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The cost to UK taxpayers for subsidising Southeastern, one of Britain’s largest rail operators, has soared to £415 million in the year to March, according to the latest corporate filings.

This figure is more than three times the subsidy the company received before the Covid-19 pandemic, despite fare rises and increased passenger numbers.

Southeastern, which serves Kent, East Sussex, and London, saw a 10% rise in passenger journeys and a 4.7% increase in train services over the past year. Yet, spiralling costs have pushed the operator’s need for state aid even higher, up from £402 million the previous year.

The operator was fully nationalised in October 2021 after its previous owners, Govia (a joint venture between Go-Ahead and France’s Keolis), failed to declare more than £25 million in taxpayer funding dating back to 2014. Even when in private hands, Southeastern received significant subsidies, including £132 million in the year to June 2019, meaning government support for the rail operator has quadrupled since before the pandemic.

Passenger numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels. In the year to March, Southeastern recorded 128 million passenger journeys, a notable drop from 179 million journeys in the year to March 2019. Despite these lower numbers, Southeastern and other train operators continue to rely heavily on government support to balance their books.

Rail fares in England and Wales rose by 5.9% in 2023, following a 4.9% rise the previous year. Despite these fare hikes, Southeastern attributes the need for more taxpayer funding to rising operational costs, including increased charges for access to the High Speed 1 (HS1) line, which Southeastern shares with Eurostar. Southeastern also cited significant increases in electricity costs, track access charges, and train leases as contributing factors.

Paul Barlow, finance director at Southeastern, stated that the company remains “fiercely committed” to reducing the taxpayer burden, but acknowledged that rising costs, driven by inflation exceeding 10%, have been unavoidable. Southeastern is one of the few operators facing significant additional costs from running high-speed services on HS1, and the company is actively engaging with industry partners to reduce the financial strain on the government.

Southeastern has also introduced measures to increase capacity, such as scrapping first-class fares, freeing up an additional 4 million standard-class seats each year. However, the continuing reliance on public funds highlights the broader challenges facing the UK rail industry as it grapples with rising costs and post-pandemic recovery efforts.

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UK house prices continued their upward trajectory in September, rising for the third consecutive month and bringing average property values within a whisker of record highs.

According to data from Halifax, one of the UK’s largest mortgage lenders, house prices increased by 0.3% in September, matching the rise seen in August. Over the past 12 months, prices have climbed by 4.7%, marking the strongest rate of annual inflation since November 2022.

The average UK home is now valued at £293,399, just £100 shy of the record set in June 2022, shortly before the market was disrupted by Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng’s mini-budget, which led to rising borrowing costs and a sudden slowdown in the housing sector.

Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages at Halifax, cautioned against viewing recent gains as a full recovery: “While the typical property value has risen by around £13,000 over the past year, this increase is largely a recovery of the ground lost over the previous 12 months. Looking back two years, prices have increased by just 0.4%.”

House prices surged following the end of the first lockdown as buyers sought larger homes and outdoor space in what became known as the “race for space.” However, the mini-budget at the end of September 2022 brought the market to a standstill, with soaring interest rates and increased mortgage costs stifling demand. Now, with interest rates gradually falling and the cost-of-living crisis easing, buyers are beginning to return to the market.

“Market conditions have steadily improved over the summer and into early autumn,” Bryden added. “Mortgage affordability has been easing thanks to strong wage growth and falling interest rates. This has boosted confidence among potential buyers, with the number of mortgages agreed up over 40% in the last year and now at their highest level since July 2022.”

Despite the positive signs, there remains a clear north-south divide in house price growth. In the northwest of England, prices have risen by 5.1% over the past year, while in Yorkshire they are up 4.3%. In contrast, eastern England, which includes commuter counties like Hertfordshire and Essex, has seen prices rise by just 2.3%. London, the UK’s most expensive region for housing, has seen prices rise by 2.6% year-on-year to an average of £539,238, still below the peak of £552,592 set in summer 2022.

