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10th April 2026•BatteryIQ•

Battery Fire Fears Are Stalling the UK’s E Bike Revolution, New Data Shows

A survey of 2,000 UK adults reveals that concerns about battery fires are the main reason people are hesitant to adopt e-bikes, even though many are interested in using them to replace car journeys and reduce emissions. Despite 37% of the public showing interest in e-bikes, 81% are deterred by headlines about battery fires, highlighting the need for improved safety measures. The findings suggest that addressing battery safety concerns could encourage more people to switch to e-bikes, potentially

Battery Fire Fears Are Stalling the UK’s E Bike Revolution, New Data Shows
Wow PR Ltd•

Former burnt out HR director launches 24-hour live broadcast in aid of Mind

Kim Stokes, a former HR director turned self-kindness coach, will host a 24-hour live broadcast event called #24forKindness on 11-12 May to support the mental health charity Mind during UK Mental Health Awareness Week. The event will feature discussions with authors and well-being experts on how self-kindness can improve mental health and workplace culture. Stokes, who experienced burnout in her corporate career, aims to raise more than last year's £2,000 for Mind and promote the importance of m

Former burnt out HR director launches 24-hour live broadcast in aid of Mind
LONDON, UK - April 10, 2026•Elizabeth Xi Bauer•

Response to a Request (or spasm of the soul) Curated by Brian Griffiths, Elizabeth Xi Bauer, Exmouth Market, 1st May - 14th June 2026. Part of London Gallery Weekend 5th - 7th June.

The exhibition "Response to a Request (or spasm of the soul)" curated by Brian Griffiths at Elizabeth Xi Bauer, Exmouth Market, runs from 1st May to 14th June 2026, as part of London Gallery Weekend. It features works by various artists that explore the gap between artistic requests and responses, highlighting ambiguity and misalignment as integral to the creative process. This exhibition suggests that art's resistance to clear purpose can be a valid form of expression, with artists using divers

Response to a Request (or spasm of the soul) Curated by Brian Griffiths, Elizabeth Xi Bauer, Exmouth Market, 1st May - 14th June 2026. Part of London Gallery Weekend 5th - 7th June.
10 April 2026•Total Payments•

Total Payments announces expansion with new Norwich office as partnerships fuel rapid growth

Total Payments, a UK payments firm, has opened a new office in Norwich as part of its national expansion, driven by increasing demand for flexible merchant services. The company, which offers card payment solutions and EPOS systems, is expanding beyond Yorkshire into East Anglia, supported by partnerships with major industry names like SumUp and Worldpay. This move aims to support regional businesses, create jobs, and enhance customer service as the firm continues to grow.

Total Payments announces expansion with new Norwich office as partnerships fuel rapid growth
Manchester, April 2026•Grim & Bound•

A new horror online bookstore arises

Grim & Bound, an independent online bookstore, is offering a unique experience for horror fans by curating hard-to-find and cult favourite books, along with exclusive mystery boxes. The store aims to provide immersive reading experiences with its limited-edition themed boxes, such as the "Confession Box," which include handpicked titles and curated extras. This approach contrasts with mass production, focusing on personal, carefully selected offerings to engage a community of horror enthusiasts.

A new horror online bookstore arises
Henry Pepper PR•

New appointment boosts law firm’s commercial litigation offering

mfg Solicitors has strengthened its commercial litigation team by appointing Ian Sheppard as a senior associate in their Birmingham office. Ian, a specialist in commercial and civil litigation with over 20 years of experience, will work alongside department head Sam Pedley to advise on various legal disputes. This appointment is expected to enhance the firm's expertise and service offerings in the region.

New appointment boosts law firm’s commercial litigation offering
jwc•

Soft Blue Tones and Coastal Calm Define Beach House Art’s Cool Blue-Inspired Prints

Pinterest has identified Cool Blue as a key colour trend for 2026, and Beach House Art is offering a range of blue-hued artwork to help homeowners incorporate this trend. The art studio's pieces, inspired by the British coastline, aim to create a calming and serene atmosphere in homes without requiring major renovations. This trend matters as it aligns with the growing interest in biophilic design, which seeks to bring elements of nature indoors.

Soft Blue Tones and Coastal Calm Define Beach House Art’s Cool Blue-Inspired Prints
Candy Jar Books•

The Raccoons Imagination+ Audiobooks Launching At Bologna

Run With Us Productions and Candy Jar Books are launching a new line of Imagination+ Audiobooks based on "The Raccoons" at the 2026 Bologna Children’s Book Fair. This initiative, developed with series creator Kevin Gillis, aims to broaden access to the stories by offering a cinematic audiobook experience, complementing the existing illustrated chapter books. The move is part of a broader resurgence of the classic series, which has seen renewed interest and expanded distribution globally.

The Raccoons Imagination+ Audiobooks Launching At Bologna
LONDON - April 9, 2025•Code Red Communications•

Intruder Bolsters its Cloud Security Offerings with the Release of Container Image Scanning

Intruder has launched Container Image Scanning, enhancing its cloud security by automatically scanning container images for vulnerabilities without needing scanning agents. This feature integrates with major cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure, offering users a streamlined view of vulnerabilities and reducing operational overhead. The update addresses security challenges in containerised environments, providing continuous visibility into container vulnerabilities.

Intruder Bolsters its Cloud Security Offerings with the Release of Container Image Scanning
9 April 2026•Sycamore Communications•

Larsen Architecture to Host New Business-Focused Programme at Design Central’s 10th Anniversary

Ryan Wenham and Marc Prats of Larsen Architecture will be strategic partners at Design Central 2026, held in September at Capesthorne Hall, Cheshire. They will introduce a new business-focused programme aimed at providing creative professionals with practical tools for strategic growth, combining commercial insights with behavioural science. This initiative is part of Design Central's 10th anniversary, aiming to enhance the commercial capabilities of design studios.

