There’s no escaping artificial intelligence (AI), with many new solutions on the market for advisers.

But among the myriad messages, it’s rarely clear what type of AI is being promoted and whether it is suited to your needs.

There are two main types of AI today and it’s important to distinguish which one is being offered to you.

Before you commit, you must really consider what you want the tech to do for you.

Predictive AI

Often considered ‘traditional’ AI, this class of machine learning is trained to recognise patterns in data, text or speech.

Humans (data-annotation specialists) manually mark up data records with what they mean, and data scientists feed this training data into a ‘model’ – a statistical engine they have designed, usually based on some form of neural network technology.

Generative AI is only useful when a human is iteratively interacting and checking every response

This model is then used on new, previously unseen, data to predict what it should be labelled as.

Predictive AI can be used to distinguish whether a picture is a cat or a dog, or if a sentence concerns a client’s financial objectives, their emergency funds or their attitude to risk.

It can be made very accurate and, more importantly, it can be tested as to its accuracy. Its results are repeatable and any biases in its training can be removed.

In short, predictive AI is very good if the time is taken to train it well.

Generative AI

This is the ‘new’ AI – like ChatGPT, or at least the underlying GPT models from OpenAI, Facebook, Mistral, Baidu, Anthropic, Google and others.

You’ll often see these models described as large language models – or LLMs – although that’s a misused coinage, as there are many LLMs in the predictive AI family.

When buying any AI product, be explicit about what you want it for and ask each vendor to explain why their method is best suited to that

The clue to the purpose of generative AI is in the name. This class of AI is designed to generate new data, such as pictures, prose or speech.

It has no capability to understand or analyse your data, merely creating new content based on instructions or prompts. For example, if given an instruction like ‘draw me a parrot’ or ‘write a poem about the sea’ it will do so.

In simple terms, it does this by generating a likely start word from a limited random selection, picking a good next word that is statistically likely, then a third word and so on.

It doesn’t know what it is saying. It simply churns out a sequence of words statistically related to the prompt provided, based on what it has seen before – the data the GPT vendors have trained it on, mostly large portions of the internet.

So, generative AI is good at creating content, whereas predictive AI is good at identifying content.

The confusion

Many vendors are promoting generative AI that appears to understand or identify content.

In reality, they are first performing a simple search into your content to try and find relevant information, then using the first few search results within their GPT query prompt in order to formulate an answer.

It’s rarely clear what type of AI is being promoted and whether it is suited to your needs

Vendors use generative AI as a shortcut to painstakingly labelling data and training a predictive AI model suited to your needs.

The problem with this is that the search request itself is automatically generated, then only a handful of findings are used in generating an answer. The answer is then based on the standard GPT method of statistically generating one word at a time.

That’s plenty of opportunities for errors to creep in, inconsistencies to arise and even hallucinations to appear. In short, you can’t rely on the outcomes (not verified by a human) if you want to use this information for any kind of decision making.

Generative AI is only useful when a human is iteratively interacting and checking every response, such as in a chat or search application.

If you need reliable AI that will consistently identify relevant content or what it means, there is no shortcut to using predictive AI, especially if you want to limit the need for humans to check every answer.

When buying any AI product, be explicit about what you want to use it for and ensure you ask each vendor to explain why their chosen method is best suited to that and, most importantly, how they can guarantee its accuracy and data reliability.

Joe Norburn is chief executive at TCC Group and Recordsure

THE EXACT date five Cineworld sites will shutter for good has been revealed.

Its sites across Glasgow Parkhead, Bedford, Loughborough, Yate and Swindon Regent Circus will close in just a matter of days.

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However, Cineworld Hinckley will be saved.

According to a report in The Mirror, the five sites will shut for good on these exact dates:

• Glasgow Parkhead (closing October 6)
• Bedford (closing October 6)
• Swindon Regent Circus (closing October 6)
• Loughborough (closing October 13)
• Yate (closing October 13)

Bosses at the troubled entertainment group announced the closures back in July, but the move needed to be approved by the courts first.

It forms part of a major restructuring plan to keep the company’s head above water.

Just yesterday, a judge gave the go-ahead for £16million to be injected into Cineworld’s four companies which form the business.

The cash came from the business’s parent company, with an extra £35million to also be made available.

Its four companies. Cine-UK Ltd, Cineworld Cinemas Ltd, Cineworld Cinema Properties Ltd and Cineworld Estates Ltd, will also negotiate leases for their 101 sites across the UK.

