Madison County Tourism Has Launched a New Look - and Visitors Are Taking Notice
Tue, Jun 02, 2026 12:44 EDT
A Bold New Brand, a Stunning New Website, and a Growing Portfolio of Experiences Position Central New York's Madison County for Its Next Chapter in Tourism MADISON COUNTY, N.Y. - Madison County Tourism has unveiled a new look, and its makeover is already catching the attention of visitors. The organization announces the launch of a vibrant new destination brand and a fully redesigned website at www.visitmadisoncny.com , marking a defining moment in the county's mission to grow tourism in the heart of Central New York. The refreshed "Visit Madison County, NY" brand, created by the talented Hannah Barley of Hannah Creates , features a hand-crafted aesthetic - a color palette rooted in rustic charm and approachable typography, reflects the region's working farms, rolling hills, vibrant arts scene, and welcoming small towns. It is a brand built to turn heads and inspire trips. "This new brand is more than a logo - it's a statement of who we are and an open invitation to the county," said Kaytlynn Lynch, Visit Madison County's Executive Director. "Madison County has extraordinary things to offer: history, art, agriculture, outdoor adventure, genuine community spirit, and so much more. Our new brand and website give us the tools to tell that story more powerfully than ever, and we are excited about what that visibility means for our local businesses, our residents, and the long-term economic vitality of our communities. A Cinematic New Digital Front Door The redesigned website, by Philadelphia-based Tempest , greets visitors with an immersive, full-screen cinematic video, created by Black Cub Productions , showcasing Madison County in motion - sun-drenched farmland, cascading waterfalls, and the kind of small-town energy that makes people want to pack a bag and go. Mobile-friendly and visually dynamic, the site makes it easy to explore lodging, dining, events, and seasonal experiences all in one place. It is a digital experience as compelling as the destination itself. "Research consistently shows that destination websites are among the top influences on traveler decisions," said Lynch. "A modern, brand-consistent, and visually dynamic digital presence signals professionalism and credibility, encouraging visitors to choose Madison County over competing destinations. The new site is purposefully built to convert curiosity into confirmed trips - and we feel it does this beautifully." Madison County's Signature Experiences The new brand shines a brighter spotlight on Madison County's remarkable depth of experiences. The county is the birthplace of L. Frank Baum, celebrated each year at the beloved Oz-Stravaganza® festival in Chittenango. The National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum offer a powerful connection to American history, while the breathtaking 167-foot drop at Chittenango Falls State Park draws outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Agriculture pulses through the region's identity, highlighted by the annual Cazenovia Lavender Festival - a fragrant, photogenic celebration of farm life at its finest. Bouckville and antiquing are synonymous in the Northeast, and Madison County wears that distinction proudly. The legendary Madison-Bouckville Antique Week each August draws tens of thousands of collectors and dealers to one of the largest outdoor antique shows in the country, with vendors stretching along the Route 20 Scenic Byway for miles. Year-round shops keep the tradition alive for those who can't wait until summer. An Emerging Wedding Destination Madison County is also building a reputation as one of Central New York's most sought-after wedding destinations. More brides are seeking an escape from busy city venues into the slower-paced, pastoral lifestyle the county offers - exchanging their vows among rolling fields, historic barns, and lakeside inns. Wedding weekends here become full experiences, with guests exploring waterfalls, antiquing, farm-to-table delicious dining, and local craft beverages. It is the kind of setting that turns a wedding into a memory that lasts a lifetime. Visibility That Drives Economic Growth New York State welcomed over 315 million visitors in 2024, generating a record $94 billion in visitor spending and $145 billion in total economic impact, according to Empire State Development and Tourism Economics - making tourism the state's second-largest private sector industry. Madison County is a meaningful contributor to that success, generating $146.4 million in direct visitor spending in 2024. That activity flows through to the local economy, distributing $65.3 million in local employment income and $9.7 million in county tax revenue that directly reduces the tax burden on Madison County residents. With a stronger brand, a compelling website, and a growing portfolio of experiences - from antique festivals and farm events to weddings and outdoor adventures, Madison County is positioned to capture a greater share of that statewide momentum and put more tourism dollars to work in our local communities. ### About Madison County Tourism Visit Madison County, NY is the official Tourism Promotion Agency (TPA) of Madison County, New York, promoting the region's natural beauty, rich heritage, and diverse attractions for over 30 years. As a designated New York State TPA, the organization promotes more than 300 attractions across the county. According to Tourism Economics, tourism generated $146.4 million in direct visitor spending in Madison County in 2024. Nestled in the heart of Central New York, Madison County is where adventure seekers, history buffs, antique lovers, foodies, and couples searching for the perfect wedding destination all find their place. Home to Chittenango Falls, the International Boxing Hall of Fame, the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum, Oz-Stravaganza®, and the legendary Madison-Bouckville Antique Week, Madison County delivers authentic experiences and small-town charm that keep visitors coming back. Plan your visit at www.visitmadisoncny.com .