Northern Ireland remains the region with the fastest house price growth, with prices rising by 9.7% over the past year. In Scotland, year-on-year price inflation stands at 2.1%.

Although affordability is improving with retreating mortgage rates, Bryden noted that it “remains a challenge for many.” As a result, she predicts that any further increases in house prices over the next 18 months will be “modest.”

However, some experts are more optimistic. Ashley Webb, a UK economist at Capital Economics, believes that the Bank of England will reduce interest rates quicker than expected next year, potentially leading to higher-than-anticipated house price growth. “Our view that the Bank of England will cut interest rates by more than most expect may mean house prices grow by an above-consensus 5% in 2025,” Webb said.

While the market shows signs of recovery, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the recent upward trend can be sustained in the face of ongoing economic challenges.

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Cryptocurrencies are gaining popularity in many areas, such as internet gambling, as the digital landscape continues to change.

This trend is being adopted by UK internet casinos who now allow players to make transactions in a different way. Below are a few advantages of using cryptocurrencies within UK online casinos.

Enhanced Security

The main reason why people prefer cryptocurrencies is because of their security features. When you transact using Bitcoin or Ethereum, the information is encrypted and kept in a public ledger which means that it is not easily prone to fraud or cyber hacking. With this in mind, players should feel at ease knowing that their financial data is much safer than when using conventional banking systems.

Anonymity and Privacy

The use of cryptocurrency in gambling provides some form of privacy not found in other payment systems. With cryptocurrencies, players can deposit and withdraw funds without exposing their identity which in turn lowers the chances for one to suffer from identity theft. Such anonymity is especially important for people who want to keep their gambling as a private matter.

Lower Fees

A crypto casino UK charges lower fees for cryptocurrency transactions compared to credit cards or e-wallets. Since cryptocurrencies operate on a peer-to-peer network, transaction fees can be significantly reduced. This means players can keep more of their winnings rather than losing a portion to processing fees.

Faster Transactions

Conventional banking methods may require several days to process withdrawals, but with cryptocurrencies, transactions are almost always instant or at most take a couple of minutes. As a result of this high speed, players can quickly and effortlessly get hold of their prize money, thereby improving their overall gaming experience.

Access to Exclusive Bonuses

Players who decide to use digital currency in gambling can benefit from additional bonuses that are not available to others. For example, such players may receive increased deposit bonuses, free spins, or cashback offers. By taking advantage of these attractive offers, players who take the risk of gambling with cryptocurrencies make their gaming experience even better.

Global Accessibility

Players all over the world can access cryptocurrencies without any restrictions of location. It is especially advantageous for UK players who may wish to place bets on foreign websites that do not support fiat currencies since digital currencies are not confined to any geographical boundaries. With cryptocurrencies, transactions can cross borders without difficulties.

Transparency and Fairness

Most cryptocurrencies are based on blockchain technology, which provides transparency and can increase trust in internet gambling. Gamblers can verify that their transactions were processed correctly and sometimes also check if the casino is fair. Such transparency serves as a confidence booster for the casino as well as its games’ integrity.

Growing Acceptance

The use of cryptocurrencies is gaining popularity and more UK online casinos now allow them as a form of payment. By accepting these digital currencies, it shows that there is a change happening within the gambling sector; one which is now more open to and supportive of new and emerging technologies.

Final Thoughts

There are many advantages that come with integrating cryptocurrencies into UK online casinos. These include better security, more financial privacy and quicker transactions. With the changing face of internet gambling, gamers who take up these forms of digital currency will have an enhanced as well as more lucrative gambling experience.

Santander UK has urged the government to prioritise leadership, digital, and sustainability skills in its new National Plan for Skills to tackle the UK’s productivity crisis and prepare the workforce for the future.

In a newly published report, Tomorrow’s Skills, Santander highlights three major societal shifts—changing attitudes to work, the rise of AI, and the transition to Net Zero—that will impact the British workforce. The report calls for increased investment in training and upskilling to address these challenges.

