A recent report from Virgin Media O2 Business and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) has revealed that if all UK businesses had embraced digital technology more extensively in 2021, the economy could have reaped a £111 billion boost in turnover.

The Untapped Potential of Digitalisation 

The report, titled ‘The Economic and Social Benefits of Digitalisation’, highlights what appears to be a major missed opportunity to drive productivity, job creation, and economic resilience through digital transformation, and a troubling gap between perception and reality among British firms. For example, according to the report, while 75 per cent of businesses surveyed believed they had a “strong digital culture,” the reality is far less impressive, i.e. the majority have not significantly increased their digital usage since 2021. This lag in digital adoption may, therefore, not only be costing businesses but also the UK economy as a whole.

The Importance of Not Simply Buying, But Integrating Workplace Technology 

As Bruce Daisley, a workplace culture expert, named as one of the world’s top 10 voices on the future of work by LinkedIn, said of the findings: “This isn’t just about buying tools—it’s about embedding them into everyday practices. Businesses have dazzling opportunities to maximise their tech, but many have been slow to implement permanent changes. Now is the moment.” 

The Digital Divide of Leaders vs. Laggards 

The Virgin Media O2 Business and Cebr research draws a clear line between digital leaders—firms actively investing in and utilising digital tools—and their slower-moving counterparts. The report highlights how companies with a robust digital culture saw turnover growth of 12 per cent compared to 5 per cent for less digitally mature businesses. Also, the report shows how productivity growth for digital leaders was more than double that of lagging firms, while Gross Value Added (GVA) rose by 8 per cent for digitally advanced organisations.

In stark contrast, businesses with weaker digital cultures reported no growth in these key metrics. The disparity is even more striking in workforce readiness, where 81 per cent of firms with strong digital cultures felt prepared for future challenges, compared to just 43 per cent of those lagging behind.

As Jo Bertram, Managing Director at Virgin Media O2 Business, states: “There’s a £111bn boost to the UK economy waiting to be unlocked by organisations that prioritise building strong digital cultures. Technology needs to underpin how people connect, collaborate, and drive outcomes.” 

Implications for Jobs and Growth 

Another important point highlighted by the report is how the benefits of digitalisation extend far beyond turnover and productivity. For example, the report estimates that greater adoption of digital technologies could have created 676,000 new jobs by 2023, with over 313,000 of these roles in SMEs. These figures demonstrate the transformative potential of digital tools to enhance not only individual businesses but also society at large.

As Nina Skero, CEO of Cebr (which conducted the research), noted: “Digital leadership is directly linked to higher turnover, increased productivity, and better performance across every economic metric. UK leaders must prioritise cultivating a strong digital culture to unlock their full potential and drive sustained growth.” 

The Challenges to Digital Progress 

Despite the clear benefits of having a strong, embedded digital culture for a business, significant barriers to digital transformation remain for many companies. For example, many organisations face a confidence gap, believing they are more digitally mature than they are in practice. Also, challenges such as limited budgets, resistance to change, and a lack of digital skills can hinder progress.

A separate report from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) supports these findings. According to their research, many SMEs cite affordability and complexity as the main obstacles to adopting digital technologies. This is particularly concerning given that SMEs form the backbone of the UK economy, accounting for 60 per cent of private sector employment and nearly 50 per cent of GDP.

What About ‘Digital Overload’ ? 

Not all experts agree on the relentless push for digitalisation. For example, a recent study by the University of Cambridge warns of the potential downsides of over-reliance on technology. The report argues that businesses must strike a balance, as excessive digitalisation can lead to inefficiencies, cybersecurity risks, and workforce burnout. While digital tools are essential, their success hinges on thoughtful implementation and employee buy-in.

This perspective highlights the need for a more nuanced approach where businesses invest not only in tools but also in training, culture, and cybersecurity to avoid pitfalls.

What Needs to Be Done? 

To unlock the full potential of digital transformation, UK businesses need to address key barriers. Ways in which they can do this include:

– Investing in skills development, such as providing employees with the necessary training to use digital tools effectively is critical.