Shell Shock Technologies and CBC Partner to Scale Advanced Ammunition Technology
Tue, Jun 02, 2026 10:16 EDT
This collaboration is focused on industrialization, military applications, and global commercialization of Shell Shock Technologies' advanced ammunition technology. Shell Shock Technologies , LLC (SST), a leading innovator in the ammunition industry, today announced that it has agreed upon the principal commercial terms of a strategic collaboration with CBC Global Ammunition , one of the world's largest ammunition manufacturers, focused on the industrialization and global commercialization of SST's proprietary NAS 3 ™ hybrid case technology . The collaboration is expected to focus on multiple military and commercial calibers, including 5.56x45, 7.62x51, .277 Fury (6.8), .338 Lapua, .50 BMG, and 9mm. Under the partnership structure, CBC is expected to serve as a licensed manufacturing and commercialization partner for the aforementioned calibers, supporting future industrial-scale production and global market development initiatives. SST's NAS 3 ™ technology combines advanced metallurgy and proprietary manufacturing processes to create lightweight, high-pressure-capable ammunition systems designed to improve velocity, accuracy, range, durability, and overall ballistic performance compared to traditional brass-cased ammunition. The technology also offers increased case capacity and reduced system weight, creating potential advantages across military and commercial applications, including larger rifle and machine gun calibers. As part of the collaboration, CBC is expected to support industrialization efforts and future manufacturing scale-up initiatives, including integration into CBC's expanding U.S. manufacturing footprint. CBC recently announced plans for a major ammunition manufacturing facility in northeast Oklahoma, which is expected to support future production capabilities and military-focused development initiatives. The companies also intend to collaborate on global marketing initiatives, military demonstrations, trade exhibitions, and future co-branded ammunition programs. Planned participation includes major defense and industry events, such as SHOT Show, AUSA, Eurosatory, and other international military demonstrations. As part of the collaboration, representatives of CBC and Shell Shock Technologies are expected to formally commemorate the signing of the MOU during the Eurosatory exhibition in Paris on Monday, June 15th, at 2:00 PM at the CBC booth located in Hall 5A / Booth J391. "This represents a major milestone for Shell Shock Technologies and validation of the technology we have spent years developing," said Peter Foss , Managing Partner and CEO of Shell Shock Technologies. "CBC brings world-class manufacturing capabilities, global reach, and deep military and commercial market relationships. We believe this collaboration positions SST technology for large-scale adoption across multiple applications and future military systems." Fabio Mazzaro, CEO of CBC Global Ammunition, added, "CBC continues to invest in advanced ammunition technologies and manufacturing capabilities that support the evolving needs of military, law enforcement, and commercial markets worldwide. We believe Shell Shock Technologies has developed an innovative platform with significant long-term potential, and we look forward to working together to advance industrialization and future market opportunities." The collaboration reflects growing global interest in advanced ammunition technologies capable of supporting reduced weight, increased efficiency, and high-performance applications across military and commercial systems. The parties are continuing to advance the collaboration toward definitive agreements, industrial-scale implementation, and broader global market introduction. American Discovery Advisors acted as financial advisor to Shell Shock Technologies in connection with the transaction. Keep up with Shell Tech's advanced ammunition on the website and social media platforms: Facebook , Instagram , X (formerly Twitter) , and YouTube .
MeoWoff Flags Growing Summer Risk for Pets as Temperatures Climb
Tue, Jun 02, 2026 09:03 EDT
With months of fierce summer heat well on their way, cat placement and care service MeoWoff is warning pet owners to keep an eye on their pets - and on the telltale signs that conditions at home are becoming uncomfortable, so that they can take notice of small changes before they turn into something more serious. It may not seem like much at first: a pet lying longer than usual on a cool patch of floor. Less interest in food, water bowls emptied faster than expected or sometimes not touched at all. Warm rooms, closed windows, afternoon sun coming through glass - none of it looks extreme on its own. But together it can push indoor temperatures up enough to affect how animals behave and feel. Cats in particular don't usually signal distress in obvious ways. They withdraw instead, moving less and sleeping in unusual spots. The same pattern can appear in dogs and other household pets, especially during longer heatwaves where homes don't cool down properly overnight. Simple changes in routine - such as keeping water available in more than one place around the home, closing blinds earlier in the day, paying attention to rooms that trap heat rather than circulate air, and avoiding active play during the hottest hours - can make a huge difference. Iryna Smyrnova, Veterinarian (DVM) at MeoWoff, said early signs are often subtle enough to blend into normal behavior. "Most of the time it doesn't look like an emergency at first," Smyrnova said. "A cat might just seem quieter, or less interested in food, or spend more time away from people. The problem is those signs are easy to overlook. In hot weather, that delay can have serious consequences. "Pets do not always regulate hydration well during prolonged heat, and some will continue eating and moving less even when they are already starting to struggle with temperature. Cooling mats, shaded areas, airflow between rooms, and regular fresh water can all help reducing risk." When heat stress progresses, symptoms can escalate quickly. Owners are advised to look out for excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, rapid breathing, weakness, collapse, or confusion. In cats, open-mouth breathing is particularly concerning and should be treated as urgent. "If any of these signs appear, immediate veterinary attention is necessary," said Iryna Smyrnova. "Delays can quickly worsen outcomes, especially during sustained high temperatures. "Time is of the essence and knowing what signs to look out for will help owners to take action before the situations can reach that critical point." For more information about MeoWoof, visit meowoff.us .