The report reveals that UK workers are spending 20% less time on training than they did a decade ago, despite more than half acknowledging that they need to upskill to stay relevant in their roles. Barriers such as time constraints, costs, and lack of flexibility are preventing workers from accessing training, contributing to the country’s stagnant productivity levels. Moreover, 69% of workers expect to remain in the same field for their entire careers, and 72% believe their jobs will still exist in 10 years—indicating a lack of awareness of the potential impact of emerging technologies and societal changes.

Mike Regnier, CEO of Santander UK, stressed the importance of education and skills development, stating: “The UK cannot afford to fall behind in this critical area if we want our economy to grow and remain competitive.” He called on the government to focus its skills strategy on addressing three key areas:

Changing attitudes to work:

The rise of hybrid working has introduced new challenges for managers and leaders, with generational differences in attitudes towards remote work. While 65% of 25–34-year-olds view hybrid working positively for the UK economy, only 27% of 55–64-year-olds share this view.

The rise of AI:

As AI continues to transform industries, 63% of workers recognise the need for training around new technologies, while 47% of younger workers worry that AI could replace their jobs. Upskilling in AI and digital technologies is seen as essential for increasing productivity and future-proofing careers.

The transition to Net Zero:

As the UK moves towards its 2050 emissions targets, 58% of workers believe they will need new skills to adapt to their roles in a greener economy. The report highlights the importance of equipping workers with sustainability skills to support the Net Zero transition.

In response to these challenges, Santander has launched a new adult education programme in partnership with xUnlocked, Fearless Adventures, and House 337. The programme, available on Santander Open Academy, offers free, video-led training on green, digital, and leadership skills for people over 18. The aim is to help individuals and businesses prepare for the future by developing the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.

Steph McGovern, presenter of The Rest is Money podcast and a business journalist, added her support for lifelong learning, saying: “As the needs of the economy change, so too should our attitude to learning. We should think of education as lifelong. We all need to adapt, but workers can’t do that on their own.”

Santander’s new initiative, combined with its call for government action, underscores the urgency of addressing the UK’s skills crisis. As the economy evolves, Santander’s focus on developing essential skills in leadership, digital technologies, and sustainability will be key to driving future productivity and ensuring the UK remains competitive on the global stage.

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Marcus Weller is a renowned AI entrepreneur and technology innovator who has significantly influenced the fields of augmented reality and artificial intelligence.

With a PhD in psychology, Marcus Welle has a deep understanding of human-computer interaction, which has informed his pioneering work, including the creation of the Skully motorcycle helmet, the first consumer-augmented reality product launched in 2012.

Throughout his career, Marcus has demonstrated exceptional leadership in founding and guiding tech companies, securing venture capital, and advocating for ethical standards in AI development. His international experience in science diplomacy, combined with his resilience in overcoming public and legal challenges, has earned him a respected reputation in the tech industry.

Currently residing in Austin, Texas, Marcus Weller continues to push the boundaries of technology while actively engaging with the local tech community and inspiring future innovators.

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in your chosen field?

My journey to AI was a winding road with many detours along the way, which at the time I didn’t realize were all leading me to an inevitable destination. My work in AI now stems from a blend of my love for the brain and a lifelong passion for technology.

Growing up, I was always fascinated by the interplay of humans and technology—how people interact with technology and how technology interacts with us to make impossible things possible. It struck me in high school that the brain and the mind within it seemed to be the most complex structures that we knew of in the universe. It was a universe of complexity within itself. It seemed like a boundless expanse, and I felt destined to explore it.

Even earlier, I had this intense fascination with robots and computers, going all the way back to early childhood, living in a tiny apartment in St. Paul, Minnesota, with my mom and brother. I loved robot and computer movies like Short Circuit, Terminator, Robocop, and Blade Runner. I would try to build robots in my room from electronics lying around the house. Much to my mother’s dismay, no small electronics were safe from disassembly. We were of little means as a family, and these were my toys. I was fascinated by what made these things work and what made computers smart. This curiosity about the brain and technology eventually led me to my PhD in Psychology, where I specialized in human intelligence and data science. I also spent time at the University of Munich as a visiting researcher studying Cognitive Neuroscience.

