Industry News
Soho Estates appoints Ocean Outdoor as DOOH media partner
F
ollowing a competitive tender, Soho Estates has appointed Ocean Outdoor to manage its Digital Out of Home (DOOH) assets in London’s Leicester Square. Under the terms of the long-term contract, a new curved LED wall, measuring 166m/sq and flanked by two existing portrait LED screens, will be installed this summer.
The screen will sit behind bespoke curved glazing, forming part of the building’s new façade, and have full
motion and 3D DeepScreen style content. Ocean now manages the two commercial advertising opportunities in the square, one of which is owned by Vue Cinema and the other ‘The Curve’. Nick Lawson, head of investment and development for Soho Estates, said: “This investment will ensure it remains at the forefront of global media and cultural events, while providing a significant community benefit as a valuable platform for charities, artists and local community organisations.”
Nick Shaw, CEO for Ocean Outdoor UK, said: “Our new partnership with Soho Estates is a superb addition to our West End DOOH portfolio. Leicester Square gives brands access to a lucrative vibrant global audience in a world famous cultural and visitor attraction, just a few minutes from Mayfair, Carnaby Street and Soho, some the city’s premium retail districts.”
Artist impression of The Curve on Leicester Square
T AI fears despite growing use A
I adoption among the UK’s small businesses has nearly tripled in the past two years, according to forthcoming research from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), although concerns over data security, liability and copyright continue to hold many firms back. The research found that 55% of small firms are now using AI, compared with just 20% in 2023. However, 92% said they had concerns about the technology, up from 73% two years ago. The biggest worries cited were inaccurate responses (54%), security risks (39%), abuse of intellectual property rights (39%) and a lack of transparency around how AI models are trained (38%).
Despite these concerns, the benefits are becoming increasingly apparent. Nearly six in 10 respondents (59%) reported productivity gains from using AI, while 24% said it had increased revenues and 22% credited the
| 12 | July/August 2026
technology with helping to grow their business. FSB estimates that wider adoption could add more than £42bn to the UK economy each year. Tina McKenzie, policy chair of the
FSB, said: “There is a healthy realism among small businesses when it comes to AI, and it’s encouraging to see so many already finding practical ways to use it to save time, improve productivity and grow. “If we can provide that, the prize is enormous. AI has the potential to help small businesses work smarter, reach new customers, develop new products and compete more effectively, unlocking benefits not just for individual firms but for the wider economy too.” The FSB is now urging the
Government to introduce clearer rules around data use, copyright and liability, alongside practical support and incentives to help small firms adopt AI with confidence.
WOO launches search for new CEO
he World Out of Home
Organisation (WOO) has launched an immediate
search for a new chief executive
Tom Goddard, WOO president
officer to lead the day-to-day operations of the global industry body. WOO president Tom Goddard made the announcement during his opening address to delegates at the Annual Congress at the Park Lane Hilton in London – the same speech in which he set out a global Out of Home industry in robust health, with global revenues of $54bn. The appointment will allow Mr Goddard to step into a more ambassadorial role, freeing him to focus on member engagement and external advocacy at a moment when WOO is expanding its work across effectiveness, audience measurement and adtech connectivity. The search is being co-ordinated
by Jeremy Male, chair of the WOO Nominations Committee and Mr Goddard invited delegates to direct any questions, suggestions or expressions of interest to Jeremy directly or raise them with any member of the WOO board. Mr Goddard said: “We are confident this change will ensure that our marvellous organisation will continue to flourish and grow.”
www.signupdate.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82
