Cheptsow-based Breaking Change has secured more than £1m in equity and grant support

A Chepstow-based technology firm focused on the global games industry has secured more than £1m in funding to support its drive to commercialisation.

Breaking Change is developing software infrastructure that helps game studios model, simulate and maintain the complex systems that underpin modern games, such as vehicles, weapons, progression and economies, more quickly, safely and efficiently. The platform combines simulation technology with AI-assisted authoring, helping studios build deeper gameplay systems without relying on months of bespoke engineering.

The funding package includes £735,000 in equity investment, led by the Development Bank of Wales and Haatch, alongside an Innovate UK Growth Catalyst grant. The development bank’s technology venture investments (TVI) team has invested £350,000 from the Wales Flexible Investment Fund (WFIF), with Haatch contributing £285,000. The remaining equity investment includes participation from Saola Ventures and prominent games industry business angel Dr Tomas Rawlings.

The funding will enable the company to expand its team, progress its simulation and AI R&D, and begin piloting its technology with studios later this year as it prepares for wider commercial rollout.

Dr Jonathan Quinn, co-founder and chief executive of Breaking Change, said:“The games industry is at a real inflection point. Player expectations are rising, but the tools available to studios haven’t kept pace with the complexity of modern games.

“Our platform is designed to remove some of the biggest technical barriers, helping studios build richer, more dynamic experiences while reducing the risk and cost of development. This funding package allows us to advance the platform, move into real-world pilots, and work directly with studios to prove that value.

I also gratefully acknowledge earlier grant and programme support from Media Cymru, Innovate UK and the UK Games Fund, alongside founder backing from the Royal Academy of Engineering. This support has also been instrumental in the company’s growth to date and in building the foundations for its next phase.”

Dr Quinn previously held senior roles at Aardman, Dovetail Games and Reach Robotics, where he helped deliver internationally recognised products and supported multi-million-pound fundraising. He is joined by co-founder and chief technology officer Ben Laws, alongside senior engineers James Munro and Ivo Hinov, who bring expertise in real-time systems, simulation and game development.

Tom Linney, investment executive at the Development Bank of Wales, said:“Breaking Change is an exciting example of a Welsh-based technology company with global potential. The team brings a strong track record and deep technical expertise in a sector that is evolving rapidly.

“We’re delighted to support the business as they look to redefine how complex game systems are built and maintained. The team has a compelling vision and the technical capability to execute it, and we look forward to seeing their technology adopted by studios in the months ahead.”

When Hall & Woodhouse was established King George III was on the throne

A Dorset brewery founded just one year after the USA declared independence from Great Britain has hailed its “remarkable” longevity.

Hall & Woodhouse (H&W) was established in 1777 by West Country farmer Charles Hall, who opened a brewery in the village of Ansty.

In 1793, as Britain and France went to war, Mr Hall won the license to supply beer to the Duke of Wellington’s troops who were quartered in Weymouth.

His son, Robert, inherited the brewery, and later brought Edward Woodhouse into the business as a commercial partner.

Nearly 250 years on and H&W, which now operates some 150 pubs across the south of England, remains family owned. Anthony Woodhouse and Tatiana Woodhouse are directors in the business and are the current seventh and eighth generation stewards.

Its famous ‘Badger’ beer is also stocked across major UK supermarkets including Waitrose and Sainsbury’s, as well as on Amazon.

Mr Woodhouse, chairman of H&W, said: “Reaching 249 years is a remarkable milestone for our business and one that reflects the dedication of the generations of team members who have helped shape Hall & Woodhouse over the years.”

The company celebrated its 249th anniversary on Monday, June 8, with its annual Founder’s Day celebrations, bringing together team members from across the business to mark the anniversary.

Staff from H&W’s 55 managed houses took part in the company’s annual litter pick as part of the occasion. Every employee in the managed house estate also received a slice of birthday cake and a bottle of the commemorative anniversary beer – Hannah and George Edward’s Kindness, which is named after key figures in H&W’s founding history.

“I’m incredibly proud that we continue the tradition of giving back to our local communities that support us, in addition to celebrating our heritage,” added Mr Woodhouse.

“As we look ahead, we’re excited to begin preparations for an even bigger celebration as we approach our 250th anniversary next year.”

Last year, H&W was named the ‘Best Managed Pub Company’ at the Publican Awards.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is hastening negotiations with Malaysia following Kuala Lumpur’s suspension of certain imports. This move aims to resolve trade disruptions and restore the flow of goods between the two countries, ensuring bilateral economic interests are maintained. Efforts are focused on addressing concerns and reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.

Thailand and Malaysia are engaged in crucial negotiations to address Malaysia’s recent ban on shrimp imports. The Malaysian government, citing health and environmental concerns, has imposed restrictions, affecting Thailand’s significant shrimp export industry. This embargo threatens the livelihoods of countless Thai shrimp farmers and disrupts trade balance between the neighboring nations.