The Spring Social Calendar Effect: How Busy Lifestyles Can Impact Your Health
Tue, Jun 02, 2026 08:19 EDT
After months of dark evenings and cancelled plans, spring is a breath of fresh air for social lives. Diaries start filling up again, weekends disappear under birthdays, bank holidays and last-minute dinners. The slower pace of winter is gone. For many people, it is a welcome change - but it can also leave people feeling more drained than expected. Later nights, more meals out, inconsistent routines and a packed schedule can gradually affect energy levels, digestion and sleep without people immediately connecting the dots. While spring is usually associated with fresh starts and renewed energy, the reality is often less balanced. Many people move from a relatively settled winter routine straight into long days, increased alcohol consumption, disrupted sleep and more convenience food. Combined with work and everyday responsibilities, it can leave the body under pressure. Harry Morgan, founder of The Moss Way, believes this time of year catches people off guard because the changes feel wholly positive on the surface. "People associate spring and summer with feeling healthier, but that is not always what happens in practice," he said. "When routines suddenly become more social and more hectic, it can affect everything from digestion to sleep quality. Most people do not notice it building up until they feel completely run down." One of the biggest problems during seasonal shifts is that people stop doing the small things that normally keep them feeling well. Eating patterns become inconsistent, sleep slips, and nutrition often becomes an afterthought once life gets busier again. That is partly why interest in Irish Sea Moss has continued to grow, particularly among people looking for something that supports wellbeing rather than relying on harsh stimulants or short-term "boosts". Unlike highly processed supplements that isolate single ingredients, Irish Sea Moss delivers these nutrients together in a wholefood form alongside trace minerals and soluble fibres that work in combination within the body. Testing carried out on The Moss Way's Irish Sea Moss found naturally high levels of iodine, magnesium, potassium, zinc and B vitamins - all nutrients linked to energy, nervous system support and general day-to-day function. It also contains soluble fibre, which many people find useful for digestion, especially during periods where routines are less settled and meals become more irregular. " There is nothing unhealthy about enjoying yourself or having a full calendar," Morgan added. "The issue is usually when sleep disappears, meals become erratic and people stop paying attention to what their body needs because everything feels busy. Small routines matter more than people think." For more information, visit www.themossway.co.uk .
The Evolving Operational Stack Sees AI Playing an Active Role in Process, Consultancy Confirms
Tue, Jun 02, 2026 06:11 EDT
Artificial intelligence is beginning to move beyond the role of assistant software and into something more operational. Across enterprise technology, the focus is shifting from tools that respond to prompts towards systems capable of planning tasks, coordinating workflows and carrying out actions with limited human intervention. AI consultancy ResearchCollab Technologies says organisations are entering a new phase in enterprise AI adoption - one where governance and operational design will matter as much as the models themselves. The change has accelerated in recent months. At Google Cloud Next '26, Google introduced its Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform, positioning it as an end-to-end environment for building, governing and scaling AI agents across organisations. The launch also included "Agent Identity", a new security-focused approach intended to improve oversight and accountability for autonomous systems. Industry reporting suggests this is part of a wider movement towards what many are now calling an "agentic" operating model, where AI is embedded directly into operational processes rather than sitting alongside them as a productivity layer. Recent discussions at The AI Summit London similarly highlighted the emergence of AI as an "operational layer" within organisations, particularly in high-stakes reporting and decision-making environments. For businesses, the appeal is obvious: systems that can not only generate information, but coordinate actions, monitor workflows and support decision-making at scale. But the shift also introduces new concerns around control, accountability and transparency. "We're moving into a period where AI is no longer just helping people complete tasks - it's increasingly participating in operational processes themselves," said Imran Chughtai, Founder and CEO of ResearchCollab Technologies. "That changes the conversation completely. The challenge now is not simply capability, but governance. Organisations need to understand how these systems make decisions, how they interact with each other and where human oversight sits." Regulatory pressure around AI governance is increasing across Europe, with uncertainty remaining around upcoming compliance obligations under the EU AI Act. Following a recent Digital AI Omnibus trilogue, the proposed delay to high-risk AI obligations has not yet been agreed, meaning the existing 2 August 2026 compliance deadline remains active for now. ResearchCollab believes future-ready AI systems will require structured governance from the outset, including validation layers, transparent workflows and clearly defined human oversight. Its own platform has been developed around those principles - combining multi-model validation, structured workflows and traceable research processes within a unified environment. For more information, visit researchcollabtech.com .
