As a result, the agreement sees Drovo become the singular promotional display partner for Bolt’s fleet of taxis across the UK.

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The partnership also allows for more efficient branded vehicle wrapping turnarounds, lower-cost campaigns and smoother scalability for its advertising clients, Drovo claimed.

It also grants access to a range of new benefits for the drivers subscribing to this new partnership, such as the opportunity to boost income by up to £2,000 per year.

Drovo Founder & CEO, Artjom Jekimtsev, said: “Bolt is an exciting step forward in Drovo’s growth journey and a big win for our advertising partners.

“Through this partnership, which unlocks exclusive access to a large volume of highly incentivised, long-term committed TXE drivers, advertisers will benefit from maximum campaign exposure and brand visibility across the most active fleet of premium hybrid taxis in London.”

Bolt UK, Senior Operations Manager, Markian Iwaniw, added: “We’re committed to being the best platform for drivers and this new partnership with Drovo provides another reason for black cab drivers to sign up to our platform. Once they have, all drivers have to do is enter their details on the Drovo website, agree to the terms and then they are set to start earning money through the advertising partnership.

“This partnership, combined with the fact black cab drivers are currently benefiting from 0% commission, highlights why we are the platform of choice for black cab drivers in London.”

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In a bid to bridge the digital divide by helping people in need get online across the UK, the TLC aims to tackle digital exclusion and electronic waste, preventing items such as computers, tablets and smartphones to not ending up on the landfill.

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As a result, the telecoms giant revealed it donated over 500 tablets and smartphones, which will be powered by free O2 mobile data from the National Databank, are being donated to homelessness charities, Centrepoint and Thames Reach.

It is also continuing its efforts to fund and support Refuge, a charity which supports women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, the company stated.

The initiative forms part of Virgin Media O2’s sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan, which includes the goal of connecting one million digitally excluded people through free and affordable connectivity and services by the end of 2025.

VMO2 Chief Sustainability Officer, Dana Haidan, said: “We know that having data and devices can be a lifeline for people in need, enabling them to access essential websites, from applying for jobs, to accessing medical appointments, and to stay in touch with loved ones.

“That’s why initiatives like The Tech Lending Community scheme and National Databank are vital in addressing digital exclusion and data poverty, and help to transform people’s lives in communities across the UK.”

Hubbub CEO, Alex Robinson added: “The Tech Lending Community (TLC), in partnership with Virgin Media O2, has shown us the tangible impact a second-hand device coupled with free connectivity can have on someone’s life. Beneficiaries of the project have been able to access job support and stay in touch with friends, things that those of us who own smart devices can take for granted.

“Hubbub is thrilled to be launching a second phase of TLC, working alongside homelessness charities Thames Reach and Centrepoint, and Refuge, a charity supporting women and children experiencing domestic violence, to provide an additional 520 tablets and smartphones for them to lend to their service users. We are proud to continue doing work to bridge the digital divide in the UK, whilst keeping tech in circulation for longer.”

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From this month, the 10% seller fees will be dropped by the secondhand clothes platform, resulting in users receiving more money back from their sales.

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Instead, the platform is introducing a small fee for UK buyers on each purchase.

The 5% fee, which will apply from 15 April 2024, will help Depop continue to invest in its protection offering, customer support, app improvements and growing its community.

Depop CEO, Kruti Patel Goyal, said: “For years, the Depop community has been championing preloved and vintage fashion and pioneering change in the fashion industry.

“With more and more people now looking at resale as an alternative to retail, we want to amplify the impact of our growing community by continually finding ways to make it easier to participate in the circular economy.”

He added: “This change will give sellers more cash in their pocket from each sale, empowering our existing community – as well as those new to resale – to list more, sell more and earn more, while contributing to a more circular fashion system.”

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In addition to popular gaming systems from PlayStation, Xbox, Oculus and Nintendo, the telecoms giant is now accepting MacBooks, alongside smartphones, tablets, wearables and earbuds to promote the circular economy where devices can be used again.

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Customers can send their unwanted tech to O2 Recycle for free where the device will be repaired, refurbished and resold, or recycled – with zero parts going to landfill.

The news comes as research by the telecoms giant revealed 58% of gamers were unaware that consoles could be recycled.

Some 83% admitted they’re holding onto old consoles, despite not planning to use them, and more than four in ten revealed they don’t use their old gaming device because it’s broken or missing a part.

VMO2 Chief Sustainability Officer, Dana Haidan, said: “We’ve powered up O2 Recycle to cover consoles and MacBooks, making it even easier for people to trade in their unwanted tech for cash and to protect the planet by saving their device from landfill.

