<![CDATA[Pressat Main Newswire]]> https://pressat.co.uk/rss/ <![CDATA[Pressat Main Newswire]]> https://pressat.co.uk/media/site/logo.png https://pressat.co.uk/rss/ en-gb Copyright: (C) Pressat Pressat <![CDATA[ Government’s Poor Record of Accountability at Home Heightens Concerns ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/governments-poor-record-of-accountability-at-home-heightens-concerns-73b8bef860d3706d51edd1ee6cfc5b4c/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/governments-poor-record-of-accountability-at-home-heightens-concerns-73b8bef860d3706d51edd1ee6cfc5b4c/ Friday 15 December, 2023

India: Investigate Alleged Overseas Murder PlotsGovernment’s Poor Record of Accountability at Home Heightens Concerns(New York, December 15, 2023) – Indian authorities should conduct thorough and impartial investigations into allegations that government agents were involved in assassination plots against Sikh separatists in the United States and Canada, Human Rights Watch said today. The Indian government has already been linked to online disinformation campaigns against academics and activists living abroad.The Indian government’s systemic failures to prosecute security force personnel for extrajudicial killings and other serious abuses in India raises broader concerns about its willingness to address transnational repression – abuses committed against nationals outside the country.“India’s alleged involvement in assassination plots in the US and Canada suggests a new and notorious leap in extrajudicial killings,” said Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “The Indian authorities’ repeated failure to hold police and military personnel accountable for unlawful killings demonstrates the need for more credible investigations.”In September 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh separatist leader, on June 18, in British Columbia. The Indian government dismissed the allegations as “absurd.”On November 29, US authorities announced charges against an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, whom they allege was recruited by an unnamed Indian government official to arrange a contract killing of a Sikh separatist leader in the US. The Indian authorities said such actions were “contrary to government policy” and announced a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the allegations.While the indictment for conspiracy to commit murder does not name the intended target of the plot, it was widely reported to be Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the general counsel for the US-based Sikhs for Justice. The group advocates the secession of Punjab state from India to create the independent nation of Khalistan for Sikhs, a minority religious group in the country. The alleged plot was foiled by US authorities, according to the prosecutors.The public indictment refers to the Indian government official as “CC-1,” a “Senior Field Officer” with responsibilities in security management and intelligence. Gupta, allegedly working at the direction of the Indian agent, contacted an individual he believed was a criminal associate for help to contract a hitman for the murder. But the associate was actually a confidential source working for US law enforcement, and the “hitman” was an undercover US law enforcement officer.The indictment also alleges that Gupta was linked to the killing of Nijjar in Canada. Gupta allegedly told the undercover US law enforcement officer on an audio call that Nijjar “was also the target” and “we have so many targets.” Separately, according to US prosecutors, Gupta also confirmed that Nijjar was the target he previously mentioned as the potential Canadian “job,” saying that eventually “some other guy did this job ... in Canada.”The Indian government lists both Nijjar and Pannun as terrorists under its counterterrorism legislation. Some Canadian and US-based Sikh separatist groups have promoted violent attacks in India.The allegations of Indian government involvement in targeted killings abroad come amid increasing reports of serious human rights violations against activists in India. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government has attempted to silence dissent using intimidation and harassment of critics through raids and arbitrary arrests, including under the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, the primary counterterrorism law. The Washington Post alleged online harassment, reporting that an organization linked to Indian intelligence agencies “combined fact-based research with unsubstantiated claims to paint U.S. government figures, researchers, humanitarian groups and Indian American rights activists as part of a conspiracy, purportedly led by global Islamic groups and billionaire George Soros, to undermine India.”The BJP government’s ultranationalist ideology promoting Hindu supremacy has fueled and encouraged violence against religious minorities, especially Muslims and Christians, but also attempted to label Sikh farmers protesting against government agriculture laws as Sikh separatists. Police and other authorities have failed to hold supporters of the BJP and members of BJP-affiliated groups to account for violence, often instead targeting members of victim communities or their advocates.Indian laws shield Indian police and military personnel from accountability despite allegations of torture and extrajudicial killings over many years. Indian intelligence agencies lack any independent oversight. All government officials and security force members are protected under section 197 of the criminal procedure code, which provides that no court can recognize any offense, with the exception of sexual offenses, alleged to have been committed by a public servant in the discharge of an official duty without approval by the central or state government. Such approval to prosecute is seldom granted.Soldiers have additional immunity when internally deployed under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). AFSPA, in effect in Jammu and Kashmir and several northeast states, grants wide powers to arrest, shoot to kill, and occupy or destroy property in counterinsurgency operations. India’s Supreme Court has said that all killings by security forces should be investigated and that such force was not permissible “even in an area declared as a disturbed area under AFSPA and against militants, insurgents and terrorists.”While new allegations of extrajudicial killings against the military continue, the government has refused permission to prosecute. In April, the Indian government denied permission to prosecute soldiers accused of killing six coal miners in Nagaland’s Mon district in December 2021. The state police had filed charges in June 2022 against 30 soldiers, including a major, after a special investigation team found the military had shot the miners “with a clear intention to kill.”There has been a spike in extrajudicial killings by police in some BJP-run states such as Uttar Pradesh and Assam, where the chief ministers have promoted or condoned such killings to ostensibly control crime. Uttar Pradesh’s chief minister has publicly said that criminals in his state will “either be sent to jail or killed in police encounters.”Extrajudicial killings increased more than fourfold in the state after he took office in 2017, according to government data. From March 2017 to September 2023, police shot 5,591 suspected criminals and other people, killing 190 in “police action.” After the BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma became chief minister of Assam in May 2021, his government’s “zero tolerance policy” on crime also led to an increase in police killings. By September 2021, the police had reportedly killed 27 people in alleged extrajudicial killings and injured 40 others.Indian authorities should stop targeting activists and dissidents at home and abroad, and instead uphold international and constitutional obligations to protect the rights to life and liberty, freedom from torture, freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, and the right to a fair trial, Human Rights Watch said.“The Indian government needs to do a lot more than issue denials in response to alleged involvement in grave abuses both at home and abroad,” Pearson said. “The authorities need to stop silencing critics and allowing security forces to commit violations with impunity.”For more Human Rights Watch reporting on India, please visit:https://www.hrw.org/asia/india




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15 Dec 2023 11:40:26 GMT Public Sector & Legal
<![CDATA[ Advancing The South Africa Just Energy Transition Partnership ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/advancing-the-south-africa-just-energy-transition-partnership-1635bae6145f67f446456c9003262371/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/advancing-the-south-africa-just-energy-transition-partnership-1635bae6145f67f446456c9003262371/ Tuesday 12 December, 2023

Since November 2022 at COP26, significant progress has been made on South Africa's Just Energy Transition Partnership (). Several more development partners are now supporting the Just Energy Transition (), and Denmark and the Netherlands have joined the International Partners Group () as part of the .


Pledges amounting to $11.6 billion have now been committed to the , including $9.3 billion from the . Reskilling and economic diversification projects have started in Mpumalanga and energy policy reforms continue - leading to real progress in private sector renewable energy roll out and creating a significant number of jobs. Promising developments are happening to accelerate investment in electric vehicles, green hydrogen, and transmission finance.


South Africa's ongoing electricity supply crisis continued in 2023, resulting in the government's decision to re-assess the schedules for decommissioning coal power plants to manage energy security priorities. South Africa has therefore resolved to frontload work on the repowering and repurposing of the retiring power plants and community development initiatives at these sites.


The aim of the partnership remains to achieve the most ambitious target possible within South Africa's Nationally Determined Contribution range to the extent of the available resources and support. 2023 also saw the Minister of Finance introduce important debt relief measures for Eskom, which include a borrowing moratorium on the power utility for 3 years, requiring re-consideration of deployment mechanisms for a number of loan facilities.


The Implementation Plan


After widespread stakeholder consultations on the Implementation Plan (IP) by the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) in early 2023, the Project Management Unit (PMU) in the Presidency held a series of focus group engagements and prepared the in 2023, which Cabinet approved on 15 November 2023.


The summarises the current status of financing and sets out South Africa's 6 defined portfolios for investment:


electricityMpumalanga just transitionnew energy vehiclesgreen hydrogenskillsmunicipalities

It provides updates on progress and the state of play in each portfolio, theories of change per portfolio with short- and medium-term outcomes, sets up collaborative structures for portfolio planning and management, and prioritises specific programmes. Milestones, targets and the monitoring and evaluation plan are in preparation.


The PMU has published the start of a Projects Register, issuing the record of partners' grants to the . In collaboration with the , the register will be updated quarterly. The PMU is also establishing a Funding Platform as a matchmaker between providers of grants and projects, seeking to leverage increased impact from grant facilities, and to provide project preparation support. Three new portfolios are targeted for investment, expanding the range of decarbonisation investments by Partners and other financiers:


renewable energy manufacturingenergy efficiencyroad-to-rail

Generation and storage


The South African Government is continuing its significant energy reforms. The Electricity Regulation Act Amendment Bill is at committee stage in Parliament. It will facilitate ongoing reform and competition in the energy market. In addition, the amendment of Schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act to remove the licensing threshold for generation facilities has resulted in a 66GW pipeline of renewable energy projects.


development finance institutions have participated in the battery storage tenders which are expected to lead to an additional 2GW of storage for Eskom. The is supporting independent power plant development, funding wind energy internships for graduates and financing battery storage testbeds. Eskom has received support on green grid management (such as planned IPP curtailment - which it is expected to adopt shortly and will free up 4GW of scarce grid capacity).


The is supporting over 60 municipalities in building capacity for planning and tendering renewable energy projects, increasing energy access, energy efficiency, and options for social ownership models. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has provided a €200 million loan for the Development Bank of South Africa to on-lend for onshore wind and solar renewable energy projects.


Transmission


Large-scale transmission network investment is needed to link renewable energy generation (largely in Northern, Western and Eastern Cape provinces) with population and industrial centres requirements elsewhere. Eskom has well-advanced plans for this development, but the scale and pace needs to ramp up.


The financing needed for transmission before 2030 is over $16 billion. The South African Government is working on a number of models for private investment in transmission and the hosted a South Africa-focused transmission financing event at the African Climate Summit in 2023 with development finance institutions, multilaterals and private investors to support this objective. Since private finance arrangements will take time to develop, the proposes that concessional lending be deployed in the interim within the framework of the Eskom debt relief conditions.


Green hydrogen


The Government of The Kingdom of the Netherlands has committed €50 million towards a green hydrogen blended finance fund and other funders are supporting start-ups and providing advice around potential port development for green hydrogen.


New energy vehicles


The South African Cabinet approved the Electric Vehicles White Paper in November 2023 and is reviewing incentives for the manufacture and use of new energy vehicles and batteries. The has advised on the new curriculum for mechanics and has shared lessons from its and other developing country experience in encouraging electric vehicle use.


Just Transition


The partners recognise the importance of delivering projects on the ground and engaging with communities, especially given the lessons learned from the closure of Komati power plant. In particular, economic and community projects in Mpumalanga, should be front loaded. The grant register indicates that at least 20% of funding is allocated to Just projects.


The Funding Platform should help match grants and later, investment finance, to projects. funders are supporting women obtain skills in renewable energy in technical and vocational colleges in Mpumalanga. finance has enabled the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency to finance start-up companies in the province. The , alongside other investors, is funding agricultural projects around Grootvlei power plant and is scoping infrastructure and economic regeneration projects with Mpumalanga municipalities.


The is providing maps and guidance around land use, in line with South African land use policy and legislation for investors and policymakers. Partners are also considering a first loss blended finance fund for small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) financing in Mpumalanga. The German and Danish labour unions have also shared lessons with South Africa's labour unions and the arranged visits to former coal mining areas in Europe.


expansion, grant increases and loan deployment


The inclusion of The Kingdom of the Netherlands and The Kingdom of Denmark in the reflects confidence in South Africa's and the as a vehicle to support South Africa's implementation of the .


The original members of the have increased their grant offer by 57% since COP26 (from $329 million to $517 million) and the overall increase in grant funding (including Netherlands and Denmark and other funders) to $716 million is 132%. 50% of the grant finance is already scoped and programmed.


With funding from Canada, Spain, and Switzerland included, the overall support figure has increased from $8.5 billion to $11.7 billion (this includes $1.89 billion of Spanish export credits, which the does not count in its pledges). A register of grants has been finalised and published by the Presidency to further enhance transparency. This will be updated quarterly. The Grants Register does not currently include other funders such as multilaterals and philanthropies, but they will be added in due course.


The envisaged using and CIF concessional loans to support Eskom to upgrade transmission, improve distribution and advance decommissioning, repurposing, and repowering. In light of the borrowing moratorium on Eskom, the PMU is engaging with National Treasury and Eskom to find solutions to the deployment of funds.


Two loans of €300 million each from the German Development Bank (KfW) and French Development Agency (AFD) were disbursed as policy loans in early 2023 after policy conditions around climate reforms were met. In November 2023, Germany signed a second policy loan agreement with National Treasury to extend a further €500 million in concessional financing to South Africa related to ongoing energy sector reforms.


These are sovereign loans provided directly to the National Treasury for general budget expenditure purposes. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is working with National Treasury and Transnet to support Transnet and the country to achieve their most ambitious emission reduction targets.


Looking ahead


South Africa's energy challenges could lead to a delay in planned decommissioning of coal-fired power plants, but work will meanwhile focus on the repurposing, repowering and community development at these sites. The recent rapid scale-up in off-grid renewables investments by the private sector is notable, and there is a recognition that transitioning to renewable sources of energy is needed to secure the long-term future of South Africa's economy.


The Implementation Plan sets out a roadmap for the work ahead in each portfolio. The is working with South Africa to take forward implementation in a number of areas in the next 12 months including:


financing solutions to accelerate expansion of the transmission gridinvesting in repurposing, repowering and community development at the retiring coal fired power station sitessupporting creation of a project pipeline for investments, including ones to improve jobs and services in Mpumalangawork to implement policies and incentives that will grow electric vehicle manufacturingsupporting green hydrogen industry and infrastructure for itcontinuing investment in skills for the energy transitioncontinuing to build municipal capacity for renewable energy systemsbuilding the Projects Register to include other financing instruments and a broader range of fundersestablishing the Funding Platformimplementing the monitoring, evaluation and learning framework

The and South African government reiterate their commitment to work in partnership to achieve the objectives set out in the Political Declaration of 2021, the Investment Plan of 2022, and the Implementation Plan of 2023.




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12 Dec 2023 10:21:02 GMT Manufacturing, Engineering & Energy
<![CDATA[ Columbia and the Chicago Fashion Incubator Announce New Partnership ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/columbia-and-the-chicago-fashion-incubator-announce-new-partnership-6343c4a1e7767a40784956e31daf2e51/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/columbia-and-the-chicago-fashion-incubator-announce-new-partnership-6343c4a1e7767a40784956e31daf2e51/ Tuesday 12 December, 2023

The Chicago Fashion Incubator will transition its operations to a new speaker series at Columbia College Chicago.


Columbia College Chicago is pleased to announce the introduction of the Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) Series, an annual program featuring lectures and workshops with topics focusing on design, manufacturing and entrepreneurship for an audience of aspiring and established local designers as well as those who have an affinity for fashion. The series is made possible thanks to CFI’s generous gift to Columbia. CFI, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 2008 to make meaningful economic impact in Chicago by providing designers technical product development, business tools and training to create collections and launch competitive businesses based in Chicago. As a result, it helped build an active community of locally based fashion designers and those who support them. Currently housed at Macy’s on State Street, the CFI will transition its operations at the end of December and gift Columbia College Chicago with an endowment to continue the mission.


“The decision to re-envision the CFI and bring it to Columbia College Chicago as a gift will ensure that CFI’s original mission of supporting Chicago-based designers continues,” said Andrea Schwartz, Chicago Fashion Incubator board president. “And since Columbia was a supporter of the incubator from the start, choosing Columbia College Chicago as CFI’s new home really speaks to the mission and vision of our organization. It is a perfect fit.”