The opportunity to study how humans interact with technology, combined with my experience working in Germany with the Humboldt Foundation as a Science Diplomat, crystallized my desire to bridge the gap between human needs and technological advancement. Both domains, human psychology and technology, seemed limitless, and I felt strongly that in their nexus lay many great discoveries waiting to be uncovered to unlock new possibilities for humanity. One of the most pivotal moments in my career was a motorcycle accident I experienced while living in Spain.

This incident inspired the idea for Skully, the first consumer-augmented reality product. The realization that technology could directly enhance human capability was a turning point for me, driving my commitment to creating technologies that improve lives.

Can you share a defining moment that shaped your career?

The defining moment in my career was a Wednesday night in May of 2012. I had a vivid dream about a motorcycle accident I had a year prior while living in Spain. In the dream, I was using a motorcycle helmet with a heads-up display that could project GPS directions and other vital information directly in front of the rider’s eyes like a hologram, eliminating the need to look away from the road. In the dream, it saved me from my accident, and the feeling was so powerful that it woke me up in the middle of the night with an overwhelming desire to build it.

That very moment led to the birth of Skully and my journey into the world of augmented reality and AI. The very next day, I woke up and felt like the little boy in Minnesota, excited to build something new from all the small electronics I could get my hands on. I ordered dozens of devices from Amazon and began, over the next few weeks, disassembling them, figuring out how they worked, and recombining them over the ensuing six months into a prototype of the augmented reality helmet that I experienced in my dream.

Once the first prototype was built, I nervously showed it to some of my mentors in Silicon Valley, who got together and rounded up $250,000 to invest in making it a reality. Over the next few years, we built and shipped to customers the world’s first augmented reality motorcycle helmet, eventually selling it in Harley-Davidson stores.

This moment was more than just the inception of an idea; it was the moment I fully realized the potential of combining my academic knowledge with my passion for technology. It set the course for my future endeavors, pushing me to explore how AI and technology could be used to solve real-world problems and improve human lives.

How would you describe your personal and professional values?

My personal and professional values are deeply intertwined and center around innovation, integrity, and impact. I believe in pushing the boundaries of what is possible, but always with a strong foundation for solving real human needs.

Integrity is at the core of everything I do, meaning a deep alignment with the needs of the people for whom we innovate and with the partners and people that make it possible. Nobody innovates alone. There are moments of inspiration that can truly move humanity forward, but the journey from inspiration to implementation is arduous and scary and requires a team of good people around you who share your passion for impact and progress.

Another key value is the impact. I am driven by a deep desire to create technologies that not only advance industries but also have a positive, lasting impact on society. This is reflected in my work in science diplomacy, where I focus on ensuring that AI and other emerging technologies are developed in ways that are equitable and beneficial to all.

What advice would you give your younger self?

If I could give my younger self any advice, it would be to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. As a kid, I would constantly fail while trying to build cool things, and sometimes I would get really sad. Later, in the early stages of my career, I was often stopped in my tracks by obstacles, and in those moments, I would sometimes lament my naivety for even trying in the first place.

Overcoming that imposter syndrome was key to unlocking what I had to offer the world. I had to beat the fear of not being good enough to pursue my ideas. I did this by constantly learning, so my ability was never static; it was always in a state of development and growth. This led to solutions to the roadblocks and became a theme by which to live my life. Through my journey, particularly with Skully, I learned that failure is not the end—it’s an essential part of the process.

In 2016, we shipped hundreds of units to excited early adopter customers and landed a distribution deal with Harley Davidson, a dream partner. We were approached to sell the company, and just when the deal was set to go through to take Skully to the next level, some unscrupulous investors blocked the deal and pushed my brother and me out of the company we started. It was devastating. They had been going around us to try to sell the company without us the whole time. They failed, and another one of our investors that we had a relationship with brought the company back to us, and we ended up selling Skully after all.