Join Kimberley Dondo in conversation with Jo Wall, Founder of Joyful Wealth, who shares her inspiring journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur with the help of the Verve Foundation’s incubator program. Discover how Jo launched her own firm and how she believes financial advice and coaching can empower clients. Tune in now:

FOR families on low incomes or struggling financially, Christmas can be a particular source of stress.

From pressure to get gifts for partners and children to forking out for Christmas dinner, it can be hard to do the festive season on a budget.

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The good news is that there are grants and charities that can help you get through it.

Charity Turn2Us says that while most charitable funds do not provide specific grants to help people meet the costs of Christmas, some may consider applications of this nature, depending on your circumstances and background.

At the same time, others might give you money to help with your day-to-day living costs, which could free up some cash for the festive season.

The amount of money available through grants depends on which ones you are eligible for. Some are created for people who work or have worked in specific professions, whilst others are aimed to help people with specific disabilities or health conditions. Others are tied to a specific location.

Grants don’t have to be paid back, and they won’t affect your benefits. Most charities offer at least £100, but some offer thousands.

For instance, the dance professionals fund has grants available between £600-£3,000 for dancers, dance teachers, and choreographers. The money can be used for cost-of-living expenses, medical fees, and even career retraining costs.

Meanwhile, B&CE’s Charitable Trust has grants available worth up to £500 for people in the construction industry. These can be used for day-to-day livings expenses, paying off debts, and even holidays.

The Salespeople charity helps anyone who has worked as a Business to Business (B2B) salesperson for 5 years within the last 10 years, visiting business customers in their premises to sell goods or services. Grants are worth £1000 or more.

Some grants are even specific to employees of certain companies. For instance, the BHS Trust Fund helps people who have worked for BHS for at least twelve months, whether they’re currently in work, between jobs or even retired.

The charity awards Christmas grants to individuals facing financial difficulties in the lead up to the festive period.  The support ranges from hampers and food shopping vouchers to toys for children. Applications open in November and run through to the first week of December and you can find out more here.

To find out what grants you might be eligible for, you can use Turn2Us’ grant search tool. If you fill in your age, any disabilities or illnesses, your profession (and your partners if you have one) and any religious affiliations, it will show you a list of grants available.

You could also use the platform Lightning Reach, which tells you the grants you might be eligible for, and helps you apply.

It also details how much the grants are worth, the eligibility criteria, and how to apply for each one.

Some grants are paid within weeks, while others take longer, so if you’re specifically concerned about the Christmas period, it makes sense to start applying as soon as possible.

Household Support Fund

You may be able to get help with essential living costs from your local council through a program called the Household Support Fund (HSF).

This program is meant to assist people who are struggling or cannot afford basic needs like energy bills, water bills, and food.

Some councils provide food vouchers to families during school holidays as part of this program.

Eligibility criteria differs from one council to another, so it’s a good idea to visit your local council’s website to find out what help is available and how to apply.

For example, Richmond Council offers grants of up to £600 for families with two or more children, while Haringey Council usually gives out vouchers of around £100 per household.

Other charities providing Christmas help

The Salvation Army

Each Christmas, the Salvation Army supports thousands of people across over 600 communities in the UK.

It says that this year, it will be providing Christmas lunches and companionship to older people living alone, giving food parcels to families who are struggling to afford a proper Christmas lunch, and distributing toys to children whose parents are unable to afford presents.

You can find your location Salvation Army using the map tool.

Crisis

Every year, Crisis at Christmas offers warmth, accommodation, healthcare, food and specialist advice. 

Last Christmas, the charity worked with over 6,600 people facing homelessness through day centres and hotels in London, and Crisis Skylight centres across Britain.

Visit the ‘Get Help’ section of the website, if you think Crisis can help you.

CashforKids

The CashForKids Mission Christmas appeal provides gifts for kids from underprivileged families.

You can’t apply directly, but referral services such as social services, GPs and teachers can do so on your behalf.

Priority is given to applications that are submitted from social services and other bodies of authority within the remit of caring for disadvantaged children.

The organisation or professional making the application is responsible for ensuring that the gifts are distributed to children who meet the eligibility criteria.

Family Fund

Family Fund works with partners in the UK to offer grants that can be used to allow families with a disabled child to go on holiday. This includes holidays over the festive period. 

The charity says applicants should include as much information as possible about the type of break you’d like as a family and the difference it will make to the child or young person you’re applying for. You can make an application here.

