Business News

Transport for Wales has teamed up with Campaign for Better Transport to celebrate one of the biggest upgrades in rail infrastructure within the UK.

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is once again asking the public to help pick a winner for the Community Fundraiser Award category for its upcoming annual recognition awards.

Dr. Umar Johnson criticized Kevin Hart’s Netflix roast, arguing several jokes crossed racial lines and disrespected Black history. He sparked debate after calling out the special and Hart’s response during the comedy event.

The second annual Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) will take place in Guyana in July 2027, convening regional governments, international energy companies and investors at a pivotal moment for the Caribbean’s emergence as a global energy hub.

AFC (Africa Finance Corporation) and the Government of Kenya have signed a Host Country Agreement establishing AFC’s first regional office in Nairobi, expanding the Corporation’s platform for scaling infrastructure investment and industrial development across Africa.

A long-term medical training partnership between Mercy Ships and Malagasy healthcare professionals has enabled clubfoot patients to receive better treatment in Madagascar, highlighting the impact of surgical education.

Trina Storage, a global energy storage solution provider, attended Energy Storage Summit London 2026, showcasing its fully integrated energy storage solutions from cell to AC and engaging in industry discussions on key market trends and regulatory developments.

With Chartered Week running 23–27 February, the global educational charity and professional body, the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), is highlighting the powerful role that Chartered status plays in fostering high standards of professionalism and trust.

Helping professionals adapt and grow at every stage of their careers in financial services is vital, particularly as opportunities become more global and artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more widespread. Financial services is a global business, and CISI has a strong track record of collaborating with fellow chartered and professional bodies to raise standards and create seamless pathways across international financial services markets. This makes Chartered status a valuable, recognisable asset for individuals from London to Dubai and Sydney. Increasingly, this interoperability is vital, empowering effortless navigation of roles, jurisdictions and specialisms while retaining full recognition of expertise and lifelong learning.

In an age of AI, Chartered status also offers consumers much-needed reassurance, as human-led mastery of tools, underpinned by an ethical edge, is one of the hallmarks of the designation. Tracy Vegro OBE, CISI CEO, said: “Globally, an individual Charter is recognised as a huge achievement and the peak of professionalism.

“It demonstrates to customers and wider society that a firm or individual is at the top of the profession. Trust for consumers is important when considering AI and how technology without ethics can destroy trust. CISI Chartered status signals to consumers and clients that they can not only trust an individual’s expertise, but that the individual acts with integrity, abiding by the Royal Charter, Bye-laws and regulations and upholding the CISI’s high standards as published in our professional Code of Conduct. Holding a CISI Charter shows a commitment to lifelong learning and a dedication to continuing professional development.

“We congratulate all of our members across the globe who have achieved this pinnacle of professionalism and welcome and encourage those embarking on their journey to Chartership.” Hendrik van Dyk CFP Chartered MCSI (pic), financial planner at Fowler, said: “We are incredibly proud to have been granted CISI Chartered Firm status – a recognition that reflects our unwavering commitment to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and excellence in the financial services industry.

“This achievement not only validates our team’s dedication but also strengthens our promise to deliver trusted, client-focused advice. We aim to continue fostering a culture of ethical leadership and continuous improvement, ensuring we provide the best possible outcomes for our clients and the communities we serve.” Andrew Booth CFP Chartered MCSI, founder of Nine Wealth Management, said: “Achieving CISI Chartered Firm status is a significant milestone and the culmination of many years of dedicated work.

“It places us among the elite financial planning practices in the UK and clearly reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence. It represents our focus on doing what is right for our clients and affirms our promise to deliver the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and client care, providing peace of mind and confidence in the financial journey ahead.” Catherine McGuinness CBE MCSI, a member of the CISI Board, said: “We should not underestimate just how significant the UK’s Chartered professional education offer is as an export.

“The international demand we see at CISI for high-quality, Chartered-level learning and standards shows that the UK remains a global benchmark for trusted expertise in financial services. By supporting Chartered professionals worldwide, CISI strengthens and projects the best of the UK’s values-based approach to finance onto the world stage.” The CISI’s mission is to help members attain, maintain and develop their knowledge and skills and to promote the highest standards of ethics and integrity in the securities and investment profession.

Based in the City of London, with origins in the London Stock Exchange, the CISI is a charity with global reach through its representative offices in financial centres such as Colombo, Dubai, Sydney, Dublin, Glasgow, London, Mumbai and Nairobi. We work in close cooperation with regulators, firms and other professional bodies worldwide and over 44,000 examinations were taken in 81 countries in the last twelve months. With 57,000 members in over 100 countries the CISI is the professional body which sets examinations and offers qualifications for those working in or looking to establish a career in financial planning, wealth management and capital markets.

A housebuilder has empowered schoolchildren in Berkshire to champion positivity and take a stand against bullying through art.

Through the Employment Rights Act the UK Government is introducing a new process for employers to follow if they think they might need to reject a flexible working request.

The West Midlands’ largest independent retailer and manufacturer of kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms is cooking up a perfect 45th birthday present with a boost in sales and the purchase of new machinery.

The Datai Langkawi has unveiled the latest exemplary line-up of ‘The Chef Series 2026: The Art of the Distinctive’, its signature celebration of global gastronomy set against the lush backdrop of Langkawi’s ancient rainforest.

From The Phoenix Newspaper Family

The sons of former Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Diogo Jota will accompany the mascots when the Portuguese's two former sides meet at Anfield.

The decision by African football bosses to change the Africa Cup of Nations from a biennial competition to a tournament held every four years has been met with a mixed reaction on the continent with some seeing it as simply caving in to pressure from European clubs and Fifa.

Wishing all of The Phoenix Newspaper reader a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!