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	<title>Digital | North West Connected</title>
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		<title>The side hustle shift: how young people in the North West are earning money online</title>
		<link>https://nwconnected.co.uk/the-side-hustle-shift-how-young-people-in-the-north-west-are-earning-money-online/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=the-side-hustle-shift-how-young-people-in-the-north-west-are-earning-money-online</link>
				<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:15:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Dave Stopher]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Digital]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nwconnected.co.uk/?p=171035</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[With maintenance loans falling hundreds of pounds short and rents still rising, students across the region are finding new ways to make ends meet The cost of living has been headline news for a couple of years now, but for students in the North West it&#8217;s less of a news story and more of a [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>How North West Businesses Can Dispose of IT Equipment Responsibly</title>
		<link>https://nwconnected.co.uk/how-north-west-businesses-can-dispose-of-it-equipment-responsibly/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=how-north-west-businesses-can-dispose-of-it-equipment-responsibly</link>
				<pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:53:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Dave Stopher]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Digital]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nwconnected.co.uk/?p=170949</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[The North West of England is one of the most economically diverse regions in the country. From Manchester’s status as the UK’s second city for digital and tech to Liverpool’s creative and maritime industries, from Lancashire’s advanced manufacturing base to Cheshire’s concentration of corporate headquarters, the region’s businesses rely on technology at every level. That [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>The Role of Technical Optimization in Scaling Your E-Commerce Revenue</title>
		<link>https://nwconnected.co.uk/the-role-of-technical-optimization-in-scaling-your-e-commerce-revenue/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=the-role-of-technical-optimization-in-scaling-your-e-commerce-revenue</link>
				<pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:42:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Dave Stopher]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Digital]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nwconnected.co.uk/?p=170898</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[Many e-commerce companies consider technical optimization as a task to be addressed after all other efforts &#8211; the campaigns, the redesign, the new product launches. We believe it should be the other way around, as the technical base of your website is what makes all that additional effort convert. A slow, badly optimized webshop will [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>AI Receptionist for Small Business</title>
		<link>https://nwconnected.co.uk/ai-receptionist-for-small-business/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=ai-receptionist-for-small-business</link>
				<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 04:02:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Dave Stopher]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Digital]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nwconnected.co.uk/?p=170744</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[The Shift Toward Intelligent Customer Support Customer expectations are on the rise, and to stand out as a competitor, businesses need to respond quickly to questions. The USA organizations in various industries are seeking contemporary ways of enhancing their communication systems. An Virtual Receptionist is one of the most efficient ways to answer customer calls [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>Five unmissable ways to experience the Innsbruck region this spring</title>
		<link>https://nwconnected.co.uk/five-unmissable-ways-to-experience-the-innsbruck-region-this-spring/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=five-unmissable-ways-to-experience-the-innsbruck-region-this-spring</link>
				<pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:08:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Dave Stopher]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Digital]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Five unmissable ways to experience the Innsbruck region this spring]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nwconnected.co.uk/?p=170467</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[Five unmissable ways to experience the Innsbruck region this spring   Spring is coming! It’s the ideal time to go out and explore, and nowhere does springtime quite as spectacularly as the Alps   Trail running, cycling, golf and high-altitude skiing &#8211; Innsbruck’s spring season invites active travellers to enjoy the Alps at their most [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>Grand Central announces 2026 community funding to support local groups making a difference</title>
		<link>https://nwconnected.co.uk/grand-central-announces-2026-community-funding-to-support-local-groups-making-a-difference/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=grand-central-announces-2026-community-funding-to-support-local-groups-making-a-difference</link>
				<pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 07:08:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Dave Stopher]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Digital]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grand Central]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nwconnected.co.uk/?p=170465</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[Grand Central announces 2026 community funding to support local groups making a differenceApplications open until 1 March 2026 Grand Central has announced the launch of its 2026 Community Fund, offering grants of £100 to £5,000 to support community projects that make a positive impact across the areas served by its network. Building on last year’s [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>&#8216;Oversimplified&#8217; social media ban for under 16s won&#8217;t protect children, expert warns</title>
		<link>https://nwconnected.co.uk/oversimplified-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-wont-protect-children-expert-warns/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=oversimplified-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-wont-protect-children-expert-warns</link>
				<pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 06:08:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Dave Stopher]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Digital]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Media]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nwconnected.co.uk/?p=170463</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[A legal expert has warned that banning under 16s from social media is an ‘oversimplified’ approach that won’t protect children from online risks.    The government’s plan to introduce an ‘Australia-style’ law for anyone 15 and below is still under consultation.    But one law specialist says it can be a useful tool for young [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>Alayic Launches Revolutionary AI Voice Agent to Transform Customer Service</title>
		<link>https://nwconnected.co.uk/alayic-launches-revolutionary-ai-voice-agent-to-transform-customer-service/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=alayic-launches-revolutionary-ai-voice-agent-to-transform-customer-service</link>
