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Refuge Calls For Improved Media Reporting On Violence Against Women And Girls

Responding to The Global Misogyny News Coverage Tracker report, Gemma Sherrington, CEO of Refuge, said:

“Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is at epidemic levels. Yet, as The Global Misogyny News Coverage Tracker report highlights, the true scale of VAWG is still not being reflected in the global media. Alarmingly, articles including terms related to misogynistic abuse have dropped to the lowest level since in the nine-year period covered by the report. In fact, the report found that between 2017-2025, global searches for “domestic abuse support” increased five-fold.

“In England and Wales, one in four women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, and, on average, a woman is killed by a current or former partner every five days. This is exactly why we need to keep amplifying survivor voices and having vital conversations that actively challenge harmful narratives around VAWG.

“The media plays a powerful role in shaping public understanding of VAWG and challenging harmful attitudes. How the media writes about misogyny and VAWG impacts us all, and with that influence comes a responsibility to report on VAWG in a way that is ethical and centred on survivors.

“The media must rise to this responsibility, ensuring VAWG receives the sustained attention it requires while platforming survivors and confronting damaging narratives. Women and girls deserve to see their experiences meaningfully represented in the media, and Refuge remains committed to amplifying survivor voices.”

University Of Suffolk Unveils New Student Hub And Facilities In Ipswich Campus Upgrade

Students at the University of Suffolk are set to benefit from vibrant new social areas and a larger home for the Students’ Union as work begins to develop a new student hub on the waterfront campus in Ipswich.

The former library building on the north side of the campus will be transformed to provide exciting new spaces for students to meet with friends, study or relax in between lectures. There will be social areas, a new gym and fitness studio, a large events space, prayer room and a wellbeing area, along with Students’ Union offices and bookable meeting rooms for SU clubs and societies to use.

Lee-Ann Durrant, SU president of Education said: “This is a really exciting moment for our students as the building will provide us with a vibrant space right at the heart of campus, bringing students together to connect, relax and make the most of their time here. With new social spaces, fitness facilities and room for our growing number of student societies, it’s going to transform how students experience campus life. I’m especially looking forward to seeing it become a place where our community can come together and thrive.”

Across campus in the James Hehir Building, development of new laboratories and facilities for the Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) course launching in September 2026 are underway, while in the Waterfront Building, improved study spaces and new PhD facilities are being created.

Professor Jenny Higham, Vice Chancellor at the University of Suffolk said: “We are proud to make such significant investments into our students and campus. Earlier this year we opened our new library and study spaces and will be adding a new student hub and teaching spaces. These will give our students more modern, vibrant spaces to learn, study and socialise that will ultimately enhance their whole experience of university life.”

The University of Suffolk is working with Concertus to deliver the campus projects with new library completed by Barnes Construction, Student Hub by Pentaco and Pharmacy work by Seamans.

To find out more about studying at the University of Suffolk at one of our Open Days (Saturday 18 April and Saturday 27 June) please visit: www.uos.ac.uk/life-at-suffolk/visit-us/open-days/

Music Expert Reveals Best Work From Home Playlist To Boost Focus And Productivity

With more people working from home, music has become a key part of the daily routine, helping to fill the silence between meetings, emails and deadlines.

But while many remote workers press play without much thought, experts say the type of music you listen to during the workday could have a direct impact on your productivity, focus and memory.

Studies have shown that music can influence everything from mood to concentration, activating multiple areas of the brain at once while helping to reduce stress levels. For those working from home, where distractions are often harder to control, choosing the right music can make a noticeable difference.

Crucially, tempo plays a major role. Research suggested that music at different beats per minute can support different types of tasks, from deep focus work to more creative thinking.

Music expert Sarah Gillan, from Kelvinside, explained: “You want music that reduces the cognitive load and limits distraction. It should help you focus, not give you more to think about.”

Getting into the Work from Home Rhythm

Best Beat Per Minute: 70–90 BPM
Popular songs that fit the BPM:

“Let It Be” – The Beatles
“No Woman, No Cry” – Bob Marley
“Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran
“Fix You” – Coldplay
“Someone Like You” – Adele
“Ocean Eyes” – Billie Eilish
“Stay With Me” – Sam Smith
“All of Me” – John Legend
“Photograph” – Ed Sheeran
“Yellow” – Coldplay

For those working from home, maintaining steady concentration is key, particularly when switching between tasks like emails, video calls and focused project work.

Slower tempo music in the 70 to 90 BPM range can help create a calm and controlled environment, making it easier to stay on track without becoming overwhelmed.

Creative work done at home can benefit from a slight increase in energy.

