ICO action secures increased cookie compliance, giving millions stronger control over their personal information online

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has provided an update on its action to tackle cookie compliance, which has brought the vast majority of the UK’s most used websites into compliance with rules on the use of advertising cookies.   This has given an estimated 80% of UK internet users over the age of 14 – equating to around 40 million people – greater control over how they are tracked for personalised advertising. Our assessment focused on three key areas of compliance:   Whether non-essential advertising cookies were stored on users’…

Royal Mail powers ahead with new fleet of electric HGVs

Royal Mail has rolled out its first fleet of eight electric Heavy Goods Vehicles (eHGVs) at its Midlands and North West Parcel Hubs. The launch is a major step forward in reducing the company’s carbon emissions by replacing diesel-powered 42-tonne trucks with zero-emission alternatives. The eight DAF 42-tonne XD 350E electric HGVs will operate around the clock, handling ‘middle-mile’ deliveries between parcel hubs and mail centres. Each vehicle will be powered by ABB’s high-performance T360 chargers, capable of adding up to 60 miles of range in under 15 minutes. Thanks…

Supermarkets playing with fire on future of food, says WWF

The UK’s broken food system is causing environmental collapse and creating volatility in supply and price, according to a report by WWF released recently.     Drawing on data from 10 retailers (Aldi, Asda, Co-op, Lidl GB, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose), 2025’s What’s in Store for the Planet report assesses the progress on environmental action of 90% of the UK grocery market and concludes that action on reducing environmental risks is stagnating.   It warns that without decisive action environmental impacts will escalate, threatening food security and…

VA and the Ad Council Affirm That Every Veteran Deserves Support – Regardless of When, Where or Why They Served

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Ad Council have unveiled a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) as part of their ongoing national campaign, “Don’t Wait. Reach Out.” The initiative encourages all Veterans facing challenges to visit VA.gov/REACH, a comprehensive resource hub specially designed to connect them with resources and services to support them across life’s challenges. The new suite of PSAs, titled “You Are a Veteran,” acknowledge that many Veterans wrestle with complex feelings about their service, sometimes questioning whether they deserve Veteran resources and…

M&S Brought Sustainable Sprouts To The Christmas Dinner Table With Seed-To-Shelf Innovation

Marks & Spencer has put seed planting innovation at the heart of Christmas this year.   Brussels sprout supplier Seahills from Arbroath has pioneered mixing wildflower seeds between sprout rows to provide important habitats for bees, butterflies, ladybirds and hoverflies that help to naturally manage pests.  Farming with nature helps to improve biodiversity and crop quality and yield. Seahills is part of the M&S Farming for the Future programme and dedicates 20% of its land to nature as well as measuring its environmental footprint with Soil Association Exchange and taking…