More than 6 million UK managers don’t have mental health training

New research reveals 6.1m UK workers with line management responsibility are not prepared for conversations about mental health with those they have a duty of care for.

The analysis, completed by health and safety training provider RRC International, found that one in four employees have management accountability, but 71% of them have no mental health training to support the people they look after.

This research into the disconnect between line managers and mental health training comes as data shows that mental ill health is the leading cause of long-term absence and the second most common cause of short-term absence in the workplace.

The study analysed data from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) exploring health and wellbeing at work, as well as the Chartered Management Institute’s (CMI) data on the state of UK management and leadership. It revealed that 8.58m people have management responsibilities, yet only 29% of them are trained to support with employee mental health. This means 6.09m UK managers are currently operating with no idea on the best ways to navigate mental health conversations as they arise.

Richard Stockley, Managing Director at RRC International, says: “Mental ill health remains one of the leading causes of any type of absence from the workplace. So, it is surprising that significantly less than one third of people in a management role have the necessary training and skills required to support those who are suffering with their mental health.

“The scale of the issue is clear to see. Line managers have a duty to understand best practice in order to truly help those they have responsibility for to feel safe and supported. Without it, this can lead to enhanced stress, anxiety and a lack of belonging, and for the business poor retention rates, performance and culture.

“For many, disclosing problems can be difficult, but with the right training, line managers can help support and guide their colleagues through the process, making things easier in challenging times.”

Find out more about RRC International and how to correctly manage stress at work.

Dubai luxury developers must raise their game as market enters new era, says Keturah founder

Dubai, UAE, 22^nd April 2026:  Dubai’s luxury real estate market is demanding greater discipline from developers as it enters a more selective era shaped by the current geopolitical climate. 

Talal M. Al Gaddah, CEO and Founder of the luxury Keturah brand, says the high-end property market is shifting toward reliable execution, controlled supply, and stronger focus on what end-users actually want, rather than short-term deal flow. 

And he believes developers, collectively, now have a bigger role to play in boosting confidence in the market through execution and project quality during periods of uncertainty. 

“We need to raise our game, and ensure we maintain discipline in both planning and delivery, particularly in challenging times,” says Talal. “That means controlling supply, staying focused on long-term value, and being held accountable for what we promise to build. 

“Dubai’s luxury real estate sector has weathered regional instability before and emerged stronger. We now have an increasingly selective environment, with buyers taking more considered decisions, driven by quality, long-term liveability, and value retention. 

“While current sentiment is being tested by external pressures, Dubai’s fundamentals remain intact. Its regulatory framework, infrastructure, and strategic planning continue to make it one of the most resilient destinations for international capital.” 

The city’s forward-looking approach has influenced Keturah’s philosophy from the outset. Keturah Reserve, the AED5.7 billion bio-living community under development in Mohammed Bin Rashid City’s District 7, is an example of a long-term residential model shaped around controlled supply and end-user living. 

Meanwhile, Keturah Resort, a wellness-certified community under development along Dubai Creek adjacent to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, was similarly conceived for buyers who intend to make Dubai their home, not their next transaction. 

Both projects integrate residential, hospitality, and wellness elements within a low-density environment designed around nature and permanent living, rather than conventional high-density developments. 

“The definition of luxury in real estate is moving beyond location and prestige,” says Talal. “Buyers are placing greater importance on wellness, liveability, environmental quality, privacy, and long-term residency potential. 

“Luxury is no longer defined solely by address. Increasingly, it is measured by how a home performs for the people who live in it, every day.”

UNCTAD – UN Trade and Development – Driving greener, more resilient ports

Geneva, Apr 22 – UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) have launched a new partnership to accelerate the transition toward more sustainable, resilient and inclusive global maritime transport.

Ports underpin global trade and economic development, handling over 80% of world trade by volume. But they are also energy-intensive and reliant on fossil fuels. As pressure grows to decarbonize and modernize, countries face a dual challenge: reducing emissions while maintaining efficiency and competitiveness.

The agreement marks a step forward in UNCTAD’s strategic engagement with Singapore, a global maritime hub and long-standing partner in advancing trade and transport solutions.

“This partnership brings together Singapore’s operational excellence and UNCTAD’s global development expertise,” said Pedro Manuel Moreno, Acting Secretary-General of UNCTAD.

“It will help accelerate a maritime transition that is not only greener and more efficient, but also resilient and inclusive – while contributing to global discussions at the UN Global Supply Chain Forum 2026.”

A strategic partnership with global reach

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to shaping the future of maritime trade through practical, scalable solutions.

Singapore’s role as one of the world’s most connected and efficient ports positions it as a key partner in testing and scaling innovations. UNCTAD complements this with global reach, policy expertise and on-the-ground support to developing countries.

Scaling solutions for a changing maritime sector

Under the agreement, the partners will promote cleaner fuels and digital technologies across ports and shipping networks.

Efforts will focus on solutions that can be adapted to different national contexts, alongside knowledge-sharing in sustainable finance, digital innovation and workforce development – key enablers of a successful transition.