Paying homage to the CFI mission, the new Chicago Fashion Incubator Series (The Incubator) will be operated by Columbia’s Fashion Department, which has been a strong partner of the CFI since its inception 15 years ago. This public series will support Fashion students while bringing together Chicago area fashion designers as they develop successful businesses in today’s global economy. Additional funds from the endowment will support new acquisitions for Columbia’s Fashion Study Collection, an archive of significant fashion artifacts.


“The Chicago Fashion Incubator gift will be transformative for the department of Fashion Studies. It will allow us to bring extraordinary fashion industry changemakers of a national and international caliber to Chicago and Columbia each year,” said Colbey Reid, chair of Fashion Studies at Columbia. “To do this at exactly the moment when fashion stakeholders in Chicago are coming together to carve out our identity as a fashion city will be galvanizing for this community. It will also elevate our programs at Columbia in ways that align with other achievements that have positioned us as a nexus of emerging thought, business and design leadership in fashion.”


The first Chicago Fashion Incubator Series event is planned for 2024. The annual series will include workshops for students and Chicago-area fashion designers as well as conferences and lectures by industry-leading designers, scholars, and fashion business experts on subjects ranging from construction, product development, sustainability, and diversity, equity and inclusion in the field. To provide a much-needed community of support for fashion students and local designers, each event will be free and open to the public.


The Chicago Fashion Incubator is a product of former Mayor Richard M. Daley’s Fashion Initiative. Realizing the significant impact fashion had on the local economy in 2005, he envisioned fashion as a driver for job creation, cultural growth, trade development, and tourism. Melissa Gamble, currently an assistant professor in Fashion Studies at Columbia, served as the Director of Fashion Arts and Events for the City of Chicago at the time and was instrumental in launching the CFI.


“At the time, we had four fashion design programs in the city, and we knew that a majority of graduates were leaving Chicago to work in other markets,” said Gamble. “Because of the lack of fashion-related corporate headquarters in Chicago, fashion designers that chose to stay here started their own businesses. Fashion designers came out of school knowing how to design a garment but not knowing how to run a business. That was the space we sought to fill to support local startup fashion businesses.”


Turning the CFI from vision to reality involved research and collaboration, with Gamble forming a committee to begin the work with key partners from Macy’s and the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, among others. As part of their work, the committee commissioned a feasibility study. Seeing a real-world market research opportunity for their students, Fashion Studies Faculty Members Dana Connell (currently an associate professor at Columbia) and her then-colleague Dianne Erpenbach (now Faculty Emeritus) presented the idea of students conducting a survey of fashion-related businesses, including manufacturers and contractors in the city.


That student work helped inform the final product, and in 2008 the Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy’s on State Street launched. Since then, the CFI has provided emerging Chicago-based designers with a “designer-in-residence” program which included workspace, mentoring, and workshops to help grow their careers in fashion. To date, more than 60 fashion designers have gone through this program with many successfully building their fashion businesses, according to Schwartz.


# # #


About Columbia College Chicago

Located in the heart of downtown Chicago’s Cultural Mile, Columbia College Chicago is a private, nonprofit college offering a distinctive curriculum that blends creative and media arts, liberal arts, and business for nearly 6,700 students in more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Dedicated to academic excellence and long-term career success, Columbia College Chicago creates a dynamic, challenging, and collaborative space for students who see the world through a creative lens. 


About the Chicago Fashion Incubator

The Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) at Macy’s on State Street provides emerging Chicago-based designers in residence with the resources, business acumen, and mentoring to launch their careers in Fashion.


The Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy's on State Street is a recognized 501(c)3 not-for-profit established in August 2008. Its mission is to provide Chicago-based designers with the resources, business acumen and mentoring to launch and/or scale their careers in the fashion industry.


The scope of services includes the Designer-in-Residency program; public seminars, workshops, panels and labs; informational tours; partnerships with other educational organizations; and the Richard H. Driehaus Entrepreneurial Center, a business resource center with state-of-the-art technology, available to the Designers-in-Residence (DIR) as well as open to the public by appointment.


MEDIA INQUIRIESJill GoldbergCommunications Managerjgoldberg@colum.edu





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12 Dec 2023 10:19:12 GMT Retail & Fashion
<![CDATA[ Campylobacteriosis And Salmonellosis Still Below Pre-Pandemic Levels; West Nile Virus Infections On The Rise ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/campylobacteriosis-and-salmonellosis-still-below-pre-pandemic-levels-west-nile-virus-infections-on-the-rise-abecfb293be496c7272ad79d9f0ceb52/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/campylobacteriosis-and-salmonellosis-still-below-pre-pandemic-levels-west-nile-virus-infections-on-the-rise-abecfb293be496c7272ad79d9f0ceb52/ Tuesday 12 December, 2023

Campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis were the most frequently reported zoonotic diseases in humans in the EU in 2022. However, the number of cases was still lower than during the pre-pandemic years 2018-2019.


For West Nile virus, an increase of the number of infections was observed. This and more information on zoonotic diseases was published today by EFSA and ECDC in their latest annual EU One Health zoonoses report.


The number of reported cases of campylobacteriosis, which is the single most frequently reported zoonotic disease, remained stable in 2022 compared to the previous year, with 137,107 cases. Chicken meat was the most common source of the infections.


Salmonellosis was the second most reported zoonotic disease, with 65,208 cases in 2022, compared to 60,169 in 2021. However, nineteen Member States and the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) successfully met all established targets for the reduction of Salmonella in poultry. This is the highest number since 2018 when 14 Member States met all targets - a milestone in the collective efforts to combat zoonotic diseases and protect public health.


“The number of reported human cases for the two most common foodborne diseases remain at lower levels than before the pandemic” said Ole Heuer, Head of Section Epidemic-Prone Diseases at ECDC. “However, given the impact of these infections on human health, further vigilance and efforts to reduce the number of cases is needed.”


Rise in West Nile virus infections

2022 was the year with the second highest number of cases of West Nile virus infections ever recorded in the EU (1,133 cases), with 2018 being the year with the highest number so far (1,612 cases). These unprecedented high numbers may be caused by more favourable climatic conditions for mosquito activity.


"Climate change is increasing the surge of vector -borne diseases. That’s why today a One Health approach integrating human and animal risk assessments is the way forward" said Frank Verdonk, Head of EFSA’s Biological Hazards & Animal Health and Welfare unit.


In 2022, 431 birds and 166 horses tested positive for West Nile virus in the EU, around double the previous year’s figures. The virus also extended its geographical area, reaching previously unaffected areas (southwestern France, northern Germany, and southern Italy).


This report not only examines sporadically reported disease cases, but also investigates foodborne outbreaks – instances where a minimum of two individuals contract the same illness from consuming the same contaminated food.


The number of reported foodborne outbreaks in the EU increased by 44%, from 4,005 in 2021 to 5,763 outbreaks in 2022, reaching similar levels as during the pre-pandemic years and causing the highest number of outbreak-related deaths in the past decade (64). Deaths were primarily attributed to Listeria monocytogenes, and were associated with a wide variety of foods, ranging from meat and dairy products to fish and vegetables. The more frequent use of whole genome sequencing may have enhanced the sensitivity of surveillance, thereby increasing the ability to detect outbreaks in the Member States.


EFSA is also publishing story maps and dashboards which provide information on Brucella, zoonotic tuberculosis and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and allow to search and visualise data.

EFSA Media Relations Office

Tel. +39 0521 036 149


E-mail: Press@efsa.europa.eu


(Only if you are a member of the press)




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12 Dec 2023 10:18:12 GMT Environment & Nature Farming & Animals
<![CDATA[ Rheinmetall Wins Major Contract: Austria Orders State-Of-The-Art Air Defence System For €532 Million ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/rheinmetall-wins-major-contract-austria-orders-state-of-the-art-air-defence-system-for-eur532-million-39b84e6c01ae1c6782b392f057cedfaf/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/rheinmetall-wins-major-contract-austria-orders-state-of-the-art-air-defence-system-for-eur532-million-39b84e6c01ae1c6782b392f057cedfaf/ Tuesday 12 December, 2023
Rheinmetall wins €532 million order to upgrade Austria’s 35mm air defence systemsSkyguard Next Generation results from modernizing existing gunsProject runs for 48 months starting in Feb 2024Contract includes spare parts, training and 35mm Ahead ammunition

The Austrian defence ministry has contracted with Rheinmetall to carry out a comprehensive modernization of its existing Skyguard air defence systems. In the presence of Austrian minister of defence Klaudia Tanner, the two parties have now signed the contract for Project Skyguard Next Generation in Vienna. For Rheinmetall the order represents sales of €532 million (without value added tax), which can already be booked as an incoming order in December 2023. The contract encompasses a project period of 48 months starting in February 2024.


On behalf of Austria, a neighbouring nation and close partner of Germany, Rheinmetall will be conducting one of the most ambitious air defence projects in Europe. For the Austrian Army, the undertaking is an important step in its “Mission Forward” rearmament programme to revamp the country’s armed forces.


Armin Papperger, chairman of the executive board of Rheinmetall AG, welcomed the news: “We’re delighted by this important market win for Skynex technology. In this flagship project, Austria is at the absolute forefront of antiaircraft and counter-drone defence in Europe. This major order also highlights Rheinmetall’s key role in reequipping the armed forces of Europe in response to new threats. Our solutions for stationary and mobile air defence are part of this.”


Skyguard Next Generation belongs to the Skynex family of products from Rheinmetall Air Defence, the global leader in close-range air defence technology. The order package for Austria comprises a total of seven tactical units, each consisting of four 35mm guns, a sensor unit for monitoring airspace and a command post. In the process, twenty-eight 35mm guns currently in the customer’s inventory will be upgraded to the latest state of the art. The contract also includes spare parts, training support and 35mm ammunition. A contractually agreed option for ordering an additional tactical unit exists as well.


In the words of Oliver Dürr, CEO of Rheinmetall Air Defence AG in Zürich, “We greatly appreciate the trust of our friends and partners in Austria. The Austrian Army’s decision in favour of Skyguard Next Generation is more than just a quantum leap – it opens the door to a whole dimension in antiaircraft and counter-drone capabilities.”


Austria is getting a custom-built, pathbreaking solution for close-range air defence. “The order is a significant gain for our company”, declares Dürr, “and especially for our Zürich plant, which is responsible for carrying out the project, where it will make a decisive contribution to capacity utilization.”


The Skyguard Next Generation system is based on existing weapons systems owned by the Austrian Army. As part of a service life extension programme, its existing 35mm Oerlikon twin guns will be completely modernized and linked to a high-performance target tracking capability and Rheinmetall’s Skymaster command system.


Extraordinarily high-precision sensors make it possible to detect and identify aerial targets at an early stage. The command system lets the operator build up a local picture, evaluate the threat situation and, in close coordination with high-echelon elements, open fire. Guided missiles can also be incorporated into the system.


The complete system is highly mobile, assuring maximum efficiency during military planning. The guns can be dismounted and/or operated remotely, keeping troops well out of harm’s way while simultaneously improving combat effectiveness.


Rheinmetall’s Skynex


Cannon-based air defence solutions from the “Skynex” family of products are especially appropriate for short-range operations, where guided missiles cannot be used effectively. The Skynex system encompasses airspace surveillance, a weapon engagement centre, and effectors. Featuring a rate of fire of 1,000 rounds per minute and a maximum effective range of up to 4,000 metres, Oerlikon rapid-fire automatic cannon serve as the effectors


The success of the ageing 35mm Gepard antiaircraft tank in Ukraine underscores the effectiveness of cannon-based in countering aerial targets – especially cruise missiles and drones – and the continuing relevance of this capability today in close-range air defence.


Compared with the Gepard, however, Skynex offers a generational leap in terms of sensor technology as well as the possibility of networked application of multiple tactical units and inclusion in higher-echelon command and control systems. Moreover, using Rheinmetall’s programmable 35mm Ahead ammunition gives Skynex a unique edge when it comes to successfully combatting aerial targets.




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12 Dec 2023 10:16:14 GMT Business & Finance Manufacturing, Engineering & Energy
<![CDATA[ GE Vernova Awarded Services Agreement For Shuaiba North Power Station In Kuwait ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/ge-vernova-awarded-services-agreement-for-shuaiba-north-power-station-in-kuwait-57c5baf2974e0e16ce1ed8453fd198bf/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/ge-vernova-awarded-services-agreement-for-shuaiba-north-power-station-in-kuwait-57c5baf2974e0e16ce1ed8453fd198bf/ Tuesday 12 December, 2023

GE Vernova's Gas Power business (NYSE:GE) today announced it has signed a multi-year services agreement with the Malaysian and Kuwait-based Engineering Company TNB REMACO - Al Dhow Joint Venture for Shuaiba North Power Station facility in Al Ahmadi, Kuwait. Under the terms of the 5-year agreement, GE Vernova will provide service es for the gas turbines installed at the Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity & Water & Renewable Energy's 876 Megawatt (MW) Shuaiba North Power Station.


The agreement is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy to modernize the power generation infrastructure in Kuwait and it was announced at a ceremony at COP28 in Dubai attended by Dato' Abdul Razak bin Abdul Majid, Chairman of Tenaga Nasional Berhad; Datuk Ir. Megat Jalaluddin Megat Hassan, Chief Operating Officer; Joseph Anis, CEO and President Gas Power- Europe, Middle East and Africa; KV Pandian, General Manager - Gas Power Services; Ir. Muhammad Nazri Bin Pazil, Chairman of TNB REMACO Board of Director (BOD); and Mr. Joe Chidiac, Managing Director of Al-Dhow.


Shuaiba North Power Station consists of three electricity generating blocks, each equipped with a 9F.03 gas turbine and generator from GE Vernova. Under the agreement, GE Vernova will upgrade the current combustion technology installed on the three gas turbines to the most advanced Dry Low Nox DLN2.6+ combustion system, providing improved combustor operability, reduced emissions levels, extended turndown capability and extended hardware inspection intervals.


The deal will also include the supply of parts, repairs, field services, and GE Vernova's Asset Performance Management (APM) software in the cloud. By incorporating APM from GE Vernova's Digital business within the service agreement, Shuaiba Power Station will enable increased levels of predictive maintenance (PdM) for the gas turbines and accessory equipment. APM Reliability, powered by Predictive Analytics, is expected to improve asset reliability, availability and productivity to help contribute to the long-term energy security needs in the country.


"We are collaborating with GE Vernova on the service agreement because they have the technological expertise and proven gas turbine services track record to help ensure that Shuaiba North Power Station operates at the highest levels of reliability," said the Chairman of TNB REMACO BOD, Ir. Muhammad Nazri Bin Pazil. "We expect that the services and digital technologies provided by the GE Vernova team will help increase the efficiency and improve performance of the plant, which is crucial in powering Kuwait reliably."


"We have a long-standing relationship with TNB REMACO- Al Dhow Joint Venture and we are honored to continue to support the Ministry of Electricity & Water & Renewable Energy, with our offering of full range of local capabilities and expertise,"said Joseph Anis, President & CEO, Europe, Middle East & Africa of GE Vernova's Gas Power business. "GE Vernova has grown hand in hand with the country's power development needs. We have been committed to the development of Kuwait's power sector and I am pleased that our combined services and digital capabilities will help support long-term maintenance and performance for Shuaiba North Power Station, which plays a critical role in ensuring more reliable and flexible power generation for the country. We thank TNB REMACO - Al Dhow Joint Venture for their trust in GE Vernova."


A long-term player in driving the growth of Kuwait's power generation sector, GE Vernova's gas power technologies deliver over a third of Kuwait's power today. The company's GE Kuwait Technology Center (GEKTC) focuses on local talent and skills development and transfer of knowledge and expertise to Kuwaitis, building a strong legacy and commitment to developing local, high-value professionals who will lead the nation into a more sustainable future.


