news


Off er of free wellbeing support re-opens to SMEs T


he British Safety Council has re-opened its offer to SMEs and


micro-sized employers to apply to attend a free three-hour workshop to help them develop a wellbeing strategy. In the face of pressures following Covid and in light of the current economic challenges, the health, safety and wellbeing charity has said that micro, small, and medium-sized employers can apply to get free support to improve the wellbeing of their workplace, through its campaign on workplace wellbeing, Keep Thriving. Mike Robinson, chief executive of British


Safety Council, said: “We have been delighted with the response so far by SMEs and micro-


“We understand the pressures on small businesses, not just following the Covid pandemic but also with the high cost of energy, and as a charity we want to do something to help.” “Employers tell us they have found it useful


sized employers to our offer of free support to improve the wellbeing of their staff. That’s why we are re-launching to new applications and creating more places to attend one of our workshops this Spring.


to meet other like-minded organisations to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and best ways of developing a wellbeing strategy. We know that improving wellbeing not only boosts organisational performance it reduces the likelihood of accidents and ill-health among staff.” Any employer with up to 500 staff can apply and the closing date for applications is Wednesday, March 1.


Strix eyes growth with strategic acquisition S


trix Group, the global leader in the design, manufacture and supply of


kettle safety controls, and parent company of SDA and water fi ltration brands LAICA and Aqua Optima, has acquired Billi


Australia, Billi New Zealand and Billi UK, in a deal worth £38 million.


Billi is a leading brand


in Australia for the supply of superior instant boiling, chilled and sparkling fi ltered water systems. It has a strong heritage and a 30-year history of designing and manufacturing innovative products. The acquisition by Strix supports the company’s


growth plans in the water and appliance sectors. Adding Billi to the Strix portfolio will provide the company with full and comprehensive coverage of the hot water dispensing market, alongside its


existing LAICA and Aqua Optima brands.


Chief executive Mark Bartlett,


said: “As a brand, Billi has a successful history of growth, and we believe that Strix’s existing technological capabilities will enhance and improve upon


Billi’s new product development roadmap. “The acquisition of Billi accelerates our strategy within our water and appliances categories, which is core to Strix’s fi ve-year plan. “We look forward to welcoming the Billi team


to the Strix Group and working together to grow our combined businesses.”


MOST READ WEB STORIES TOP THREE


TACKLE DIGITAL POVERTY Research from Currys, The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) and YouGov has revealed that one in three (36%) UK adults have cut back their spending on key digital access. It found 27% have switched to a cheaper, less comprehensive broadband or mobile phone plan.


1 2 8 | www.ierdaily.co.uk


SONY UNVEILS A NEW WALKMAN Sony has introduced a new music player, the NW-A306, to the Walkman series family.


CURRYS RAISES OVER £70,000 TO


The NW-A306 features full Wi-Fi compatibility, weighing just 113g, as well as a 3.6in touch screen and tactile physical music controls.


3


DEMAND FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCES DRIVES FESTIVE SALES


GROWTH FOR MARKS ELECTRICAL Online white goods retailer Marks Electrical said it has defi ed the consumer gloom after delivering strong revenue growth of 33.4% to £29.8 million between October and December. Sales were especially strong of A-rated energy effi cient laundry appliances.


January 2023


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