European AI Lab Unveils VOLTAIC as Challenge to Frontier AI Economics

A European artificial intelligence research lab has unveiled a new AI inference engine that could dramatically change how businesses think about artificial intelligence, energy consumption and data sovereignty.

Today, Verkko Robotics introduced VOLTAIC, a spiking neural inference engine designed to learn continuously, retain knowledge over time and operate at a fraction of the cost and energy consumption associated with today's leading large language and multimodal AI models.

The announcement comes as organisations across Europe increasingly question the sustainability, costs and data privacy implications of relying on large AI systems hosted by major US technology companies.

Unlike conventional transformer-based models that require vast computational resources, VOLTAIC uses sparse neural networks, meaning most neurons remain inactive at any given moment. This significantly reduces power consumption while enabling the system to operate efficiently on private infrastructure.

According to Verkko Robotics, VOLTAIC has delivered impressive results during continual learning benchmarks. The system achieved a catastrophic forgetting rate of approximately 1.2% on Core50 testing and reached 77% accuracy on Split ImageNet-1K, outperforming previous benchmark records by 14 percentage points.

One of the most significant claims surrounding the technology is its potential cost advantage. Internal testing suggests VOLTAIC could process queries at around one-fiftieth of the cost of comparable interactions with leading large language models, potentially offering substantial savings for organisations deploying AI at scale.

The technology was developed by Giancarlo Cobino, whose research focuses on neuroscience-inspired computing and enterprise AI applications.

Cobino explained that the architecture moves away from dense computational approaches in favour of adaptive, brain-inspired mechanisms that allow AI systems to learn continuously while retaining previously acquired knowledge.

This ability to avoid "catastrophic forgetting" addresses one of the long-standing challenges in artificial intelligence. Rather than requiring repeated retraining, VOLTAIC is designed to build upon existing knowledge in real time, allowing information to accumulate instead of being lost.

The launch also aligns with growing concerns around European technological independence. Earlier this month, European Commission outlined plans to strengthen technological sovereignty across the continent, highlighting the importance of reducing reliance on external technology providers for critical infrastructure and services.

Built on Verkko's proprietary Hierarchical Synaptic Consolidation architecture, VOLTAIC is being developed for both consumers and large organisations operating complex technology environments. Sectors such as finance, legal services and aerospace could particularly benefit from systems capable of retaining institutional knowledge while keeping sensitive data within their own infrastructure.

With a planned release scheduled for Q4 2026, VOLTAIC represents an intriguing alternative to the industry's ongoing race towards ever-larger AI models. If its early performance claims prove accurate, it could help reshape the economics of artificial intelligence while supporting Europe's ambitions for greater technological self-reliance.

https://verkkorobotics.com/

"60 Seconds? Too Long!" say many potential customers

Businesses Have Less Than a Minute to Answer Calls Before Customers Move On, Research Finds

New research suggests businesses may have less time than ever to make a good first impression, with many customers unwilling to wait even a minute for their call to be answered.

A nationally representative survey conducted by YouGov and commissioned by telephone answering specialist Answer4u has revealed the hidden cost of missed business calls, highlighting how quickly potential customers are prepared to take their business elsewhere.

The study, which surveyed 2,046 UK adults, found that 37% of consumers would abandon a call within 60 seconds and contact a competitor instead. Even more strikingly, 18% said they would give up in less than 30 seconds.

For businesses that rely on inbound enquiries, whether for sales, bookings or customer support, those figures represent a significant challenge.

The findings also challenge the long-held belief that customers will simply leave a message and wait for a callback. Only 6% of respondents said they would leave a voicemail rather than continue waiting for their call to be answered. Instead, nearly a quarter (24%) said they would switch to another contact method altogether.

The research highlights changing customer expectations in an increasingly fast-paced digital world. Consumers expect quick responses and immediate confirmation that their enquiry has been received, regardless of whether they are contacting a large organisation or a small local business.

According to Stuart Wilson, Director of Operations at Answer4u, the customer experience begins long before a conversation takes place.

He explained to That's Business that even the best products, services and customer support teams cannot help if a potential customer never manages to speak to someone in the first place. The research suggests businesses have a very small window in which to make a positive first impression.

The survey also uncovered some interesting demographic trends. Women were more likely than men to seek alternative ways of contacting a business rather than continue waiting on the phone, while consumers aged between 25 and 44 showed the lowest tolerance for call waiting times.

For small businesses, sole traders and professional service firms, the findings may be particularly relevant. Many business owners juggle customer enquiries alongside meetings, client work and day-to-day operations, making it difficult to answer every call immediately.

However, the research serves as a reminder that unanswered calls are more than a customer service issue. They can have a direct impact on lead generation, sales and customer retention.

