“As a black woman and a long-standing advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion, I want to be absolutely clear: the sale of illegal skin lightening products is not only dangerous, it is unlawful,” Tendy Lindsay, a CTSI member and former chair, said.

A practical guide for business owners and property managers who want to understand the commercial fit out process, control costs, and create a workspace that supports long term growth.

Commercial fit outs play a crucial role in transforming empty or outdated spaces into functional, branded environments that support business operations. Whether you are moving into a new office, upgrading an existing workspace, or preparing a unit for tenants, understanding the fit out process helps you avoid costly mistakes and delays. Companies such as Conerstone Fit Out work with businesses to deliver tailored commercial environments that balance design, compliance, and functionality.

A well executed fit out does more than improve aesthetics. It shapes productivity, employee satisfaction, and the impression you leave on clients and visitors. Many companies underestimate the planning required before construction even begins. Decisions about layout, compliance, services, and finishes can have long lasting financial and operational implications. By understanding the different types of commercial fit outs, the planning stages involved, and the key cost drivers, you can approach your project with clarity and confidence.

Understanding the different types of commercial fit outs

Before starting a project, it is important to understand the distinction between Category A and Category B fit outs. These terms are widely used in commercial property and describe different levels of completion.

A Category A fit out typically includes the basic infrastructure needed to make a space functional but not customized. This may involve raised floors, suspended ceilings, lighting, HVAC systems, fire safety installations, and basic internal finishes. Landlords often deliver office spaces in this condition so tenants can adapt the layout to their own requirements.

A Category B fit out focuses on customization. This stage includes partition walls, meeting rooms, kitchens, breakout areas, branded design elements, and furniture. It is where the space begins to reflect the company’s culture and operational needs. Category B projects require detailed planning because they directly affect how employees interact with the environment.

Understanding which type of fit out you require helps define your budget, timeline, and design expectations from the outset.

Planning and budgeting your fit out project

Effective planning is the foundation of a successful commercial fit out. The first step is defining your objectives. Consider how many employees the space must accommodate, how departments interact, and what level of flexibility is required for future growth. Poor space planning can lead to overcrowding, underused areas, or expensive rework.

Budgeting should go beyond construction costs alone. Professional fees for designers, architects, and project managers must be factored in. You should also account for furniture, IT infrastructure, compliance upgrades, and contingency funds. Many experts recommend setting aside a contingency of at least ten percent to cover unforeseen issues.

Timeline management is equally important. Delays often occur due to late design approvals, supply chain disruptions, or regulatory approvals. Establishing a realistic schedule and working with experienced contractors can help mitigate these risks. Clear communication between all stakeholders ensures expectations remain aligned throughout the project.

Finally, compliance with building regulations and health and safety standards should never be overlooked. Early consultation with specialists can prevent costly modifications later in the process.

Choosing the right contractor and design approach

Selecting the right fit out partner can determine the overall success of your project. Experience within your sector is particularly valuable. An office fit out contractor may not necessarily understand the unique demands of retail or healthcare environments.

When evaluating contractors, review previous projects and request detailed proposals. Transparent cost breakdowns help you understand what is included and prevent unexpected charges. It is also wise to clarify how variations and changes will be handled if requirements evolve during the project.

Design approach matters as much as construction expertise. Modern commercial fit outs increasingly prioritize flexibility, sustainability, and employee wellbeing. Open plan layouts, collaborative zones, and quiet workspaces are often combined to support different working styles. Incorporating natural light, energy efficient systems, and durable materials can also reduce long term operating costs.

A collaborative approach between client, designer, and contractor typically produces the best results. Regular progress updates, site visits, and milestone reviews help maintain quality standards and ensure the final outcome aligns with your original vision.

By understanding the structure of commercial fit outs, planning carefully, and selecting experienced professionals, businesses can create spaces that not only look impressive but actively support performance and growth.

Operator

Welcome to the Vicat 2025 Full Year Results Presentation. [Operator Instructions] Now I will hand the conference over to Guy Sidos, Chairman and Group CEO; Hugues Chomel, Deputy CEO and Group CFO; and Pierre Pedrosa, Head of Investor Relations. Please, sir, go ahead.

Guy Sidos
Chairman of the Board & CEO

Thank you. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Vicat’s 2025 Results Presentation. I’m Guy Sidos, Chairman and CEO of the Vicat Group. Alongside me, I have Mr. Hugues Chomel, Deputy CEO and CFO; as well as Pierre Pedrosa, Head of Investor Relations.