END



About GE VernovaGE Vernova is a planned, purpose-built global energy company that includes Power, Wind, and Electrification businesses and is supported by its accelerator businesses of Advanced Research, Consulting Services, and Financial Services. Building on over 130 years of experience tackling the world's challenges, GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to help lead the energy transition by continuing to electrify the world while simultaneously working to decarbonize it. GE Vernovahelps customers power economies and deliver electricity that is vital to health, safety, security, and improved quality of life. GE Vernova is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., with more than 80,000 employees across 100+ countries around the world. GE Vernova's Gas Power business engineers advanced, efficient natural gas-powered technologies and services, along with decarbonization solutions that aim to help electrify a lower carbon future.


GE Vernova's mission is embedded in its name - it retains its legacy, "GE," as an enduring and hard-earned badge of quality and ingenuity. "Ver" / "verde" signal Earth's verdant and lush ecosystems. "Nova," from the Latin "novus," nods to a new, innovative era of lower carbon energy. Supported by the Company Purpose, The Energy to Change the World, GE Vernova will help deliver a more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy future. Learn more: GE Vernova and LinkedIn.


For media inquiries, please contact:


Abeer MasoodCommunications Director, Middle East & AfricaGE Vernova+39 335 6978871




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12 Dec 2023 10:07:53 GMT Manufacturing, Engineering & Energy
<![CDATA[ Grant Of £100K From Innovate UK To Develop Novel Material For The UK Aerospace Sector ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/grant-of-100k-from-innovate-uk-to-develop-novel-material-for-the-uk-aerospace-sector-539bcefa88343019723be4afa47ab16f/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/grant-of-100k-from-innovate-uk-to-develop-novel-material-for-the-uk-aerospace-sector-539bcefa88343019723be4afa47ab16f/ Tuesday 12 December, 2023

Nexam Chemical has been selected as a key partner in the "TAPE Extreme" project, financed by Innovate UK, targeting development of advanced temperature resistant composites for the UK aerospace sector. Nexam Chemical adds competencies within chemistry, polymers and resins to the consortium, and has been awarded a £100K grant with the objective of developing novel materials that can replace metals in jet engines.


Nexam Chemical St. Andrews has, together with partners from the whole value chain, been selected as a key partner in the project, dubbed "Advanced Thermoformable Cross-linking Resin Unidirectional Tapes", which consists of a consortium of commercial players within composites and aerospace, in partnership with the University of Sheffield. Nexam Chemical's part of the grant is £100K, which will primarily be used for R&D activities.


The project's main objective is to drive replacement of metals like titanium and other alloys with novel high temperature resistant composites in jet engines, leading to lighter components and resulting fuel savings. The technology is intended for primarily civil aviation applications, where the largest commercial potential lies. The project is a part of Innovate UK, which strives to strengthen local UK aerospace sector, and supports local OEM:s, such as Boeing, Rolls-Royce and GKN.


"Nexam Chemical St. Andrews has been selected to participate in the project, based on our competencies within chemistry, polymers and resins, where the aim is to develop dry unidirectional tape, without solvents. It is a recognition of our market leading position and technical expertise in design and synthesis of polyimide resins and so-called end-cappers for polyimides.", says Christer Svanberg, CTO of Nexam Chemical.


"Nexam Chemical already has a solid footprint within high temperature composites in the US, primarily aimed at military applications. We are therefore pleased to be selected to take part in this project, which can contribute to driving the development towards more high temperature composites in the UK and especially within civilian aviation.", says Ronnie Törnqvist, CEO of Nexam Chemical.


Note: This press release has been translated from Swedish. The Swedish text shall govern for all purposes and prevail in case of any discrepancy with the English version.


For more information, please contact:


Ronnie Törnqvist, VD, +46-706 25 41 85, ronnie.tornqvist@nexamchemical.com




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12 Dec 2023 10:04:45 GMT Business & Finance
<![CDATA[ IFC And Bank Of The Lao PDR Strengthen Partnership To Boost Green Finance, Achieve Climate Goals ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/ifc-and-bank-of-the-lao-pdr-strengthen-partnership-to-boost-green-finance-achieve-climate-goals-6ed9626971b94a88c7b8223999e4c98d/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/ifc-and-bank-of-the-lao-pdr-strengthen-partnership-to-boost-green-finance-achieve-climate-goals-6ed9626971b94a88c7b8223999e4c98d/ Tuesday 12 December, 2023

The collaborative effort to boost green finance between IFC and the Bank of the Lao PDR has been strengthened with a new cooperation agreement signed today. This enhanced partnership aims to accelerate necessary reforms to develop guidelines and standards to attract the green capital the country needs to drive its economy and create jobs while promoting a greener and more livable planet.


The impacts of climate change are particularly significant for Lao PDR's economy due to its dependence on climate-sensitive natural resources including water, forestry, and agriculture. To mitigate the impacts and achieve carbon-neutral status by 2050, Lao PDR has set a mid-term target of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by 60 percent by 2030. Achieving this will require almost $4.8 billion in mitigation measures by 2030 as outlined by Lao PDR's National Determined Contribution. Given public budget constraints, the much-needed funding is expected to mostly come from the private sector.


"The financial sector holds significant potential in directing funds towards green projects and contributing to national environmental objectives, with the Bank of the Lao PDR playing a key role in leading the financial sector in this direction. IFC's further assistance will allow us to foster a policy and regulatory environment conducive for all financial institutions to cultivate widely accessible green finance products in the local market," said Vathana Dalaloy, Deputy Governor of the Bank of the Lao PDR.


This effort started more than a year ago with a market readiness assessment to review the current landscape for green finance in Lao PDR and inform the way forward in greening the financial sector. Now the Bank of the Lao PDR, with IFC's support, will develop a sustainable finance policy framework, establish standards and guidelines for green lending and issuance of thematic bonds, and build the capacity of regulators and market participants.


"Globally, central banks are promoting the green finance agenda and it is great to see the Bank of the Lao PDR facilitating sustainable finance reforms in the country. Given IFC's global experience, IFC is uniquely equipped to assist the Lao financial sector to mobilize private sector capital towards climate-friendly projects with innovative financing solutions including green bonds," said Thomas Jacobs, IFC Country Manager for Viet Nam, Lao PDR, and Cambodia.


Working in Lao PDR since 1998, IFC is committed to supporting the country's development agenda through assisting private sector development, promoting sustainability, and creating job opportunities.




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12 Dec 2023 09:57:13 GMT Business & Finance
<![CDATA[ Hiscox And Google Cloud Collaborate On AI In Lead Underwriting For The London Market ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/hiscox-and-google-cloud-collaborate-on-ai-in-lead-underwriting-for-the-london-market-68d0d79be0cb6b8f5d996b95d581aef1/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/hiscox-and-google-cloud-collaborate-on-ai-in-lead-underwriting-for-the-london-market-68d0d79be0cb6b8f5d996b95d581aef1/ Tuesday 12 December, 2023

Augmented underwriting in Hiscox London Market could reduce the time for lead open-market quotes from three days to three minutes


Hiscox, the specialist global insurer, has collaborated with Google Cloud to create the first AI-enhanced lead underwriting model in the London Market insurance industry.


The collaboration combines Hiscox London Market's recently built technology platform, Hiscox AI Laboratories (Hailo) with Google Cloud's generative AI technology to automate lead algorithmic underwriting from submission to quote.


The work leveraged both Google Cloud's BigQuery and Vertex AI platform to extract key data and insights from email submissions, a manual process that can typically take up to three days in today's insurance operating model. By introducing AI into specific elements of the process, underwriting teams have the ability to quote within just three minutes.


Kate Markham, CEO London Market, said: "We are delighted to be working with Google Cloud to explore the applications of AI technology to augment our underwriting teams' knowledge and expertise. This early stage work suggests that there are areas of the business where automation can support better, faster results for our brokers and clients, and we look forward to developing the programme further."


The proof of concept was undertaken in Hiscox's Sabotage and Terrorism line of business, although the principles will apply to other lines of business within and beyond big-ticket insurance.


Kate continued: "We chose this line of business because it involves a considerable amount of manual data extraction and analysis. Human insight is and will always be a crucial part of the specialist underwriting process, but when expertise is paired with cutting-edge AI technology we will be able to serve our customers even more effectively and efficiently - not only in this specific line of business but in many others over time too, and this is an incredibly exciting prospect. AI technology, deployed in the right way, has the potential to remove manual tasks from our specialist underwriters, freeing them up to focus on more complex risks where human expertise and analysis are a must."


Sandeep Kottekudiyil, Client Director at Google Cloud, said: "Our work with Hiscox demonstrates the value that AI can bring to the underwriting process. We look forward to our ongoing collaboration with Hiscox to transform the insurance industry through the responsible use of AI.


Ends


For further information please contact:


Hiscox


Carmel McCarthy +44 (0)7769 280903


Notes to editors


*Hailo


In 2021, Hiscox London Market developed Hiscox AI Laboratories (Hailo), its first proprietary AI tool.


About The Hiscox Group


Hiscox is a global specialist insurer, headquartered in Bermuda and listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:HSX). Our ambition is to be a respected specialist insurer with a diverse portfolio by product and geography. We believe that building balance between catastrophe-exposed business and less volatile local specialty business gives us opportunities for profitable growth throughout the insurance cycle.


The Hiscox Group employs over 3,000 people in 14 countries, and has customers worldwide. Through the retail businesses in the UK, Europe, Asia and the USA, we offer a range of specialist insurance products in commercial and personal lines. Internationally traded, bigger ticket business and reinsurance is underwritten through Hiscox London Market and Hiscox Re & ILS.


Our values define our business, with a focus on people, courage, ownership and integrity. We pride ourselves on being true to our word and our award-winning claims service is testament to that. For more information, visit www.hiscoxgroup.com.





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12 Dec 2023 09:54:33 GMT Business & Finance
<![CDATA[ EIOPA Seeks Feedback On Its Proposed Approach To Tackle Greenwashing In The Insurance And Occupational Pension Sectors ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/eiopa-seeks-feedback-on-its-proposed-approach-to-tackle-greenwashing-in-the-insurance-and-occupational-pension-sectors-7a652153c7ccf151f8236d91100d4f93/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/eiopa-seeks-feedback-on-its-proposed-approach-to-tackle-greenwashing-in-the-insurance-and-occupational-pension-sectors-7a652153c7ccf151f8236d91100d4f93/ Tuesday 12 December, 2023

The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) is launching today a public consultation on its draft Opinion on sustainability claims and greenwashing. The principles within the draft Opinion aim to pave the way for a more effective and harmonized supervision of sustainability claims across Europe and thereby limit the risk of greenwashing in the insurance and occupational pensions sectors.


As global awareness of sustainability grows, European insurance consumers and pensions savers are increasingly interested in allocating their money sustainably. In response to this heightened demand, insurance and pension providers have expanded their sustainable offerings and are adapting their business models.


However, these developments have brought about a corresponding increase in potential instances of misleading sustainability claims, or, in other words, greenwashing. Acknowledging the imperative of maintaining consumers' trust in the European insurance and pensions sectors and of ensuring that sustainability claims be accurate, substantiated and accessible, EIOPA is proposing a common supervisory approach to combat greenwashing.


This draft Opinion, presented for public consultation, sets out four principles that should be observed when providers make sustainability claims. To make the proposed principles more concrete and to demonstrate how greenwashing can occur in practice, EIOPA has compiled examples of good and bad practices for each principle.


Principle 1: Sustainability claims made by a provider should be accurate, precise, and consistent with the provider's overall profile and business model, or the profile of its product(s).Principle 2: Sustainability claims should be kept up to date, and any changes should be disclosed in a timely manner and with a clear rationale.Principle 3: Sustainability claims should be substantiated with clear reasoning and facts.Principle 4: Sustainability claims and their substantiation should be accessible by the targeted stakeholders.

EIOPA furthermore proposes that National Competent Authorities monitor providers' adherence to the above principles, evaluate their sustainability claims, ensure compliance with the relevant regulatory requirements and closely examine sustainability-related terms in product names.


Consultation


EIOPA invites stakeholders to provide their comments via the online survey. The deadline for submission of comments is 12 March 2024.


Go to the Consultation Paper


Related publications


EIOPA explored greenwashing in its Progress Report on Greenwashing published in June 2023. The authority continues its analysis of misleading sustainability claims and plans to submit its final report to the European Commission by May 2024.





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12 Dec 2023 09:49:03 GMT Environment & Nature
<![CDATA[ Eastern Partnership Foreign Affairs Ministerial meeting, 11 December 2023 ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/eastern-partnership-foreign-affairs-ministerial-meeting-11-december-2023-0a56823c4516074931faf58c0d2b2d43/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/eastern-partnership-foreign-affairs-ministerial-meeting-11-december-2023-0a56823c4516074931faf58c0d2b2d43/ Tuesday 12 December, 2023

The Eastern Partnership (EaP) ministerial meeting brought together EU foreign ministers and their counterparts from five of the six Eastern Partnership countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine), under the chairmanship of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell. EU Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi also participated in the meeting.


The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on the Eastern Partnership, take stock of its achievements and identify concrete recommendations for the future of the policy.


At the meeting, ministers addressed (1) how the Eastern Partnership can continue to ensure that the needs of member states and partner countries are met, (2) what should be the key priorities of joint work in 2024, (3) how to accelerate the delivery of the Economic and Investment Plan for the Eastern Partnership and (4) how to increase cooperation with regions such as Central Asia and the Western Balkans and synergies with other regional policies such as the Black Sea Synergy.


The EU, Member States and partners will step up their efforts to implement the Eastern Partnership’s agenda for recovery, resilience and reform, as well as tackling challenges related to the ongoing consequences of the Russian war against Ukraine for the entire region.


Ministers discussed areas of cooperation, including connectivity, transport, energy, green and digital transition, and human rights, civil society, rule of law, and security matters.


Ministers expressed support for concrete deliverables for 2024, notably in the area of regional roaming, road safety and transport.


Ministers were addressed by the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum.

ENDS

Press contacts Maria Daniela LenzuPress officer +32 470 88 04 02 +32 2 281 21 46Twitter @daniela_lenzu




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12 Dec 2023 09:48:28 GMT Public Sector & Legal
<![CDATA[ FASTER, MORE FLEXIBLE, BETTER QUALITY: JLR TO DIGITALLY TRANSFORM ORGANISATION THROUGH PARTNERSHIP WITH TATA COMMUNICATIONS ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/faster-more-flexible-better-quality-jlr-to-digitally-transform-organisation-through-partnership-with-tata-communications-4cdbe5ee07e7f09823d8d178e1e0e7c2/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/faster-more-flexible-better-quality-jlr-to-digitally-transform-organisation-through-partnership-with-tata-communications-4cdbe5ee07e7f09823d8d178e1e0e7c2/ Tuesday 12 December, 2023

JLR is partnering with Tata Communications, the global commtech (communications technology) player, to future-proof its digital transformation and pave the way for new standards such as Industry 4.0 and advanced analytics.


The partnership will power the production of JLR's next-generation vehicles, a key part of its Reimagine strategy, and provide the connectivity foundation for the next phase of digital transformation for the organisation.


Tata Communications will deploy its cloud-first, software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) technology, connecting all JLR's 128 sites worldwide. This advanced global connected capability - between JLR's global HQ and its plants, warehouses, sales centres, data centres and cloud services, will significantly boost supply chain efficiency and security.


The transformation will enable JLR to bring in AI-powered and real-time data capturing, monitoring and analysis to improve production line performance. Through predictive risk management controls, the carmaker will be able to identify potential anomalies more effectively - driving greater efficiencies while also helping assure vehicle quality build.


Further, this partnership will significantly shorten the time to upgrade manufacturing processes, strengthen operational resilience and increase agility to meet production demands. JLR estimates significant cost savings along with business benefits through scale and security. Tata Communications has already commenced implementation of the network transformation program and will complete the deployment by 2025.


