When Selfridges first opened its doors in 1909, it drew crowds by turning shopping into an adventure, using theatre and innovation. Bleriot’s monoplane was displayed there fresh from its maiden Channel crossing and John Logie Baird chose the store to first demonstrate television to the public.

The Covid-19 pandemic means that many citizens are contacting their local authority online for the very first time. Unable to communicate with officials face-to-face, they expect seamless and effective service through digital channels instead.

Retailers need to stop expecting business to return to “normal”. 

The use of data analytics and automation can improve the experience of users and deliver savings compared to the more traditional service-desk SLA approach.

Today’s consumers are experiencing a renewed appreciation of the value of retail, as well as the importance that shopping brings to their quality of life.

The Economic impact of digital inclusion in the UK report has found every £1 invested in building essential digital skills contributes £9.48 to the UK economy.

As political leaders and civil servants react to an ever-increasing array of challenges, we consider how to make time for placemaking and digital projects.

How can levelling-up be truly achieved when there’s still a large gap between those who are digitally included and those in our communities who are not?

Tackling a challenge on the scale of the global climate emergency will require collective action and for every part of society – from governments, to businesses, organisations and citizens – to come together, galvanised by the one, common goal of reaching Net Zero.

Against a backdrop of varying policy support and shifting funding commitments, the rise of empowered communities across the UK is even more notable.