The Ace VIP Returns for the 2026 Season with Expanded Villa Portfolio
Tue, Jun 02, 2026 04:55 EDT
With the demand for ultra-private luxury travel on the rise, The Ace VIP has launched its 2026 Mykonos season with an expanded collection of high-end villas, enhanced concierge services and a renewed focus on personalised experiences for global luxury travellers. Known for arranging discreet stays for guests seeking space, privacy and seamless service, the Mykonos-based luxury specialist is seeing growing demand for larger waterfront villas designed around entertaining, extended stays and fully tailored lifestyles. The company's latest additions include exclusive properties across some of the island's most sought-after areas, including Aleomandra, Psarou, Tourlos and the coastline stretching between the airport and Mykonos Town. Sea views, sunset-facing terraces, private docks, expansive outdoor entertaining areas and hotel-level service are now considered essential by many clients booking at the top end of the market. According to The Ace VIP, luxury travellers want to remain close to Mykonos' social scene, beach clubs and headline music events, but prefer properties that offer discretion, security and enough space to entertain privately. The trend has also shifted towards longer stays. Rather than short weekend breaks, many guests now remain on the island for ten days or more, often travelling with extended family, security staff, assistants or full hospitality teams. Alongside its villa collection , the company has expanded its concierge operation, which it describes as one of the original concierge providers on the island. Demand for hard-to-access reservations, private chefs, yacht charters, security services, aviation transfers and last-minute event access is also high during peak season. The business has also invested in new AI-powered communication systems to speed up guest responses and streamline planning before arrival. Clients can now access faster recommendations, real-time support and direct communication with local agents while still receiving a highly personal service. "Our clients expect immediacy, but they also expect judgement, discretion and local knowledge," said Mane Teovanovic, CEO & Founder at The Ace Vip. "Technology helps us respond faster, but relationships and trusted connections remain the foundation of what we do." As Mykonos continues to attract ultra-high-net-worth travellers from the US, Middle East and Europe, The Ace VIP said demand shows no signs of slowing. The company is also seeing increased interest from guests exploring long-term property purchases after repeated seasonal stays on the island. "Clients are no longer simply booking accommodation," added. "They are looking for an extension of their lifestyle, with the right people managing every detail quietly and professionally behind the scenes." For more information, visit theacevip.com .
Baby Sensory Classes to Start in West Warrington as Local Mum Takes On Franchise
Tue, Jun 02, 2026 03:48 EDT
A new Baby Sensory group is set to open in West Warrington , giving local parents and carers a dedicated space to enjoy their baby's first year while supporting early development through play, movement and sensory exploration. The classes will be run by Louisa Williams, who lives locally and has spent years working in early years settings including nurseries, schools and children's charities. She stepped back from work to raise her own children and first went along to Baby Sensory classes in 2023 with her youngest, mainly just to get out of the house and try something new. She quickly realised how different it was from other baby groups she'd been to. Baby Sensory is designed for babies from birth to 13 months, using simple things like music, movement, light, textures and everyday sensory play. Each session is built around how babies actually develop in their first year, with class leaders explaining what's happening rather than just doing activities for the sake of it. For many parents, that bit of context makes a real difference. It also gives parents somewhere to talk to other adults who are in the same stage of life, which is something a lot of new families don't realise they need until they get there. The sessions tend to become part of the weekly routine quite quickly. Louisa says there is already strong demand locally for baby groups, and she often sees classes fill up fast across the area. She's hoping the new West Warrington sessions will give families another option that feels close, consistent and easy to access. Louisa said, "I've been to quite a few baby groups over the years, but Baby Sensory was the first one where I felt like there was a proper reason behind everything we were doing. It wasn't just entertainment; it was explained in a way that actually made sense. "I remember thinking, I wish I'd known this earlier. What I want now is to create a space where parents don't feel out of their depth. Somewhere they can come in, relax a bit, and just enjoy their baby without feeling pressure to do anything other than be there." The new classes will take place in Great Sankey, Widnes & Newton-le-Willows offering local families a structured but relaxed space during one of the most exciting yet scary stages of their lives. Bookings are now being taken for the summer term, starting 09 June 2026. To find out more, visit: https://www.babysensory.com/westwarrington
Why Warehouses Are Struggling with Battery Storage Space
Tue, Jun 02, 2026 03:26 EDT
As more warehouses transition towards electric materials handling equipment, many operators are discovering a challenge they did not fully anticipate: where to charge and manage it all. As adoption increases, operators are finding that battery management is becoming part of day-to-day warehouse planning rather than a secondary concern. According to Midland Pallet Trucks, the steady growth of electric pallet trucks , stackers and lift tables is beginning to place unexpected pressure on warehouse layouts - particularly in facilities that were never designed around dedicated charging infrastructure. For years, battery charging areas occupied relatively little space in many warehouses. Today, that is changing quickly. As electric equipment becomes more common, operators are having to allocate larger sections of the warehouse floor to charging zones, battery storage and safe access routes. The issue is especially noticeable in older buildings where space is already limited. Warehouses designed decades ago around manual equipment or smaller electric fleets are now trying to accommodate multiple charging points without disrupting daily operations. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Midland Pallet Trucks, said the move towards electric equipment is changing how warehouses think about floor planning. "A lot of businesses focused on the operational benefits of electric handling equipment, which are significant," he explained. "But what many are now realising is that charging infrastructure takes planning too. You can't simply add more electric equipment without thinking about where it lives when it's not in use." Charging zones are becoming increasingly busy parts of the warehouse. Equipment may need to rotate through charging cycles during long shifts, while operators also need safe access to avoid congestion or unnecessary movement. In some facilities, charging areas have gradually expanded into walkways, staging zones or underused corners of the building. Ventilation is another growing consideration. As battery usage increases, warehouses are paying closer attention to airflow and heat build-up around charging areas - particularly during warmer months or in enclosed spaces with limited circulation. "Most warehouses weren't originally built around the idea of large-scale electric fleets," Chesworth said. "Now businesses are trying to integrate charging areas into already busy operations, and that creates pressure on space and workflow." For more information, visit https://www.midlandpallettrucks.com .