Supporting developing countries and strengthening resilience

A central pillar of the initiative is support for developing countries, including training, advisory services and institutional strengthening.

Building on UNCTAD’s long-standing work with port communities, the partnership will help improve performance, strengthen connectivity and enhance preparedness for disruptions – an increasingly urgent priority in today’s volatile global environment.

The initiative will also feed into preparations for the UN Global Supply Chain Forum taking place in late 2026, where global stakeholders will address the future of trade logistics and resilience.

Axis Trustee launches PRISM to advance its Fintech-led trustee vision

Chandigarh, Apr 22: Axis Trustee Services Limited (ATSL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Axis Bank and one of India’s leading trustee services providers, has announced the launch of PRISM, a digital-first platform aimed at enhancing client engagement and streamlining service delivery. This launch marks a significant step in Axis Trustee’s ongoing journey towards becoming a fintech–led trustee.

The platform launch of PRISM by Amitabh Chaudhry, MD & CEO of Axis Bank, along with Rahul Choudhary, MD & CEO of Axis Trustee Services Limited, underscoring the Group’s strong commitment to driving digital innovation and transformation.

The launch of PRISM aligns closely with the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI) continued focus on Ease of Doing Business (EODB), which seeks to simplify processes, improve transparency, and enable faster and more efficient market interactions. Through PRISM, Axis Trustee is proactively supporting this regulatory vision by digitizing key client interfaces and optimizing trustee service workflows and compliance.

Designed to deliver a more intuitive, efficient, and transparent experience, PRISM integrates technology across critical client touchpoints. The platform is expected to reduce turnaround times, improve responsiveness, and drive operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Rahul Choudhary, MD & CEO, Axis Trustee Services Limited said: “PRISM marks a significant milestone in our journey to reimagine trustee services through a digital-first approach. As financial markets evolve, the role of a trustee is steadily expanding beyond traditional oversight to becoming a more connected and insight-driven partner for clients.

With PRISM, we aim to simplify interactions, enhance transparency, and make service delivery more seamless and efficient for all stakeholders. The platform is a step forward in improving client experience while strengthening operational effectiveness.

At Axis Trustee, we are also continuously exploring the potential of emerging technologies, including AI and advanced analytics, to enhance risk monitoring, drive smarter decision-making, and reinforce our compliance and governance frameworks. This aligns with our commitment to staying ahead of evolving regulatory expectations and building a future-ready trustee organization that upholds the highest standards of trust and accountability.”

PRISM is anchored around four core pillars of client interaction:

Smarter Client Access and Support: Enables easier access to key information and services, helping clients address their queries more efficiently.

Streamlined Service Request Management: Allows clients to raise and track service requests seamlessly, ensuring better visibility, faster turnaround, and consistent service delivery.

Efficient Process and Transaction Support: Provides structured support for process and transaction requirements, enabling easier navigation of documentation and workflows.

Integrated Compliance and RegTech Enablement: Enables effective compliance management through automated compliance calendars, timely report submissions, and intelligent alerts, helping clients stay aligned with regulatory requirements while enhancing transparency and control.

Over the past few years, Axis Trustee Services Limited has continued to strengthen its offerings through targeted investments in automation, digital documentation, and now technology-led client servicing. With the launch of PRISM, Axis Trustee further reinforces its position as a next-generation trustee, focused on agility, responsiveness, and long-term value creation for its clients.

GRI scales up sustainability know-how for Argentinian SMEs

New GRI-SECO regional program to equip companies with tools and expertise in decision-useful sustainability reporting

Buenos Aires, Apr 22 –GRIis expanding its presence in Latin America with the launch of a new program in Argentina to enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access the strategic benefits of sustainability reporting.

Supported by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the ‘Enhancing Sustainability Reporting for SMEs’initiative builds on GRI’s successful approaches already implemented in Colombia and Peru, as well as previous engagement with Argentinian companies.

The program recognizes that, while SMEs form the backbone of Argentina’s economy, measuring and communicating sustainability impacts isa significant challenge for many businesses. The program will address this gap through practical tools and technical training in sustainability reporting using internationally recognised standards.

For larger Argentinian companies, GRI reporting is already well established. A 2025 study by SMS Buenos Aires found that 96% of companies listed on the National Securities Commission (CNV) that report on sustainability use the GRI Standards, yet none of the listed SMEs discloses with global frameworks.

Andrea Pradilla, Director of GRI Latin America, said:

“Argentina’s SMEs have a critical role in advancing sustainable development in the country, as well as wider relevance in the value chain throughout Latin America and beyond. This expanded new program is about empowering organisations to harness sustainability reporting to build trust and credibility,with practical insights that shape both sustainable outcomes and business success. We are grateful to SECO for their continued collaboration in the region.”

On behalf of SECO, Switzerland’s Ambassador to Argentina, Andrea Semadeni, said:

“The collaboration’s expansion comes at exactly the right time for Argentina. As we move through the ratification process of the Free Trade Agreement between EFTA and Mercosur, a shared understanding of sustainability reporting between Swiss and Argentine companies will help make business transactions even more seamless. This alignment will enable both sides to fully benefit from the agreement while responding to the growing expectations of investors, customers and the public for transparency across value chains and borders.”

