Author: INDEPENDENT

Scott Logic is a Business Reporter client.Business Reporter: Scott LogicThe 2010s saw a cultural shift in the UK public sector to embrace 21st-century approaches to commissioning and delivering digital public services. However, it feels like we’ve taken our foot off the pedal in the 2020s.We’ve seen a return to the large-scale technology procurement approach that the Public Administration Select Committee reported on in 2011’s Government and IT — “a recipe for rip-offs”: time for a new approach. IT contracts are being awarded to a few large enterprises and there is less engagement with smaller and mid-size businesses that can provide a…

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inboxGet our free Inside Washington emailHouse Speaker Mike Johnson told The Independent on Wednesday afternoon that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer agreed to allow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to give a joint address to Congress.“I spoke with him today and he’s going to sign the letter jointly and it’ll get out to the prime minister this week,” Johnson told me. The announcement comes after almost the entire congressional leadership and President Joe Biden condemned Karim Khan, the top prosecutor for the International…

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for freeSign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Brendan Rodgers says Celtic will be driven to ensure Joe Hart ends his glittering career with more silverware by defeating Rangers in Saturday’s Scottish Gas Scottish Cup final.The 37-year-old former England goalkeeper will hang up his gloves after this weekend’s Old Firm showdown at Hampden.And Rodgers is hoping Hart can bow out on the ultimate high by adding one final honour to the array of trophies he has already won with Manchester City and the Hoops.“I think…

Thought Industries is a Business Reporter client.Trends and Innovations in the Future of Digital TrainingRight now, the learning industry is at the intersection of two key trends: rapid technological innovation for training experiences and a market-wide imperative to be more efficient. With the global smart education market projected to reach $341.2 billion by 2030, and an annual growth rate exceeding 17.8 per cent, the future of digital learning holds unprecedented promise for organisations that rely on online learning as a key (or sole) revenue stream.Customers and learners are seeking a truly seamless integration of learning into their workflows – not…

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inboxGet our free Inside Washington emailA hearing in Donald Trump’s classified documents case devolved into a chaotic shouting match on Wednesday as lawyers fought over claims of a threat allegedly made to a defense attorney last year.The hearing on Wednesday morning had been scheduled for Walt Nauta, Mr Trump’s co-defendant and valet, to share arguments that the office of special counsel Jack Smith had vindictively and selectively charged him with offenses.Judge Aileen Cannon, who was appointed by Mr Trump, did not issue a…

Leverkusen ‘players are ready’ – Alonso ‘confident’ of Europa League glorySign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for freeSign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Atalanta face Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final with the teams set to clash at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin tonight. Leverkusen are hoping to keep their incredible unbeaten season going as they target a second trophy of the year having comfortably sown up the Bundesliga. Xabi Alonso’s men have just two matches, including this one, left in the season and could complete a full campaign…

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emailsSign up to our free breaking news emailsA Camden theatre has come under fire for a job ad seeking applicants from the “working-class, benefit class, criminal class and/or underclass” has said they are “reviewing” their wording. The Camden People’s Theatre made the very specific requirements in its search for a new artistic director and joint CEO. The job, which pays a handsome £45,000-£50,000 per annum, “warmly welcomes applications” from those who have never held a similar role before. It reads: “Whoever you…

Marigold is a Business Reporter client.The European retail industry is facing a period of significant transformation, marked by shifting consumer behaviours and economic uncertainties. In 2023, the retail trade volume in the European Union increased by 5.2 per cent compared with the previous year, reflecting the continued recovery of consumer spending after the Covid-19 pandemic. As consumer expectations continue to rise and the economic landscape shifts, one thing remains constant: the importance of building genuine, long-lasting relationships with customers.Marigold’s 2024 European Consumer Trends Index reveals a telling story. Despite economic uncertainty, 65 per cent of consumers are willing to pay…

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inboxGet our free Inside Washington emailDemocratic Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has roasted former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani over his latest business venture: selling coffee.Mr Giuliani – who is grappling with bankruptcy and a string of legal issues – recently launched his new business Rudy Coffee offering three styles of coffee beans. The three variations come with tag lines such as “fighting for justice” with an image of Mr Giuliani from his time as US attorney for the Southern District of New York;…

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for freeSign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Scotland have included uncapped Liverpool forward Ben Doak and Bristol City right back Ross McCrorie in their provisional 28-player squad for Euro 2024, named by Steve Clarke.There were recalls for Celtic winger James Forrest and Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack but Bologna star Lewis Ferguson and right backs Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson all miss out due to injury.Scotland will play in their second men’s major tournament in three years at the Euros after an impressive qualifying campaign…