Lloyds Bank has executed a UK banking 'first' by completing a digital Letter of Credit transaction using WaveBL's blockchain platform, slashing processing times for businesses. Discover how this innovation accelerates trade.
Allica Bank's new digital account offers UK businesses high interest on idle cash and cashback, potentially earning firms £10,000. Discover how to boost your bottom line effortlessly.
Jake Bedson, the new manager of Brentwood Theatre, discusses his vision to modernise the venue and turn it into a creative hub for the whole of Essex. Listen to the full interview.
Santander UK issues 10 urgent demands to the Labour government, calling for a consumer-first payments strategy as fraud prevention tops public priorities. Read the full report.
Students at Mayflower High School in Billericay have been recognised for completing the demanding Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award, placing them in an elite national group. Read about their community impact and the MP's celebratory visit.
Witham MP Priti Patel visited Vaycay Luxury Travel to donate toys for Home-Start Essex's Christmas campaign, supporting local families in need. Find out how you can contribute.
Lloyds Banking Group announces 44 branch closures for 2026 as customers move online. Find the full list and see what support will be available for affected communities.
Holocaust Centre North unveils a free online archive and digital galleries, providing unprecedented global access to over 21,000 items documenting survival and new lives in Northern England.
Lloyds Bank confirms 40 branch closures in 2026, including Birmingham's Harborne, citing a shift to digital banking. See the full list of affected locations.
Halifax announces 14 bank branch closures across the UK in 2026, citing a shift to digital banking. Birmingham's Bearwood branch among those shutting. Full list inside.
NatWest is closing six high street branches on December 31, 2025, citing a shift to digital banking. Community pop-ups and mobile services will support affected customers. See the full list.
A new global coalition, ALL IN, launches in London to accelerate action against gender-based violence, calling for leadership, funding, and prevention. #EndGBV
Monzo launches a game-changing 'Double Payday' feature, giving ten customers a month the chance to double their salary, up to £10,000. Find out how to be eligible.
A former Premier League and England footballer was arrested at Stansted Airport on suspicion of attempted rape. He has been released on bail until February 2026.
Ofcom issues its largest fine of the year to Virgin Media for putting vulnerable telecare customers at risk during the digital landline switch. Full details on the regulator's action.
A mother speaks out after her daughter's manipulative abuser, Charles Benson-Clark, is jailed for 6.5 years. Read her powerful message and learn how to get support.
Discover how to use Google's 'Results About You' feature to request removal of private details like your address and phone number from search results. Take control of your online privacy today.
BT is appealing Worcester City Council's rejection of its modern digital hubs, which offer free wifi and USB charging. The final decision now rests with a planning inspector.
The PlayStation 5 Digital Edition has reached its lowest price ever at £250.82 through an exclusive Top Cashback deal. Discover how to secure this double-discount offer.
Morrisons partners with Bauer Media to install high-tech digital screens at 300 store entrances in early 2026, offering targeted advertising at key shopping moments.
The Girls Inspired programme in Essex is helping vulnerable young women escape unhealthy relationships and criminality through sport and mentoring. Discover how this initiative creates positive change.
Discover how Nazila Husanovic-Gladwyn uses her lived experience to support families and improve mental health services at Essex NHS Trust. Learn about this vital role making a real difference.
Openreach begins UK landline shutdown with 12 locations first on the cut-off list. The move to full-fibre digital infrastructure will see 4,600 exchanges closed nationwide.
Self-employed workers in England sacrifice £3,000 annually on unpaid business admin. Discover how the new Making Tax Digital initiative aims to help and ease the burden.
Local author Sylvia Kent returns to Phoenix FM's Book Club, sharing Essex writing groups and November book recommendations. Hear her interviews at phoenixfm.com.
Discover the inspiring winners of the 2025 Billericay Community Awards. These local heroes and businesses were honoured for making the town a better place to live and work.
MP Marie Goldman advocates for a legal ban on smartphones in schools after hearing from teachers and parents about the damaging impact on children's mental health and learning.
Nearly 7,000 Lancashire secondary students explore AI, cybersecurity and robotics through innovative MEGA Hubs programme. Discover how this initiative bridges the digital skills gap.
Rogue traders face £10,000 fines and prison under new UK rules targeting illegal vapes. Learn how digital stamps will protect consumers and disrupt criminal networks.
The UK government has rejected a petition with 190,000 signatures calling for a ban on publishers disabling video games after sale. Discover the official response and your consumer rights.