				<pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 15:02:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[zurraqzeus]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Digital]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hospitality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nwconnected.co.uk/?p=169351</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[A revolutionary new era of customer service has arrived with the launch of Alayic, a pioneering AI platform designed to support millions of UK small businesses with managing calls, taking orders or bookings, and answering specific questions – simulating real-life natural conversations, and even mimicking the human voice of individual staff members. Founded by Paul [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>National Coding Week 2025 (UK): Dates, Theme, Ideas &#038; Resources for Schools, SMEs and Communities</title>
		<link>https://nwconnected.co.uk/national-coding-week-2025-uk-dates-theme-ideas-resources-for-schools-smes-and-communities/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=national-coding-week-2025-uk-dates-theme-ideas-resources-for-schools-smes-and-communities</link>
				<pubDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:01:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Dave Stopher]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Digital]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AI in the classroom UK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Code Club projects UK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[coding activities for schools UK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[coding workshops UK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[micro:bit lessons UK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Coding Week 2025 UK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Coding Week dates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Coding Week theme AI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SME digital skills UK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teach Computing resources]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nwconnected.co.uk/?p=168222</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[When: Monday 15 – Sunday 21 September 2025 (the UK’s third week of September tradition). Days Of The Year+2weareincludability.co.uk+2 Theme: Artificial Intelligence (AI). National Coding Week Key note: 2025 is announced as the final National Coding Week, so make it count. Use #NationalCodingWeek and tag @codingweek. National Coding Week What is National Coding Week (NCW)? [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>How to Choose the Perfect Hamper for Your Workmates</title>
		<link>https://nwconnected.co.uk/how-to-choose-the-perfect-hamper-for-your-workmates/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=how-to-choose-the-perfect-hamper-for-your-workmates</link>
				<pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2025 01:04:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Dave Stopher]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Digital]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nwconnected.co.uk/?p=167742</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[Finding the right gift for colleagues can feel like a challenge. You want something thoughtful but practical, professional but warm. That is where hampers come in. They strike the perfect balance between personal and corporate, offering a touch of luxury that everyone can enjoy. Whether you are shopping for the office Secret Santa or looking [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>Beyond Efficiency: A New Look at Digital Infrastructure’s Impact on Our Planet</title>
		<link>https://nwconnected.co.uk/beyond-efficiency-a-new-look-at-digital-infrastructures-impact-on-our-planet/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=beyond-efficiency-a-new-look-at-digital-infrastructures-impact-on-our-planet</link>
				<pubDate>Sun, 20 Jul 2025 12:27:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[StephenKelMe]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Digital]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Enviroment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Enviromental]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Features]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Industrial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Online]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[balancing tech and nature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[biodiversity impact of tech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[circular economy in tech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[digital infrastructure and environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[energy efficient data centres]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ethical mineral sourcing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[green digital transformation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[renewable energy for data centres]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[responsible technology use.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scope 3 emissions technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sustainable data centres]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tech carbon footprint]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nwconnected.co.uk/?p=166657</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[When people imagine a data centre, it’s often reduced to a sterile, industrial structure cold, humming, and unremarkable. But take a closer look, and you’ll discover something much deeper. A data centre is a sophisticated, powerful environment where vast streams of data move, evolve, and shape the digital systems we depend on daily. In some ways, [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>The Overlooked Infrastructure Driving Remote Work Success</title>
		<link>https://nwconnected.co.uk/the-overlooked-infrastructure-driving-remote-work-success/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=the-overlooked-infrastructure-driving-remote-work-success</link>
				<pubDate>Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:30:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Dave Stopher]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Digital]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nwconnected.co.uk/?p=166027</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[As remote work continues to redefine modern employment, most conversations focus on digital tools, cloud software, and flexible schedules. Yet beneath the surface lies a foundational layer that often goes unnoticed: the quiet infrastructure making these digital possibilities seamless. From communication systems to broadband resilience, the success of remote work hinges not only on flashy [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>Tika Invests in Multi-Channel Marketing Campaign</title>
		<link>https://nwconnected.co.uk/tika-invests-in-multi-channel-marketing-campaign/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=tika-invests-in-multi-channel-marketing-campaign</link>
				<pubDate>Sat, 14 Jun 2025 12:01:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[zurraqzeus]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Digital]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[North West]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nwconnected.co.uk/?p=165579</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[Tika, a pioneering personal admin app designed to help individuals reclaim valuable time and enhance their overall wellness, has appointed Cheshire-headquartered PR, influencer and social media agency Zeus PR to support its launch and beyond. Founded by North West-based businessman Sid Sutton, Tika has been launched to support users in managing their life admin by [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>Mason Advisory consultants named as finalists in 2025 MCA Awards</title>