– Prioritising culture over tools. It’s not just about acquiring technology but embedding it into organisational culture to drive meaningful change.

– Tailored solutions for SMEs. Policymakers and industry leaders need to develop targeted support for smaller businesses, such as grants, affordable tools, and simplified onboarding processes.

– Embracing collaboration. Larger firms and digital leaders can help by mentoring and partnering with SMEs to share best practices and accelerate adoption.

What Does This Mean for Your Business? 

For businesses across the UK, the findings of this report offer both a warning and an opportunity. The £111 billion in untapped economic growth highlights the critical importance of not just investing in digital tools but embedding them effectively within your organisation’s culture. This isn’t merely about staying competitive; it’s about future-proofing your business against a rapidly changing economic landscape.

The report also highlights how firms with strong digital cultures consistently outperform their peers in turnover, productivity, and workforce readiness. This means that if your organisation has yet to embrace digital tools or struggles to integrate them meaningfully, you risk falling behind not only in growth metrics but also in retaining a skilled and future-ready workforce. In an era where technology increasingly drives market dynamics, this is important!

At the same time, the barriers to digital transformation cannot be ignored. Challenges such as limited budgets, resistance to change, or a perceived lack of relevance are real, particularly for SMEs. However, overcoming these hurdles is crucial. Digitalisation is not just for large corporations, and SMEs stand to benefit significantly, with the potential to access new markets, streamline operations, and enhance customer engagement. Support is available, from government incentives to partnerships with larger firms, but it requires a proactive approach.

The debate about digital overload is also worth considering. A balanced approach can help avoid inefficiencies and employee burnout. Workforce training and a focus on creating a strong digital culture are key to ensuring technology adds value without becoming a burden.

All things considered, it seems that businesses essentially face a choice, i.e. to continue as they are and risk missing out on the growth opportunities digitalisation offers, or embrace the challenge of transformation and position themselves for a more resilient, prosperous future.

Apple is facing a £3 billion legal claim in the UK, accused of anti-competitive practices and overcharging iCloud customers.

Consumer group Which? has launched the class action on behalf of around 40 million UK iCloud users, alleging that Apple has effectively locked them into its service by restricting third-party alternatives, stifling competition, and inflating prices. The claim argues that Apple’s market dominance forces customers to rely on iCloud, with subscription costs ranging from £0.99 to £54.99 per month.

Apple denies the allegations, asserting that iCloud use is optional and that many customers choose third-party storage. It insists it facilitates data transfer and will robustly defend against claims of anti-competitive behaviour.

This lawsuit is part of a growing wave of class actions against major tech firms over similar issues. Other companies, including Google and Facebook, face comparable legal challenges, which could reshape competitive practices in the industry.

Legal experts have highlighted the potential for this and similar cases to disrupt dominant market positions and promote consumer-friendly reforms. Businesses may need to reassess practices to avoid limiting consumer choice or inviting regulatory scrutiny.

The outcome of this case could set a precedent, influencing how large tech firms structure services and compete, with implications for compliance and consumer trust.

Researchers at cybersecurity firm Barracuda have revealed that cybercriminals are now supercharging sextortion scams by using victims’ personal information, such as home addresses and Google Maps images, to make their threats more convincing and increase pressure to pay ransoms.

These scams, designed to extort money from victims, account for around 3 per cent of targeted phishing attacks and typically involve criminals falsely claiming to have explicit material hacked from victims’ devices. Personalised emails including names, phone numbers, and addresses are being used to make the threats appear more credible, and many emails begin with unsettling lines like, “Is this the right place to meet?” alongside images of victims’ homes or workplaces to coerce compliance.

Ransom demands are also reported to have risen sharply, often reaching $2,000, with scammers streamlining payments by including QR codes for Bitcoin transfers. While most attacks are large-scale spam campaigns, the personalised content in these scams enables them to evade spam filters and reach victims directly.

The impact on victims is reported to be severe, with scammers exploiting the distress caused by their invasive threats. However, in most cases, the attackers don’t actually have any of the explicit material they claim to possess, instead simply relying on data from previous breaches to construct their lies.