“If you’re writing or doing something creative, you can go for something a little more upbeat,” Sarah explained. “Something that gets your creative juices flowing.”

However, she still advised keeping things controlled. “It shouldn’t be too distracting, but it should give you that energy,” she added.

Minimalist music and instrumental jazz are strong choices for home workers looking to stay productive. Sarah pointed to composers like Einaudi and Philip Glass, noting that “piano music can be really good as it’s something quite simple and flowing rather than too full or overwhelming.”

This aligns with findings that moderate tempos can help induce a relaxed but alert “alpha state”, which supports creativity and idea generation, particularly useful when working independently at home.

How to build your perfect working-from-home playlist

Create an “auditory bubble” with headphones

Working from home often comes with its own set of distractions, from household noise to interruptions from family members or deliveries.

Headphones can help create a clear boundary between your workspace and everything else going on around you. By reducing background noise, they allow you to fully immerse yourself in your work.

Sarah described this as creating an “auditory bubble”. “It helps you feel zoned in,” she said, explaining that it can make it easier to settle into focused work.

She added that this can be especially useful in busy home environments. Whether you’re sharing space with others or dealing with outside noise, headphones can help recreate a sense of control and consistency, making it easier to concentrate for longer.

Use gaming music for focus

Gaming music is one of the most effective and overlooked tools for productivity when working from home.

“It’s written so that people can listen to it for hours,” Sarah explained. “It has to be engaging, but it can’t be distracting or annoying.”

Because of this, it naturally supports long periods of uninterrupted work, ideal for remote workers tackling deep-focus tasks without office structure.

The structure and repetition help keep your brain engaged without pulling attention away from the task itself.

Sarah said this makes it ideal for both work and study. “It’s designed for concentration,” she added, “which is exactly what you need.”

Switch to instrumental or karaoke versions

If you enjoy listening to music with lyrics while working from home but find it distracting during tasks like writing emails or reports, there is a simple solution.

“You can look for instrumental or karaoke versions of songs you already like,” Sarah said. “There are loads of them on YouTube and Spotify.”

This allows you to keep the familiarity and comfort of your favourite tracks, without competing with your brain’s language processing, something that can be particularly helpful when working independently.

“It’s a really good compromise,” she added. “You still get the music you enjoy, but without the distraction.”

Dan Dower And Anna Campbell-Jones Launch Swallow Talisman Collaboration

A partnership between Dan Dower & Anna Campbell-Jones Dan and I first spoke about swallows when I told him about the ones I’d created from recycled Scottish ocean plastic – delicate little wall ornaments born from the debris our seas give back to us. We talked about their symbolism, their beauty, and the way they always seem to find their way home. It wasn’t long before we knew we wanted to create a version you could wear close to your heart.

There’s something magical about swallows: they mate for life, never stray far from land, and carry with them a quiet promise of return. For centuries, sailors inked them into their skin after thousands of nautical miles – badges of courage and skill hard-won on wild seas. I’ve always loved the old saying:

“Calm seas never made a skilled sailor.”

Our Swallow Talisman holds all of that meaning. It’s a little piece of your journey, whether you wear it as a reminder of where you’ve been, a wish for safe return, or a gift of love and loyalty. For me, it’s also a reminder that something beautiful can be made from what the tide leaves behind – and that home is never far away. Anna Campbell-Jones Available now at dowerandhall.com

Cambridgeshire Housebuilder Supports Whittlesey Charity With New Community Pantry

Regional housebuilder Allison Homes Central has supported local charity Helping Whittlesey as it opens a brand-new, purpose-built community pantry in the town.

The housebuilder, which is building new homes in Whittlesey at its Violet Meadows development located next door to the pantry site, donated £1,100 to help fund essential works, including fencing and concrete, to prepare the new space for use.

The new pantry has been created to provide vital support to local residents, offering access to essential goods alongside community resources. The space also includes an area for local information and recipe cards, as well as fundraising initiatives such as the sale of seasonal cards, with proceeds going towards Helping Whittlesey’s Christmas appeal.

The project has been made possible through a combination of grants and donations from a number of organisations, alongside the support of local businesses, volunteers and community partners.

Anna Foster, Founder of Helping Whittlesey, said: “Anna Foster, Founder at Helping Whittlesey, said: “The Community Pantry collects surplus food from shops that would otherwise go to landfill and distributes it to the local community at no cost. We are environmentally focused and open to everyone. Since opening, we have saved 123.44 tonnes of food and flowers from going to landfill.

“Without the support of Allison Homes and other grants, this simply would not have been possible. Our new pantry was much needed as we had outgrown our previous premises, which was a converted garage. Thank you so much for your support.”