"This is an exciting phase in the digital transformation of our business, leveraging the technologies and capabilities of Tata Communications that will leapfrog our networks into the future."Moving to SD-WAN means we can use AI powered automation to predict vulnerabilities, proactively intervene, prevent issues and perform more effectively on a global scale across our network. The cutting-edge connectivity platform will help us build the world-class ecosystem we need to deliver modern luxury vehicles and remarkable driving experiences."


TONY BATTLE
JLR GROUP CHIEF DIGITAL AND INFORMATION OFFICER

"JLR is a global hallmark for automotive luxury and innovation. As the industry rapidly evolves, it's an exciting time to further strengthen our relationship and support its digital transformation strategy. Tata Communications is deploying a 'digital fabric', comprising our agile infrastructure, platforms and managed services, that will help integrate JLR's systems, workforce, suppliers, stakeholders and customers across the globe, delivering a seamless flow of data to enrich key aspects of the business ecosystem."This partnership will also further our combined commitment to sustainability, as we join forces with JLR to digitally transform the production line of their next generation vehicles."


SUMEET WALIA
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF SALES & MARKETING OFFICER

This partnership is a further example of JLR accelerating delivery of its Reimagine strategy through collaboration with leaders in their fields, while driving synergies and business excellence within the wider Tata Group.


FURTHER INFORMATION

Media Enquiries:


Humairaa Tedds


Global External Corporate Communications Senior Officer


E: hteladia@jaguarlandrover.com


T: +44 (0) 2475 361000


Tata Communications: 


Amit Sinha Roy 


Global Head, Alliances and Communications


E: amit.sinharoy@tatacommunications.com


NOTES TO EDITORS

About JLR


JLR's Reimagine strategy is delivering a sustainability-rich vision of modern luxury by design. 


We are transforming our business to become carbon net zero across our supply chain, products, and operations by 2039. We have set a roadmap to reduce emissions across our own operations and value chains by 2030 through approved, science-based targets. Electrification is central to this strategy and before the end of the decade our Range Rover, Discovery, Defender collections will each have a pure electric model, while Jaguar will be entirely electric.  


At heart we are a British company, with two design and engineering sites, three vehicle manufacturing facilities, an engine manufacturing centre, and a battery assembly centre in the UK. We also have vehicle plants in China, Brazil, India, Austria, and Slovakia, as well as seven technology hubs across the globe.    


JLR is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Motors Limited, part of Tata Sons. 


About Tata Communications


A part of the Tata Group, Tata Communications (NSE: TATACOMM; BSE: 500483) is a global digital ecosystem enabler powering today's fast-growing digital economy in more than 190 countries and territories. Leading with trust, it enables digital transformation of enterprises globally with collaboration and connected solutions, core and next gen connectivity, cloud hosting and security solutions and media services. 300 of the Fortune 500 companies are its customers and the company connects businesses to 80% of the world's cloud giants. For more information, please visit www.tatacommunications.com


TATA and TATA COMMUNICATIONS are trademarks of Tata Sons Private Limited in India and certain other countries.




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12 Dec 2023 09:45:33 GMT Motoring Transport & Logistics
<![CDATA[ Brown & Brown (Europe) Limited Acquires South Wales Broker R McGee ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/brown-brown-europe-limited-acquires-south-wales-broker-r-mcgee-6550742f9dd6d966a0e7736fe91d6fd9/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/brown-brown-europe-limited-acquires-south-wales-broker-r-mcgee-6550742f9dd6d966a0e7736fe91d6fd9/ Tuesday 12 December, 2023

Brown & Brown (Europe) Limited ("Brown & Brown") has acquired 100% of the share capital of R McGee Insurance Brokers Limited ("R McGee"), a personal and commercial lines broker based in Maesteg, Glamorgan.


Family-run broker R McGee has served individuals and businesses in South Wales since 1974. It is headed by MD Andrew McGee, supported by fellow directors Julie (Andrew's wife) and son Simon.


The business will report to Matt Hartigan, Brown & Brown Retail Director and CEO of Higos, Brown & Brown's broker for the South West.


Hartigan said: "At Brown & Brown, we love family businesses, and McGee is no exception."


"Andrew, Julie and Simon's business is an object lesson in how to build a successful community broker predicated on high-quality service and a deep understanding of the community where the firm operates."


He added: "It's great that they have agreed to commit their future to Brown & Brown, and we look forward to giving the team all the additional support they need to take R McGee to the next level."


Andrew McGee said: "We're looking forward to putting our future and those of our customers into the hands of Brown & Brown."


"The family ethos that runs through the business even now was apparent in our discussions with Matt, and that was an important factor in our decision to sell."


"Matt painted a compelling picture of the opportunities ahead for ourselves and our customers and clients, and we're excited to be a part of it."


The McGee office in Maesteg will remain in place, and the entire team will move across to become Brown & Brown teammates.


The deal has received regulatory approval, and the consideration is undisclosed.


About Brown & Brown (Europe) Limited


Brown & Brown (Europe) Limited operates retail broking, specialist MGA, network and Lloyd's businesses, enabling the business to serve the growing insurance and risk management needs of its customers. Brown & Brown (Europe) is an operating unit of Brown & Brown, Inc.'s Retail segment. 


About Brown & Brown, Inc.


Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO) is a leading insurance brokerage firm, delivering risk management solutions to individuals and businesses since 1939. With 16,000+ teammates in approximately 500 locations worldwide, we are committed to providing innovative strategies to help protect what our customers value most.




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12 Dec 2023 09:43:36 GMT Business & Finance
<![CDATA[ Tourist Arrivals To Spain Exceeded 8.1 Million In October, 7.8% More Than In The Same Month In 2019 (Before The Pandemic) ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/tourist-arrivals-to-spain-exceeded-81-million-in-october-78-more-than-in-the-same-month-in-2019-before-the-pandemic-32c1421d3df1d40c72c00430a94275ae/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/tourist-arrivals-to-spain-exceeded-81-million-in-october-78-more-than-in-the-same-month-in-2019-before-the-pandemic-32c1421d3df1d40c72c00430a94275ae/ Tuesday 12 December, 2023
Tourist Arrivals To Spain Exceeded 8.1 Million In October, 7.8% More Than In The Same Month In 2019 (Before The Pandemic)

The number of tourists visiting Spain continues to grow. In October, 8.17 million international tourists visited our country, 13.9% more than in October 2022 and 7.8% more than in October 2019, considered the pre-pandemic reference year. In the first ten months of the year, 74.7 million tourists chose our country to enjoy their holidays, a figure that is already above the accumulated figure for 2019 (up 0.2%) and which is 18.2% higher than the accumulated figure for the same period last year, according to data published today by the National Statistics Institute (INE).


In addition, Spain once again broke its record for tourist spending in October. Foreign visitors brought in 10.308 billion euros, up 23.9% on the best figure recorded in the same month of 2019, and up 24% on 2022. Moreover, during the first ten months of 2023, spending increased 24% compared to 2022, totalling 94.916 billion euros.


For the Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, these figures show that "we are transforming the historical nature of our tourism: Spain is still the leader, the recovery of the sector is absolute and full, but we are diversifying and deseasonalising flows, which results in a more sustainable tourism that is less dependent on the high summer season".


Average spending per traveller and average stay - two figures that illustrate higher quality tourism and are the focus of the Ministry of Industry and Tourism's policy efforts - also offer encouraging figures. Each tourist spent an average of 1,260 euros in October, 9.8% more than last year and 14.9% more than in 2019. Spending per day also reflects this growth, reaching 185 euros, 15% more than in 2019 and up 10.6% year-on-year.


THE US CONTINUES TO GROW STRONGLY

The UK continues to top the list of tourist source countries in October, with 1,712,267 tourists, up 12.2% on October 2022.


Germany and France, in that order, are the next countries with the most tourists visiting Spain. Germany brings 1,144,516 visitors, 8% more than in October last year. France, for its part, has provided 997,926 tourists, 9% more than in October 2022.


Among the other countries of residence, the strong year-on-year growth of tourists from the United States stands out, with 25.7% more arrivals than in the same month last year. The 397,795 travellers from the US are a reward for the ministry's policy efforts to attract long-haul markets, whose stays - and, therefore, their spending - tend to be longer.


CATALONIA, MAIN DESTINATION

Catalonia was the main destination chosen by tourists in October, with 20.4% of the total. This was followed by the Balearic Islands (18.0%) and the Canary Islands (15.5%).


The number of tourists visiting Catalonia increased by 12.2% to close to 1.7 million. A total of 1.5 million tourists arrived in the Balearic Islands, 9.0% more than in October 2022. The third main destination by community according to the number of tourists was the Canary Islands, with 1.3 million and an annual increase of 7.2%.


In the first ten months of 2023, the communities that received the most tourists were Catalonia (with 15.8 million and an increase of 21.1% compared with the same period in 2022), the Balearic Islands (with almost 14 million and an increase of 8.7%) and the Canary Islands (with 11.2 million, an increase of 13.2%).


In terms of spending, in the accumulated period up to October the communities that have benefited most are Catalonia (with 19.4% of the total), the Balearic Islands (18.2%) and the Canary Islands (17.2%).


Non official translation




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12 Dec 2023 09:39:42 GMT Travel & Tourism
<![CDATA[ Extinct in the Wild antelope bought back from brink of extinction ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/extinct-in-the-wild-antelope-bought-back-from-brink-of-extinction-d602e6f48242f297b62eb84f4ce4ecac/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/extinct-in-the-wild-antelope-bought-back-from-brink-of-extinction-d602e6f48242f297b62eb84f4ce4ecac/ Tuesday 12 December, 2023

Extinct in the Wild antelope bought back from brink of extinction



Scimitar horned oryx downlisted to Endangered by IUCN – marks first species in global Extinct in the Wild initiative to be downlisted




Scimitar-horned oryx being released to Chad after becoming extinct in the wild – the result of a global collaborative breeding programme. (c) ZSL






An antelope whose species was declared Extinct in the Wild has today (Monday 11 December 2023) been downlisted to Endangered – the direct result of a globally coordinated effort supported by international conservation charity ZSL.


The scimitar horned oryx, (Oryx dammah), also called the Sahara oryx, was once widespread across North Africa, but in the 1980’s the population began to plummet - largely due to the antelopes being hunted for their horns and meat. In 2000, the species was declared Extinct in the Wild by the IUCN Red List.






Today, thanks to a conservation partnership coordinated by the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD) supported by ZSL, its fate has been reversed – the first species from ZSL’s Extinct in the Wild global initiative to be downlisted.


The EAD coordinated global conservation organisations to reintroduce the scimitar horned oryx, which since the launch has seen 510 scimitar-horned oryx calves born in the wild in Chad. The IUCN Red List downlisting recognises the successful establishment of the self-sustaining population which now thrives within Chad’s Ouadi Rimé, at the Ouadi Achim Faunal Reserve – with animals from leading conservation zoos - including ZSL’s Whipsnade Zoo - contributing to the founding herd.








In February 2023, ZSL scientists published a study showing that conservation zoos have the powerful potential to reverse extinction. Published in the Journal Science - the world’s leading outlet for cutting edge science - the research was the first to comprehensively evaluate the 95 extinct in the wild animals and plants that since 1950 have only survived in human care. The scimitar horned oryx is the first species evaluated in the study to subsequently have its status downlisted to Endangered.


Dr Andrew Terry, Director of Conservation and Policy at ZSL and co-author of the study said: “At a time when biodiversity is being lost at unprecedented rates, the return of the scimitar horned oryx can give us hope for other species whose fate is – quite literally – in our hands.








“The Extinct in the Wild global initiative recognises the vast collaborative efforts of zoos, aquariums and botanic gardens – working alongside governments and partners responsible for wild habitats – to prevent the extinction of species such as these. To have the fate of the flagship species for the initiative dramatically reversed proves the potential for the other species surviving only in zoos and reinforces the need for urgent support from funders and policy makers."




Recognising the plummeting wild population, an ambitious recovery project was started in 1985 where ZSL worked alongside organisations including the Sahara Conservation Fund (SCF) to carry out early feasibility studies to ensure any reintroduction stood the best chance of success. One of several global partners providing key support, ZSL has continued to provide scientific and conservation support to the reintroduction programme since.



Acknowledging that the scimitar horned oryx’ comeback was not an overnight success story, ZSL’s senior conservation biologist Tim Wacher, who has supported the post-release monitoring of the oryx population, said: “The return of the scimitar horned oryx is the result of a long-term conservation effort for the species – following in-depth, careful preparation, and championed and supported by the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi.

  “All Saharan antelope species are severely threatened, but this project is proof that with the right will and resources, we can secure a future for them all.”












Professor John Ewen, researcher at ZSL’s Institute of Zoology and senior author of ZSL’s Extinct in the Wild study, said: “The success of the globally coordinated conservation effort to restore the Scimitar horned oryx to Chad demonstrates the power of collaboration, but each Extinct in the Wild species is unique in how secure it is from extinction and what is needed for reestablishment of wild populations, so saving them requires specific actions tailored to each species.


“Projects like the Scimitar horned oryx show that reversing the fate of these species is possible - we just need to be able to give the same resource and commitment to the other Extinct in the Wild species that survive only under human care.”


The remarkable comeback of the scimitar horned oryx represents the restoration of not just a species, but a whole ecosystem through the role they play in it. Maintaining grasslands in their native Chad through grazing and preventing the spread of desertification – their reintroduction is a nature-based solution helping to tackle the local impacts of climate change.



Dr Terry concluded: “At ZSL, we know that if we are to truly tackle the issues facing our planet then we must stop treating biodiversity loss and climate change as two separate threats – you cannot solve one without the other. As globally important discussions conclude at COP28 this week, we must take a moment to celebrate this huge conservation success and use it to galvanise world leaders to drive future change and success.”





To find out more about the work of conservation charity ZSL, visit www.zsl.org





-ENDS-




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12 Dec 2023 09:28:44 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals
<![CDATA[ Transport for the North launches consultation on transforming the North’s transport ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/transport-for-the-north-launches-consultation-on-transforming-the-norths-transport-c69b035e737bc5502cf49d50ecb3296c/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/transport-for-the-north-launches-consultation-on-transforming-the-norths-transport-c69b035e737bc5502cf49d50ecb3296c/ Thursday 25 May, 2023
Investment could create an economy in the North that would be £118bn p.a. larger in 2050 than current forecast estimates

Transport for the North (TfN) is today (Thursday 25 May) launching a 12-week statutory-consultation for its revised Strategic Transport Plan (STP) for the North of England.


The STP sets out the case to transform the North’s transport system and will be used, after consultation, to shape the statutory body's advice to government on the transport priorities for the North of England. It will form the blueprint for ensuring that economic investment will also decarbonise our transport system and create more opportunities in the North for the coming decades.


TfN wants to hear from everyone in the North. We are urging members of the public to submit their feedback on the North’s plan for strategic transport infrastructure, which will be analysed and fed into the final STP that will go before the North’s political and business leaders later this year for approval.


The 12-week consultation runs from Thursday 25 May to Thursday 17 August. As well as attending local partner meetings right across the region, TfN will be holding drop-in events virtually and in-person to hear views on the STP.


To attend any of the below drop-in sessions, please visit our website to register:





Friday 16 June - Holiday Inn, Manchester (11am-3pm)Wednesday 5 July - The Queens Hotel, Leeds (11am-3pm)Friday 14 July - The Royal Station Hotel, Newcastle (11am-3pm)Monday 31 July - Virtual Workshop, details on TfN website (11am-3pm)

The public can also take part by visiting the virtual consultation room on TfN’s website.


The revised STP’s vision has been updated to reflect a wider set of outcomes the North wants to achieve by 2050. At its core, is a clear vision for the North’s transport network, supported by three strategic ambitions: transforming economic performance, rapid decarbonisation of the transport network and significantly reducing transport related social exclusion.