To combat these scams, businesses should employ advanced email protection systems, monitor for compromised accounts, and educate employees on identifying such attacks. Regular system updates and proactive email analysis are also effective ways to counter this growing cyber threat.

Researchers at the University of Limerick (UL) and the University of Valencia have developed a method to convert waste heat into electricity using lignin, a byproduct of the paper industry, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional energy recovery methods.

What Is Energy Recovery? 

Energy recovery (heat recovery in this case) is the process of capturing and reusing waste heat generated by industrial processes, machinery, or natural sources. Instead of allowing this energy to dissipate, heat recovery repurposes it to perform useful work, such as generating electricity or heating systems. By improving energy efficiency and reducing reliance on non-renewable resources, heat recovery offers real value in lowering operational costs and minimising environmental impact.

What Inspired the Research? 

Every day, industries, homes and even our bodies produce vast amounts of waste heat, with approximately 66 per cent of industrial energy output lost as heat, much of it below 200°C. Recognising this untapped potential, researchers at UL, supported by Irish Government funding and led by Muhammad Muddasar, PhD candidate at the School of Engineering, focused on developing a sustainable solution for harnessing this energy.

Traditional thermoelectric materials, such as bismuth telluride, have been used for heat-to-electricity conversion but are costly, toxic, and reliant on finite resources. Seeking a greener alternative, the researchers identified lignin \9a renewable, abundant byproduct of the paper industry) as an ideal, eco-friendly candidate for creating efficient thermoelectric materials.

The Thermoelectric Effect 

At the heart of this discovery lies the ‘thermoelectric effect’, where a temperature difference across a material generates an electrical potential. The UL and Valencia team engineered lignin-based membranes infused with a salt solution to exploit this phenomenon.

When a temperature gradient was applied to the lignin membrane, ions within the salt solution migrated i.e., positively charged ions moved towards the cooler side, while negatively charged ions gravitated towards the warmer side. This ion separation generated an electric potential across the membrane, which could be harnessed as electricity.

Lignin-Based Membranes Are Great at Converting Low-Grade Heat to Electricity 

The researchers developed membranes from lignin that can turn low-temperature heat (below 200°C) into electricity. This type of heat is commonly wasted in industrial settings, such as manufacturing plants and power stations, so these membranes could help capture and reuse it.

The study showed that lignin membranes performed well for this purpose, with a figure of merit (ZTi) of 0.25, measuring their ability to convert heat to electricity effectively. They also achieved an ionic Seebeck coefficient of 5.71 mV K⁻¹, demonstrating a strong electrical response from temperature differences.

The lignin-based membranes are lightweight, safe for biological environments, and eco-friendly, making them suitable for applications ranging from industrial energy recovery to sustainable energy solutions.

Practical Applications and Benefits 

The implications of this discovery could extend across industries and everyday scenarios. For instance, manufacturing facilities generate vast amounts of waste heat during production processes. Integrating lignin-based thermoelectric systems could allow these facilities to recover and reuse energy, reducing operational costs and environmental footprints.

Remote and off-grid locations could also benefit significantly. Lignin membranes could power sensors, communication devices, and small-scale lighting systems, eliminating the need for traditional fuel-based generators. Wearable technologies could also leverage the discovery, e.g. membranes could enable self-powered fitness trackers, medical monitors, and GPS devices that utilise body heat for continuous energy supply.

In buildings and infrastructure, lignin membranes could be integrated into heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to recapture waste heat and offset energy consumption. Their eco-friendly nature aligns perfectly with green building standards and sustainability goals.

A Green Alternative to Supercapacitors? 

Beyond energy harvesting, the UL team explored the use of lignin-based materials in energy storage. Traditional supercapacitors, which rapidly charge and discharge energy, often rely on carbon derived from fossil fuels. The researchers developed porous carbon electrodes from lignin, creating a sustainable alternative.

These lignin-based supercapacitors demonstrated exceptional performance in storing and delivering energy generated from waste heat. Their rapid charge-discharge capability makes them ideal for applications requiring quick bursts of power, such as electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.