Recognizing the economic impact, Thailand is actively seeking to resolve the issue by engaging in diplomatic talks. Officials from both countries are exploring solutions that can ensure safe shrimp farming practices while maintaining economic ties. These discussions aim to reassure Malaysia regarding the quality and safety standards of Thai shrimp, potentially leading to a lifting of the ban.

Both countries are optimistic about reaching a favorable agreement. Strengthening collaborative efforts in quality control and sustainable aquaculture practices might provide a pathway forward. This situation underscores the importance of regional cooperation in addressing trade disputes and fostering mutual growth.

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The organisation behind the attraction says the change is aimed at being more rooted in community

One of Bristol’s most famous attractions is ditching its historical name in a drive to become more inclusive, it has announced.

Brunel’s SS Great Britain – the city centre docklands site that is home to the ocean liner of the same name – will drop the name of the famous 19th-century engineer along with reference to the ship. The attraction will be renamed ‘Bristol Dockyards’.

It comes ahead of the reopening of a museum at the site next month. The revamped attraction, designed by architecture practice Ralph Appelbaum Associates, will add 2,000 square feet of exhibition space and will include newly discovered material and interactive exhibits.

It will also explore the impact of Brunel’s ship on the world, with information about the lives of those on board and the places it travelled to.

The SS Great Britain was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and was built in Bristol. When it launched in 1843, it was described as “the greatest experiment since the creation”. Between 1845 and 1886, the ship reached every inhabited continent and carried passengers from 51 nations.

Andrew Edwards, chief executive of Bristol Dockyards and the SS Great Britain Trust, said his organisation was “committed to safeguarding” the attraction’s “extraordinary heritage”.

“[We are] ambitious about what it can become: a dynamic cultural campus rooted in community participation, learning and maritime heritage,” he said.

“In a city renowned for its creativity and cultural energy, Bristol Dockyards will be a place where more people can engage with the past, build skills for the future and help shape a shared civic story.”

James Boyd, director of the Brunel Institute, said the new museum would reflect “not only the ship’s extraordinary international story, but also Bristol’s role in discovering and sharing those connections today”.

“By working closely with communities across the city, we’ve been able to bring new perspectives, previously unheard voices and newly discovered histories into the heart of the museum,” he said.

Some of the museum highlights include:

• Details of local individuals who built the ship, including previously untold stories of the labourers whose skill and dedication made the ship a reality.
• The SS Great Britain’s impact on indigenous Australians as it made 32 round trips from Liverpool to Melbourne, completely changing the Australian continent and the lives of its First Nations inhabitants.
• How it was used as a troop carrier in global conflicts, including during the Crimean War, and travelled to cities such as Mumbai at the time of the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
• The stories of individuals such as George Moses, a ship’s cook from Jamaica, and the Barbadian musician and poet James W. Jones, who travelled on the ship from Melbourne to Liverpool by way of Sydney.

The reopening of the museum is the first phase of development envisioned by the SS Great Britain Trust, which has pledged to transform the historic site into a broader cultural and learning campus encompassing the Great Western and Albion dockyards.

Future phases of the project will focus on conservation work, re-establishing the Albion dock as a working dockyard for maritime skills training opportunities and broadening programming to reflect the interests of a modern, diverse Bristol.

The vision will culminate in celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the ship’s return to Bristol from the Falkland Islands in 2030.

“This reopening marks an important moment not only for the SS Great Britain Trust, but for the future of this historic site,” Mr Edwards added.

LOS ANGELES — Zlatan Ibrahimovic, one of soccer’s most colorful personalities, made his debut appearance as a World Cup broadcaster on Fox Sports while appearing on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” where he offered blunt opinions on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and shared stories from his playing career.

The former striker, who will cover the 2026 FIFA World Cup for Fox, sat down with host Jimmy Kimmel and discussed his transition from the pitch to the booth, his time playing in Major League Soccer with the LA Galaxy, and memorable moments involving fellow stars.

When asked who is the better player between Messi and Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic gave a characteristically confident answer. “After Messi won his World Cup? He put the bar and he closed the door,” he said, suggesting Messi’s 2022 triumph gave him the edge in their long-running debate.

Ibrahimovic, who played in two World Cups for Sweden, acknowledged the greatness of both players but positioned Messi’s international success as decisive. His comments reflect the ongoing global conversation about the two icons as they prepare for what could be their final World Cup appearances in 2026.

Broadcasting Career and On-Air Persona

Ibrahimovic revealed he is approaching his broadcasting role with the same bold energy that defined his playing career. “I’m the only one that doesn’t have a script. The other ones follow script and I’m there just to be myself,” he told Kimmel. “They want Zlatan. I’m going to bring them Zlatan.”