It includes metrics, underpinned by a robust monitoring and evaluation strategy, to measure our progress year-on-year, bringing a ‘golden thread’ between activities and outcomes. A major step forward from the previous plan, it means the revised STP:


Includes a “right share” metric that will support efforts to reduce car dependency and create the capacity required to accommodate growth on our public transport networks


Explicitly recognises the scale of change required in accessibility to unlock opportunity and reduce social exclusion


Sets out our pathway for near zero emissions from surface transport in the North of England by 2045


Puts in place a long-term ambition to double the share of freight carried by rail.


Lord McLoughlin, Chair of Transport for the North, said:


Over the next 12 weeks we want to hear from as many people as possible as part of our consultation for the strategic transport plan, on how we should transform transport in the North. Your views, comments and feedback will help us shape the plan to deliver the outcomes needed by citizens, businesses, and places across the region.


Our Strategic Transport Plan will set out our advice to government on how best the North, speaking with one voice, thinks we can reach a sustainable, socially inclusive transport network for the future.


We need to change how we plan for, develop, invest, and deliver transport infrastructure and services. The evidence in this STP shows how with sustained investment, the right policy levers and enabling behaviour change, we can truly transform the North.


The final STP is due to be published in early 2024 and will lay the foundations for the transport infrastructure investment for the North for decades to come. This is why it’s vital we hear from as many people as possible, so please visit our website or attend one of our workshops near you. And don’t miss your opportunity to have your say on how we transform the North.”




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25 May 2023 11:52:35 GMT Transport & Logistics Travel & Tourism
<![CDATA[ £1M RAISED FOR MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT EMERGENCY GRANTS APPEAL ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/1m-raised-for-macmillan-cancer-support-emergency-grants-appeal-b7bae1ca2af53c2266b016d905f4d1da/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/1m-raised-for-macmillan-cancer-support-emergency-grants-appeal-b7bae1ca2af53c2266b016d905f4d1da/ Friday 19 May, 2023

Pub company and brewer Greene King has today announced it has raised £1m for Macmillan Cancer Support’s Emergency Grants Appeal, a pledge it made at the start of 2023.


The funds raised through charity activity in over 1,600 Greene King pubs, hotels and restaurants and across its support centres and breweries could help almost 3,000 families with a financial grant. The money will help people living with cancer manage unexpected or additional costs related to their diagnosis during the cost-of-living crisis.




According to the leading cancer support charity, 83% of people living with cancer in the UK – almost 2.5 million people – experience some kind of financial impact from their diagnosis, and for those affected, this reaches an average of £891 a month[i].



Sal Dunford, 46, from Bolton, was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2022 aged 45, and is currently on long-term sick leave. She lives with her husband, who has had to take on a second job to keep a roof over their heads – Sal’s only income at the moment is a Personal Independence Payment.



Speaking about her current financial situation, Sal said: “Ever since receiving my cancer diagnosis the cost-of-living crisis has been relentless. My diagnosis was hard enough and with money worries on top, it’s been really, really difficult. We have no disposable income and have had to tighten our belts on food, water, travel and we haven’t been able to turn the central heating on, even when we’ve really needed it.



“When things got tough, Macmillan stepped in and was a real lifesaver, helping me keep my head above water by providing us with benefits advice and a one-off grant. I can’t tell you how helpful this was – I really don’t know where I’d be without that support.”



The charity’s Emergency Grants Appeal provides those living with cancer with practical financial assistance – helping them to pay necessary expenses such as fuel to get to hospital appointments, or support with food and heating bills.



The number of people with cancer supported by a Macmillan grant in the first three months of this year jumped to more than 13,000, an increase of 28% compared with the same time last year[ii].



Nick Mackenzie, CEO at Greene King, said, “We’ve been proud partners of Macmillan Cancer support for over ten years now. In that time, we’ve seen some incredible stories of our team members going above and beyond to raise money to support people living with cancer.



“This huge fundraising achievement is thanks to the power of all the many smaller donations that happen daily across our pubs, from the £1 dropped into the collection tin on the bar, to the 25p donations that are added at the till, they all add up and really make a difference. It’s no surprise that our generous customers and passionate teams have come together once again and raised the £1m in just a few short months.



Claire Rowney Executive Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Innovation, at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We couldn’t be more grateful and proud of everyone at Greene King for raising an incredible £1 million for Macmillan’s Emergency Grants Appeal.



“Macmillan Grants are a lifeline for so many and the funds raised by Greene King will help us support even more people living with cancer through the cost-of-living crisis.



This is yet again another amazing achievement from Greene King colleagues. I would like to thank them for their phenomenal fundraising efforts and their continued commitment to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer.”



Greene King has supported Macmillan since 2012, raising over £14.5m in the last 11 years of its partnership with the cancer charity.

[1] Macmillan Cancer Support/Truth survey of 1,329 adults who have received a cancer diagnosis. Fieldwork was undertaken between 13th January and 7th February 2020. The survey was carried out online. Sample is weighted to represent national population of people who have received a cancer diagnosis in terms of demographics (age, gender, region) and cancer type/time since diagnosis using prevalence data. The research shows that 83% of people with cancer in the UK experience some kind of financial impact of cancer, and for those affected, the average monthly amount at their most financially challenging time is £891. This is a weighted average, taking into account both loss of income and increased costs. Please note this research pre-dates both the Covid-19 pandemic and the current cost of living crisis, both of which have further increased financial pressures on many people with cancer



[1] Macmillan Cancer Support internal data. From Sunday 1st January 2023 to Friday 31st March 2023 inclusive, Macmillan gave out grants to 13,382 people with cancer. The total number of people with cancer who were supported with a grant during the equivalent period in 2022 was 10,421





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19 May 2023 12:24:12 GMT Charities & non-profits Food & Drink
<![CDATA[ REVEALED: Creamfields Festival is named the UK's most Instagrammable festival ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/revealed-creamfields-festival-is-named-the-uks-most-instagrammable-festival-11e3979720a1a3d5c6ac661e6cec1bc8/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/revealed-creamfields-festival-is-named-the-uks-most-instagrammable-festival-11e3979720a1a3d5c6ac661e6cec1bc8/ Wednesday 26 April, 2023
Creamfields is the UK's most Instagrammable festival, with over 487,750 hashtags on Instagram Glastonbury Festival is the second most popular festival for Instagram users Boardmasters is the third most Instagrammable UK festival

According to new research, Creamfields is the most Instagrammable festival in the UK.




Experts at Boohoo dove into Instagram stats and analysed the number of Instagram hashtags for the most popular UK festivals to see which ones are the most favourable on social media. 



Creamfields Festival



Creamfields festival is the most Instagrammable festival in the UK, with over 487,750 hashtags for ‘#creamfields’ on Instagram. The festival is spread across two weekends in two different locations: Creamfields North which is held in Daresbury, Cheshire, from 24th-27th August and Creamfields South, located in Hylands Park, Chelmsford and will take place from 26th-28th May. Since the festival's 25th anniversary last year, the festival began its double site weekend, which has bought in more attraction from UK festivalgoers solidifying its first-place ranking.



No matter what will be in fashion in May and August, one thing’s for sure is that festival attendees will undoubtedly have their outfits ready to go. With the scorching August sun sure to make an appearance, Creamfields festival goers will have plenty of time to put together their looks which will undoubtedly be posted on social media.



Glastonbury Festival



Glastonbury festival takes second place, with the hashtag '#glastonburyfestival' used on over 181,410 Instagram posts. The five-day festival takes place in Pilton, Somerset, from 21st- 25th June and has been the home of some of the most iconic festival performances the UK has ever seen, and this year will welcome some of the world's most popular artists, including Elton John, Arctic Monkeys, Lizzo and Lewis Capaldi.



Fashion at Glastonbury has famously been taken over by notorious downpours of rain and miles of mud, but with this comes the experience that many Glastonbury fans will know about, and that is how to dress in style come rain or shine. In these previous rainy years, colourful waterproof jackets and knee-high wellies have been the go-to, as well as leather jackets and cowboy hats.



Boardmasters Festival


Held on Fistral Beach in Cornwall, Boardmasters is the third most Instagrammable festival in the UK and the only festival in the rankings to be held on a beach. The event has a capacity of 53,000 and will take place from the 9th – 13th of August this year. The festival has proved its popularity on Instagram, with the hashtag '#boardmasters' being used on over 117,948 posts, putting it in third place.




This beachside festival is an ideal setting for surfer-chic festivalgoers who want to create effortlessly cool beach vibes into their sunny weekend. Many festival attendees opt for incorporating swimwear into their festival outfits and accessorising with jewellery such as pearl necklaces and anklets.



Wireless Festival



Wireless festival, which is held 7th – 9th July, takes fourth place in the rankings and will take place over one weekend at Finsbury Park in London. The hashtag '#wirelessfestival' has been used on over 99,789 Instagram posts proving just how popular the festival is on social media.



Wireless is well known for its cool aesthetic, and it is predicted that Finsbury Park will see a lot of cargo-style pieces this year. Coordinating outfits are also a go-to for a wireless attendee, which is easy and makes a whole look seem effortless.



Isle of Wight Festival



The Isle of Wight festival, presented by cinch, puts Seaclose Park, Isle of Wight, in fifth place by the hashtag '#isleofwightfestival' being used on over 59,651 posts on Instagram. The festival will take place this year on the 15th – 18th June this summer and has an estimated capacity of between 150,000 – 250,000 attendees.



Isle of Wight festival is known for its love for rock and pop music which is also expressed through fan's outfits during the weekend. Many tend to opt for a classic graphic tee or dress alongside distressed denim, which is always a favourite for attendees.



BST Hyde Park


American Express presents BST Hyde Park will see London's Hyde Park become the place to be this summer from 24th June – 8th July on set days. The 10-day event, seen across three weekends and this year, will see headliners Take That, BLACKPINK, P!NK and Guns and Roses. The hashtag '#bsthydepark' has been used on over 59,389 posts on Instagram, which puts the festival in sixth position.



BEST Hyde Park has no genre when it comes to fashion, which is why it is exciting to anticipate how those attending will style themselves this year. It is predicted that this summer, trends like sheer dresses, thin textured knits and low-rise everything.



Wilderness Festival



In seventh position is Wilderness Festival, held in Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire, from 3rd – 6th August. The festival is a four-day boutique weekend which explores the Arts, well-being, food and, of course, music. Wilderness welcomes over 20,000 to join in the excitement over the first weekend of August and has become increasingly popular on Instagram over the past few years, with the hashtag '#wildernessfestival' on over 45,865 posts.



Wilderness is well known for its themed days, which occur over the weekend. This year the themes are yet to be announced, which makes it harder to plan for the occasion, but knowing the Wilderness, they will not hold back. Themes from the past years have included ‘all things gold’ and ‘eclectic geometric’, which prove just how bold and eccentric the festival is.



Camp Bestival



Camp Bestival will be held across two weekends this year in both Dorset on 27th-30th July at Lulworth Castle and Shropshire on 17th-20th August at Weston Park. The festival's fans exploded on Instagram with 45,865 posts for ‘#campbestival’, which places the family-friendly ‘festi-holiday’ in eighth place.



This family-friendly event is undoubtedly one to bring out flowy summer dresses and bold-colourful outfits. In previous years, posts on Instagram reflect the fun-loving and outgoing vibe of the weekend, so all things glitter, bright and bubbly are the way to go for a Camp Bestival outfit.



Latitude Festival


Held in the surrounds of Henham Park in Suffolk, Latitude festival ranks as the ninth most Instagrammable festival, with the hashtag ‘#latitudefestival’ totalling 36,878 posts. The popular festival, which will be held 20th – 23rd July, has been running for over 15 years and is best known for exploring music, science, theatre, podcasts, wellness and family activities.



This festival is the perfect place to be extravagant and colourful, with many in previous years opting for flashy colours and textures; anything goes is the motto for this festival.




Y Not Festival


Derbyshire’s Y Not festival is held from 28th July – 30th July, and with over 16 years of celebrations, the festival has solidified its popularity within the UK festival scene. The hashtag ‘#ynotfestival’ has 21,626 posts shared on Instagram, putting the festival in tenth place. The festival was originally planned as a house party back in 2005 when organiser Ralph Broadbent relocated to a quarry site, the festival now invites over 15,000 fans to enjoy the music and celebrate over the late July weekend.



Y Not Festival is a pop, indie and rock-themed festival which is perfect for those who love to dress grungy and bold, as well as those who prefer a more relaxed and boho-style approach.


A spokesperson from Boohoo commented:




“UK festivalgoers have made quite an impact on Instagram over the years, sharing their festival snaps and videos from some of the most anticipated and famous UK festivals during the summer.


Alongside sharing photos of the artists that may have headlined, there has been a rise in interest in sharing 'festival fashion' snaps, with influencers and celebrities showing fans their thoughtfully pieced-together outfits in the hopes of gaining likes and attraction towards their pages."




The Instagrammable UK Festivals



Rank

Festival

Hashtag

Number of Hashtags

1

Creamfields

#creamfields

487,750

2

Glastonbury

#glastonburyfestival

181,410

3

Boardmasters Festival

#boardmasters

117,948

4

Wireless Festival

#wirelessfestival

99,789

5

cinch presents the Isle of Wight Festival

#isleofwightfestival

59,651

6

American Express presents BST Hyde Park

#bsthydepark

59,389

7

Wilderness Festival

#wildernessfestival

45,865

8

Camp Bestival

#campbestival

45,850

9

Latitude Festival

#latitudefestival

36,878

10

Y Not Festival

#ynotfestival

21,626





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26 Apr 2023 18:10:17 GMT Business & Finance Entertainment & Arts
<![CDATA[ Binance P2P Now Enables African Users in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Mauritania & Cape Verde Transact Cryptocurrencies; Opens Merchant Applications ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/binance-p2p-now-enables-african-users-in-liberia-sierra-leone-gambia-mauritania-cape-verde-transact-cryptocurrencies-opens-merchant-applications-8c1214e1fe262402817ff7cd86de38df/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/binance-p2p-now-enables-african-users-in-liberia-sierra-leone-gambia-mauritania-cape-verde-transact-cryptocurrencies-opens-merchant-applications-8c1214e1fe262402817ff7cd86de38df/ Thursday 2 March, 2023

PARIS, France, March 2, 2023/ -- Binance (www.Binance.com), the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider, today announced that it has added support for more African currencies including the Liberian Dollar (LRD), Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL), Gambian Dalasi (GMD), Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRO) & Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE) as it expands its product offerings and bolsters its presence on the continent. This development will enable users in these regions to make direct cryptocurrency transactions with other users in their preferred payment method, local currency and price without needing a third party or intermediary.Users are now able to trade and post trade advertisements in LRD, SLL, GMD, MRO and CVE, or directly trade BTC, USDT, ETH, BNB and BUSD with other users using these fiat currencies at zero fees.“Binance has continued to remain committed to increasing the adoption and mainstream accessibility of crypto and we are excited to be taking this step in making access to digital assets effortless for more Africans.” said Nadeem Anjarwalla, Director for Binance in West & East Africa.Additionally, users who have a stable source of cryptocurrencies, as well as LRD, SLL, GMD, MRO and CVE can now become merchants (https://p2p.binance.com/en/merchantApplication) on Binance P2P. As programme members, they will receive exclusive customer support, verified badges and access to advanced trading tools. Furthermore, they can enjoy VIP discounts and zero fees on the platform.Apply HERE (https://p2p.binance.com/en/merchantApplication)Binance launched in July 2017 as a crypto-to-crypto exchange and within six months, became the world’s largest crypto exchange. Today, Binance is a global blockchain ecosystem spanning across trading services, infrastructure solutions, educational resources, research, social good and charitable programs, investment and incubation initiatives, and more. By providing access to broad financial tools while maintaining one of the lowest fees in the business, Binance is making crypto accessible to everyone in Africa and beyond.Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.