Broader Context and Similar Research 

The study adds to a growing body of research exploring sustainable materials for energy generation. In recent years, cellulose-based membranes and ionic gels have gained attention for their thermoelectric properties. However, lignin offers the unique advantage of being a byproduct of an existing industrial process, requiring minimal additional processing, and making it highly cost-effective.

For example, a 2021 study by researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden highlighted the potential of cellulose membranes for thermoelectric applications. While these membranes demonstrated impressive performance, their mechanical fragility posed challenges for practical use. By contrast, the UL team’s lignin-based membranes are mechanically robust and suitable for real-world applications.

Environmental and Economic Impact 

Lignin-based thermoelectric materials offer clear environmental benefits. By converting waste heat into electricity, these membranes could reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance energy efficiency across sectors. Harnessing lignin can thus transform what was once industrial waste into a valuable resource, contributing to a circular economy.

Cost Savings 

Economically, lignin-based technology could drive significant cost savings. The pulp and paper industry produces an estimated 50 million tonnes of lignin annually, much of which is discarded or burned for low-value energy recovery. Redirecting this lignin towards high-value applications, such as thermoelectric energy harvesting, could represent a win-win for industries and the environment.

Key Challenges and Future Directions 

Despite its promise, the technology is not without challenges. Scaling up lignin membrane production while maintaining consistent quality will require further research. Also, optimising the membranes’ performance under varying environmental conditions (such as humidity and prolonged heat exposure) remains a focus area.

Looking Ahead 

The researchers envision extending lignin-based materials to other forms of energy harvesting, such as solar thermal systems. Enhancements in membrane design, such as incorporating nanoscale channels for improved ion transport, could further boost efficiency and broaden applications.

What Does This Mean for Your Organisation? 

The development of lignin-based membranes could represent an exciting leap forward in sustainable energy technology. By converting waste heat (a largely untapped resource) into electricity, this innovation addresses both energy inefficiency and industrial waste. It is a clear example of how a circular economy can transform byproducts like lignin from the paper industry into valuable resources, paving the way for more environmentally responsible and economically viable solutions.

The potential value to industries could be significant. For example, in manufacturing facilities and power plants, where vast amounts of low-grade heat are routinely wasted, integrating lignin-based thermoelectric systems could reduce operational costs and improve energy efficiency. These membranes offer a way to recover lost energy and transform it into an asset, potentially reshaping markets that rely heavily on energy-intensive processes. Similarly, the transportation sector, including electric vehicles, could benefit from this technology’s ability to power auxiliary systems using heat generated during operation, improving overall efficiency and sustainability.

For businesses, the membranes present multiple opportunities. Industries involved in energy-intensive processes could achieve cost savings and reduced emissions, aligning with growing regulatory and public demands for sustainable practices. Furthermore, the eco-friendly nature of lignin membranes may open new markets, as green building standards and sustainability certifications increasingly influence decisions in sectors such as construction, infrastructure, and electronics. Companies that adopt and invest in this technology early could gain a competitive advantage in these evolving markets.

The implications for off-grid and remote locations are equally compelling. Lignin membranes could power devices and systems in areas where traditional energy infrastructure is lacking or expensive e.g., communication systems and wearable technologies. This could reduce reliance on fossil fuels and support the global push for decentralised, renewable energy solutions.

Although challenges remain in scaling production and optimising performance, the potential economic and environmental benefits of lignin-based membranes are undeniable. By offering a cost-effective, sustainable alternative to conventional thermoelectric materials, this innovation could revolutionise energy recovery across industries and inspire a shift in how businesses approach waste, sustainability, and energy use.

Given the magnitude of this function (and the likely impact it is having) this video goes into much more of a comparison between ChatGPT search and Google Search.

[Note – To Watch This Video without glitches/interruptions, It’s best to download it first]

If you need a quick glance at your desktop without minimising all your open windows, you can use the Desktop Peek feature. Here’s how:

To ‘Peek’ at the Desktop

– Hover your mouse over the small vertical strip on the far-right corner of the taskbar.

Click to Minimise All Windows

– If you want to minimise all windows and fully view the desktop, click on the strip.

– This feature is great for quickly accessing desktop files or shortcuts without disrupting your workflow.