New Amplif.AI Professional Chart Review Helps Providers Close AI-Generated Notes Faster, Accurately, & More Defensibly
Tue, Jun 02, 2026 03:12 EDT
As healthcare organizations rapidly adopt AI documentation tools, many providers are discovering that AI-generated draft notes still require time-consuming review, correction, coding alignment, and final chart closure. ScribeEMR today announces Amplif.AI Professional Chart Review , a human-in-the-loop service designed to help providers close AI-generated notes faster, more accurately, and more defensibly while freeing up valuable clinical and administrative time. "As health systems rapidly adopt AI documentation solutions, they are realizing there is still a workflow gap between an AI-generated draft and a chart that is accurate, defensible, complete, and ready to sign," said Terry Ciesla, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at ScribeEMR. "If a provider is still spending 5 to 10 minutes reviewing and correcting each AI note, the promised efficiency is not fully realized. Amplif.AI closes that gap by adding professional scribe review at a fraction of the provider cost, helping physicians protect documentation quality, reclaim time, and stay focused on patient care." Amplif.AI pairs AI-generated documentation with a dedicated team of trained medical scribes across more than 35 specialties. The service helps address the clinical-documentation details AI tools can miss, including note completeness, visit-specific context, coding alignment, and final EHR readiness. The hybrid model delivers the quality assurance of professional scribe support while keeping the cost structure aligned with the limited review time required for each chart. ScribeEMR has provided HIPAA-compliant virtual scribing services to thousands of providers nationwide for years. Amplif.AI is designed to work alongside an organization's existing AI documentation platform, including ambient documentation and EHR-based solutions such as Epic, Athenahealth, eClinicalWorks, Abridge, Augmedix, Suki AI, DeepScribe, Freed, Nuance DAX, Sunoh, Heidi Health, and ScribeRyte AI. Amplif.AI supports the full chart-closing workflow around the organization's existing AI platform. Depending on the practice workflow, ScribeEMR can support pre-charting, AI draft review, note polishing, calendar imports, EHR insertion or push workflows, coding alignment, and quality assurance. How it works: - Amplif.AI scribes receive the AI-generated note, supporting encounter information, and available audio or transcript from the practice's AI documentation workflow. - They review the note for accuracy, completeness, documentation gaps, and specialty-specific requirements. - They correct documentation issues and support coding alignment, where applicable. - The provider reviews the finalized note and signs or locks the chart in seconds. For administrators and providers, the math is simple: move the remaining 5 to 10 minutes of AI note review and cleanup to an expert Amplif.AI scribe resource rather than the exponentially higher-cost provider resource. By reducing the time spent correcting AI notes, improving completeness, and supporting compliance, the monthly service can pay for itself when providers recover enough time to add as little as one additional patient encounter per day. ScribeEMR was ranked "Best in KLAS for Virtual Scribing Services" for the third consecutive year in the 2026 Best in KLAS: Software & Services Report. The recognition reflects ScribeEMR's continued leadership in virtual scribing services and its broader commitment to healthcare documentation, AI-enabled workflow support, and medical office services. About ScribeEMR ScribeEMR provides AI-powered medical charting, real-time remote physician scribing, revenue cycle management, medical coding, and virtual medical office services (VMOS) to healthcare organizations nationwide. Its ScribeRyte AI platform delivers fast, highly accurate, HIPAA-compliant clinical documentation and supports workflows across leading EMRs, including eClinicalWorks, Epic, Athenahealth, NextGen, Greenway, and others. ScribeEMR was ranked Best in KLAS for Virtual Scribing Services in the 2024, 2025 and 2026, Best in KLAS: Software & Services Reports and was rated highly in a KLAS First Look report for its ScribeRyte AI platform. For more information, visit www.scribeemr.com and follow ScribeEMR on LinkedIn.
