Author: Sam Allcock

Fortress Investment Group has acquired Curzon, a renowned UK arthouse film company, with the deal set to support the expansion of Curzon’s cinema and film distribution operations. The acquisition was announced today, further solidifying Curzon’s position as a key player in bringing independent and international films to UK audiences. Curzon operates 16 cinemas across the UK, including its flagship West End venue, Curzon Soho, a celebrated location known for hosting Q&As, festival screenings, and documentary events. In addition to its cinema chain, Curzon runs Curzon Film, its distribution arm, and the Curzon Home Cinema streaming service, which allows film fans…

The UK Government has announced a £500 million funding package aimed at supporting thousands of postgraduate students studying in key scientific fields at universities across the country. The initiative, unveiled by Science Secretary Peter Kyle, is designed to bolster the nation’s higher education sector and advance critical research in areas such as biological, engineering, and environmental sciences. The funding will support over 4,700 students at 45 top UK universities, fostering new discoveries that could change lives and fuel economic growth. Areas of research include the development of life-saving drugs, clean energy innovations, and advancements in the physical and natural sciences.…

Nestlé Purina’s popular cat food brand, FELIX, has announced it will be the headline sponsor for Robbie Williams’ upcoming European tour in 2025. In an industry first, FELIX becomes the first cat food brand to support a major music tour, uniting the pet and entertainment sectors in an unprecedented partnership. This collaboration follows the success of last year’s campaign, for which Williams penned an exclusive track, “It’s Great To Be a Cat,” as part of FELIX’s advertising campaign. The tour is scheduled to start on 31st May 2025 in Edinburgh, Scotland, and will see the award-winning artist visit 18 countries…

Tech accessory brand Belkin has announced two new additions to its Apple Vision Pro accessories lineup: a Head Strap and a Travel Bag, both aimed at enhancing the usability and convenience of Apple’s spatial computing device. The new items join Belkin’s Battery Holder, released earlier this year, and are now available for order through Belkin’s website, Apple’s online store, and select Apple retail locations worldwide. The new accessories were unveiled at Web Summit 2024, where Belkin highlighted its commitment to the Apple ecosystem. Since its founding in 1983, Belkin has been at the forefront of technology accessories, creating products that…

Derbyshire’s Croots Farm Shop has added two new accolades to its collection after receiving honours in this year’s Great British Food Awards. The farm shop, located near Duffield, won a silver medal for its dirty brisket burger in the burgers category and a bronze for its lamb and mint large pie in the savoury bakes category. The recognition comes as the latest success for Croots, which has consistently earned awards in national food competitions. Last year, the farm shop secured a silver medal for its steak and ale pie and a gold for its renowned Croots pork pie, which tied…

Families with seriously ill children in Greater Manchester are among the beneficiaries of a successful £10 million fundraising partnership between Morrisons and the children’s palliative care charity, Together for Short Lives. The three-year partnership has raised vital funds for children’s hospices across the UK, with Francis House Children’s Hospice in Didsbury, Manchester, receiving nearly £120,000, an amount set to increase to £200,000 as final donations come in. Francis House, which provides specialised care to over 600 families in the north west with children who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, has used the funds to support families in need of respite.…

New research shows that horror films are increasingly popular as a way for Brits to unwind, with over half of film enthusiasts saying they reach for thrillers when they need to relax. The survey, conducted by Beavertown with a sample of 2,000 film buffs, reveals that 54% of respondents view horror films as a stress reliever. For many, the suspenseful scenes and chilling stories provide not only a thrill but also a comforting escape from everyday worries. The study highlights that horror films are more than just a seasonal indulgence, with fans watching an average of 36 horror films annually…

UFC fans and collectors now have an opportunity to own a rare piece of the Octagon, as UFC Collectibles has launched a new line of memorabilia that merges event artwork with the canvas used in historic fights. The new Poster on Canvas collection, managed by Memento Exclusives under official UFC licence, offers an innovative take on collectible items, combining the beloved PPV posters with pieces of the actual canvas from some of the sport’s most memorable events. This unique collection features iconic posters from six major pay-per-view (PPV) events over the past decade, including UFC 189, UFC 246, UFC 264,…

HMP Manchester is set to undergo significant improvements in security and conditions following a critical report from the Chief Inspector of Prisons. The government has outlined a robust action plan, which includes reinforced security measures, specialist staff training, and a customised pest control programme to tackle long-standing issues raised in the recent Urgent Notification. The Chief Inspector’s report, issued in early October, highlighted serious concerns about high levels of drugs, violence, and inadequate living conditions at the prison. HMP Manchester was found to have a notable prevalence of weapons and incidents of assault, along with “dilapidated” surroundings, broken windows, and…

HTEC, a global provider of digital product development and engineering services, has announced the acquisition of eesy-innovation, a German and Spanish-based embedded hardware and software engineering company. The acquisition aims to bolster HTEC’s expertise in embedded technology, IoT, and artificial intelligence, supporting the company’s growth strategy and strengthening its presence across Europe, particularly in the DACH region. Founded in 2008 in Belgrade, HTEC has built a reputation for merging Silicon Valley-inspired design thinking with robust software engineering to deliver end-to-end digital solutions. Headquartered in San Mateo, California, HTEC’s reach extends globally, offering services ranging from initial product strategy and concept…

Side Street, a beloved day-to-night destination in Manchester, has unveiled a major overhaul following a two-week renovation, just in time for the busy party season. The venue, known for its cocktails, food, and live music, celebrated its reopening on Wednesday 30th October with an exclusive launch event featuring a host of Manchester’s social elite. Situated in the vibrant St John’s district on the ground floor of The ABC Buildings, the revamped venue now offers an even broader appeal with new features and a refreshed menu. New Look, New Offerings Side Street has rebranded itself with several exciting new additions. Among…