Sunlounger Travel launches search for sixth shop after landing £10,000 from Jet2
He said: 'We've got an administration department that will help when they need them – some of our stores really like to make use of it, while some prefer to do everything in house.
"Each store runs independently, although we speak to them on a day-to-day basis. We don't want to be micro-managing – they know what they're doing so we let them do what they do best.'
Once opened, the shop will be Sunlounger's sixth. Kirkbright has previously said the business could ultimately grow to have as many as 25 shops.
He also thanked Jet2.com and Jet2holidays for its financial support, which he said was a sign of the operator's ongoing support for travel agents across the UK.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Amazon shoppers love ‘compact and powerful' £160 power bank – now just £13 for Prime members
AMAZON just slashed a lightweight power bank that won't weigh you or your wallet down. The fast-charging tech essential usually retails for £159.99, but right now, Prime members can grab it for just £12.99. Hosgubo Fast-Charging Power Bank, £159.99 £12.99 (Prime member exclusive) BUY FROM AMAZON That brings the Hosgubo Power Bank down by a massive 92%, so it's no surprise it's getting plenty of attention on Amazon right now. You will need to be a Prime member to claim the deal, but with a 30-day free trial available, it's an easy win. Unlike bulkier battery packs, this one is designed with portability front and centre. It weighs just 192g, so it's lighter than most out there and easy to slip into a handbag, backpack, or carry-on. With a 10000mAh capacity, it's got more than enough power to get you through a full day, and then some. And because it's well under the TSA's 27,000mAh limit, you can safely pop it in your hand luggage for a mid-flight top-up. It's not just the size that makes it handy. It supports 3A fast charging, twice as fast as your average power bank, so you won't be stuck waiting forever to recharge. It also has smart safety tech built in to protect your devices from overheating or battery damage, which is always reassuring. There's a USB-C IN & OUT port, a USB-A port, and a built-in USB-C cable, so you can charge three devices at once. Whether it's your phone, wireless earbuds, or even a mate's device, this little power bank can handle it. There's also a clever little design touch: the micro cable doubles as a lanyard, so you can clip it to your bag and keep it handy while you're out and about. There's no guessing games when it comes to battery life, the LED power display shows you exactly how much juice you've got left. With a 4.6-star average and over 500 units sold last month, this compact power bank has impressed Amazon shoppers with its solid design, fast charging, and reliability. "Compact, powerful, and perfect for on-the-go," writes one shopper. "It's honestly become a lifesaver for my on-the-go lifestyle.' "A solid battery pack," says another customer. "The in-built USB-C cable is extremely convenient, snug fitting in my phone and provides a nice, fast charge. " Another buyer writes: "The wireless charging works flawlessly with my phone... The battery level indicator is a nice touch. Amazon's been rolling out a string of similar deals lately, with popular picks like the TRKOY and Matast Magsafe portable chargers flying off the shelves. If you're looking for more top-rated options, check out my tried and tested guide to the best power banks UK buyers love.