In a competitive marketplace, every missed call could represent an opportunity that never returns.

https://www.answer-4u.com

Renapur Refreshes Its Brand While Staying True to Three Decades of Customer Relationships

After over three decades of travelling across the United Kingdom and Ireland, meeting customers face-to-face and demonstrating its products at shows and exhibitions, British care products company Renapur has unveiled a refreshed brand identity inspired by its rich heritage.

The rebrand marks an important milestone for the company, which first launched in 1994 and has grown from offering a single leather care product into a trusted range of leather, suede, fabric and wood care solutions used by customers around the world.

While the business has evolved significantly over the past three decades, Renapur says one thing has never changed, the value of personal customer relationships.

Long before social media marketing, influencer campaigns and online advertising became commonplace, Renapur built its reputation by attending county shows, agricultural events, equestrian competitions, motorcycle exhibitions and trade shows. For many loyal customers, their first experience of the brand came through a live product demonstration rather than a website visit. (My wife and I have bought Renapaur leather cleaner at a number of trade shows.)

Those face-to-face interactions helped establish Renapur as a familiar and trusted name across the UK, creating a loyal customer base that has remained with the company for generations.

As the business approached its latest milestone, the team began reflecting on the company's journey by revisiting old brochures, photographs, advertisements and exhibition materials from throughout the years.

One recurring feature stood out: the distinctive Renapur green.

Although the company's products have become well known for their recognisable white packaging, the heritage green colour featured heavily throughout Renapur's early branding, show stands and promotional materials. Bringing that colour back into the spotlight became a key inspiration behind the refresh.

The result is a cleaner, more consistent visual identity that combines modern branding with the company's long-established roots.

Robin Aspinall, Managing Director of Renapur, said the refresh was designed to celebrate the company's history while preparing it for the future.

"For more than thirty years, shows and events have been at the heart of Renapur," he said.

"We've travelled the length and breadth of the country, speaking directly with customers, demonstrating products and learning from the people who use them.

"As we approached this milestone, it felt like the perfect opportunity to refresh the brand. We wanted a look that celebrated where we came from while helping prepare us for the future."

Importantly for customers, while the branding may have changed, the products themselves remain exactly the same. Renapur says consumers can continue to rely on the trusted formulations that have helped protect and restore leather, suede, fabric and wood for decades.

Pressat and PA Media Extend 14-Year Partnership to Strengthen News Distribution

Pressat and PA Media have extended their 14-year partnership, giving businesses enhanced access to trusted UK media distribution channels and greater press release reach.

Businesses looking to maximise the impact of their media coverage have received some positive news, as Manchester-based press release distribution platform Pressat has announced the extension of its long-standing partnership with PA Media Group.

The renewed agreement builds on a successful relationship that has spanned 14 years and will continue to give Pressat customers enhanced access to one of the most trusted and influential news distribution networks in the UK and Ireland.

For organisations seeking to raise their profile, secure media coverage, or share important announcements, the partnership provides expanded distribution opportunities through the PA Media Newswire and Press Release Hub. 

This allows businesses, charities, public sector organisations and brands to place their stories in front of journalists, editors and media outlets across the country.

Founded in Manchester in 2010, Pressat has grown into one of the UK's leading press release distribution services. The platform supports organisations of all sizes, offering a cost-effective way to share news with the media while providing international reach across more than 170 countries and support for over 40 languages.

The continued collaboration with PA Media represents a significant advantage for Pressat customers. PA Media, formerly known as the Press Association, has been delivering trusted news and information since 1868 and remains a vital source of content for national, regional and local media outlets.

When she spoke with That's Business, Alison Lancaster, CEO of Pressat Newswire, highlighted the importance of the relationship, describing the original partnership as a major milestone for the company. She noted that the collaboration has enabled customers both in the UK and internationally to distribute their news effectively to key media outlets through one of the country's most respected news organisations.

PA Media is equally enthusiastic about the future of the partnership. Alan Marshall, Managing Director of PR and Marketing Services at PA Media, told us the organisation is delighted to continue working with Pressat and to provide clients with the combined benefits of newswire distribution and online content hubs for both written and visual content.

The announcement reflects the continuing importance of quality news distribution in an increasingly crowded media landscape. While creating a compelling story remains essential, ensuring that story reaches the right journalists and publications is just as important.

For businesses investing in public relations and brand visibility, the renewed Pressat and PA Media partnership offers another valuable route to reaching audiences, generating coverage and building credibility through trusted media channels.

http://www.pamediagroup.com

https://pressat.co.uk

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KYND Named Among World’s Top AI FinTech Companies for Second Year Running

Cyber risk analytics provider KYND has been named in the AIFinTech100 2026 list, highlighting the growing importance of AI-powered cyber intelligence in insurance.