Adam Knight, Managing Director at Allison Homes Central, said: “Helping Whittlesey plays a vital role in supporting people across the local community, and we are pleased to have been able to contribute towards the new pantry.

“Our funding supported important preparatory works, including fencing and concrete, helping ensure the facility is ready to support residents. It is particularly meaningful to support a project so close to our Violet Meadows development, where our show home is now open and welcoming visitors.”

To find out more about Helping Whittlesey and the services they offer, visit their social channels or https://helpingwhittlesey.org/.

Violet Meadows will be a welcoming new development of 175 two, three and four bedroom homes on Drybread Road, combining countryside surroundings with easy access to Peterborough and beyond.

To find out more about Violet Meadows, visit https://allison-homes.co.uk/development/violet-meadows/ or contact the sales team on 01733 513506.

Voltempo Appoints Neil Durno As Depot Charging Partnerships Gain Momentum

Voltempo has appointed Neil Durno to Head of Partnerships as the company accelerates delivery of large-scale charging infrastructure for electric HGV fleets. The announcement comes at a key moment for the freight electrification market, which is rapidly shifting from early deployments to the delivery and operation of charging infrastructure at commercial scale.

Neil Durno, recently named as one of GreenFleet’s most influential people, will lead Voltempo’s expanding partner network, working across customers, technology providers and service partners as the company rolls out integrated energy solutions built around its high-power e-HGV depot charging infrastructure.

The role will lead delivery of Voltempo’s work within the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium – part of the UK Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator Programme funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK – aimed at accelerating the transition to zero-emission heavy freight.

Paul Jordan, Chief Commercial Officer at Voltempo said strengthening partnerships would be critical as the sector moves into a more operational phase.

“Electrifying heavy freight is fundamentally a collaboration challenge,” he said. “No single organisation delivers the entire solution. As projects move from planning into delivery, the strength of the partnerships around the infrastructure becomes just as important as the technology itself.”

“Neil has already played a key role in building our relationships across eFREIGHT 2030. This new position allows us to build on that work as we move into the next stage of deployment.”

Durno has spent the past two years working closely with partners across the programme and will now take responsibility for shaping Voltempo’s wider partnership strategy, including a third-party delivery support network for the company’s service and maintenance programme.

Neil Durno’s appointment reflects a broader shift taking place in the commercial vehicle charging market. While public charging networks remain important, many fleet operators are increasingly focusing on depot-based infrastructure aligned to predictable duty cycles and scheduled vehicle dwell times.

Voltempo has been a vocal advocate of the emerging Depot Point Operator (DPO) model, where depot-based charging infrastructure is deployed primarily to serve fleet operations but can also support controlled third-party access under pre-agreed arrangements.

This approach allows infrastructure to be built around real operational demand while improving asset utilisation across freight corridors and logistics clusters.

Durno said partnerships would play a central role in making these models work in practice.

“Freight electrification is moving into a much more delivery-focused stage,” he said. “Infrastructure, energy supply, fleet operations and service support all have to work together. My focus will be making sure our partners are aligned as we move into live operations.”

Voltempo manufacturers and deploys high-power charging systems designed for commercial vehicle depots, including its megawatt-capable HyperCharger platform, which can dynamically distribute more than one megawatt of power across multiple vehicles.

Through its involvement in eFREIGHT 2030, the company is helping to lay the foundations for what is expected to become the UK’s largest depot-based charging network for electric HGVs.

As electric freight adoption gathers pace, Voltempo believes strong operational partnerships will be a key factor in enabling the next stage of industry growth.

Yusen Logistics showcases global healthcare platform at LogiPharma 2026

Yusen Logistics is presenting its global healthcare platform at LogiPharma 2026 in Vienna from 14 – 16 April, underlining its growing capabilities in delivering specialised healthcare logistics solutions worldwide.

As one of the pharmaceutical industry’s leading global forums for supply chain innovation, LogiPharma brings together senior leaders from manufacturing, distribution, logistics and technology to address evolving regulatory requirements, operational complexity and patient focused supply chain challenges.

At this year’s event, Yusen Logistics is welcoming LogiPharma 2026 attendees at booths 27/28 and 50, located directly opposite each other within the exhibition area. The company is demonstrating how its end-to-end healthcare solutions can deliver measurable value to pharmaceutical manufacturers, medical device companies and healthcare providers worldwide through GDP compliant transportation and storage solutions for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other critical healthcare products.