The Argentina programwill be managedby Lara Lovero, who hasextensive sustainability consultancy experience and a background in industrial engineering.

LaraLovero, GRI LatAm Senior Programs Coordinator,added:

“Argentina has enormous potential to lead in regional sustainability. My goal is for SMEs to see sustainability reporting not as an administrative burden but as a strategic management tool that opens doors to financing and international markets.”

Brits are booking staycations for better sleep, not just hot tubs, new data reveals

Searches for ‘best UK staycation’ are up by +55% in the past three months¹. When it comes to booking, it turns out holidaymakers aren’t chasing luxury add-ons like hot tubs and saunas first, they’re looking for something far simpler: a good night’s sleep.[MM1] 

New survey data from Tapi Carpets & Floors has revealed that comfort is the key factor driving holiday home bookings, with over 1 in 3 (37%) saying a comfortable bed and quality bedding is the most important feature when choosing a holiday cottage. The findings suggest that while spa-style amenities remain desirable, travellers are increasingly prioritising stays where relaxation starts from the basics that create the ultimate reset.

Johanna Constantinou, interior trends expert at Tapi Carpets & Floors, has teamed up with experienced holiday property hosts Abi Hookway and Harry Tomkinson to share their tips for creating comfort-first interiors that help guests switch off and keep bookings high.

Comfortable beds are the new luxury

While spa-style getaways continue to rise in popularity, Tapi’s data shows that the biggest driver of bookings is still comfort, with sleep quality emerging as the ultimate dealbreaker.

Alongside the 37% who rank comfortable beds as their top priority, 1 in 6 (17%) say good natural light influences their decision, which helps to reset our body clocks, rising to 21% among Gen Z and Millennials. These results reflect a growing shift towards ‘restorative’ holidays, where guests want spaces that feel thoughtfully designed for comfort and a reset.

Property expert Abi Hookway explains: “One of the biggest things that drives bookings is staging and presentation. It’s often overlooked, but how your property looks and feels in photos and in person directly impacts how often people book. The right staging and setup, such as plumped pillows and layered blankets, can turn an ordinary space into a high-performing holiday let.”

Johanna adds, “Guests are becoming more selective, and comfort is the thing that stays with them most. A hot tub might catch their attention, but if the bed isn’t comfortable or the home doesn’t feel warm and relaxing, it impacts reviews and repeat bookings. The most successful holiday homes are the ones that feel restorative, not just stylish.”

Cosy is in demand

The research suggests many holidaymakers are drawn to cottages that feel snug and characterful but achieving that look can be tricky. Almost 1 in 3 (31%) admit they struggle to create a cosy space without it becoming cluttered, while 1 in 5 (21%) want guidance on how to balance modern and traditional furnishings.

For property owners, this presents an opportunity: small, strategic design upgrades can help create the ‘cosy cottage’ feel guests are searching for, without major renovations.

Johanna says, “Cosy doesn’t have to mean cluttered. The easiest way to create warmth is through texture, flooring, soft furnishings and layered materials. Swapping worn carpets, adding a thick rug, or choosing a warmer-toned floor can instantly shift the atmosphere of a room and make it feel more inviting.

The key is balance, mixing modern finishes with traditional details (like timber, panelling or period features) keeps the space feeling characterful without looking dated. To stop the room feeling overcrowded, focus on smart storage solutions and choose a few well-placed statement pieces rather than lots of smaller accessories, so the space stays calm, and cosy.”

Traditional features boost bookings

Beyond comfort, travellers are also drawn to spaces that feel authentic. The new data from Tapi shows that 1 in 7 say traditional cottage features, such as log burners, wood fires and exposed beams, make them more likely to book a holiday home.

“We’re seeing a continued shift toward more privacy and meaningful stays. Travel is becoming less about ticking off destinations and more about how a place makes you feel while you’re there,” says Harry.

This highlights the appeal of heritage-inspired interiors and rustic charm, especially during colder months and shoulder seasons when guests want warmth and atmosphere.

Johanna explains, “Traditional features create an emotional response. Even if guests don’t have a log burner at home, they associate it with relaxation. For hosts, leaning into those traditional elements through natural materials, warm-toned flooring and soft textures is one of the easiest ways to make a property feel more premium.”

Flooring is the comfort upgrade that guests notice first

For holiday homeowners looking to improve comfort without costly renovations, the findings highlight flooring as one of the most effective upgrades to transform how a space feels and how it performs in listing photos.

Soft flooring options can instantly create warmth and reduce noise, particularly in bedrooms and lounge spaces, while hardwearing flooring in kitchens and entrances supports practicality for high footfall stays. Johanna says, “Flooring plays a powerful role in the first impression of a holiday home. Soft carpets in bedrooms instantly feel warm and relaxing underfoot, while natural wood tones in living areas bring character.”