Schools, councils and churches

Many local schools, councils and churches run schemes to help disadvantaged families over Christmas, so it’s worth checking with any that are near you to see what’s available. 

In the run up to December, more charities will announce schemes. For instance, Lidl, Book Trust, Action for Children, and Family action have all run initiatives in the past.

AN OUTDOOR clothing chain with over 300 branches has launched a huge closing-down sale as they prepare to shut one of its stores for good.

The major clothing brand has put up huge signs saying “Everything Must Go” after confirming the branch’s permanent closure.

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Trespass revealed that they would be closing their only store in Coventry.

The popular high-street retailer has not yet announced whether jobs will be affected.

The Sun has contacted Trespass for comment.

The Activewear brand employs more than 1500 people in the UK but has shut around half a dozen stores this year.

Trespass confirmed back in July 2023 that six of its UK outlets would shut down soon.

A year later, the branch in Norwich’s Chantry Palace shopping centre would shut, with “closing down” signs appearing in the windows.

The date of the closure was not specified at the time, but local media reported that the shutters came down for the last time on September 13.

Customers took to social media to share their sadness at the end of the store.

One wrote: “The days of high street shopping are over unless you are a coffee shop, restaurant or some large store with a good national reputation.”

However, all is not lost for the shop, as bosses announced it would move to a new location for the brand to maintain a presence in the city.

The new location will be in the Castle Quarter, with an opening date to be confirmed.

As for the now-vacant unit in Chantry Place, general manager Paul McCarthy said: “Trespass is leaving the centre and we are in talks with other retailers about the space.

“Just last week we welcomed Pop Specs to the centre and Ben & Jerry’s will be opening very soon too.”

The new tenant for the site has not yet been confirmed.

What is happening to the high street?

The Trespass news comes amid a wave of store closures across the UK.

Retailers are being squeezed by spiralling rents and mortgage rates as well as spikes in running costs.

That, combined with the rapid march towards online shopping as the dominant model in the sector, is leaving physical stores on the brink.

Since the start of last year alone high street favourites like Wilko, Paperchase and Ted Baker have all called in the administrators.

Elsewhere, Boots has announced plans to slash its branch numbers by 300.

But there are still some rays of sunshine in the market, with budget supermarkets Aldi and Lidl eyeing up hundreds of new stores between them.

Retail woes

Other retailers, such as Homebase, Boots, and Clarks, have been reducing the number of their high-street branches.

Rising rents, energy bills, and the cost of living have also caused many retailers to fail.

Several big retailers have fallen into administration in the past year, including Wilko, Paperchase, and most recently, The Body Shop and Ted Baker.

The Body Shop collapsed into administration on February 13, putting its almost 198 branches at risk of closure.

Since then, it has closed down 82 locations.

However, it’s not all bad news for the high street, as several other retailers and hospitality venues have plans to expand.

Beer giant Heineken announced plans to invest £39million to help reopen 62 previously shuttered British pubs.

Aldi has announced that it will open 35 new UK stores.

The openings form part of Aldi‘s long-term target of 1,500 stores in the UK.

The supermarket is set to invest £550million in expanding its UK footprint this year alone.

Aldi said each new store opening will create around 40 new jobs on average.

In recent months, Asda has been opening hundreds of convenience stores as it seeks to rival major players Tesco and Sainsbury’s.

B&M plans to open “not less than” 45 brand new stores across the UK in each of the next two consecutive years.

Purepay Retail Limited, the parent company of Bonmarché, Edinburgh Woollen Mill (EWM), and Peacocks, has said it wants to open 100 new high-street stores over the next 18 months.

It has yet to give the exact locations where it will open the 100 stores or when they will open.

One of the UK’s favourite bakery chains, Greggs, has exclusively revealed to The Sun plans to open more outlet branches by the end of 2025.

Home Bargains, which was running just under 600 branches as of last June, has said it wants to “eventually have between 800 and 1,000 retail outlets open”.

The major discounter has stopped short of saying when it wants to reach the 1,000 store target, however.

Primark is also opening new branches and investing and renovating more than a dozen of its existing shops.

Screwfix is set to open 40 new stores nationwide as its owner, Kingfisher, seeks to expand the DIY brand’s national presence.

The brand opened two new stores in March, and a further three new shops opened last month.

Retailers closing stores in 2024

RETAILERS have been hit by soaring inflation and a downturn in spending due to the cost of living crisis.

High energy costs and a move to shopping online are also taking their toll.