Leveraging advanced temperature controlled infrastructure, robust quality management processes, and strict regulatory compliance, Yusen Logistics operates under harmonised global standards while enhancing end to end supply chain visibility. This integrated approach ensures regulatory excellence and safeguards product integrity and patient safety across global markets. Customers benefit from a seamless end-to-end solution covering cold chain management, regulatory compliance, warehousing, inventory control, last mile delivery and strategic network optimisation, complemented by specialised healthcare services such as order to cash management, batch release, serialisation and GMP compliant operations. Built on stringent GDP standards, Yusen Logistics Healthcare supports increasingly complex global healthcare supply chains with precision and reliability.

A key highlight of the event was the traditional Japanese sake barrel-opening ceremony, known as Kagami Biraki. In Japan, this ceremony symbolizes a new beginning and the strengthening of partnerships. The ceremony was attended by Hiroki Harada, CEO of Yusen Logistics Global Management Co., Ltd. as well as Minoru Futonaka, Managing Director of Yusen Logistics (Europe) B.V., underscoring the global leadership’s commitment to the continued development of its healthcare business worldwide.

Yusen Logistics has recently strengthened its healthcare presence and expertise in Europe with the acquisition of Walden Health, including Movianto, Eurotranspharma, Transpharma International, and Walden Digital.

Hiroki Harada, CEO of Yusen Logistics Global Management, commented, “Healthcare is a strategic focus area for Yusen Logistics globally. The acquisition of Walden Health marks an important milestone in strengthening our capabilities in Europe and reinforcing our commitment to providing high quality, compliant and reliable healthcare logistics solutions worldwide. LogiPharma 2026 provides an important opportunity to demonstrate the value of our expanded healthcare offering.”

Minoru Futonaka, Managing Director of Yusen Logistics (Europe) added, “The healthcare sector requires the highest levels of compliance, precision and coordination. Our global healthcare platform ensures consistent standards, operational excellence and transparency across regions, enabling customers to navigate complexity with confidence.”

Bruno Jacques, Deputy Managing Director of Yusen Logistics (Europe) and CEO of Yusen Logistics Healthcare, stated, “The acquisition has significantly strengthened our healthcare footprint in Europe. By combining deep sector expertise with global reach, we provide customers with clear end-to-end accountability and a resilient, high quality supply chain structure. We are pleased to welcoming partners to our booths in Vienna.”

Bentley Motors Unveils Innovative Workwear For Electric Vehicle Production In Crewe

Bentley Motors launches new innovative workwear for those who will be creating the first battery electric vehicle to emerge from the Crewe factory
New workwear – which features carbon fibre in its construction – has been designed specifically for use within electrostatically protected areas – preventing the build-up of static electricity that could affect sensitive electronic systems during the production process
Introduced to maintain the highest levels of automotive quality and safety while supporting commitments to colleague safety and sustainability
Co-created, inclusive design supports Bentley’s Beyond100+ vision and ‘Dream Factory’ transformation in Crewe

(Crewe, 16 April 2026) Ahead of the launch of its first battery electric vehicle later this year, Bentley Motors has introduced new ‘Dream Factory’ workwear. Designed for use within electrostatic protected areas, the new workwear prevents the build-up of static electricity that could impact sensitive electronic and battery components, ensuring precision and quality across electric vehicle production.

The launch of electrostatic discharge (ESD) compliant workwear represents a critical step in supporting safe and efficient automotive manufacturing. Developed using carbon fibre components, the workwear is engineered to dissipate static electricity while maintaining durability, flexibility and comfort in colleagues’ day-to-day operations.

The collection is tailored to meet the needs of Bentley’s diverse workforce in Crewe. The workwear is shaped around four key principles: co-created, future-focused, inclusive and high-tech. This has resulted in a wide range of fits and sizing options being incorporated to support comfort, mobility and the needs of different roles including health and safety features, making the collection practical and accessible for all.

The workwear reflects Bentley’s evolving design language inspired by the craftsmanship of its products. Updated silhouettes, refined detailing and a consistent visual identity across all roles create a modern, technical and streamlined aesthetic that aligns directly with Bentley’s approach to future design.

The workwear underscores a shared commitment to transparency, ethical manufacturing and long-term sustainability. This includes responsible sources of materials, collaboration with credible suppliers and considered production processes designed to minimise waste and ensure long-term durability.

Environmental responsibility has been embedded throughout the entire lifecycle of the workwear. Materials and construction have been selected to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high performance standards. At end of life, a dedicated recycling scheme will ensure zero landfill, with the uniform repurposed into new materials supporting a more circular approach.

Bentley’s workwear launch demonstrates how every aspect of the brand can contribute meaningfully to reducing environmental impact as it strives to set new benchmarks not only in luxury mobility, but in how a modern and responsible automotive manufacturer operates.

