North West Connected

Connectus Business Solutions is “only just getting started” according to the company’s CEO – as the IT and cyber security provider marks 15 years in business having doubled its user base and completed seven acquisitions. Roy Shelton, CEO of Connectus Business Solutions, said the milestone, which falls on 11 August 2026, lands at the busiest point yet in the company’s growth, with more scale-up activity to come. “Fifteen years in, the pace is only increasing,” he said.

Former Stoke City midfielder Rory Delap believes football clubs should make full use of the long throw if they have a player capable of delivering it, insisting the tactic is simply another way of exploiting a team’s strengths. Delap became synonymous with the long throw during his playing career, with his deliveries into the penalty area becoming an important part of Stoke City’s success under Tony Pulis.

At the worst moment of their lives, grieving families place complete trust in funeral professionals –  trusting that their loved ones will be treated with dignity, compassion and care. But experienced funeral celebrants, Sacha Mulligan and Michelle Harvey, say that trust is being placed in an industry that still lacks many of the safeguards the public assumes already exist.

A leading prostate cancer expert has described the decision to withdraw the right for men over 50 to request a blood test commonly used to look for signs of prostate cancer would “cost lives.” Prof Chris Booth, retired urologist and founder of the men’s health charity CHAPS, said the decision was “a step backwards for the UK” and warned it would “further discourage GPs from providing PSA blood tests to men who go to their GPs with symptoms.” Prof Booth, who spent 25 years in the NHS...

Union Quay Dental’s Kathryn Eccles and Jamie Dury have crossed the finish line of their first full-distance Ironman, completing the gruelling Copenhagen challenge and raising £1,743 for The Percy Hedley Foundation. Two North Shields dentists have swapped their dental drills for running shoes and crossed the finish line of one of Europe’s toughest endurance challenges – completing the Copenhagen Ironman in aid of The Percy Hedley Foundation.

Exclusive Tyneside Cinema event celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation with director Kirsty Bell, actor Nick Moran, journalist John Gibson and rising star Jack Harris Photo Credit: Goldfinch One of the year’s most acclaimed music documentaries is coming to Tyneside Cinema this September as the venue hosts the North East Gala Premiere of Eddie Cochran: Don’t Forget Me, the first fully authorised documentary celebrating the life and legacy of the rock ‘n’ roll pioneer.

For people considering a new career in counselling, finding the right training is an important first step. Liverpool-based UK Therapy Guild Academy offers a part-time professional training programme designed to take students from the beginning of their counselling journey through to recognised practitioner qualifications. CLICK HERE TO ENQUIRE ABOUT BECOMING A COUNSELLOR The Academy’s next intake begins on 1st September 2026.

Following the global success of ‘Turn The Lights Off’, Jon and Jaxstyle reunite for ‘What Are We Gonna Do’, a contemporary reimagining of The O’Jays beloved classic “Now That We Found Love” that blends timeless and modern songwriting with radio-ready dance production. Set for release via Spinnin’ Records, the record sees the duo breathe new life into a familiar favourite, introducing it to a new generation of listeners without losing the spirit that made the original so iconic.

Artist: Sidiki Camara Lead Single: August 21, 2026 Album Release: September 4, 2026Album Launch Concert: October 18, 2026 — Cosmopolite Scene, Oslo Malian-born, Oslo-based percussionist and cultural ambassador Sidiki Camara is set to release Ankaben, his most ambitious project to date, bringing together an extraordinary ensemble of Norwegian jazz, folk and contemporary musicians.

Home, Life & You LIVE returns to Excel London on 17th & 18th October to inspire everyone to love their home, love how they live and love who they are. The event brings together leading experts, household names and innovative brands for a weekend dedicated to helping people create homes and lives they truly love. Building on the success of the show in 2025, Home, Life & You LIVE recognises that a beautiful home is only part of the picture.