Suncombe Strengthens Leadership Team with Trio of Senior Appointments
Tue, Jun 02, 2026 03:07 EDT
Suncombe, the UK engineering company known for its innovative cleaning, BioWaste Decontamination, Cleaning In Place and critical processing systems for the processing industries is entering a new phase of growth with a series of leadership changes across its commercial, operational and production teams. As part of this development, Shaun Baker joined the company as Sales Manager on 1 May 2026, taking responsibility for Sales and Marketing. Shaun brings experience from within the life sciences and process engineering sectors, and has been an active member of the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) for over 20 years. This strong industry connection aligns closely with Suncombe's longstanding presence in highly regulated pharmaceutical and biotech environments, where stringent compliance requirements and engineering excellence are essential. In his role, Shaun will focus on strengthening Suncombe's engagement with its international customer base, particularly across its CIP systems, biowaste decontamination solutions and GMP process skids, as the company continues to expand its global footprint. Commenting on his appointment, Shaun said: "I am delighted to be joining the Suncombe team, immersed in an industry I'm passionate about and looking forward to meeting with customers and supporting new projects." Starting on 1 April, Mark Keen has begun transitioning into the role of General Manager after more than 20 years with Suncombe. Anyone who has worked with the company for any length of time will know his name is tied closely to some of its most complex engineering projects. Mark has been involved in everything from system design through to delivery on major installations, and has effectively been one of the anchors of the engineering function for two decades. His move into General Manager is being handled gradually, with project responsibilities continuing in parallel as he takes on a broader operational remit. Speaking about his new role, Mark said, "Having been part of Suncombe for many years, it is a real privilege to step into the role of General Manager. I'm proud of what we have achieved as a business and look forward to building on that experience, working closely with the team, and helping guide the next stage of the company's growth and development." In the workshop, Carl Watson has been promoted to Workshop Team Leader. Carl has also been with Suncombe for over 20 years and is one of those people who simply knows how things are built, assembled and made to last. His new role puts him in charge of day-to-day workshop activity, team coordination and production flow, with a strong focus on keeping quality consistent across all builds. It also formalises something that has already been true informally for some time - Carl is often the point of reference when jobs are on the shop floor. He added, "Working closely across the workshop and production teams is a hugely rewarding part of my role. We have a wealth of internal experience so it's a real privilege to be promoted to team leader to harness those skills and perspectives as we continue to grow." Dave Adams, Director at Suncombe, said, "It's a good moment for the business. Shaun brings fresh external experience at exactly the right time, especially with his background in our industry and ISPE involvement. Mark stepping into General Manager feels like a very natural progression - he's been central to the company for over 20 years and understands it inside out. And Carl has earned his promotion many times over; he knows the workshop better than anyone and has the respect of the whole team. These are important people stepping into the roles they've grown into over time, not overnight changes." These exciting changes will support Suncombe's continued growth and the steady expansion of its internal structure as demand increases across its core sectors. For more information visit: https://suncombe.com
Tulpa Club Unveils Season 3: the Fragrance Collection Inspired by the Aftermath of Late Nights
Tue, Jun 02, 2026 03:02 EDT
London independent perfume house Tulpa Club has launched Season 3, a new three-fragrance collection exploring memory, absence and the emotional aftermath of nights that linger long after they end. Created by founder and perfumer Ajay Sameer, the collection blends fragrance, film and music into a single narrative experience. Season 3 is made up of three scents: Late Checkout, Moonlight Static and Night Drive. Each is designed to stand alone while also forming part of a wider cinematic story. Drawing inspiration from analogue photography, VHS textures and neon-lit 1980s nightscapes, the collection centres on the strange emotional quiet that follows moments of intensity. Hotel rooms after someone leaves, empty coastlines at midnight, long drives where movement does little to quiet the mind. Rather than leaning into traditional luxury perfume imagery, Tulpa Club approaches fragrance through atmosphere and emotional familiarity. "I think of each Tulpa Club Season almost like an album," said Sameer. "The fragrance is the centrepiece, but the film, music, and artwork all help build the emotional setting around it. With Season 3, I wanted to make something quieter and more intimate: not a traditional aspirational perfume story, but something emotionally recognisable." Late Checkout is built around the softness and stillness of a room at the end of the night - combining warm bedsheets, faded roses, powdery musk, saffron, tobacco and sandalwood. Moonlight Static moves in a colder direction, blending salted coastal air, damp cedar, moss, herbs and fading musk to recreate the uneasy silence of an empty beach after dark. Night Drive closes the trilogy with notes of hot exhaust smoke, grape candy, suede, tobacco and wet asphalt, capturing the tension of driving forward while mentally circling the past. To accompany the launch, Tulpa Club has released a short film and curated playlists to extend the atmosphere of each fragrance beyond scent alone. Every product in the collection also includes a collectible card featuring artwork and a QR code linking directly to the film and music experience. The film features licensed music from Darksoft (courtesy of Spirit Goth Records), Requisit and Basecamp (courtesy of Wavy Seoul). "Perfume has always felt closest to music for me," Sameer adds. "A scent can pull someone back into a very specific feeling almost instantly. The film and playlists simply help widen that emotional world a little further." Season 3 is available in 15ml, 50ml and combined gift set formats through Tulpa Club. The accompanying short film is available at tulpaclub.com/film. For more information, visit https://tulpaclub.com .
