AFC, the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has announced the signing of key financing agreements for the Lobito Atlantic Railway Project in Angola.

Today (Friday 2 January) online mini cab firms have been barred from illegitimately using a niche scheme to avoid tax.

Nudge by NudgeTech.ai have announced the launch of its AI-assisted platform designed to help personal trainers across Europe reduce manual work, automate client communication and improve day-to-day efficiency.

The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) has announced Rholo Mba, Chartered FCSI as president of the CISI’s Jersey branch. He takes over from Rhea Wright, Chartered FCSI, who served for two years.

Rholo is an investment adviser at Barclays, with 14 years of experience in financial services. He started his career in corporate secretarial services and company administration for on and offshore tax-efficient structures.

Prior to joining Barclays in 2020, Rholo held senior positions at independent, privately owned companies responsible for a select group of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, trusts, family offices, and corporate structures, providing wealth management, structuring, and financial advice. Rholo advocates for his local community – he is heavily involved in education, particularly as a Board governor for Highlands College, Jersey.

He played an integral role on the Jersey branch committee in organising the annual CISI Insight Day with committee members to introduce and inform students in years 11, 12 and 13 about career paths available in finance. Commenting on his appointment, Rholo said: “I’m honoured to be nominated as president of the CISI Jersey branch.

“It is a privilege to lead an organisation that plays such an important role in supporting the professionalism, integrity and future of our industry. My focus is on building on the success of our CISI Insight Days, providing students with a window into what it’s like to work within Jersey’s financial services sector.

“The event is essential in inspiring and preparing the next generation of leaders. I look forward to helping this initiative grow even further.

“I am also incredibly proud of what we achieved at the 2025 Jersey annual dinner, where, together, we raised £5,000 – a record amount for our chosen charity. This success has reinforced my belief in the power of our membership to make a meaningful difference. With that in mind, I aim to establish a charity initiative that will enable us to continue to support impactful local projects by raising funds.

“I am excited for the year ahead and grateful for the support of my fellow committee members as we continue to promote excellence, education and community across our industry.” CISI Chief Executive, Tracy Vegro OBE, said: “Rholo is a great advocate for the CISI and has been an integral part of the Jersey committee, alongside Rhea Wright, the outgoing president.

“We are delighted to support Rholo and expect his enthusiasm for promoting financial education initiatives to inspire the next generation, which is so important for the sector’s future. All thanks, too, to Rhea.”

easyJet is launching its popular free Twilight Bag Drop service at Birmingham Airport.

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has been recognised as the best medium-sized UK airport for leisure travel at the British Travel Awards 2025.

The airport won ‘Best UK Airport for Leisure Travel (Medium Sized)’ at the annual awards event which celebrates excellence within the travel industry in recognition of ongoing work to transform the passenger experience amidst a significant period of growth. The accolade follows a milestone year for the regional transport hub with nine record-breaking months for passenger traffic.

It has also opened several new airside eateries, as well as consistent growth of routes to key leisure destinations. Awarded by public vote, the achievement solidifies BHX’s status as one of the best regional leisure airports in the UK recognising excellent customer service and an attractive route network that directly connects the Midlands to over 120 destinations around the world.  

To ensure the airport is geared up for future growth, BHX is currently delivering its most ambitious investment plan to date which is seeing £1.5 million being spent each week to improve facilities. Major projects include further retail and hospitality offerings over the next three years including a multi-million-pound refurbishment from WDF, alongside three new food and beverage outlets to be unveiled within the departure lounge.  

Outside of the terminal will see significant spend on the airfield, including reconstructing parts of the taxiways, new stands, lighting replacement and runway works totalling £40m. Recently, the airport announced that Birmingham-based independent chain, The Indian Brewery Company will also be landing at the airport with a new airside restaurant. 

Scheduled to open in February 2026, the new restaurant will showcase its fresh range of locally produced craft beers, paired with its iconic menu of fusion dishes including Indian naan pizzas. Commenting on the award win, Al Titterington, Terminal Operations Director at Birmingham Airport said: “We’re honoured that Birmingham Airport been named Best UK Airport for Leisure Travel at the British Travel Awards 2025. 

“Voted for by travellers themselves, this award is a testament to our ever-growing route network providing choice and convenience, as well as our continued investment into our airport which is undoubtedly resulting in significant enhancements to passenger experience. Thank you to all our colleagues for their continued hard work in ensuring our passengers have a positive experience at BHX and many thanks to our supporters for awarding us with this wonderful accolade.” 

• It is the 7th largest UK airport.  
• 35 airlines operate over 140 direct destinations and 657 onward destinations.   

Birmingham Airport is investing £300m in the years to 2033 in infrastructure and realising operational efficiencies and will become a net zero carbon operation by 2033.  

Circa 12.3m within the 60 minutes catchment area of BHX, it is one of the West Midlands’ largest employers, supporting 30,900 jobs and contributing £1.5bn in GVA (gross value added) to the region’s economy. It is, once again, one of the best-connected airports in the UK, with strong road and public transport links, including direct access to the mainline railway.

Future connectivity will be further enhanced by the introduction of Sprint rapid transit buses and a potential metro extension. When the new HS2 railway is built including its automated people mover linking directly to the BHX terminal, central London will be just 37 minutes away by train.