About Binance:Binance is the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider with a financial product suite that includes the largest digital asset exchange by volume. Trusted by millions worldwide, the Binance platform is dedicated to increasing the freedom of money for users, and features an unmatched portfolio of crypto products and offerings, including: trading and finance, education, data and research, social good, investment and incubation, decentralization and infrastructure solutions, and more. For more information, visit: www.Binance.com


Media Contacts:Binance: pr@binance.com


SOURCEBinance




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02 Mar 2023 20:14:57 GMT Business & Finance Crypto Currency
<![CDATA[ Türkiye and Syria earthquakes - Statement by WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/trkiye-and-syria-earthquakes-statement-by-who-regional-director-for-europe-dr-hans-henri-p-kluge-8a670aa9ad40040d1199a57213e8ab29/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/trkiye-and-syria-earthquakes-statement-by-who-regional-director-for-europe-dr-hans-henri-p-kluge-8a670aa9ad40040d1199a57213e8ab29/ Tuesday 14 February, 2023

First and foremost, on behalf of all of us at the WHO Regional Office for Europe, and our WHO Country Office in Türkiye, I would like to reiterate our heartfelt condolences to the people of Türkiye and Syria.


Your suffering is immense. Your grief profound. WHO stands with you in your hour of need – and always.


As of now, more than 31,000 people have lost their lives to the earthquakes in Türkiye. The number of injured – almost 100,000 people.


Across the border in northwest Syria, the death toll is nearly 5,000. All of these figures will likely rise.


We have, at the same time, been witnessing miraculous rescue efforts by teams of heroic Turkish responders working around the clock, in a desperate race against time. We are inspired by them and draw strength from their efforts. Yesterday, they saved Miray, a young girl living in Adiyaman, from the rubble of a block of flats. She had been trapped for 178 hours.


At WHO, we have been urging all parties – government and civil society alike - to work together to ensure cross-border delivery of humanitarian aid, between Türkiye and Syria and within Syria itself.


The needs are huge, increasing by the hour. Some 26 million people across both countries need humanitarian assistance.


We – working with many partners - are supporting the massive humanitarian response to save lives, treat the injured, and crucially, help get the health system – particularly primary health care - back up and running, however daunting that seems at the present moment.


Over the past week we have:


Dispatched three charter flights packed with emergency kits and medical supplies destined for both Syria and Türkiye – enough to treat 400,000 people as well as conduct 120,000 urgent surgeries and more supplies are on the way. We have deployed technical surge teams to the disaster zone to conduct urgent public health needs assessments and support our existing field offices in the area. We have initiated the deployment of emergency medical teams;We have released 16 million dollars from our Contingency Fund for Emergencies to help people in need.

Just over a week since this terrible tragedy, there are also growing concerns over emerging health issues linked to the cold weather, hygiene and sanitation, and the spread of infectious diseases - with vulnerable people especially at risk.


We stand beside Minister of Health Dr Fahrettin Koca and the Turkish Ministry of Health, who report that critical vaccine supplies – including against tetanus and rabies – have been sent to the quake zone and mobile pharmacies have begun operating.


In Türkiye, an estimated one million people have lost their homes and are living in temporary shelters. According to the Turkish authorities, an estimated 80,000 people are in hospital, placing a huge strain on the health system, itself badly damaged by the disaster.


The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a $43 million appeal to support the earthquake response in Syria and Türkiye, but I expect this to at least double over the coming days, as we get a better assessment of the massive scale of this crisis and the needs.


This money will be used to:


Ensure access to the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations Provide trauma care and post-trauma rehabilitation, Provide essential medicines and emergency kits to fill urgent healthcare gaps, Deliver vital mental and psychosocial support to the affected populations, and Ensure continuity of routine health services, especially for women, children, the elderly, and those with noncommunicable diseases.

We have initiated the largest deployment of Emergency Medical Teams in the WHO European Region in our 75-year history.


22 emergency medical teams have arrived in Türkiye so far. These specialized teams from 19 countries will integrate into Türkiye’s ongoing health response, providing critical emergency care.


Their immediate priority will be to support the many hospitals and medical facilities that have been damaged, working particularly to deal with the high number of trauma patients and catastrophic injuries.


Now is the time for the international community to show the same generosity that Türkiye has shown to other nations globally over the years. The country is home to the largest refugee population in the world, 4.2 million people from neighbouring Syria, many of whom have lost everything, again.


We are witnessing the worst natural disaster in the WHO European Region for a century. We are still learning about its magnitude. Its true cost is not known yet. Recovering and healing will take time and a phenomenal effort. But I can assure you that WHO will remain steadfast, alongside the people of Türkiye and Syria, for as long as it takes.


Thank you.


ENDS


Website: Türkiye and Syria earthquakes


https://www.who.int/europe/emergencies/situations/turkiye-and-syria-earthquakes


Photo resources for download:


https://photos.euro.who.int/galleries/380/media-trkiyesyria-earthquakes-2023


WHO/Europe Press Office:


eupress@who.int




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14 Feb 2023 11:37:15 GMT Business & Finance Charities & non-profits Education & Human Resources Environment & Nature
<![CDATA[ Gorilla trio celebrate first Valentine’s Day together at London Zoo ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/gorilla-trio-celebrate-first-valentines-day-together-at-london-zoo-7e348c6cb32624bc429e21eff499f43a/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/gorilla-trio-celebrate-first-valentines-day-together-at-london-zoo-7e348c6cb32624bc429e21eff499f43a/ Monday 13 February, 2023

Love was in the air today at London Zoo, as keepers played matchmaker to recent arrival Kiburi and his new ladies Mjukuu and Effie - treating the Western lowland gorillas to a heart shaped piñata filled with tasty vegetables and nutritious greens.


And as they celebrate their first Valentine’s Day together, zookeepers have revealed the love match to be a resounding success.


18-year-old silverback Kiburi, who joined the conservation zoo’s troop last November as part of a European breeding programme for the Critically Endangered species, has spent the past few months settling into his new Gorilla Kingdom home and getting to know the new females in his life.


Gorilla keeper Jo Barnes said “Kiburi is definitely the strong silent type, and the girls have been working hard to get his attention - but it’s clear he has developed a real affection for Mjukuu and Effie.


“We’ve spotted them grooming him and Mjukuu, the dominant female, is often caught gazing lovingly at Kiburi - all really good signs that they’re big fans of the strapping, 181kg new gorilla in their life. All being well, we hope it won’t be long before we hear the pitter-patter of baby gorilla feet!”


The gorillas, who eat a whopping 5kg of food each per day, made a bee-line for the red pinata and once Mjukuu - clutching a bouquet of leafy greens - had pulled it open, they made short work of their special Valentine’s Day set menu, featuring a sweet potato starter, cucumber main and sweetcorn dessert.


“Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered in the wild,” Jo added. “So Kiburi getting on so well with Mjukuu and Effie is real cause for celebration - bringing this new troop of gorillas together will help protect this incredible species for the future, which is at the core of the Zoo’s conservation values.”


Western Lowland gorillas - the largest of the great apes – are native to the dense, remote rainforests of central Africa. The threats of poaching, habitat destruction and human-spread diseases have sadly decimated wild populations.



ZSL is working to protect the species at London Zoo by taking part in this vital breeding programme, while investigating wildlife diseases at ZSL’s world-leading Institute of Zoology, working with partners in the field to strengthen wildlife protection and surveillance, and empowering local communities to combat wildlife crime.


Visitors can see Kiburi and his troop, as well as almost 15,000 other incredible animals, at the iconic London conservation zoo - the perfect date-spot for all animal lovers this Valentine’s Day. Book tickets online at www.londonzoo.org.





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13 Feb 2023 10:32:19 GMT Environment & Nature Farming & Animals
<![CDATA[ London Zoo shares incredible archive x-ray images of turtles, penguins and rattlesnakes ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/london-zoo-shares-incredible-archive-x-ray-images-of-turtles-penguins-and-rattlesnakes-3fb3e27dfd68b707279dde93fa332088/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/london-zoo-shares-incredible-archive-x-ray-images-of-turtles-penguins-and-rattlesnakes-3fb3e27dfd68b707279dde93fa332088/ Wednesday 8 February, 2023

London Zoo’s veterinary team have dug into their archives to share a new series of amazing x-ray images - taken while caring for the conservation zoo’s 14,000 animals.


The striking images, shared ahead of the zoo’s half-term visitor event, Vets in Action (Saturday 11 – Sunday 19 February), show the sheer variety of work undertaken by the expert team over the past decade; from caring for Critically Endangered big-headed turtles and mountain chicken frogs to pygmy slow loris and Humboldt penguin chicks, the images reveal how their patients range far beyond the usual cats and dogs.


Sophie Sparrow, Senior Veterinary Nurse at London Zoo, said “X-rays are a vital part of the care we provide our animals at London Zoo – helping us to diagnose or pre-empt any issues they may face, so we can ensure everyone remains in tip-top condition.


“Many of the species in our care are threatened in the wild and are part of important global breeding programmes. This means we have far less medical information about them in existence than we do for domestic animals, so we share vital information from x-rays such as these with vets and conservationists around the world, helping to improve animal and veterinary care globally.”


London Zoo’s pioneering veterinary team have been integral to the iconic zoo’s science-led conservation work since the on-site clinic officially opened in 1955; the team works with zookeepers to carry out regular health checks on all London Zoo’s animals, helping to protect almost 400 species, from Critically Endangered Western lowland gorillas, to Sumatran tigers.


“A trip to the vet is a little more complicated for a lion than it is for a housecat, so we work with zookeepers to make any treatment needed as simple as possible for the animals – for example, keepers build training for healthcare into the animals’ daily routines,” Sophie explained.


“So when they need to have simple procedures, such as a blood test, animals like Bhanu, our Asiatic lion, are happy to simply offer up their tail for a blood draw, instead of having a general anaesthetic.”


The fascinating images have been shared ahead of the conservation zoo’s award-winning Vets in Action event (Saturday 11 – Sunday 19 February), where kids can join the vet team at London Zoo for a packed week of immersive family activities celebrating their incredible work.


“A lot of our team’s work takes place behind the scenes, so we’re excited to be able to share our work and inspire the next generation of vets and vet nurses with our half-term event, Vets in Action – where families can enjoy a great day out and kids can practise important veterinary skills with the help of a few soft toy friends.”


Vets in Action at London Zoo is free with Zoo entry this February half-term - visit www.londonzoo.org to book tickets. The conservation zoo is also offering £3 tickets for families on reduced incomes until March – see www.zsl.org/CAS to check eligibility and for more details.

IMAGES AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD HERE:  



https://zslondon.sharefile.com/d-s690c6e1f645a42eb997f41d9d44d2cae







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08 Feb 2023 11:09:18 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals
<![CDATA[ Transport for the North Annual Conference announced ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/transport-for-the-north-annual-conference-announced-070dd2b68fc2ba7c230349809552d486/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/transport-for-the-north-annual-conference-announced-070dd2b68fc2ba7c230349809552d486/ Wednesday 1 February, 2023
It will take place on 6 March in NewcastleNorthern leaders will meet to discuss how to Transform the North

Transport for the North (TfN) has today officially announced its fourth Annual Conference will take place on Monday 6th March in Newcastle. Norther leaders will gather under a theme how we can best ‘Transform the North’ to deliver transformational change in the public transport system and leave a legacy for future generations.


The conference comes at a crucial time when devolution is high on the political agenda and will be a timely opportunity to discuss how investment in transport infrastructure underpins efforts to 'transform' and unlock the potential of the North of England.


It will also see TfN reveal the initial findings of the Northern Powerhouse Independent Economic Review (NPIER) and our refreshed Strategic Transport Plan (STP). The conference will also see discussions on Transport for the North’s work in EV charging, Freight and Logistics, Active Travel, and Rural Mobility.


Transport is about long-term benefits, connecting people to facilitate growth and greater productivity. One of the biggest issues facing the North of England remains the need to address the decades of underinvestment in our transport system: poor and unreliable connectivity is holding our people and businesses back, constraining growth, and hampering accessibility and social mobility.


North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll said:


"I’m alarmed at how bad our transport system has got. Kids can’t get to school. I’ve heard of businesses not opening because staff can’t get to work. The North deserves better.


"Until we get a public transport system that’s as fast as a car, that’s affordable, reliable and where everyone feels safe travelling day or night, we’ll never get the economic lift off we need or tackle the climate emergency.


"Join me at the TfN’s annual conference with other leaders, industry professionals and most importantly community voices – tickets are free. With the newly agreed devolved powers on transport, we have a once in a generation opportunity to fix this."


Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said:


"In the North we’re being let down by failing train services, which are so poor they are dragging down our economies and impacting people’s day-to-day lives. We can’t allow this to continue.


"In the past few months, we’ve seen increasing focus on the needs of the North. The TfN Annual Conference will once again demonstrate how we, as Northern leaders and Northern people, are speaking together with one voice to ensure we get what we need to meet our ambitious plans for the future."


Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said:


"We’re stronger together and I’m thrilled to stand alongside fellow Northern leaders making the case for a better-connected North. Right now, we have dozens – sometimes hundreds – of rail journey cancellations each week, now is the time for the North to map its own destiny and say ‘enough is enough’ to failing operators.


"People need to travel for work, college and to see loved ones and public transport is what brings us together and connects communities. Therefore it is vital we find ways to ensure future generations can make best use of it."


Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said:


"I’m looking forward to speaking at Transport for the North’s annual conference. By working together we can collectively find ways to continue the progress we’re making in places like Teesside.


"Events like this allows us to speak with one voice about what we need from our transport infrastructure to ensure the path we tread in our region is the right one."


Martin Tugwell, Chief Executive at Transport for the North, said:


"We’re delighted to be holding Transport for the North’s fourth annual conference, setting out our ambitious vision to transform the North. At such a crucial moment, it is important that the North comes together as one to make the case for truly transformational change through investment in the North’s transport system and the need for pace, if we are to deliver economic growth that is sustainable and inclusive for the longer term.


"Our conference offers a unique moment when political and business leaders will gather in one place to meet and discuss the major issues impacting the North. And it will be an opportunity for us to discuss the refreshed NPIER and STP, which underpins the economic agenda in the North this decade."


ENDS


Contact Information


Media Relations


Media Relations


mediarelations@transportforthenorth.com


Notes to editors


You can view the agenda and confirmed speakers here. The conference agenda is evolving week by week, keep checking back to see who we have lined-up to speak.


For more information, or for image and interview requests, please email mediarelations@transportforthenorth.com or call 0161 244 1450.


Please note: Images must not be redistributed or reproduced without consent in content or articles not directly associated with Transport for the North.


All images must be credited to “Transport for the North” unless specified otherwise within the download link.


About Transport for the North


Transport for the North became England’s first Sub-national Transport Body in April 2018. We bring the North’s Local Transport Authorities and business leaders together, enabling our region to speak with one voice on the transport infrastructure investment needed to drive transformational growth and rebalance the UK economy.


Our vision is of a thriving North of England, where world class transport supports sustainable economic growth, excellent quality of life and improved opportunities for all.


We work with Network Rail, National Highways, and HS2 Ltd, and as a statutory partner to the Department for Transport, our recommendations are formally considered by Government when important transport decisions about the North are being taken.


In February 2019, we published our Strategic Transport Plan, a blueprint for how strategic investment in transport could support up to £100bn growth in GVA and create 850,000 jobs by 2050.


Find out more at: transportforthenorth.com and read our 2022/23 Business Plan.






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01 Feb 2023 13:16:38 GMT Business & Finance Transport & Logistics
<![CDATA[ Plugging in: The North must install up to 470 charge points per week by 2025 to support its decarbonisation ambitions ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/plugging-in-the-north-must-install-up-to-470-charge-points-per-week-by-2025-to-support-its-decarbonisation-ambitions-1de01879c83d12df74fe7764a03a42ca/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/plugging-in-the-north-must-install-up-to-470-charge-points-per-week-by-2025-to-support-its-decarbonisation-ambitions-1de01879c83d12df74fe7764a03a42ca/ Monday 7 November, 2022

Our evidence tells us we need up to 161,000 electric vehicle charge points across the North by 2030. Charging infrastructure disparity that’s left unresolved, could undermine the successful take-up and use of EVs.