Utah Communities Rally Around 22-Year-Old Heart Transplant Recipient
Mon, Jun 01, 2026 16:08 EDT
A massive community yard sale, volunteer effort, and wave of local support is helping the Lunceford family navigate Jaxson's recovery from his emergency heart transplant At just 36 hours old, baby Jaxson Lunceford was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) , a serious and progressive condition that causes the heart muscle to become dangerously thick and eventually can lead to heart failure. Because of the severity of his condition, Jaxson and his family knew he would one day need a heart transplant. In many cases, the progression toward transplant can take years, with many patients relying on lifestyle management techniques and/or a pacemaker while they gradually prepare for more advanced treatment options - such as open-heart surgery and heart transplantation. While at a routine appointment in March this year, Jaxson's doctors determined that although there was no immediate emergency, it was time to begin conversations about a future transplant. His condition was progressing past the point where his pacemaker could provide long term stability. "We have been preparing for his heart transplant for 22 years - but it still came as a shock," said Jaxson's mother, Lindon-based Britani Lunceford. "We were thinking it would be a year-long process, but Jaxson's condition escalated with unusual speed. A few days later, he went into immediate heart failure and was rushed to the ER." In the ER, Jaxson underwent four open-heart surgeries in a single week to stabilize his rapidly deteriorating condition. His body was starting to shut down and circumstances became extremely critical. Amazingly, just 72 hours after his doctors at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah placed him on the transplant waitlist at the most critical status level, Jaxson received a viable donor heart. "It was very surprising. We cried very happy tears," Britani said. "But of course, I immediately thought about the donor's grieving family." THE DONOR HEART "I was crying because I was afraid my kid wasn't going to make it, while the donor's mom and other loved ones were probably crying because her kid didn't make it," said Britani, recalling the moment she learned the doctors found a viable donor heart. "But thankfully for us, the donor had the foresight to express their wish to be an organ donor in advance of their critical condition." Receiving a donor heart isn't always the light at the end of the tunnel for transplant patients, as many life-threatening complications, such as transplant rejection, may arise. Even in successful operations, families and caregivers are face-to-face with the reality of losing their loved ones. For Britani and her family, this experience has reinforced their perspectives on organ donation and the profound connection between donor families and recipients, though they don't typically get to meet each other. To the donor and their family, Britani would like to say: "Thank you for choosing to be a donor, and the life-giving gift that this is to our dear Jaxson." THE REALITY OF HEART TRANSPLANTS AND LONG TERM CARE Every patient is different and every situation is unique. According to the American Society of Transplantation , caregivers need to prepare for anything. Not only is there no such thing as a "typical recovery timeline" for heart transplant patients, but there is also no guarantee of a return to good health at all. Survival rates of heart transplants in adults begin strong at ~90% within the first year, but steadily decrease to ~55% at the 10-year mark. On average, a transplant only lasts 10 years, meaning many patients will require more than one transplant throughout their lifetime. "Knowing that Jax will need a new heart and have to go through this again is a very daunting thought," explained Britani. "He miraculously received a heart this time, but what are the chances he gets a second, third, or fourth heart just to live a normal life expectancy?" Jaxson's path to recovery has been an emotional rollercoaster for Jaxson, Britani and the rest of the Lunceford family. Britani recalled the moment when Jaxson took longer than expected to wake up from surgery, initially puzzling his team of cardiologists and worrying his family. In addition, no mother wants to hear that doctors are leaving her child hooked up to machines with his chest wide open for several days - even if it is a standard practice to reduce swelling and monitor progress. "His whole lifetime of problems caught up with him over the past three months," said Britani. "But every day that I got to go see Jaxson at the hospital was a good day." A NEW CHAPTER AFTER YEARS OF MEDICAL UNCERTAINTY Fortunately, Jaxson is now recovering from his transplant and beginning a new chapter in life, one his family hopes will bring stability and fulfillment. For instance: "Jaxson's never really been able to travel," Britani shared. "Now, with his new heart and improved health, we hope he can experience activities and opportunities that were once unrealistic, and even impossible for him." Known by family and friends as thoughtful, easy-going, intelligent and witty, Jaxson graduated from Pleasant Grove High School while completing two years of electrical coursework through MTECH. Despite living much of his life with severe fatigue, medical limitations and implanted cardiac devices, his family says he remained hopeful and level-headed throughout his journey. "He was my easiest kid," Britani said. "So kind, so sweet, very thoughtful, very mellow." HOW THE COMMUNITY IS HELPING While Jaxson and the rest of the Lunceford family continue adjusting to life after transplant, the surrounding community has quickly mobilized to help, with a large community yard sale fundraiser on Friday, June 5th and Saturday, June 6th in Lindon. Anyone interested in participating is welcome to drop by to say hello, meet Jaxson, and peruse donated items. All proceeds will be used to offset the family's financial burden. Family members, neighbors, local students, and volunteers have spent weeks collecting and organizing donations from across Utah County. A wide range of donations are appreciated, including clothing and furniture, vehicles, professional services (such as landscaping), recreational equipment, and more. See below for more details. The Lunceford family will accept donation drop offs throughout the sale, and are offering to pick up items until Thursday, June 4th. "The Pleasant Grove High School football team is going to come and unload everything for us," Britani said. "We have trailers and boys with muscles who are ready to help." The yard sale has evolved into somewhat of a community-wide tradition for families in Lindon. In fact, the Luncefords participated in organizing a yard sale to raise money for a local family battling cancer a few years ago. Now their community is rallying around them in the same way. "We are working together to raise money for Jax," said Britani, fervently assuring that her family prefers to earn their money, rather than accept handouts. As Jaxson