“With almost four million devices recycled and £340 million paid out, O2 Recycle is leading the UK’s circular economy and giving tech a second life so it can be used again and again.”

The scheme forms part of Virgin Media O2’s sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan which encourages consumers to carry out 10 million ‘circular actions’ by the end of 2025.

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The free virtual experience aims to drive real change from a generation born into tech, by inspiring Gen Z to make better choices when binning unused, unwanted, or even broken tech.

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As a result, the technology retailer enlisted the help of television presenter, DJ and avid gamer, Tyler West to help educate users about the e-waste issue within a simulated space they’re already engaging in.

The move comes as Currys found that two-thirds (66%) of young people are more likely to bin their tech over recycling.

The data also found three in four (75%) currently hoard unwanted tech in their homes, despite having no use for it, with 23% not understanding how to dispose of old tech.

Currys Director of Sustainability, Moira Thomas, said: “I’m optimistic when it comes to the future of e-waste. As the UK’s largest tech retailer, we know people, particularly Gen Z, want to recycle their old tech, but there is a lack of knowledge of how to do so responsibly.

“That’s why we’re confident Trash Tycoon will break down barriers, helping people better understand the issue of e-waste, in a language they can relate to and take inspiration from through the hugely popular game of Fortnite.”

Environment Minster Robbie Moore added: “I hope tackling e-waste in the virtual world can help younger generations understand the importance of responsible waste disposal in the real world.

“It’s vital we turn the tide of e-waste, which sees 155,000 tonnes of electrical waste thrown in the bin every year. This is why we have set out new proposals to make it easier for householders to recycle their electrical goods and to spark the move to a more circular economy.”

The news comes as the electrical retailer Currys launching a series of campaigns highlighting its trade-in and recycling initiatives.

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Prioritising it ahead of wider global goals set by the Paris Agreement, the telecoms giant said it will “double down” its existing near-term, or 2030, target.

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Having already committed to halving its GHG emissions across Scope 1,2 and 3 by 2030 from a 2019 baseline, it today announced it will further accelerate the decarbonisation of its operations.

Nokia President and CEO, Pekka Lundmark, said: “Our new emission reduction targets show that net zero is a business priority for Nokia. We already help our telecoms customers to decarbonise by building sustainable, high-performance networks, and we work with a rapidly growing range of enterprise partners to reduce emissions and improve productivity.

“That journey will only accelerate, as Nokia launches more energy efficient solutions in next-generation mobile, fixed, IP and optical networks and in software, silicon and systems.”

Lundmark added: “By committing to net zero by 2040 we build on our previous climate targets as we look to create technology that helps the world act together.”

Nokia added it has defined a “net-zero pathway” that will help it reduce emissions across its value chain.

These include steps to improve the energy efficiency of its products and solutions, working with its supply chain as it transitions to renewables, and neutralising some residual emissions to reach net zero.

The company also aims to achieve 95% circularity by 2030 in relation to operational waste, such as waste from offices, labs, manufacturing, installation, and product takeback, driving actions to reduce landfilling, it said.

The news comes as Nokia revealed it has lowered its comparable operating margin target to at least 13% by 2026 compared to a previous figure of 14%.

As a result, the company stated it still aims to achieve the previous target, however, due to the current market conditions in its mobile networks business, it was considered wise to make the revision.

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Created by AMV BBDO and Spark Foundry, the campaign raises awareness of several of its “‘enhanced” trade-in offers that will see the retailer payout above-market prices to customers for old devices, including TVs, smartphones and domestic appliances.

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The 15-second and 30-second spots will be shown across VOD, digital and social, with Spark Foundry handling the media planning and utilising first-party data to ensure relevant reach.

The campaign forms part of the company’s ‘Long Live Your Tech’ pledge to help its customers keep tech in circulation for longer through its in-home and repair centre operations.

It also incentivises them to reuse and recycle used products.

The launch comes as Curry’s boss, Alex Baldock, called out the UK government’s e-waste recycling, amid the retailer’s current takeover battle.

Currys Brand and Marketing Director, Dan Rubel, said: “We are proud to offer recycling, trade in and repairs to our customers every day of the year, enabled by our enormous Repair Lab in Newark.

“These services mean consumers can do right by the planet and their pocket simultaneously, and especially right now with the launch of a range of enhanced trade in deals on TVs, mobiles, consoles, as well as many other appliances. That means major value even for tech that is completely broken and unusable.”