On Slide 2, as a preliminary remark, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the forward-looking information presented here reflects our current assessment of expected trends across the group’s various markets and should not be regarded as forecast.

On Slide 3, 2025 is part of a solid and sustainable performance trajectory, illustrating the strength and resilience of Vicat’s business model. Consolidated revenue amounted to EUR 3.85 billion in 2025, reflecting an average annual growth rate of nearly 7% over the past 5 years.

EBITDA reached EUR 771 million which representing average growth of close to 7% over the same period. ROCE remained stable at 8.1% [indiscernible]. Lastly, the group’s leverage ratio continued to decrease, reaching 1.49x in ’25 [indiscernible] Vicat’s financial structure.

These results once again demonstrate Vicat’s ability to consistently combine operational performance with financial discipline in a demanding environment. Let’s move to Slide 4. As a

Remote and hybrid work are common now. Skylory Corp has studied these work styles and offers advice to firms that want to keep their teams working well together.

This piece looks at the main problems, fixes, and steps that help teams stay productive in these new setups.

The Changing Work Environment Paradigm

Skylory notes that many organizations have transitioned to remote or hybrid models in response to global shifts in the world of work. According to experts, this is not just a trend but a fundamental change that affects communication, culture, and productivity. The correct combination of technologies and practices can significantly strengthen team integration.

Remote and hybrid work have their advantages. However, they also create new challenges for managers, HR specialists, and team members. To help companies navigate these changes, Skylory Corp provides specific recommendations based on experience and market research.

Defining Remote and Hybrid Work

What Is Remote Work?

Remote work involves performing tasks outside the traditional office environment. In this model, most employees work from home or any other location.

What Is Hybrid Work?

Hybrid work combines office and remote formats. Employees may spend part of the week in the office and part working remotely.

Both models have their pros and cons. Understanding these differences is key to building effective team communication.

Challenges of Remote and Hybrid Work

Lack of Physical Presence

One of the main challenges is the loss of face-to-face communication. During remote work, employees do not see each other daily, which can lead to isolation and a reduced sense of belonging.

Different Time Zones

For global teams, time differences can complicate scheduling meetings. According to Skylory Corp, experts recommend coordinating working hours and establishing flexible rules for effective synchronization.

Loss of Informal Interaction

Informal colleague conversations no longer happen automatically. This can reduce opportunities for creative ideas and social support.

Practices for Better Team Interaction

Using Technology for Communication

Skylory highlights the importance of digital tools that enable real-time communication. Using platforms for video conferencing, chats, and virtual “whiteboards” helps maintain work rhythm and shared context.

Choosing the right set of tools depends on team size and the nature of the work. For example, creative groups may benefit from tools supporting visual collaboration, while technical teams may prefer integrated environments for coding and project management.

Regular Synchronization Meetings

Regular video meetings help maintain a sense of unity. Daily or weekly stand-ups create a routine and help each team member feel their role in the shared process.

Virtual Social Events

It is important to organize not only work-related but also social online events. Skylory Corp shared that organizing virtual coffee breaks or themed games allows the team to interact in an informal atmosphere.

Clear Communication Standards

Skylory explained by creating clear communication guidelines for all employees. This includes recommendations on response times to messages, formats for different types of meetings, and online etiquette principles. Such standards help prevent misunderstandings.

Supporting Corporate Culture

Formalized Mission and Values

A clearly formulated mission and organizational values help maintain corporate culture regardless of physical workplace location. When employees understand what unites them, it creates a sense of shared purpose.

Mentorship and Support Programs

Skylory Corp’s team notes the importance of mentorship. Virtual mentoring sessions help newcomers adapt and support employee development. This is especially important for hybrid teams, where some employees may meet less frequently in person.

Monitoring Employee Wellbeing

Skylory Corp emphasizes that checking in with employees regularly about their workload, stress, and well-being can stop burnout before it starts. This way, the company can change things as needed and give support where it’s needed.

Leadership’s Role in the New Reality

Focus on Empathy

Skylory notes that leaders need to be understanding and flexible. Understanding employees’ situations, especially when they’re working remotely, helps build trust and keeps them motivated.

Training and Development

Skylory Corp believes that investing in leadership training for managing remote and hybrid teams is critically important. This includes developing digital communication skills, time management, and online conflict resolution abilities.