Some high street shops have closed due to businesses opening up in different locations such as larger retail parks.

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Shops may also close due to a number of other reasons, such as rising rents.

We explain which retailers are closing in 2024:

• Argos – The brand announced plans to close 100 standalone UK branches last year as it looks to move away from the high street and focus on expanding its presence in supermarkets.
• B&Q – The chain has over 300 shops across the UK, with two stores closing this year due to leases not being renewed. It has plans to open more in 2024 too.
• Boots – The health and beauty chain announced that it would be closing 300 stores last July. Closures are ongoing and this will see the retailer’s estate reduced from 2,200 to 1,900 shops.
• Clintons – Clintons mulled plans to close 38 shops in a bid to avoid insolvency late last year. We’ve listed the stores affected.
• Costa Coffee – The caffeine giant has around 2,000 sites nationwide, so chances are you’ll have one near you. The chain has shut the doors to dozens of its sites recently. We’ve revealed which stores are due to close this year.
• Iceland – The supermarket has more than 900 stores but closed nearly two dozen sites in 2023, and more selected shops are due to shut.
• Lidl – The supermarket, which has 950 stores, is changing up shop locations, which has meant that some stores have to close. But the retailer is also looking to open 12 new supermarkets.
• M&S – M&S, which runs 405 stores across the country, has been closing a string of branches across the country in a blow for shoppers. It’s not all bad news, though, because the chain also has big plans to open dozens of new shops.
• Trespass – The firm announced in July last year that it was closing six branches, but more are on the way.
• WHSmith – The retail giant, which runs over 1,100 stores, has shut eight stores since March 2023, but more are coming.

ALDI fans are racing to their nearest branch after a shopper spotted an Irish cream flavour inspired by a classic American treat just in time for Christmas.

The bargain supermarket chain has announced a new winter-themed alcoholic drink, which has shoppers raving on social media.

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Aldi’s new limited-edition Ballycastle S’mores Country Cream is now available for purchase in their stores for £7.49.

The new 70cl drink combines rich chocolate and biscuit flavours, with hints of vanilla and fluffy marshmallow.

Aldi added: “This nostalgic tipple is guaranteed to ignite shoppers’ tastebuds – just simply enjoy neat over ice or enjoy as part of an indulgent s’mores-tail.”

Alcohol fans have been raving about the new drink online, with one savvy shopper uploading a photo showcasing the new product to the Shopping Finds & Bargains UK Facebook group.

The post received many likes and comments from fellow Aldi shoppers eager to get their hands on the Ballycastle S’mores Country Cream.

“Oh the new one I might try it,” wrote one user.

Another commented: “Would make a lovely Christmas present some might say?”

“We need this!” said a third.

While a fourth user added: “On the shopping list.”

The major bargain retailer also confirmed that it is set to introduce another new drink specifically for beer fans on November 11.

Aldi’s The Hop Foundry Toasted Marshmallow Stout will reportedly consist of rich malt and hop flavours “with a twist of toasted marshmallow for a slightly sweet but smooth stout”.

The popular supermarket chain said that the new 440ml drink will cost shoppers just £1.79.

Those desperate to try the discount retailers new products should head to their nearest store to purchase the drink.

Aldi had previously announced an egg-cellent new product they launched in time for Easter.

It’s an alcoholic chocolate drink inspired by one of the nation’s favourite treats –Cadbury Creme Eggs.

Limited Edition Ballycastle Chocolate Crème is described as “a deliciously smooth, Irish Cream blend with delicate hints of chocolate and sweet vanilla”.

The brilliant beverage will be available to buy from Aldi stores on March 14 and will set you back just £7.69 for the 70cl bottle.

The supermarket giant is renowned for its festive dupes, which send shoppers wild for the products.

Last year, Aldi introduced a twist on the classic Baileys liqueur.

They added a new flavour said to taste like the classic Cadbury’s Caramel chocolate bar.

The limited edition Blonde Chocolate was sold in stores for just £7.79.

Every 70cl bottle is a blend of rich double cream, caramelised chocolate and Irish Cream.

It even bagged a silver award at this year’s International Spirits Competition.

Dubbed by some as a “boozy Caramilk”, it’s best enjoyed over ice or as a main ingredient in a cocktail.

It comes after sweet-toothed shoppers were ecstatic over a bargain supermarket’s new 99p alcohol range.

And a bargain supermarket chain has confirmed the exact date its discontinued award-winning 87p alcohol range will return to shelves.