities and its versatility in home décor. Victory Colours offers a variety of environmentally-friendly green paints, appealing to those seeking to create a nature-inspired, restorative home environment.

Eden PR•22 Apr 2026

A.W. Lymn Deepens North Notts Footprint with Acquisition of Established Funeral Directors

A.W. Lymn, a family-owned funeral service, has acquired G.D Hall's two branches in North Nottinghamshire, marking its fourth acquisition in three years. This expansion is part of A.W. Lymn's strategy to extend its services across the East Midlands, providing trusted funeral care. The acquisition aims to maintain the legacy of G.D Hall while integrating it into A.W. Lymn's operations, with plans to rebrand and uphold service standards.

Celleno, Lazio - April 22, 2026•Municipality of Celleno•22 Apr 2026

Italian Ghost Town Offers Dua Lipa Free Wedding Location - Mayor Extends Invitation

The Mayor of Celleno, Italy, has offered pop star Dua Lipa and her partner Callum Turner the entire historic ghost village of Celleno Vecchia as a free wedding venue. This offer includes exclusive use of the village, a 12th-century church, and panoramic views, providing a private and picturesque setting for their wedding. The gesture highlights the village's unique charm and aims to attract attention to this secluded and historic location.

London April 21st, 2026•HAWKVISION AI LIMITED, 86 - 90 Paul St, London EC2A 4NE, UK +44 20 3769 4339•21 Apr 2026

Benchmark Gensuite and HawkVision AI Partner to Deliver End-to-End AI-Powered Workplace Safety

Benchmark Gensuite and HawkVision AI have partnered to offer an integrated AI-powered workplace safety solution. This collaboration combines Benchmark Gensuite's safety management platform with HawkVision's real-time risk detection via CCTV, aiming to improve safety by moving from reactive to proactive risk prevention. The solution is targeted at large, high-risk industries to enhance safety performance and compliance.

North Yorkshire 21 April 2026•Sarah Hartley at Attention Seekr•21 Apr 2026

Public invited to explore hundreds of artist studios across North Yorkshire

The North Yorkshire Open Studios is inviting the public to explore hundreds of artist studios across the region during the weekends of June 6-7 and 13-14. This event allows visitors to see a variety of art styles and meet artists in their creative spaces, from Victorian schools to garden studios. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with the local art scene and learn about the artists' inspirations and techniques.

Midnight Communications•21 Apr 2026

FareShare Sussex & Surrey launches Earth Raise appeal to tackle hunger and food waste crisis

FareShare Sussex & Surrey has launched the Earth Raise appeal to address food waste and hunger in the UK, coinciding with World Earth Day. The campaign aims to raise funds to rescue surplus food, cut emissions, and support those in need, highlighting that 4.6 million tonnes of edible food are wasted annually while 14.1 million people face food poverty. Donations made during the campaign week will be matched, supporting the charity's efforts to expand food redistribution and invest in low-carbon

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