Transport for the North (TfN) is aiming to get the North ‘plugged in’ as it today launches its bespoke regional Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) Framework.


Our data driven approach takes advantage of TfN’s powerful analytical engine to capture road user, socio-economic, land-use and housing data in one place for the first time, to provide a comprehensive and consistent view of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging needs across our region.


There are currently around 8,000 public charge points across the North, 5% of the 161,000 charging connections needed across the region by 2030 to support drivers switching to electric vehicles. TfN’s analysis indicates that up to 470 charge point installations are required per week between now and 2025, with this rising to up to 620 installations per week between 2025 and 2030.


This whole system approach advocated by TfN can help accelerate delivery across our region at this key time, identifying opportunities for scaling up EV charging investment across the North.


Working with our transport and energy partners through our regional EV Steering Group, TfN has developed the EVCI Framework to support local, regional and national partners in the strategic planning and deployment of EV charging infrastructure. In this way the Framework will help inform and enhance delivery through partnership with the private sector.


Martin Tugwell, Chief Executive of Transport for the North said:


“Our evidence is clear that we must act now if we’re to roll out the EV charging infrastructure needed to support our decarbonisation, economic, and inclusivity ambitions. Our aim is to offer a fully integrated assessment, one that accounts for the large proportion of trips which are ‘cross-boundary’ as well as looking at how our roads and charging networks can cater for the full range of journeys being made to, from and within our region.”


Electric vehicle uptake is rapidly increasing, with no new petrol and diesel cars and vans sold in the UK by 2030. Over the next decade we will need to see a rapid transition to EVs and Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs), and this requires significant investment in the charging infrastructure if we are to decarbonise transport.


“It is important that the delivery of charging infrastructure is user-centred, placed-based and outcome-focused. In this way we can ensure access to EVs is equitable, accessible and inclusive. Our approach provides the means to make better assessments about where to put the new charging points, without forgetting the needs of non-EV users.”


Simon McGlone, Senior Major Roads Planning and Strategy Officer at Transport for the North, said:


“Our EVCI framework provides a route map towards an efficient, attractive and inclusive EV charging network. It also identifies the significant requirements placed on the electricity grid and energy networks arising from the electrification of road vehicles.”


“The evidence provides local specific details while delivering a whole network view which is important when you consider the user movements across our region and further afield. Our partnership has recognised the value of understanding this cross-boundary travel across the North, to support their EVCI actions to meet demand in their local areas. This means putting the right infrastructure in the right place, at the right time – taking value-for-money, resilient and integrated decisions based on user needs. Our evidence is openly available via our interactive tool to support collaborations and partnerships which deliver the density and coverage of charge points required to support our decarbonisation ambitions.”


TfN’s EVCI framework has been developed to support local authority and national government partners in the planning and deployment of EV charging infrastructure, to underpin any public sector funding, as well as to inform and enhance any delivery through partnership with the private sector. TfN would like to thank Element Energy (an ERM Group company) and WSP for providing their expertise and support in development of this framework.


ENDS


Contact Information


Media Relations


Media Relations


mediarelations@transportforthenorth.com




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07 Nov 2022 08:05:02 GMT Transport & Logistics Travel & Tourism
<![CDATA[ India: Release Detained Myanmar Asylum Seekers ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/india-release-detained-myanmar-asylum-seekers-c720854fc2c59f4f03b601491e56f696/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/india-release-detained-myanmar-asylum-seekers-c720854fc2c59f4f03b601491e56f696/ Wednesday 28 July, 2021

Ensure Prompt Access to UN Refugee Agency for Protection(New York, July 28, 2021) – Indian authorities should immediately free all detained Myanmar asylum seekers, Human Rights Watch said today. The authorities should investigate the deaths of two women who had fled Myanmar and died in custody in Manipur state from Covid-19 in June 2021.Since Myanmar’s military coup on February 1, tens of thousands of Myanmar nationals have fled the country to escape the violent crackdown. Approximately 16,000 Myanmar nationals have crossed into India in the four bordering states – Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, the media have reported. Those fleeing include parliament members, civil servants, military and police officials, and civil society and human rights activists. Most are in hiding, afraid of being arrested. “People from Myanmar fleeing threats to their lives and liberty should be offered a safe haven in India, not detained and deprived of their rights,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “The Indian government should uphold its international legal obligations and work with the UN refugee agency to ensure prompt access to international protection mechanisms.”In June, two women from Myanmar, Ma Myint, 46, and Mukhai, 40, died from Covid-19 in a district hospital in Manipur state. Ma Myint and Mukhai were among 29 Myanmar nationals arrested on March 31 under the Foreigners Act for entering the country without valid travel documents. They were later placed in judicial custody by the district court. On July 2, the Manipur-based group Human Rights Alert wrote to the state human rights commission alleging that government officials were not providing immigration detainees with food and adequate health care, and that detainees were dependent on the charity of local civil society groups for food.Ma Myint and Mukhai were only taken to a hospital once their illness was critical, according to Human Rights Alert and both died within three days of being admitted. At least 13 other asylum seekers also contracted Covid-19 in detention in Manipur.Since February, the Myanmar junta and security forces have responded with increasing violence and repression to the nationwide anti-coup movement. Security forces have killed over 920 people and arbitrarily detained an estimated 5,300 activists, journalists, civil servants, and politicians. In March, the Indian government condemned the violence in Myanmar at the UN Security Council and called for the release of detained leaders, but at the same time the government ordered northeast border states to check the flow of “illegal immigrants from Myanmar.”The chief minister of Mizoram state, which has had the greatest influx since February, wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying this directive was unacceptable and urged the national government to instead provide asylum to the refugees.While Indian border guards have not pushed back any arrivals from Myanmar since the coup and several village councilors in northeast states have expressed a willingness to accommodate the refugees, the Modi government has provided no clarity regarding their status, local rights groups said. In addition, the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in India requires asylum seekers to travel to one of the agency’s designated centers, none of which are in the northeast, to apply for refugee status. As a result, thousands of Myanmar nationals in India fleeing persecution remain vulnerable to arrest, detention, and possible return to Myanmar.UNHCR Detention Guidelines, which draw on international law, say that government authorities may detain adult asylum seekers only “as a last resort” as a strictly necessary and proportionate measure to achieve a legitimate legal purpose based on an individual assessment. Legitimate justifications for detention should be clearly defined in law, and conform to reasons clearly recognized in international law, such as concerns about danger to the public, a likelihood of absconding, or an inability to confirm an individual’s identity. Victims of torture and other serious physical, psychological, or sexual violence should, as a general rule, not be detained.Refugees in the border states are largely dependent on civil society groups, who are providing support. Several groups have written to the national government asking it to provide humanitarian aid to the asylum seekers and ensure that specialized humanitarian agencies, including UNHCR, have unhindered access to them.On May 3, the High Court of Manipur ordered safe passage for seven Myanmar nationals, including three journalists, to Delhi so that they could seek protection from UNHCR. “They fled the country of their origin under imminent threat to their lives and liberty,” the court stated, adding “They aspire for relief under International Conventions that were put in place to offer protection and rehabilitation to refugees/asylum seekers. In such a situation, insisting that they first answer for admitted violations of our domestic laws, as a condition precedent for seeking ‘refugee’ status, would be palpably inhuman.” Although India is not a party to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, the international legal principle of nonrefoulement is recognized as customary international law binding on all countries. Nonrefoulement prohibits countries from returning anyone to a country where they may face persecution, torture, or other serious harm.Since 2017, Indian authorities have repeatedly sought to return ethnic Rohingya to Myanmar despite serious allegations of crimes against humanity and genocide by the military. In March, Indian authorities in Delhi, Jammu, and Kashmir detained dozens of Rohingya with plans to deport them to Myanmar. In April, the Supreme Court rejected a plea to stop their deportation.Many of the detained Rohingya say they hold identity documents issued by UNHCR and that they feared for their safety in Myanmar. Over a million Rohingya have fled Myanmar, primarily to Bangladesh, most of them since the military’s campaign of ethnic cleansing that began in August 2017. The 600,000 Rohingya remaining in Myanmar’s Rakhine State face severe repression and violence, with no freedom of movement, no access to citizenship, or other basic rights. Abuses against the Rohingya in Rakhine State amount to the crimes against humanity of apartheid and persecution, Human Rights Watch said.Indian authorities say that they will deport irregular immigrants from Myanmar if they do not hold valid travel documents required under the Foreigners Act. But any forcible returns to Myanmar would violate the principle of nonrefoulement.India’s failure to provide fair asylum procedures or to allow UNHCR to make refugee determinations for those fleeing Myanmar because of the threat to their lives violates the government’s international legal obligations, Human Rights Watch said.“Prime Minister Narendra Modi needs to ensure that the Indian government meets its obligations under international refugee law,” Ganguly said. “Indian authorities should treat those from Myanmar seeking refuge in India with dignity and provide them protection from further abuse.”For more Human Rights Watch reporting on India, please visit:https://www.hrw.org/asia/indiaFor more Human Rights Watch reporting on Myanmar, please visit:https://www.hrw.org/asia/myanmar-burmaFor more information, please contact:In Boston, Phil Robertson (English, Thai): +1-917-378-4097 (mobile); or robertp@hrw.org. Twitter: @ReaproyIn London, Meenakshi Ganguly (English, Bengali, Hindi): +91-9820-036032 (mobile); or gangulm@hrw.org. Twitter: @mg2411




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28 Jul 2021 08:04:56 GMT Charities & non-profits
<![CDATA[ METRO BANK LAUNCHES FIRST CAMPAIGN TO EMPOWER SMALL BUSINESSES ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/metro-bank-launches-first-campaign-to-empower-small-businesses-0b10de865c5c46457b2df7fbd4cdb5e6/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/metro-bank-launches-first-campaign-to-empower-small-businesses-0b10de865c5c46457b2df7fbd4cdb5e6/ Tuesday 1 June, 2021
Centred on three talented entrepreneurs, the campaign aims to highlight how resilient the country’s small businesses have been throughout the coronavirus pandemicThe Bank is also showcasing its award-winning business banking offering, designed to help SMEs run and grow their businesses

Metro Bank today launches a new brand and marketing campaign, demonstrating its commitment to empowering the UK’s small businesses and underlining its highly-rated business banking offering.


This is Metro Bank’s first ever business brand campaign, with radio advertising sitting at the heart of that. The campaign also marks the first time that the Bank has been involved in a publishing partnership, with The Guardian, and will be further supported by an array of digital channels across social media, YouTube, display and paid search. Metro Bank is working in tandem with agency partners Goodstuff and Mr. President to successfully deliver the campaign.


The Bank will be featuring three of its business customers throughout the campaign, giving them an opportunity to showcase their businesses and delve into the close, mutually beneficial relationships they’ve built with Metro Bank. A key advantage for Metro Bank business customers is that they get their own dedicated business manager, who’s there for them every step of the way and on-hand to offer help. Each business manager features alongside their customer in the campaign, reflecting the close connections and friendships created as a result of Metro Bank’s approach.


The three businesses featured are:


Lexi’s Treats, which makes low calorie snack bars and has grown quickly with the support of Metro Bank. Lexi is a former banker turned businessman, who saw a gap in the market for low calorie snacks that genuinely taste great too.Daisy’s Dog Empawrium, a business making dog accessories and homemade dog treats, with a shop in Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent. Daisy’s secured a Government-backed Bounce Back Loan with Metro Bank, enabling the business to develop e-commerce capabilities during lockdown.Koalaa Ltd, which designs and produces bespoke prosthetic limbs for children and adults. Its core mission is to ensure that prostheses are comfortable and much more affordable.

In the last year alone, Metro Bank has released a number of technology upgrades specifically designed for businesses. This includes a new SME insurance offering, fresh invoicing capabilities, receipt management upgrades and enabling Direct Debit Origination. In addition, the Bank launched a Business Account Online (BAO) journey for SMEs, so new customers can open a business account on their mobile or online in just 15 minutes from start to finish, 24 hours a day.


This is in addition to the £1.5billion of Government-backed loans offered by Metro Bank to 36,000 UK businesses. The Bank also managed to keep all of its stores open throughout the pandemic, and is now back to offering 7 days a week opening hours, early until late.


The Bank has a range of other initiatives which it uses to promote and empower local businesses. To date Metro Bank has hosted more than 11,000 networking events in its stores, giving local businesses a platform to succeed and reach new people. The Bank also works in partnership with Enterprise Nation, a leading provider of advice to small businesses in the UK. This has a range of benefits for customers, including online tools that connect business owners with the answers they need, as well as a diverse range of virtual events held up and down the UK.


Jessica Myers, Brand and Marketing Director at Metro Bank, comments: “As a community bank – one that’s proud of the people and businesses where we operate – it’s a pleasure to feature three of our fantastic businesses and tell their powerful stories through our first fully integrated business brand campaign, whilst creating their own advertising campaigns too. Metro Bank is a champion of human relationships in banking. People value other people, and as the nation’s businesses recover from what has been an incredibly tough year, that’s more important now than ever before.”


Notes to editors


This new campaign forms part of Metro Bank’s updated brand strategy, refreshed as part of its first ever brand campaign in 2020 which celebrated the Bank’s longstanding belief in “people-people banking” – the philosophy that whatever happens in the future of banking, people need people and value human relationships.


Metro Bank is vocal about its mission to create not only customers, but long term fans of the Bank. The “people-people banking” campaign was, in the Bank’s own words, about evolution and not revolution, maintaining Metro Bank’s strong brand values and culture.


Since the start of 2020, the Bank has built a modern day marketing team that continues to grow in a nimble and agile way. This business banking campaign is the output of a year’s worth of customer insight and data, with the target audience based around Metro Bank’s deep dive into understanding the SME market and developing customer segmentation across its portfolio of products. The campaign has been specifically designed to work the full marketing funnel from brand awareness and brand-building through to conversion, driving incremental growth and revenue generation for the Bank.

About Metro Bank


Metro Bank serves more than two million customer accounts and is celebrated for its exceptional customer experience. It is the highest rated high street bank for overall service quality and best for service in-store for personal customers, and best for service in-store for business customers in the Competition and Market Authority’s Service Quality Survey in February 2021. It was recognised as ‘Bank of the Year’ at the 2020 MoneyAge Awards and ‘Banking Brand of The Year’ at the Moneynet Personal Finance Awards 2021.


The community bank offers retail, business, commercial and private banking services, and prides itself on giving customers the choice to bank however, whenever and wherever they choose, and supporting the customers and communities it serves. Whether that’s through its network of 77 stores open seven days a week, early until late, 362 days a year; on the phone through its UK-based 24/7 contact centres; or online through its internet banking or award-winning mobile app: the bank offers customers real choice.


Metro Bank PLC. Registered in England and Wales. Company number: 6419578. Registered office: One Southampton Row, London, WC1B 5HA. ‘Metrobank’ is the registered trademark of Metro Bank PLC.


It is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. Most relevant deposits are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. For further information about the Scheme refer to the FSCS website www.fscs.org.uk. All Metro Bank products are subject to status and approval.


Metro Bank PLC is an independent UK bank – it is not affiliated with any other bank or organisation (including the METRO newspaper or its publishers) anywhere in the world. Please refer to Metro Bank using the full name.


pressoffice@metrobank.plc.uk




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01 Jun 2021 09:47:06 GMT Business & Finance
<![CDATA[ WINNERS REVEALED FOR THE BFA HSBC BRITISH FRANCHISE AWARDS ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/winners-revealed-for-the-bfa-hsbc-british-franchise-awards-01cb2c30769e06273910be4a09e0609f/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/winners-revealed-for-the-bfa-hsbc-british-franchise-awards-01cb2c30769e06273910be4a09e0609f/ Tuesday 1 December, 2020

The bfa HSBC British Franchise awards took place virtually for the first time ever last night (30 November).