Finextra
an hour ago
- Finextra
Fintech in 2025: The Current Landscape and Future Outlook: By Luigi Wewege
As we approach the third quarter of 2025, fintech is no longer a disruptor on the margins, it has become a cornerstone of the global financial ecosystem. Recent figures from the World Economic Forum (WEF) highlight fintech's remarkable trajectory, with revenues surging by 21% year-over-year in 2024, significantly outpacing traditional banking's modest 6% growth. Profitability among public fintech companies has also markedly improved, with approximately 69% now generating profits, indicating the sector's shift toward sustained, scalable performance. Fintech Funding and Market Performance Global fintech funding remains robust, totaling $24 billion across nearly 2,600 deals in the first half of 2025, a 6% increase from the previous period, according to Innovate Finance. While markets in Asia and Europe thrive, the UK's fintech investment plateaued, suggesting regional variations in market dynamics. Notably, public markets reflect renewed investor confidence, exemplified by fintech giants like Coinbase entering the S&P 500 and eToro's successful IPO, raising over $600 million. Additionally, Barron's highlights SoFi's outstanding performance, with a 44% revenue increase and record loan originations, underscoring fintech's resilience and growth potential. Drivers of Fintech Growth The AI Revolution AI, particularly generative and agentic AI, is transforming fintech operations. From automating compliance processes and customer interactions to enhancing fraud detection, AI's integration into fintech operations is profound. India's fintech sector, leveraging AI to accelerate KYC processes and customer engagement, exemplifies this trend. Additionally, research into human-centered AI, prioritizing user experience alongside efficiency, is reshaping fintech's approach to innovation. Embedded Finance and Digital Infrastructure Embedded finance has become central to fintech's expansion, with financial services increasingly integrated invisibly into non-financial platforms. Real-time payments, automated invoicing, and B2B financial services are areas witnessing substantial growth. BCG's analysis confirms this shift, predicting significant expansion in fintech infrastructure and lending services, while consumer-focused fintech begins to saturate. Open Finance and Regulatory Evolution Open finance is rapidly gaining momentum globally, driven by new regulatory frameworks such as the EU's Financial Data Access (FIDA) and PSD3 updates. These changes extend data sharing to broader financial products beyond basic banking. However, tensions persist, notably in the US, where JPMorgan's proposed charges for data access via APIs raise significant concerns, potentially disrupting fintech innovation dependent on open data models. Crypto and Digital Assets Cryptocurrency and stablecoin adoption continue to grow, attracting substantial institutional investment. Fintech hubs such as Hong Kong have seen notable funding influxes, driven by increasing stablecoin licensing and investment enthusiasm. Yet, ongoing regulatory scrutiny underscores the complexity fintech faces in balancing innovation and compliance. Cybersecurity and Trust The fintech sector's growth brings heightened cybersecurity risks, demanding robust defensive strategies. Advances in blockchain-based zero-trust architectures and enhanced API security are becoming industry standards. Fintech companies emphasizing comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks will emerge as trusted, resilient leaders in the marketplace. The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities As we enter Q3 2025, fintech stands at a pivotal juncture marked by accelerating innovation and escalating complexity. While scalability and profitability have significantly improved, regulatory challenges and market pressures remain substantial. In the immediate future, fintech is expected to undergo further consolidation through mergers and acquisitions, particularly targeting companies offering innovative financial infrastructure. The embedding of financial services in non-financial platforms will become standard, redefining customer journeys and creating new revenue streams. AI-driven automation and decision-making will increasingly permeate fintech services, elevating efficiency but requiring careful oversight to maintain trust. Simultaneously, regulatory frameworks will evolve, demanding fintech firms adapt to stringent standards without compromising innovation. Thoughts on What is Coming Looking toward the close of 2025 and beyond, fintech's future success hinges on navigating regulatory uncertainties, optimizing embedded financial services, harnessing AI responsibly, and prioritizing cybersecurity. Companies able to balance innovation with operational excellence and regulatory compliance will dominate the fintech landscape, shaping the financial services sector profoundly in the coming years. About the author: Luigi Wewege is President of Caye International Bank, awarded as one of the leading banks in the Caribbean and Central America. During his tenure at the bank, Luigi has been recognized for his turnaround efforts at Caye, growing it into the largest international bank in Belize by total deposit size. He is a regular speaker and contributor for several media publications. He is an accomplished multi-publication author, including The Digital Banking Revolution (now in its third edition). Wewege has co-authored economic research presented before the United States Congress and has been published in The Journal of Applied Finance & Banking. Outside of the bank, Luigi serves as an Instructor for the FinTech School in California and sits on multiple international advisory boards. Wewege earned an MBA in International Business from the MIB Trieste School of Management in Italy and a Bachelor's Degree in Business with honors from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a triple major in Finance, International Business, and Management.
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
ANDREW NEIL: The Industrial Revolution hit working class jobs but the rise of AI will decimate middle-class employment
I have a friend in storage. Not the most glamorous business, to be sure, but lucrative. It's made him rich and his business is still expanding as he creates new storage facilities for companies and individuals across the country. It's a well-run business but in the past year he's discovered how artificial intelligence, or AI, can make his companies even more productive and profitable.