		<link>https://nwconnected.co.uk/mason-advisory-consultants-named-as-finalists-in-2025-mca-awards/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=mason-advisory-consultants-named-as-finalists-in-2025-mca-awards</link>
				<pubDate>Thu, 22 May 2025 06:01:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mason Advisory Limited]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Digital]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nwconnected.co.uk/?p=165162</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[We’re proud to announce that two of our outstanding consultants have been named finalists in the prestigious 2025 Management Consultancies Association (MCA) Awards, which celebrate the exceptional work being delivered across the UK’s consulting sector.  This year, our talented individuals have been shortlisted in two highly competitive categories:  Chris Good – finalist in the Thought [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>End of the line: The demise of the traditional landline and the nostalgia it leaves behind</title>
		<link>https://nwconnected.co.uk/end-of-the-line-the-demise-of-the-traditional-landline-and-the-nostalgia-it-leaves-behind/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=end-of-the-line-the-demise-of-the-traditional-landline-and-the-nostalgia-it-leaves-behind</link>
				<pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2025 09:04:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[CathyWheeler]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Digital]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[North West]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nwconnected.co.uk/?p=164429</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[Once a staple of every British household, the humble landline phone is fast becoming an antique relic according to new research by Censuswide for broadband supplier Zen Internet. The UK is preparing for the switch-off of the traditional landline system and it could see fewer homes owning and using a landline home phone. Zen’s survey [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>Pretzel agency rebrands to Ideate</title>
		<link>https://nwconnected.co.uk/pretzel-agency-rebrands-to-ideate/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=pretzel-agency-rebrands-to-ideate</link>
				<pubDate>Tue, 25 Mar 2025 08:01:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[CathyWheeler]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Digital]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[North West]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nwconnected.co.uk/?p=163806</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[Pretzel agency rebrands to Ideate &#160; Cheshire-based digital marketing agency Pretzel Group has rebranded to Ideate Digital aligning the business with its current proposition &#8211; bringing ideas and data together to deliver high-performing marketing campaigns and websites.     The new identity comes on the back of continued growth, new business wins and increased specialism in Shopify and [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>Fourth Wall appoint three Commercial Directors</title>
		<link>https://nwconnected.co.uk/fourth-wall-appoint-three-commercial-directors/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=fourth-wall-appoint-three-commercial-directors</link>
				<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jan 2025 20:02:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[PhilosophyPR]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Digital]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Football]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sport]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nwconnected.co.uk/?p=162348</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[Tech-led sports firm, Fourth Wall, has appointed three commercial directors to help elevate and scale up the business in 2025 and beyond. The trio previously worked together at Manchester United, with Vange Kourentis, Mike Dunphy and Mark Hargreaves collaborating once again with the ultimate aim of further raising Fourth Wall’s profile, its impressive technology and [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>The Rise of Flexibility and Convenience for a New Generation</title>
		<link>https://nwconnected.co.uk/the-rise-of-flexibility-and-convenience-for-a-new-generation/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=the-rise-of-flexibility-and-convenience-for-a-new-generation</link>
				<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jan 2025 17:33:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[StephenKelMe]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Digital]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Experts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Motoring]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Online]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nwconnected.co.uk/?p=162228</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[41.4m people in the UK held a full driving licence, representing around 76.7% of the adult population according to the RAC. However, the concept of car ownership is undergoing a profound transformation, particularly among younger generations. Traditional views of owning a vehicle as a symbol of freedom and status are being replaced by a preference [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>Scaling Up for a Sustainable and Innovative Economy</title>
		<link>https://nwconnected.co.uk/scaling-up-for-a-sustainable-and-innovative-economy/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=scaling-up-for-a-sustainable-and-innovative-economy</link>
				<pubDate>Tue, 17 Dec 2024 13:56:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[StephenKelMe]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Digital]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Enviromental]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Experts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Features]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nwconnected.co.uk/?p=161092</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[Scale-ups, a high-growth subset of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are economic powerhouses that wield significant influence far beyond their relatively small number. While constituting a mere 1% of all SME firms, these dynamic businesses employ nearly a million individuals and generate a combined annual turnover of almost £500 billion. This substantial economic contribution translates [&#8230;]]]></description>
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		<title>DIGTIAL NORTHERN POWERHOUSE TAKES ON MORE TALENT</title>
		<link>https://nwconnected.co.uk/digtial-northern-powerhouse-takes-on-more-talent/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=digtial-northern-powerhouse-takes-on-more-talent</link>
				<pubDate>Tue, 10 Dec 2024 13:01:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[StephenKelMe]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Digital]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Employment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Experts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Features]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[North West]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://nwconnected.co.uk/?p=160804</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[Mediaworks, one of the leading independent digital agencies in the UK has expanded its teams across both their Newcastle and Leeds offices. This wave of growth follows significant new business wins and a long-term strategy to further support the public sector with their Digital Transformation initiatives.    The growth comes at a time when Mediaworks are [&#8230;]]]></description>
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