Usually held in June at The Vox in Birmingham, the awards are the flagship event in the franchising calendar but organisers had to take a different approach following the Coronavirus outbreak, putting the safety of finalists and the event team first.



Pip Wilkins, CEO of the British Franchise Association, commented:



“It has been a strange and difficult year for all businesses, but we are pleased that we’ve been able to bring some positivity to our finalists and winners to round off 2020.



“There are more franchise systems than ever before, showing that businesses are choosing franchising as an ideal model for them. Each winner should feel very proud of what they’ve achieved.”



The winners of the 2020 British Franchise Awards are:




Franchisee Transformation – Siva Kugathas, Service Master

Franchisee Lifestyle – Katherine Watmough, Monkey Music

Franchisee Local Focus – Aaron Doherty, Footlights

Franchise Multi-Unit – Raja Adil, The Adil Group

Franchisee Next Generation – James Burke, ActionCOACH

Franchisor Leadership & Culture - Water Babies

Franchisor Emerging - MyWindowCleanerFranchisor Business Transformation - Shuttercraft


Franchisor International Superbrand - Little Kickers

Franchisor of the Year:

GOLD – Home Instead Senior Care


SILVER – Revive! Auto Innovations


BRONZE – Snap-on Tools




Franchisee of the Year (People’s Choice Award) – Aaron Doherty, Footlights

Winner of the Gold Franchisor of the Year award, Ruth Brown, Business Development Director at Home Instead Senior Care commented:



“We are honoured to have been named as Gold Franchisor of the Year. This award is very special, but to win it in 2020 feels extra special as it’s such an extraordinary year.



“This accolade is down to the hard work and commitment of so many people - from the team of experts here at National Office to our franchise owners and their key players and, of course, our amazing CAREGivers. We could not accept this award without also thanking the many clients and their families who entrust their care to us.



“Thank you to the BFA for bestowing this honour on us.”



Commenting on the winners, Andy Brattesani, UK Head of Franchising at HSBC, said:



“It’s been a difficult year for all businesses, so we are pleased to see members of the franchise community thriving, having adapted to operate successfully despite the difficulties thrown their way.


“I’d like to congratulate all finalists and winners and hope to see them all thrive in the months ahead.”




For more information on the British Franchise Association and to see the full list of finalists, please see here.



ENDS



- press@thebfa.org for more info





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01 Dec 2020 13:12:51 GMT Business & Finance
<![CDATA[ NHS National Services Scotland today (NOV 19) launched a new network to transform how Scotland cares for its 220,000 veterans. ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/nhs-national-services-scotland-today-nov-19-launched-a-new-network-to-transform-how-scotland-cares-for-its-220000-veterans-fdcf672a3165153aff501c565541fb56/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/nhs-national-services-scotland-today-nov-19-launched-a-new-network-to-transform-how-scotland-cares-for-its-220000-veterans-fdcf672a3165153aff501c565541fb56/ Thursday 19 November, 2020

NHS Scotland, social care partners and veterans’ charities have joined forces to ensure former servicemen and women across the country get swifter access to improved care.


For many former Forces personnel, the toughest battles come after they have returned to civilian life. The new Scottish Veterans Care Network (SVCN) will focus on improving the health and wellbeing of all those who served.


Scotland’s veterans community is at the heart of this new partnership. The SVCN will target key areas that veterans themselves have identified, such as improving mental health support and ensuring that the same high standard of support is available wherever veterans live within Scotland.


This new network is being managed by NHS National Services Scotland (NSS). Kate Burley (pictured), who is leading the programme for NSS, said: “I am delighted to support the arrival of the Scottish Veterans Care Network.


“This is a fantastic opportunity to enable positive transformation in health and well-being for veterans, their families and their wider communities.


“Our shared ambition is that all veterans across Scotland should be able to access the healthcare and support services they need, when they need it, without fear, in a way that puts them and their needs at the centre.”


Social care providers will also play a critical role, with leading veterans charities including Combat Stress and Erskine Home also bringing their experience and expertise.


Dr Lucy Abraham (pictured), clinical lead for the network, said: “Our Scottish veteran care network is working in partnership to bring together everyone involved in providing specialist care for veterans.


“Our network will work to enrich the lives of all those who have served or are serving, so that veterans can enjoy a positive state of mental and physical health and wellbeing.”


The Scottish Government is also backing the network and Veterans Minister Graeme Dey said: “The idea behind the Scottish Veterans Care Network is to ensure that we can deliver high quality services for veterans across Scotland regardless of where they are.


“We’re also seeking to raise awareness amongst the medical profession of the specific needs and the nature of our veterans community.”


Please contact nss.communications@nhs.scot to arrange interviews and get in touch with queries regarding SVCN.


Contact Information


Communications Team


NHS National Services Scotland


nss.communications@nhs.scot


Notes to editors


Visit the Scottish Veterans Care Network at https://www.veteranscarenetwork.scot/


About the network


The Scottish Government and NHS Scotland recognised the distinct needs of veterans and their requirement for specialist support from a wide range of statutory and non-statutory services.


In light of this, following a policy recommendations in 2018, the formation of a new National Strategic Network, the Scottish Veterans Care Network (SVCN) was announced. The aim of the SVCN is to bring together everyone involved in providing specialist health and social care for veterans - professionals, veterans and Third Sector organisations – in order to remove barriers to accessing care for veterans and improve the quality of care provided.


For note – NSS Connections:


Martin Bell is the Armed Forces Champion for NSS. All NHS Boards have an Armed Forces Champion


Lucy Abraham (NHS Lothian) is the Clinical Lead for Scottish Veterans Care Network (SVCN)


Kate Burley is Programme Associate Director for SVCN, and all other National Strategic Networks within National Services Division.


Andrew Clark is the SVCN Programme Manager, National Services Division.


Intended audience


There are over 220,000 Veterans aged 16 years or older residing in Scotland. Supporting and interacting with them in a professional Social and Health Care capacity are hundreds of professionals and Third Sector Organisations. The primary audience is those who will be part of the Network.


The secondary audience is those who the Network and its primary stakeholders, wish to work with;. . Some of these stakeholders will have more of an active role in the implementation of longer term Network recommendations.


Primary audience targeting for SCVN:


NHS Boards at every level ,from NHS Board Chief Executives to people supporting veterans directly.


Integrated Joint Boards (IJB’s)


Health and Social Care Partnerships (HSCP’s)


Scottish Government (SG) Policy Leads in Mental Health and Veterans care.


NHS Board Armed Forces Champions ·


Public Health Scotland,


NHS National Education Scotland


NHS 24.


· Primary Care Services – Mental Health serives ,


Ministry of Defence


Veterans


Third sector organisations/Charities


Secondary audiences (achieved via collaborative efforts of above groups):


· Wider Scottish Government leaders


Social care organisations


Local Authorities/Councils


Other Westminster Government departments – eg Department for Work and Pensions


Scottish Parliament Cross Party Groups


Academic institutions




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19 Nov 2020 12:07:56 GMT Charities & non-profits
<![CDATA[ Dragonfly AI raises £625k ($1m) in funding round to continue market lead in predictive analytics ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/dragonfly-ai-raises-625k-1m-in-funding-round-to-continue-market-lead-in-predictive-analytics-04a944b563b5d9cc6e206a78b8f87c9e/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/dragonfly-ai-raises-625k-1m-in-funding-round-to-continue-market-lead-in-predictive-analytics-04a944b563b5d9cc6e206a78b8f87c9e/ Tuesday 17 November, 2020

British predictive analytics platform, DragonflyAI, is delighted to announce today the completion of a £625,000 ($1m) seed funding round. Downing Ventures is the lead investor in the round which includes existing shareholders Capita plc and private investors. Having onboarded and retained brand giants including Diageo and Mitsubishi this year alone, the investment allows DragonflyAI to grow their team across sales and customer success in addition to further developing the research into how companies will be able to take advantage of predictive visual analytics in creative workflow.


In a world saturated with visual stimuli at every twist and turn, the market for audience attention has never been more competitive. DragonflyAI is the leading innovator within the predictive visual analytics sphere using artificial intelligence (AI), informed by cutting-edge neuroscience which accurately predicts what consumers see first in any content instance (static or moving images).


DragonflyAI offers customers an easy to use, self-serve subscription-service platform to access the software on iOS, web, desktop, API or enterprise integrations. The platform allows users to capture real-time content performance insight, to optimise to “human ready” before publication; or upload their campaign designs to run them through DragonflyAI’s algorithm and obtain instant feedback in the form of a heat-map and metrics showing which elements a viewer’s attention is drawn to in the first milliseconds of looking - the “zero moment of truth” (illustrated in images below).


This is particularly relevant for websites struggling with high bounce rates or brands competing for shelf-space in the ‘impulse-buy’ section of a retailer; or the digital aisle.


Built originally to create visual interpretation capability for robotic devices, DragonflyAI’s precognitive software solutions are uniquely modelled on the biological function of the human brain’s vision using five principle neural pathways in a constant process of visual analysis. DragonflyAI’s instant algorithm replicates the visual cues (light/dark, colour, contrast, shape, orientation) that the human brain processes to be able to predict what consumers see first in all forms of visual content.


In what is being referred to as “the age of instinct”, there are a burgeoning number of software tools that help content creators produce beautiful content in ever more engaging formats, and no shortage of analytics tools. However, between saving the final version and hitting ‘publish’, creators have to rely on their experience and intuition, or expensive and time-consuming A/B user testing and feedback sessions to understand how their content might perform. This is the gap DragonflyAI’s technology fills.


Using their groundbreaking technology, DragonflyAI is opening up new possibilities for any company that relies on optimisation of visual engagement with its customers or clients, by giving them the real-time tools to see how effectively their design is engaging their audience. Offering unique video and rich media analysis capability, DragonflyAI gives its clients unlimited access to a full body of content results, unrestricted by format type.


Existing clients comprise some of the biggest leading consumer brands (Harrods, Jaguar Land Rover, Diageo, Mitsubishi) across a wide variety of industries already using the technology including for the following functions:





Packaging – Improving performance of physical and digital packaging, increasing share of product attention on-and-off-shelf and designing effective real-world packagingRetail – Improving performance of visual merchandising and enhance the shopper experience in-storeE-commerce – Increase adoption and improve click through rates on key promotionsAdvertising – Increase effectiveness of campaign content

Richard Mann, Executive Chair at DragonflyAI added: “We’ve made great progress this year with our mission to ensure content performs better when enhanced by science and are excited about our future. Downing Ventures backing is a great endorsement of DragonflyAI’s team and our strategy. We’re excited to have Downing’s support at a perfect time to underpin our ongoing growth. In the current economic context, DragonflyAI has a remarkable role to play for brands, retailers and their agency partners helping them to see things differently and improving the performance of their content in a competitive retail and digital market.”


Richard Lewis, Partner at Downing Ventures comments: “DragonflyAI is proof of how AI can be supportive to human creative output in enabling the best possible results, rather than replacing it. We were remarkably impressed by the simplicity of the product that is supported with an incredibly complex AI function. This dimension of predictive analysis will change the face of visual branding forever and we are encouraged to see that many of its early adopters are pioneers in consumer brands leading the charge. We are excited to work with the DragonflyAI team as we take these next steps together.”


Matt Bunn, Managing Director at Capita Scaling Partner said: “As an early investor in Dragonfly AI, we’ve witnessed first-hand the tremendous progress it has made in just a short space of time and we’re delighted they’re now making another huge step forward in their journey. DragonflyAI already work with some of the best-known brands in the world and this investment will allow them to build on that success and target significant new growth in the coming months.”


To trial the DragonflyAI platform and see how effective your own content is, please visit https://lnkd.in/dPBgw_z


https://dragonflyai.co/


#visualanalytics


Ends


For more information contact Lallie.fraser@downing.co.uk


Notes to Editors


About DragonflyAI


DragonflyAI is on a mission to help brands and agencies create content that performs better when enhanced by science.


The DragonflyAI visual analytics suite is based on primary research into computer vision for robotic navigation conducted over the period 2010-14 by the late Professor Peter W McOwan, and Dr Hamit Soyel, of Queen Mary University of London (Queen Mary). Their research and proprietary algorithm form the basis for the DragonflyAI product suite. Queen Mary remain an integral partner to both DragonflyAI and its Research & Development. Dr Hamit Soyel is DragonflyAI’s Chief Data Scientist and the company’s research laboratory is named The McOwan Lab after Professor Peter W McOwan.


The DragonflyAI platform is already used by the designers and creators of many leading consumer brands across the world. https://dragonflyai.co/


About Capita


Capita is a consulting, transformation and digital services business. Every day our 61,000 colleagues help millions of people, by delivering innovative solutions to transform and simplify the connections between businesses and customers, governments and citizens. We partner with clients and provide the insight and cutting-edge technologies that give time back, allowing them to focus on what they do best and making people’s lives easier and simpler. We operate in the UK, Europe, India and South Africa – and across six divisions: Customer Management; Government Services; People Solutions; Software; Specialist Services; and Technology Solutions.


Capita is quoted on the London Stock Exchange (CPI.L). Further information can be found at: http://www.capita.com


ABOUT DOWNING VENTURES


Downing Ventures is an evergreen fund investing in seed to Series A companies, with the possibility of follow-on investments. We invest in a variety of technology sectors including Healthcare, Deep Tech, Industry 4.0/Mobility, FinTech and Enterprise. We have a portfolio of 71 companies as of September 2020. We work alongside a number of investment partners and accelerator programmes and incubators, including the London Co-Investment Fund. www.downingventures.com




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17 Nov 2020 09:18:37 GMT Business & Finance
<![CDATA[ TIME INVESTMENTS BOLSTERS FUND DISTRIBUTION TEAM WITH SENIOR APPOINTMENT ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/time-investments-bolsters-fund-distribution-team-with-senior-appointment-c96f6eb241c2528a038fe8646ce636bc/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/time-investments-bolsters-fund-distribution-team-with-senior-appointment-c96f6eb241c2528a038fe8646ce636bc/ Tuesday 17 November, 2020

TIME Investments, a specialist real assets investment manager focused on secure income strategies, has appointed Tony van Gool to support its distribution team and further develop the growth strategy of its funds. Previously Sales Director at Artemis, Tony has over twenty-five years’ experience successfully leading and driving growth in the asset management industry.


TIME Investments has over £4 billion of assets under management and focuses on investing in real assets such as infrastructure, property, and renewables. Its defensive investment philosophy aims to deliver steady and predictable returns, with products suitable for financial advisers, wealth managers and institutions.


Commenting on Tony’s appointment, Simon Housden, Sales & Marketing Director and Partner, TIME Investments said: “I am excited that Tony is joining us for three to four days a week to support our ambitious growth aspirations. We believe his depth of experience in successfully scaling funds, along with his wide-ranging network, will position us well to take our funds business to the next level.”


Tony van Gool said: “I am delighted to join TIME Investments to support their growth strategy. The business already has an exceptional reputation in the adviser community and its funds are particularly relevant at a time when advisers and their clients are looking at alternative routes to generate reliable risk-adjusted returns.”


Recent research* conducted by TIME shows that advisers are increasingly recommending alternative investments to help replace traditional sources of income, such as equity income funds, which continue to struggle to provide attractive and dependable returns.


The findings show that a third (32%) of advisers are recommending an increased exposure to real assets such as infrastructure and real estate, one in four (26%) have increased their recommendations for investing in renewable energy, and 24% are increasingly recommending long income property.


For further information on TIME Investments, please visit www.time-investments.com



-ends-


Notes to editors



*Research conducted by Pure Profile among 50 IFAs/wealth advisers, September 2020



About TIME Investments



At TIME Investments we have created a platform for predictability and consistency to help our clients rest easy. We provide carefully considered investments that seek to deliver predictable returns in an unpredictable world. The group manages over £4 billion of renewables, infrastructure, and property investments in both private and public vehicles. TIME Investments has a 20+ years track record in fund management with 42 investment specialists within the renewables, lending and property teams.




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17 Nov 2020 09:16:12 GMT Business & Finance