Larsen Architecture to Host New Business-Focused Programme at Design Central’s 10th Anniversary
Nottingham, UK - 09 April 2026•Big Old House•

John Pye vies to win coveted British Business Award in star studded ceremony

John Pye Auctions, based in Nottingham, has been shortlisted for the Family Business of the Year category at the British Business Awards, competing against nearly 150 other UK businesses. The awards ceremony, featuring special guest George Clooney, will take place in Edinburgh on 30 April 2026 and aims to raise over £1 million for the UK homelessness charity, Social Bite. The event recognises businesses for their performance, innovation, and societal contributions, with winners selected by a pan

John Pye vies to win coveted British Business Award in star studded ceremony
6 April 2026•Sycamore Communications•

Digital Probate Reforms Leave Families Exposed to Costly Mistakes, Warns Wills and Estates Expert

Jim Emsley of ELM Legal Services warns that while the digitalisation of the probate system has made it easier to apply online, it has not simplified the complex legal and financial responsibilities involved. Mistakes in the probate process, such as incorrect valuations or missed tax deadlines, can lead to personal financial risks for executors. As digital applications become more common, delays due to inaccuracies can cause financial strain, particularly in high-value areas like the M4 Corridor,

Digital Probate Reforms Leave Families Exposed to Costly Mistakes, Warns Wills and Estates Expert
Liverpool, UK•Sycamore Communications•

Creative Professionals Come Together for Transformative First-Ever Designer Studio in Liverpool

Ryan Wenham's firm, Larsen Architecture, hosted the inaugural Designer Studio event in Liverpool, bringing together architects and designers from across the UK for a two-day mentorship and collaboration experience. The event focused on growth, collaboration, and business development, featuring sessions on creative direction, marketing strategies, and practical business realities. Participants found the experience valuable for building confidence and professional connections, and plans are underw

Creative Professionals Come Together for Transformative First-Ever Designer Studio in Liverpool
ENGLAND - April 09, 2026•Source Marketing•

It’s the Final Countdown at Bellway’s Palmers Grange

Bellway's Yorkshire division is nearing completion of its Palmers Grange development in Brough, with only 10 homes left for sale. The project is part of the larger £200 million Brough South initiative and offers a variety of home types aimed at different buyers, from families to downsizers. The remaining homes, priced between £264,995 and £434,995, include energy-efficient features and are expected to sell quickly due to high demand.

It’s the Final Countdown at Bellway’s Palmers Grange
LONDON, UK - April 09, 2026•Everywhen•

Three important ways for small businesses to spring clean

Small businesses are encouraged to use spring as an opportunity to review and update their insurance policies, including coverage for stock, equipment, and business interruption, to ensure they are adequately protected. Additionally, businesses should check that their vehicles and equipment are correctly insured and assess staff needs and wellbeing to support their workforce effectively. These actions can help businesses prepare for the busier months ahead and ensure they are well-positioned for

Three important ways for small businesses to spring clean
Sutton Coldfield, UK -April 09, 2026•Brookvale Manufacturing Ltd•

Metal Pressings - Brookvale Manufacturing Ltd Celebrates 30 Years Since Landmark “Accelerate” Collaboration

Brookvale Manufacturing Ltd is celebrating 30 years since its involvement in the Accelerate Programme, which significantly enhanced the capabilities of automotive suppliers in the West Midlands. The programme, which began in the late 1990s, helped Brookvale improve its production processes and product quality, establishing it as a leading UK automotive supplier. The company, now part of Metal Assemblies Ltd, continues to build on the foundations laid by the programme.

Metal Pressings - Brookvale Manufacturing Ltd Celebrates 30 Years Since Landmark “Accelerate” Collaboration
jwc•

From Ebbor Stone to Birch: The Paint Shades Bringing Nature Home

Eco paint brand Thorndown reported that nature-inspired paint shades were the top sellers in 2025, with earthy neutrals like Ebbor Stone and Doulting Stone leading for interior walls, and Birch and Blackdown for exterior wood. This trend reflects a growing desire to bring natural elements into homes, countering the digital world's demands.

From Ebbor Stone to Birch: The Paint Shades Bringing Nature Home
jwc•

Fresh Start and Morning Dew Add a Refined New Chapter to Spring Styling

The Faux Flower Company has introduced two new artificial flower arrangements, Fresh Start and Morning Dew, for spring. These handmade bouquets feature a mix of tulips, ranunculus, hellebores, and peonies, offering a sense of renewal and a wider choice of blooms not typically available together in nature. The arrangements are designed to provide a lasting, life-like alternative to fresh flowers.

Fresh Start and Morning Dew Add a Refined New Chapter to Spring Styling
Silverstone April 2026•About Time Marketing•

Rediscovering The Joy Of Driving: Is a New Generation Falling Back in Love With Cars?

A study by classic car insurers Hagerty reveals that despite modern challenges like high fuel costs and commuting stress, there is a renewed interest in car culture among younger generations, particularly Gen Z, who show a desire to own classic cars. This trend is supported by the popularity of online car content and increased participation in car events, suggesting that while everyday driving may feel burdensome, the excitement and emotional connection to cars are being rediscovered through mot

Rediscovering The Joy Of Driving: Is a New Generation Falling Back in Love With Cars?

Students Could See Their Children’s Book Illustrations Go Global

An international publishing charity, Booktime, is collaborating with Birmingham City University to allow illustration students to have their work published online. This initiative gives students the chance to create illustrations for children's books, with the potential for their work to be included in Booktime's global digital library. The project offers students real-world experience and the opportunity to contribute to a platform that provides free, multilingual children's books.

Students Could See Their Children’s Book Illustrations Go Global