Artificial intelligence continues to reshape the financial services sector, but industry experts increasingly agree that success depends not just on powerful AI tools, but on the quality of the data that powers them.

That principle has helped cyber risk analytics specialist KYND secure a place in the prestigious AIFinTech100 list for the second consecutive year, reinforcing its growing reputation within the insurance sector.

Published annually by FinTech Global, the AIFinTech100 recognises the world's most innovative companies applying artificial intelligence across financial services. The 2026 edition was the most competitive yet, with more than 2,000 companies assessed by industry experts and analysts before the final 100 were selected.

For insurers, brokers and reinsurers, the recognition highlights the increasing importance of reliable cyber risk intelligence in an era where AI is transforming underwriting, portfolio management and risk assessment.

KYND provides insurers with a continuously updated view of an organisation's cyber risk exposure, helping decision-makers move beyond traditional point-in-time assessments and static risk scores. Its platform combines proprietary technology, cyber security expertise and ongoing exposure monitoring to provide insights into organisations ranging from global enterprises to small and medium-sized businesses.

According to KYND Co-founder Melanie Hayes, the award reflects the growing role of cyber intelligence within modern insurance operations.

She noted that while AI is helping insurers analyse risks more quickly and efficiently, the effectiveness of those systems ultimately depends on the quality and accuracy of the intelligence underpinning them. By delivering a real-world view of cyber exposure, KYND enables insurance professionals to make more informed decisions at both individual risk and portfolio levels.

The wider financial services industry is also evolving rapidly. Richard Sachar, CEO of FinTech Global, said the focus of AI adoption has shifted from experimentation to practical implementation. Financial institutions are increasingly looking for solutions that deliver measurable value across areas such as fraud prevention, customer experience, risk management, automation and insurance operations.

The recognition also comes at a time when AI itself is creating new challenges for insurers. From AI-assisted cyber attacks and faster vulnerability exploitation to emerging questions around AI liability, the risk landscape is becoming increasingly complex.

As insurers look to develop the next generation of cyber insurance products, companies such as KYND are helping the market gain greater visibility into emerging threats and opportunities. That intelligence could prove vital in supporting profitable and sustainable growth in the years ahead.

https://www.kynd.io/uk

Dave Cooper Appointed CIBSE President for 2026–2027 with Focus on Resilience

Dace Cooper delivering his address

The CIBSE has appointed Dave Cooper as President for 2026–2027. His theme, "Future-proofing through resilience", highlights the need for adaptable and sustainable buildings.

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) has appointed Dave Cooper as its President for 2026–2027, marking the beginning of a new chapter focused on resilience, adaptability and long-term thinking within the built environment sector.

Dave officially succeeded outgoing President Vince Arnold following his inauguration at the CIBSE Annual General Meeting 2026, held at the organisation's London headquarters.

Bringing more than 40 years of experience in the lift and escalator industry, Dave Cooper is widely recognised as one of the sector's most respected figures. His career has combined technical expertise with a passion for education, professional development and safety, helping to shape standards and best practices across the industry.

A longstanding member of CIBSE, Dave has played a key role in the development of several editions of CIBSE Guide D: Transportation Systems in Buildings, one of the industry's most influential technical publications. His contributions to engineering have earned him both a CIBSE Silver Medal and an MBE, reflecting his impact on the profession over many years.

Alongside his new presidential duties, Dave continues to hold a number of influential positions across academia, industry and charitable organisations. He is currently a Visiting Professor at the University of East London and has previously been involved with the MSc in Lift Engineering programme at the University of Northampton. His extensive portfolio of roles also includes leadership positions within professional engineering bodies, educational trusts and industry charities.

In his Presidential Address, Dave introduced his theme for the year: "Future-proofing through resilience." The theme focuses on the need for engineers to design buildings, systems and infrastructure capable of adapting to changing demands, emerging technologies and future challenges.

Speaking at the AGM, Dave stressed that engineering professionals must think beyond immediate problems and consider the long-term needs of society. His message was straightforward but powerful: "Future-proofing isn't optional, it's essential."

The theme comes at a time when businesses and organisations across the construction and property sectors are facing increasing pressure to deliver sustainable, efficient and adaptable buildings. From climate resilience and energy efficiency to digital transformation and evolving workplace requirements, the challenges facing today's engineers are more complex than ever.

Commenting to That's Business on his appointment, Dave said he was honoured to serve as President and looked forward to working with CIBSE members around the world to promote engineering excellence and support the next generation of professionals.

His presidency promises to place resilience at the heart of engineering conversations, helping ensure that the buildings and infrastructure created today remain fit for purpose for decades to come.

You can read Dave's full address here:- https://www.cibse.org/about-cibse/governance/our-people/cibse-president/presidential-addresses/

https://www.cibse.org/