He compared himself to NBA legend Charles Barkley, known for his outspoken commentary. “I feel good. Something new in front of the cameras in different way,” Ibrahimovic said. “I have nothing. They cannot judge me because it’s not my job. So I cannot do wrong. I can only do good.”

The former Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and AC Milan star expressed excitement about working in front of American audiences during the World Cup. “American people is going to fall asleep and I’m there to wake them up,” he joked, promising to bring energy to the broadcast.

MLS Experience and American Soccer Fans

Ibrahimovic spent two seasons with the LA Galaxy and reflected fondly on his time in the United States. “The life was good. Was easygoing, less stress,” he said. However, he contrasted the atmosphere with European football, describing American fans as “soft” in comparison.

“In Europe, you lose a game. People, they don’t wait outside your car. They wait outside your home,” he explained. “And not with tacos in their hand, with something else. That’s different level. Different pressure.”

He recounted an incident in Marseille where fans threw knives onto the pitch during a match, highlighting the intensity of European soccer culture. “When we were scoring, so when you do your celebration, you go versus the flag in the corners. And then when I saw a knife coming, I was like, ‘Guys, next goal we score, we celebrate in the middle. We don’t go on the sides.’”

Despite the cultural differences, Ibrahimovic said he enjoyed his time in Los Angeles and created lasting memories. “I lived in Beverly Hills. I didn’t say good morning or goodbye to my neighbors for two years,” he recalled with a laugh.

Hazing Stories and Beckham Encounter

Ibrahimovic shared a humorous hazing story involving David Beckham during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain. Beckham, new to the team, was expected to sing a song as part of the initiation ritual. “He was like, ‘Zlatan, I’m not doing that. Forget about it,’” Ibrahimovic recalled.

After several days of pressure, Beckham finally agreed. “He started to sing the English anthem,” Ibrahimovic said. “I look at him, ‘My friend, I cannot sing the English anthem.’ And everybody was looking at him and he was getting red in his face.”

The story illustrated the camaraderie and traditions in professional locker rooms, with Ibrahimovic positioning himself as the enforcer of team customs. “That’s our way of presenting,” he explained.

World Cup Broadcasting Ambitions

As he prepares for his broadcasting debut, Ibrahimovic expressed confidence in his ability to stand out. “World Cup is the biggest stage in a football career,” he said. “Such a lovely stadium. Oh my god. That’s a Zlatan stadium.”

He promised to bring his unfiltered personality to the airwaves. “I will tell them what I think, what I feel, wrong or right, it’s my opinion. You like it or not, it’s up to you.”

His comments have already generated significant buzz ahead of the tournament, with fans and media anticipating his outspoken analysis during matches.

Legacy and Transition

Ibrahimovic’s move into broadcasting marks the next chapter for one of soccer’s most charismatic figures. Known for his larger-than-life persona, acrobatic goals and memorable one-liners, he brings a unique perspective as a former star player.

His willingness to speak candidly about Messi and Ronaldo, hazing rituals and cultural differences in soccer adds entertainment value to the World Cup coverage. As the tournament approaches, Ibrahimovic is expected to provide colorful commentary that appeals to both hardcore fans and casual viewers.

The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, offers a massive platform for broadcasters. Ibrahimovic’s presence on Fox Sports is likely to attract attention from Swedish and international audiences, adding star power to the coverage.

Fan and Media Reaction

Early reactions to Ibrahimovic’s appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” have been overwhelmingly positive, with viewers praising his humor and straightforward style. Social media clips of his stories and opinions have circulated widely, building anticipation for his World Cup role.

His comparison of Messi and Ronaldo, while subjective, reignites a perennial debate among soccer fans. The hazing anecdote involving Beckham provides insight into locker room culture and humanizes the larger-than-life personalities in the sport.

Looking Ahead to the World Cup

As the 2026 tournament draws near, Ibrahimovic’s broadcasting debut adds excitement to an already star-studded event. His insights as a former player who competed in two World Cups will offer valuable perspective on the pressures and emotions of the competition.

Whether delivering sharp analysis, humorous observations or passionate commentary, Ibrahimovic is expected to bring energy and personality to Fox’s coverage. His unique voice could help engage new audiences and enhance the viewing experience for millions around the globe.

For now, fans are enjoying his candid appearances and looking forward to seeing how his broadcasting career unfolds during the World Cup. Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s transition from pitch to booth promises to be as entertaining as his playing days, bringing the same charisma and confidence that defined his legendary career.

The soccer world will be watching closely as one of the game’s most memorable figures takes on a new challenge in front of the microphone. Ibrahimovic’s unfiltered style is likely to make the 2026 World Cup broadcast even more compelling for viewers seeking personality alongside expert analysis.