Statistics on Remote and Hybrid Work

According to a large study

on flexible work, found that 70% of employees say their work-life balance got better when working remotely. Also, 65% of managers think their teams stayed as productive or got even more done after switching to a hybrid setup. This shows it’s key for companies to change with the times to keep people motivated and doing good work. These numbers back up how much flexible work matters and how it affects what companies achieve.

Skylory Corp’s Take on Local Marketing and Team Cohesion

Skylory Corp’s take on local marketing

also shows that maintaining the local identity of the team is important even in a global context. The company analyzes how local practices and cultural features can contribute to better connections in hybrid teams. This approach helps balance global standards with employees’ local expectations.

Conclusion: Key Principles for Success

Skylory believes that to keep teams connected regardless of the work format, organizations need to:

• Create clear communication rules.
• Use appropriate digital tools.
• Support corporate culture.
• Regularly measure employee well-being.
• Develop leadership skills.

In a world where remote and hybrid work are becoming standard, organizations that invest in connection and culture gain an advantage. The practices described above help teams adapt to changes and maintain a sense of unity even when physically separated.

The future of work is not just about new formats but the ability to build connections and sustain collaboration regardless of employee location.

Successful remote or hybrid work is not only about technology but also about culture, support, and shared understanding of goals. Skylory Corp’s experts observed that implementing such practices delivers tangible long-term results, and ensuring team support should be a priority for every organization.

If you are preparing to take your UK driving theory test, it is completely normal to ask: how long is the driving theory test? Understanding the duration and structure of the exam helps reduce anxiety and allows you to prepare effectively.

Many learners currently attending driving lessons Wimbledon often raise this question as they begin preparing for both the theory and practical stages of the licensing process.

The UK driving theory test is managed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and must be passed before you can book your practical driving test. While the test itself is not excessively long, knowing exactly how the time is divided between sections makes preparation far more manageable.

How Long Does the UK Driving Theory Test Last?

The UK driving theory test lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes in total. It is divided into two separate sections:

• Multiple-choice section – 57 minutes
• Hazard perception test – approximately 20 minutes

Although the actual testing time is just over an hour, you should expect your full appointment at the test centre to last around 90 minutes, including identity checks and instructions.

Understanding this structure early allows learners to practise under timed conditions — something frequently recommended by approved driving instructors to build confidence before test day.

Multiple-Choice Section (57 Minutes)

The first part of the driving theory test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions based on the Highway Code, UK road signs, traffic regulations and safe driving principles.

Important details include:

• You have 57 minutes to complete all 50 questions.
• The pass mark is 43 out of 50.
• Questions focus on hazard awareness, speed limits, road safety and driving behaviour.
• You can flag questions and return to them before time expires.

If you finish early, you can review your answers. If the time runs out, the system automatically submits your responses.

With consistent practice using mock theory tests, most learners find the timing reasonable.

Hazard Perception Test (Around 20 Minutes)

After completing the multiple-choice section, you move on to the hazard perception test.

This section includes:

• 14 video clips showing everyday driving scenarios.
• 13 clips contain one developing hazard.
• 1 clip contains two developing hazards.
• Each hazard is scored from 0 to 5 points.
• The pass mark is 44 out of 75.

A developing hazard is a situation that requires you to take action, such as slowing down or changing direction. The earlier you identify the hazard within the scoring window, the higher your score.

Unlike the multiple-choice section, the hazard perception clips cannot be paused or replayed, so maintaining concentration is essential.

What Happens at the Test Centre?

On the day of your test:

• Your provisional driving licence will be checked.
• Personal belongings must be stored securely.
• You will receive instructions on using the computer system.
• Practice questions are available before starting the real test.

The two sections run consecutively with a short break in between, and your results are displayed immediately after completion.

Is the Time Limit Difficult?

For most learners, the time limit is manageable with proper preparation. The theory test is designed to assess knowledge and hazard awareness — not to rush candidates unnecessarily.

To prepare effectively:

• Study the official Highway Code.
• Use DVSA-approved revision materials.
• Practise timed mock theory tests.
• Improve reaction timing with hazard perception practice clips.

Preparation is the most important factor in managing the time successfully.

Conclusion

So, how long is the driving theory test?

The total testing time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, split between a 57-minute multiple-choice section and a 20-minute hazard perception test. Including check-in procedures, expect to spend around 90 minutes at the test centre.

Understanding the format in advance removes uncertainty and helps you approach the exam with confidence. With structured revision and practice, the time limit is not something to fear — it is simply part of a well-organised assessment designed to ensure safe and knowledgeable drivers on UK roads.