The best part was that Skully, as if guided by its own internal GPS, found its way back home. The company that bought us was in Spain, the same place where I had the accident that set everything in motion all those years ago. It was a very hard road, but looking back, its return home was almost eerily predestined. Each setback is an opportunity to learn, grow, and come back stronger. I would also tell my younger self to cultivate patience and resilience, as the road to meaningful success is often long and filled with detours.

What personal or professional achievements are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the creation and success of Skully, despite the challenges and setbacks. The journey of turning an idea born out of a motorcycle accident into a groundbreaking product that captured global attention is something that continues to drive me because it showed me that thoughts can indeed become things. I am also proud of the work I’ve done in science diplomacy, particularly my efforts to influence global AI policy and ensure that emerging technologies are developed responsibly.

Additionally, launching Aionicml.com, my current AI venture focused on human-centered AI, stands out as a significant achievement. It represents the culmination of my experiences and learnings, and it’s a project that aligns deeply with my values and vision for the future of technology that benefits all of humanity.

How do you manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance to ensure overall well-being?

Managing stress and maintaining a healthy work-life balance is something I’ve had to learn over time. Given the high-pressure environments I’ve worked in, it’s been crucial to develop strategies to cope with stress. One of my main approaches is mindfulness and daily reflection combined with long morning walks.

This allows the mind to calm down and get back into a creative state. In this state, I find that I am more able to see solutions to problems without fighting cognitive distortions. Humans evolved as bipedal creatures. Walking [upright] is as core to who we are as intelligence. When we don’t walk, we get sick and stressed, which interferes with our ability to think and enjoy life. Research even backs this up, showing that people who walk for 30 minutes see a significant boost in mood and IQ that lasts up to three hours.

I start and end each day with a gratitude walk and goal-setting, which helps me stay grounded and focused on what I need to do to bring myself one step closer to my goals.

Diet is another critical component of my routine. I eat a plant-based diet these days, and I don’t drink alcohol. I’ve noticed over the years that if I feed my brain what it needs, it is there for me when I need it most. The brain is the highest-leverage tissue in the body; it can produce ideas that change your life in an instant, and if those ideas are big enough, they can change the world.

So it’s incumbent on us to take care of our brains so that they take care of us. After all, it is the most beautifully complex structure the universe has ever created. So I like to treat it that way. I haven’t always been so abstemious in my life. This is something I had to learn over the years, but I wouldn’t change the journey because it’s what led me to where I am today. One last point is about how crucial the support of family has been for me throughout my career and life.

After my first company, I resolved to be deliberate about making more time for my family and spending time with loved ones, particularly my mother and brother. They have been significant supporters throughout my life and career. The support of friends and family can be a deep source of unshakeable strength. It certainly has been for me.

How do you define success?

Success, to me, is about more than just achieving professional goals; it’s about making a meaningful impact and living in alignment with my values. It’s about creating technologies that advance humanity while also maintaining personal integrity and contributing positively to society.

Success is also deeply personal—it’s about being true to oneself, overcoming challenges, and remaining in a state of continuous learning. The best people and the best AI models have one thing in common: they continuously learn, and this becomes a source of strength and growth that can be used to solve problems for people and have a deep impact. Success for me is also about leaving a legacy of innovation, ethics, and the betterment of humanity that can guide innovators for generations to come.

Who is the one entrepreneur or business leader that you consider to be your greatest example and inspiration? Why?

Mark Zuckerberg is an entrepreneur who greatly inspires me. His ability to continually reinvent Meta (formerly Facebook) to stay at the forefront of innovation is remarkable. From pioneering social media to leading advancements in AI, spatial computing, and neural interfaces, Zuckerberg’s work spans multiple groundbreaking areas. His commitment to creating a coherent ecosystem of products and technologies that link together to form a unified user experience is something I deeply admire.

