Day: 30 August 2026

Robot revolution hits the fields as £20 million funding announced

Stuart Mitchell

£20 million up for grabs to develop farm robots and automated systems that can plant, tend and harvest crops New funding will help develop robots and innovative technologies that can plant, tend and harvest crops, giving farmers a helping hand at busy times of year, Farming Minister Stephen Morgan announced today (Monday 3 August).  Innovative agri-tech businesses can now bid for a share of £20 million to collaborate with researchers and farmers to develop the next generation of farm automation and robots.  The cash boost will fast-track the development of automated technology that can do everything from…

Read More

New CIPR research explores barriers locking young African professionals out of global public relations

Stuart Mitchell

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has published new research revealing that cost, low awareness, and a lack of locally relevant content are keeping young African professionals from global PR training, certification, and employment. The report – Impact Beyond Borders: Expanding Global Access for Young African Communicator – was authored by Adedoyin Jaiyesimi Chart.PR MCIPR and sponsored by the CIPR Research Fund. It draws on a survey of more than 200 respondents across 11 African countries, 10 focus group discussions with 40 young professionals in Nigeria, Kenya and Zimbabwe,…

Read More

Big Oil set to double profits as their emissions fuel deadly heatwaves

Stuart Mitchell

The world’s six biggest fossil fuel corporations are expected to nearly double their combined net income in the second quarter of 2026, jumping from $23 billion in the previous quarter to $45 billion, reveals new Oxfam analysis ahead of their earnings announcements. New data also finds that the emissions of these corporations have significantly magnified the frequency and severity of heatwaves this century. The projected full-year profits of BP, Chevron, Eni, ExxonMobil, Shell, and TotalEnergies amount to $147 billion, more than their combined profits over the previous 21 months (Q2…

Read More

National Trust warns UK cannot afford a political retreat on climate action as wildfires rage and half of England goes into drought

Stuart Mitchell

The National Trust is today warning that any weakening of the UK’s climate commitments will leave communities, wildlife and landscapes exposed to escalating climate shocks. The charity’s Director-General, Hilary McGrady, says the UK should prepare for more extreme wildfires as Europe watches France and Spain’s emergency responses and is calling on the Government to strengthen its response to tackling climate change and increase national resilience. In the past fortnight, 200 fires have been recorded nationwide, including a huge blaze in the Cairngorms which continues to burn, and a major incident…

Read More

Felix finds over half of parents feel financial strain during holidays

Stuart Mitchell

A food rescue charity has found the school holidays are creating significant financial pressure for families, with nearly three in five parents saying household budgets come under greater strain when children are off school. The research by Felix, formerly The Felix Project and FareShare, found that 58% of parents and carers experience more financial pressure during school holidays, with 17% saying the pressure is significantly greater. A key driver of the increased financial pressure is the cost of feeding their children. Three-quarters (76%) say they spend at least £20 more per…

Read More