Open a phone today and the browser is no longer the starting point. For many users, daily digital life begins and ends inside apps — checking messages, managing finances, following news, or booking services without ever typing a web address.

This shift hasn’t happened by accident. It reflects a deeper change in how people expect technology to fit into their routines.

Apps have reshaped digital behavior by removing effort. They remember preferences, load instantly, and offer a sense of continuity that browsers rarely provide. What once required multiple steps and repeated logins now happens with a single tap. Over time, convenience becomes habit, and habit becomes preference.

For businesses, this trend signals more than a design choice. It marks a fundamental transformation in how users interact with digital services — one where efficiency, familiarity, and control outweigh the openness of the traditional web.

The Shift From Open Web to App-Centric Behavior

The open web once symbolized freedom — endless tabs, searchable answers, and the sense that everything was just a click away. But convenience has quietly rewritten that ideal. Today, most users no longer browse for daily tasks; they return to familiar apps. This isn’t a rejection of the web, but a reordering of priorities driven by habit, speed, and predictability.

App-centric behavior grows out of repetition. When people perform the same actions every day — checking scores, managing accounts, following updates — they don’t want to navigate menus or re-enter information. Apps eliminate those small points of friction. They open where users left off, remember preferences, and respond instantly. Over time, the browser starts to feel like a detour rather than a destination.

This shift is especially visible in mobile-first regions, where smartphones are the primary computing device. Users adapt to ecosystems built around apps that work smoothly on limited connections and modest hardware. In such environments, downloading a dedicated app — whether for news, finance, or platforms accessed through options like 1xbet indonesia apk — feels practical rather than deliberate. It’s simply the fastest path to what the user already knows they want.

As behavior becomes more app-centric, the open web doesn’t disappear — it recedes into the background. Apps become the front doors of digital life, shaping routines through familiarity and ease. The shift isn’t about closing off access, but about choosing efficiency over exploration in everyday digital moments.

Speed, Familiarity, and Reduced Friction

Speed has become the quiet benchmark of modern digital satisfaction. Users may not consciously measure load times or interface efficiency, but they feel the difference immediately. When an app opens instantly and responds without hesitation, it creates a sense of momentum. There is no waiting, no recalibration — just action. In daily digital tasks, that immediacy matters more than features users rarely touch.

Familiarity builds on that speed. Apps succeed because they feel predictable in the best possible way. Buttons stay where users expect them, flows don’t change without reason, and progress resumes exactly where it left off. Over time, this consistency removes the need to think about how to do something. Users simply do it. That comfort turns apps into default tools rather than conscious choices.

Reduced friction is where speed and familiarity converge. Apps eliminate repeated logins, unnecessary steps, and redundant decisions. Notifications replace manual checking, saved preferences replace setup screens, and one-tap access replaces navigation. Even platforms people engage with casually, including services accessed through apps like 1xbet aplikasi, benefit from this streamlined experience because ease of use lowers the barrier to return.

In the end, users don’t choose apps because they are closed ecosystems — they choose them because they respect time and attention. Speed keeps users moving, familiarity keeps them confident, and reduced friction keeps them coming back.

Personalization and Control Drive Habit Formation

Habit doesn’t form through novelty — it forms through comfort and control. In the digital world, users return to the tools that adapt to them, not the ones that demand constant adjustment. Personalization has become the engine behind this dynamic, quietly shaping routines by making each interaction feel familiar and relevant.

When apps remember preferences, surface relevant content, and organize information around individual behavior, they reduce mental effort. Users don’t need to search, filter, or reset their experience every time they open an app. This sense of continuity creates trust. The platform feels less like a tool and more like a personalized space that reflects how the user thinks and acts.

Control strengthens this relationship. The ability to manage notifications, customize dashboards, or choose how and when to engage gives users ownership over their digital habits. Instead of being pulled into experiences, they opt in on their own terms. That autonomy turns occasional use into consistent behavior.

Over time, personalization and control reinforce each other. The app becomes easier to return to because it already understands the user, and the user feels comfortable returning because they remain in charge. This is how digital habits are built — not through pressure, but through alignment with everyday routines.

Offline Reliability and Infrastructure Realities

Digital products are often designed for ideal conditions — fast connections, stable networks, uninterrupted power. Real life looks very different. Users move through spaces with weak signals, fluctuating data speeds, and occasional outages. In these environments, offline reliability stops being a bonus feature and becomes a deciding factor in what people actually use.