EDF Says Time Of Use Tariff Customers Saved £112 Against Price Cap

New analysis by EDF has identified that in the first 3 months of the year customers on its dynamic electricity time of use tariff have already saved an average of £112^[1] so far, despite volatility in wholesale prices.

Analysing its FreePhase tariff, which follows daily pricing, compared to the quarterly price cap rate, EDF has found that customers on FreePhase achieved an average price of 19.67p/kWh compared to 27.69p/kWh on Ofgem’s price cap so far this year – almost a 30% difference. This is largely due to the risk that is priced into forward hedging on long-term products such as Standard Variable Tariffs when compared to setting prices a day ahead with FreePhase Dynamic.

EDF’s FreePhase Dynamic tariff works by alerting customers the day before what their prices will be for the next 24 hours into three time bands: green (super off peak, 11pm-6am), amber (off peak 6am-4pm and 7pm-11pm), red (peak 4-7pm). Customers can then choose to shift their electricity use, such as laundry, cooking and charging devices, to make the most of cheaper rates, but this new analysis shows that even without making a shift, there are savings to be made.

FreePhase Dynamic offers rates 28% cheaper than SVT

The tariff offers average off-peak rates 28% cheaper than the standard variable tariff, and 40% cheaper average night rates^[2]. It also includes a 12-month maximum-price guarantee that unit rates will never go above 75p/kWh, regardless of any increase to wholesale prices. Customers on FreePhase Dynamic can track their day-ahead prices published on EDF’s FreePhase Dynamic price tracker, and customers also benefit from regular free electricity periods.

Joe Souto, Director of Retail at EDF, said: “FreePhase is showing that households can take advantage of cheaper electricity prices even during periods of market volatility. Customers automatically benefit from cheaper day‑ahead electricity prices without lifting a finger, and for those who shift their usage away from the peak hours, are rewarded with even greater savings. Already this year, FreePhase customers have collectively saved £54,000 compared to the price cap, and just last week alone customers got 37 hours of free electricity – more than a whole day of free power.

“Unlike some time-of-use products that require people to track dozens of price changes each day, FreePhase keeps things simple. With just three daily prices, customers can plan with confidence and stay firmly in control of what they pay.”

EDF also offers FreePhase Static for anyone who wants more predictable pricing. It uses the same three-band system (red, amber, green), but the unit rates are locked in for a year. With FreePhase Static, off‑peak (amber) prices are up to 17% lower, and night-time (green) rates can be up to 43% cheaper than the standard variable tariff.

FreePhase offers free electricity periods

All FreePhase customers can also take advantage of free electricity during periods when there’s an excess of renewable generation and electricity demand is low. To date, FreePhase customers have been given 202 hours of free electricity.

Both FreePhase tariffs require a smart meter that sends readings every 30 minutes, and customers are required to pay by Direct Debit^[3]. There are currently no exit fees for leaving the tariff early.

Customers can sign up to start saving and using energy smarter here: https://www.edfenergy.com/electricity-FreePhase

[Frequently Asked Questions]

How do customers sign up?

Customers can sign up to start saving and using energy smarter here: https://www.edfenergy.com/electricity-FreePhase

What times do the rates change?

The FreePhase unit rate timings are:

Red (peak rate, highest): 4pm to 7pm
Amber (off-peak): 6am to 4pm; 7pm to 11pm
Green (night rate, lowest): 11pm to 6am

When will customers get free electricity?

Customers will get periods of free electricity with both of our FreePhase tariffs when lots of renewable electricity is being generated – and electricity demand is low. We’ll send customers a text message a day before a free period is happening.

With FreePhase Static, we’ll credit customers for any electricity they’ve used during their free electricity periods, whilst Dynamic customers won’t be charged for any electricity you use during the free electricity period.

How is FreePhase different from other multiple rate tariffs?

FreePhase offers three-rates: red (peak), amber (off-peak), green (night). FreePhase Dynamic prices are updated daily to reflect the actual prices of electricity. Whilst the electricity market is priced into 48 half-hourly periods, FreePhase Dynamic takes the average for the red, amber and green periods – so customers only have to track three prices a day. FreePhase Dynamic is the only three-rate tariff in the market that tracks daily wholesale prices.

In addition, both FreePhase tariffs will provide customers with free electricity when electricity prices go negative.

How can customers shift their energy usage?

Some ways customers can shift their electricity usage away from peak times include:

Putting the dishwasher on at off-peak or night times

Avoid using the washing machine and tumble dryer during peak times
Cook outside of peak times
Charge electric car outside of peak times

Unplug devices and chargers and use battery power instead

Put aside gaming consoles and try something new as a family

For more information contact: media@edfenergy.com