Amilia Stone

Keller Group plc (LON:KLR), the world's largest geotechnical specialist contractor, has announced the appointment of Carl-Peter Forster as a Non-executive Director and Chair designate.

Syncona Ltd (LON:SYNC), a leading life science investor focused on creating, building and scaling global leaders in life science, has announced that

Artificial intelligence in the pharmaceutical industry has become central to modern drug discovery and development. Recognising both its potential and its risks, the FDA has initiated efforts to regulate AI’s role in the sector, balancing innovation with patient safety. Meanwhile, companies are progressing rapidly. For instance, Immunai recently struck a substantial $18 million agreement with AstraZeneca to utilise AI models for enhancing clinical trials, while startups like Insilico Medicine and Recursion Pharmaceuticals claim that AI is key to accelerating new drug research. However, some in the industry view such claims with caution, warning against overestimating AI’s capabilities.

The global energy transition relies heavily on lithium, a critical component in batteries for electric vehicles (EVs). Although demand has recently slowed due to a temporary lull in EV uptake, projections for the long term indicate that lithium will remain essential for the industry, pressing the mining sector to scale up production sustainably to meet worldwide needs. Lithium extraction methods differ based on the resource type. Brine deposits involve pumping lithium-rich saltwater into evaporation ponds; as the water evaporates, the concentrate is refined into lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide, both vital for battery production. Hard-rock lithium is extracted through conventional mining, with the ore crushed and processed. While this method is energy-intensive, it often yields higher-quality lithium faster than brine-based extraction.

Vigilis Tree Shelters Limited, a major manufacturer known for its tree shelters and hedging wraps, has entered a significant partnership with Origin Suregreen Limited, a well-known supplier of landscaping, fencing, and forestry products. As part of this collaboration, Origin Suregreen will serve as the exclusive UK distributor for the entire Vigilis Tree Shelters range. This includes both the Vigilis-Bio series, which offers soil biodegradable, plastic-free tree protection, and Vigilis’ recyclable traditional shelters.

Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanoparticles, exceptionally small in size, typically measuring between 2 and 10 nanometres, even smaller than a virus. Their minuscule dimensions allow for unique optical and electronic behaviours, giving them distinct properties not found in bulk materials. This tiny structure leads to quantum mechanical effects due to electron confinement, making it possible to finely control the colour of light they emit. Acting much like adjustable mini light sources, QDs can be tuned to emit specific wavelengths by altering their size, creating vast potential across a range of fields, from display technology to medical imaging.

In 2024, consumer shopping habits are evolving, with a significant shift towards purchasing directly through social media platforms. A recent study indicates that 47% of U.S. shoppers have made purchases via social media, and platforms like TikTok are enhancing this trend by introducing features such as TikTok Shopping, enabling merchants to sell products directly within the app.

As the year 2024 nears its end, President Xi Jinping has called for strong and focused efforts to meet China’s economic and social targets. During his recent tour of Hubei Province, Xi highlighted the importance of steady progress in economic initiatives, building on similar messages conveyed in his previous visits to other provinces. These directives reflect China’s intention to reach its goal of around 5% economic growth, an outlook that officials from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) echoed with optimism in mid-October. The confidence stems from recent economic data indicating a stable foundation and signs of recovery. For instance, the manufacturing sector showed improvement with the Purchasing Managers’ Index reaching 50.1 in October, signalling a return to growth.

The rare earth elements (REE) sector has emerged as one of the most strategically important industries in today’s global economy. As critical inputs for modern technology, these elements play a central role in products ranging from smartphones and medical devices to electric vehicles and wind turbines. Demand for rare earths has been steadily rising, driven by the accelerating shift toward green energy and the ongoing digitalisation of global economies. With clean energy initiatives forming the backbone of future industrial policy in many countries, rare earth elements are increasingly sought after for their role in making energy systems more efficient and less carbon-intensive.

UK wealth managers are increasingly directing investments towards emerging markets, driven by the pursuit of higher returns and diversification. A recent survey by Funds Europe indicates that 60% of UK wealth managers plan to boost their allocations to these markets over the next year. This trend is influenced by the robust economic growth and expanding middle-class populations in countries like China, India, and Brazil, which present attractive investment opportunities.