Apps tend to perform better under these realities because they anticipate disruption. Cached data, background syncing, and lightweight interfaces allow users to continue tasks even when connections drop. Instead of failing completely, apps degrade gracefully, preserving progress and restoring functionality when access returns. Browsers, by contrast, often require a continuous connection to remain usable, turning minor network issues into full stop moments.

Infrastructure realities also shape trust. When a tool works reliably on a crowded commute, in rural areas, or during network congestion, users remember it. Reliability builds confidence, and confidence builds routine. People return to platforms that respect their constraints rather than assuming perfect conditions.

As digital access expands globally, infrastructure gaps will persist longer than ideal networks. Products that succeed are those designed for the world as it is, not as it should be. Offline reliability isn’t about removing connectivity — it’s about acknowledging reality and building experiences that remain useful when conditions are less than perfect.

What This Means for Businesses Going Forward

The shift in user behavior toward apps over browsers is not a passing trend — it’s a structural change with clear implications for businesses. Companies are no longer competing simply on features or pricing, but on how seamlessly they fit into a user’s daily routine. Attention has become scarce, and the products that win are those that reduce effort rather than add to it.

For businesses, this means rethinking digital strategy from the ground up. An app is no longer just an extension of a website; it is often the primary relationship channel. Investment in performance, personalization, and reliability directly translates into retention and lifetime value. Users who feel understood and in control are more likely to return, engage, and stay loyal.

It also means designing for real-world conditions. Products must perform well across devices, network qualities, and usage patterns. Flexibility and resilience are now competitive advantages, not technical details. Companies that acknowledge infrastructure realities and user behavior gain trust in markets others struggle to reach.

Going forward, successful businesses will be those that treat digital experiences as living systems, not static products. By prioritizing ease, adaptability, and user-centric design, they position themselves not just to attract users — but to become part of everyday life.

Netflix has released the official trailer for the second part of “Bridgerton” Season 4, heightening anticipation for the conclusion of Benedict Bridgerton’s love story with Sophie Baek as the Regency-era drama returns Feb. 26.

The trailer, dropped Feb. 13, 2026, opens with the tagline “True love is worth the risk,” spotlighting the deepening connection between Benedict (Luke Thompson) and Sophie (Yerin Ha). It picks up from the Part 1 cliffhanger, where Benedict — the eternal bachelor of the Bridgerton family — propositions Sophie to become his mistress after their intense stairwell encounter, prompting her to flee in distress.

Viewers see glimpses of emotional turmoil, societal pressures and passionate moments as the pair navigates class divides. Sophie, a hardworking lady’s maid with a Cinderella-inspired backstory, grapples with her past and the implications of Benedict’s offer. The footage teases Benedict’s internal conflict, family interventions — including a notable scene with Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) — and the question of whether their forbidden romance can overcome the rigid demands of the ton.

Supporting storylines also get attention in the trailer, including updates on Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) and Lord Anderson (Daniel Francis), as well as ongoing developments for Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and John Stirling (Victor Alli), and Colin (Luke Newton) and Penelope Bridgerton (Nicola Coughlan).

Season 4 adapts elements from Julia Quinn’s novel “An Offer from a Gentleman,” reimagined with Sophie as Sophie Baek, a lady’s maid in disguise who captivates Benedict at a masquerade ball. Part 1, consisting of the first four episodes, premiered Jan. 29, 2026, and has drawn praise for its performances, particularly from Thompson and Ha, as well as its steamy tension and emotional depth.

The eight-episode season splits into two four-episode parts, a format Netflix has used for recent seasons to build suspense. Part 2 will stream exclusively on Netflix starting at 12 a.m. PT Feb. 26, 2026 (3 a.m. ET / 9 a.m. KST).

Fan reactions have been swift and enthusiastic since the trailer’s release, with social media buzzing over the chemistry between leads and speculation about the resolution. Comments on platforms like YouTube and Reddit highlight excitement for the romance’s progression, with many calling it one of the series’ strongest storylines yet.

“Bridgerton” showrunner Jess Brownell and executive producer Shonda Rhimes continue to helm the production, which remains one of Netflix’s biggest hits. The series has already been renewed through Season 6, ensuring more tales from the ton beyond Benedict’s arc.
With only days until the premiere, fans are counting down to see if Benedict and Sophie will defy convention for a happily ever after — or if societal barriers will prove too formidable.