Moreover, Zuckerberg has shown resilience in the face of adversity. He has faced significant challenges and criticism throughout his career, but he continues to persevere and innovate. His recent focus on open-source AI and his willingness to invest billions in this endeavor align with my values as an AI entrepreneur committed to an equitable AI future. His journey is a powerful example of how to adapt, evolve, and continue to push boundaries, maintaining a clear vision for the future even in the face of setbacks.

Are there any charitable organizations or community service-oriented activities that you are involved in?

I am actively involved in mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs and young professionals, particularly in the fields of AI and technology. I volunteer my time at universities around the world, offering guidance and support to students and startups who are navigating the challenges of launching new ventures. Additionally, my work in science diplomacy often involves contributing to initiatives that promote ethical technology development and international cooperation, which is a way to contribute to a global community of innovators and the people who stand to benefit.

Thank you, Marcus Weller, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. Your journey is an inspiring example of innovation, resilience, and the drive to make a positive impact through technology. We appreciate your time and look forward to seeing the continued impact of your work in AI and beyond.

In today’s digital landscape, secure and efficient online identity management is essential.

OpenID Federation addresses this need by providing a streamlined method to authenticate users across various platforms without requiring multiple passwords. It simplifies digital interactions while ensuring the safety of personal information.

Imagine logging into various services—social media, banking, shopping—using just one set of credentials. OpenID Federation makes this possible by allowing different organisations to trust each other’s authentication processes. This not only enhances user experience but also strengthens security by reducing the risk of password fatigue and breaches.

OpenID Federation makes this possible by allowing different organisations to trust each other’s authentication processes. This not only enhances user experience but also strengthens security by reducing the risk of password fatigue and breaches. Let’s dive into how OpenID Federation works and why it’s becoming a cornerstone of modern digital identity management.nt.

Raidiam Advances OpenID Federation 1.0 Specification Essential for Open Data Ecosystems

We’ve seen how crucial OpenID Federation is for secure and seamless online identity management. As we look ahead Raidiam’s advancements in the OpenID Federation 1.0 specification are set to play a pivotal role. These innovations will be essential for creating robust open data ecosystems ensuring that users can navigate the digital world with ease and confidence.

By leveraging these advancements we’ll be better equipped to manage our online identities securely and efficiently. Let’s embrace these changes and look forward to a more secure and user-friendly digital experience for all.

OpenID Federation 1.0 Draft Specification

The draft OpenID Federation 1.0 specification addresses the increasing prevalence of data-sharing ecosystems where user-permissioned data is exchanged via APIs. The original version of the standard facilitated implementation and secure functioning but was inadequate for ecosystems with a large and expanding number of participants. This new specification enhances support and standardises the establishment of trust among participants, eliminating the need for bilateral agreements by introducing a trust anchor (or trust register) as a reliable entity for participants.

Supporting multi-lateral federations across ecosystems

The development of this specification aims to enhance not only individual ecosystems but also interoperability across multiple networks. OpenID Federation 1.0 establishes a foundation for seamless interaction among independent ecosystems with varied supervisory, licensing, or accreditation frameworks. For example, a financial services regulator could manage a network within its jurisdiction, while an energy sector regulator does the same within theirs. These diverse ecosystems can then interconnect, creating a network of networks that functions on a national or international scale.

Raidiam Connect: Pioneering trust infrastructure

Raidiam recognised the importance of a broader vision early on and became one of the first to introduce OpenID Federation support in their Raidiam Connect Trust Platform. This platform is a key component of the trust infrastructure in some of the world’s most prominent Open Banking and Open Finance ecosystems, serving as a Directory and Trust Register for participants. By enabling multi-lateral federations, Raidiam aims to create a more interconnected Open Data landscape that fosters innovation and collaboration. They have also been among the first to commercially implement the OpenID Federation 1.0 Trust Anchor.