He added: “The offer is accompanied by our ‘How Much’ ad campaign, one that uses outlandish humour to get across the outlandish value Currys is offering on unwanted tech.

“Humour in advertising not only lightens the mood, something we all need, but it’s also an important way to dial up the memorability and cut through of a brand’s messages.”

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Vodafone UK has revealed an “alarming” ‘connectivity chasm’ is opening between Europe and competing regions that could jeopardise the economic wellbeing of EU citizens and businesses, resulting in further decline.

According to a report by the telecoms giant titled Why Telecoms Matters, digitalisation of industry through 5G technologies represents the ‘fourth wave’ of the industrial revolution, with an estimated annual value of $2 trillion for the manufacturing sector alone.

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As a result, the move connects machines and applications with cloud-based intelligent services in a bid to revolutionise the industrial process.

The report also stated there is a lack of private investment in 5GSA (5G Standalone) infrastructures.

The lack of funds which amounts to billions of euros risks the widening of the lead of the US and China in crucial growth areas such as AI and cyber security.

Despite Europe facing challenges in hitting its 5G targets, the report also calls for the prioritisation of  5GSA deployment, which includes encompassing both core infrastructure and radio antennas in a bid to bridge the “connectivity chasm”.

“5GSA can herald an industrial internet age and restore Europe to growth,” Vodafone Chief External & Corporate Affairs Officer, Joakim Reiter said.

“Europe is on the cusp of a major innovation and productivity boost through next-generation 5GSA and the digitalisation it enables for businesses and the economy.”

He added: “Europe has a trillion-euro opportunity to digitalise its industry and compete globally, but this prize depends entirely on the speed of adoption.

“The five-year mandate of the next European Parliament and Commission must allow Europe to course correct, rebooting legacy telecoms regulation and creating a single market framework that attracts the investments needed to roll out 5GSA at pace.

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Google has unveiled plans to invest $1 billion (£790 million) to build a new data centre in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, supporting AI innovation.

The 33-acre site will bring crucial compute capacity to businesses across the UK and help to ensure reliable digital services to Google Cloud customers and Google users in the UK and abroad.

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Google President and Chief Investment Officer, Ruth Porat, said: “This new data centre will help meet growing demand for our AI and cloud services and bring crucial compute capacity to businesses across the UK while creating construction and technical jobs for the local community.”

Google has also claimed to have some of the most efficient data centres in the world, with the technology giant planning to run all of its data centres and campuses on renewable energy.

It also confirmed the new Hertfordshire site will feature off-site heat recovery and an air-based cooling system, which will reduce its reliance on water as a natural resource.

Commenting on the announcement, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak: “Google’s $1 billion investment is a testament to the fact that the UK is a centre of excellence in technology and has huge potential for growth.”

The news comes as Google recently announced it was laying off hundreds of employees in its advertising sales, hardware, voice-assistance and engineering teams.

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Vodafone UK CEO Ahmed Essam has credited 5G as a green ally in the battle against climate change.

According to the boss of the telecoms giant, 5G helps cut power usage and carbon footprints in crucial areas of the economy, especially as he claims “there are no singular silver bullets in the fight against climate change.”

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Instead, he attributes 5G as a tool which can help both cut carbon costs and transition to renewable energy.

He said: “5G offers reliable connections, fast speeds and lower latency – solid foundations that are key to its usefulness here”

Essam, who became CEO in February 2021, added that 5G is a tool that would be “invaluable in making industries like power generation and food production more efficient, as he reveals they can be difficult to decarbonise.

“By facilitating remote control of operations and logistics that would otherwise be laborious and time-consuming to carry out, 5G can help realise energy and carbon savings in the process,” he said.

“In the world of farming and food production, 5G has a role to play in every step of the value chain from field to fork. 5G-connected drones and sensors can monitor soil and crop conditions to help maximise yields and significantly reduce wastage produced on farms.”

He continued: “Driving net zero and addressing climate change is a complex problem, and one that needs many plans of attack, all working together.”

As a result, he claimed the UK needs a countrywide 5G SA network, which its merger with Three UK will have the scale to invest in such “an ambitious, far-reaching rollout”.

If it comes to fruition, the merged company would be able to invest £11 billion to deliver 5G SA across 95% of the UK’s populated areas, he revealed.

The news comes as Three UK has been accused of profiting from its planned merger with Vodafone after it paid its Hong Kong-listed owner, CK Hutchinson £2 billion.

According to trade union Unite, the dividend paid to CK Hutchinson, which is a conglomerate of the billionaire Li Ka-Shing owned by Three, is highly profitable as an independent business and could remain sustainable without merging.

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