The Know Daily - Thursday 6 February 2025

_{Read in 4m 47s ∙ Listening to Bad Bunny ∙}

Bookshop.org is making it possible for independent stores to sell e-books to customers globally. The online platform wants to support small booksellers losing sales to bigger retailers with digital products, and ensure they “survive and thrive in the digital age”.

💻 Europe’s Silicon Valley

The UK government is reviving the Oxford-Cambridge Arc – an initiative aimed at building up transportation and housing between the two cities.

Tell me more.
The scheme was first conceived in 2017, but was shelved at the time due to funding concerns and opposition from local communities. As part of the plan to boost housing and improve transport links a number of projects have been announced, including: the Environment Agency lifting its objections to building 4,500 homes around Cambridge, the establishment of a new growth commission for Oxford to plan ways to boost the economy, and upgraded roads and new commuter services between the two cities.

Why?
Both cities are considered tech hubs – particularly in life sciences, manufacturing, and AI. By improving funding and infrastructure in the area, the hope is to draw more talent in and put the UK at the forefront of technological and science advancements. Plus, the plan would spur economic growth by adding £78bn to the UK economy by 2035, according to industry experts. "It has the potential to be Europe's Silicon Valley, the home of British innovation," said Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

What’s the reaction been?
The announcement was welcomed by the chancellors of the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge, as well as various tech and health companies. According to a spokesperson from Cambridge City Council, the Arc is good news, but they cautioned that investment in affordable homes and better infrastructure for local communities should be at the forefront.

Anything else I should know?
The revival of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc is just one aspect of the government’s plan to “boost growth”, Reeves announced in a speech last week. Other measures include backing plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, plus building new reservoirs and changing infrastructure rules to support investment outside of southeast England.

📝 Energy rules: The UK government has announced plans to make it easier to build mini nuclear power stations.

• The bigger story: The aim is to catapult the UK to the front in “the global race for clean, secure and affordable energy” – it’s been met with mixed reactions.

🌳 Woodland recovery: Scottish rewilding site Tireragan has seen a doubling of its native woodlands, thanks to human-free natural regeneration.

🇳🇴 Cosy workspace: Browser company Opera is offering a free trip to Norway to test out its hygge desks and experience Scandinavian cosiness at work.

🛣️ Snake Pass: One of the UK’s most scenic roads is facing closure – here’s why.

🍗 Turkey curry: Sales of food and drinks featured in Bridget Jones's Diary are surging ahead of the series’s 4th instalment.

🏛️ Circus Maximus: An ancient Roman herald training school is now open to visitors following major restoration.

🎸 Back in Black: New stamps will be released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of this rock band’s debut album.

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Trivia answer: B) Norway is on track to be all-electric.

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