continues recovering, the family hopes his story not only encourages community support, but also inspires more conversations around organ donation, chronic illness and the invisible realities many families quietly navigate every day. YARD SALE AND DONATION DETAILS For more information, including photos of Jaxson with his family, the Venmo QR code and Yard Sale flyer, click here . Yard Sale for Jax: Friday and Saturday, June 5th-6th, daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Location: 222 South 400 West, Lindon, UT Yard sale donations: Donation pick up available until Thursday, June 4th Donated items may be dropped off until Saturday, June 6th Orem Drop Off Location: 101 W 220 S Orem, UT Lindon Drop Off Location: 222 S 400 W Lindon, UT Contact: Mckinzie Peterson, 801-473-1103 Accepted Items: The Lunceford family is open to all sorts of donations and contributions, but kindly asks that items are in good or better condition. If applicable, items must be functional and not in need of repairs or maintenance (unless otherwise specified). Clothing, shoes, and accessories Furniture or household items Functional vehicles, vehicle accessories, or parts Recreational equipment Antiques or collectibles Trade services (i.e. landscaping, handyman services, mechanic services, etc.) OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT Although the Lunceford family feels strongly about working hard to earn the money needed to support Jaxson through this difficult time, those who want to contribute but cannot donate items or attend the yard sale still have options: Spread the word to local family members, friends, and colleagues Sign up to be an organ donor, and encourage others to do the same Donate to @HeartForJaxson , a special Venmo account set up by Jaxson's aunt, Mckinzie Peterson QUICK FACTS ABOUT HCM & HEART TRANSPLANTS HCM is one of the most common inherited heart diseases and can increase the risk of heart failure and sudden cardiac arrest ( American Heart Association ) A heart transplant can cost over $1 million, factoring in surgery, hospitalization, medications, and long-term care. ( Milliman ) Patients must take immunosuppressive medications for the rest of their lives after receiving a donor heart to prevent transplant rejection. This may leave them more susceptible to future illnesses and conditions ( Yale Medicine ) Many of the 3,800 people currently waitlisted for a donor heart in the U.S. will wait more than six months ( Yale Medicine ) Survival rates are 90% within one year, but steadily decrease over time, with a 55% survival rate at the 10 year mark, meaning many patients will require multiple transplants throughout their lives ( Yale Medicine ) MEDIA INFORMATION Impact Communications, Inc. is providing pro bono public relations support to assist the Lunceford family and to raise awareness about the life-saving gift of organ donation. "Choosing to become an organ donor is one of the most generous decisions a person can make," said Marie Swift, CEO and founder of Impact Communications. "It takes only a moment - often just a simple check of a box when renewing your driver's license - but that small act can give someone else a second chance at life. In the face of loss, it is a way to create hope, healing, and a lasting legacy for others." Media interested in covering this as a human-interest story may reach out to: Lexi Vassilaros Impact Communications, Inc. (949) 560-7117 LexiVassilaros@ImpactCommunications.org
Southern Careers Institute San Antonio South Branch Campus Hosts "Race to Seis" Tailgate Kickoff Community Celebration on June 3
Mon, Jun 01, 2026 12:59 EDT
Southern Careers Institute (SCI) San Antonio South Branch Campus is bringing the excitement of playoff season to the community with its "Race to Seis" Tailgate Kickoff, a Spurs-inspired celebration designed to connect local residents, businesses, and future students in a fun and energetic atmosphere. The event will take place on Wednesday, June 3, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Southern Careers Institute San Antonio South Branch Campus, located at 238 Southwest Military Drive, Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78221 . Community members are invited to stop by and enjoy an afternoon filled with local pride, community engagement, and career exploration. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with local vendors and businesses, participate in community activities, explore educational opportunities, and experience the excitement of playoff-inspired festivities. Event highlights include: Local vendors and community businesses Community activities and engagement opportunities Live program demonstrations Campus tours Career training information High-energy playoff-inspired atmosphere The event is open to the public and aims to bring together students, families, local organizations, and community partners while showcasing the training opportunities available at Southern Careers Institute. Community members interested in attending can visit during any portion of the event and are encouraged to bring family and friends. Media Contact: Alyssa Luna Southern Careers Institute alyssa.luna@scitexas.edu About Southern Careers Institute Founded in 1960, Southern Careers Institute (SCI) has been dedicated to empowering Texas students through career-focused education. With eight campuses conveniently located in Austin, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Pharr, San Antonio North, San Antonio South, and Waco, SCI offers a diverse array of programs designed to prepare students for successful careers and meaningful community contributions. Our training programs encompass various fields, including Business, Beauty, Allied Health, Technology, and Trades, with options for hybrid and online learning to accommodate different learning styles. Please note that not all programs are available at every campus. The Southern Careers Institute Austin Main campus is located at 1701 W Ben White Blvd, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704. Phone: 512-432-1400 Website: scitexas.edu
June Learning Opportunities and Events at the American Marketing Association
Mon, Jun 01, 2026 11:53 EDT
June Learning Opportunities and Events at the American Marketing Association June learning opportunities: Digital marketing stack, collaborating with AI, and marketing plans Chicago, IL -This June, the American Marketing Association (AMA) is hosting new learning opportunities for marketers. AMA's professional development offerings are designed to meet marketers where they are, whether it's looking to deepen expertise or explore the latest trends shaping the future of marketing, the goal is to enable marketers to expand their knowledge base in accessible ways. For additional information and registration details for virtual trainings, bootcamps, and conferences, visit AMA.org . If you have questions about any of AMA's learning opportunities, please reach out for more information. Virtual Trainings, Bootcamps & Webinars The Modern Digital Marketing Stack: Analytics, AEO & ROI (3 Part Series) June 2 - August 6, 2026 Virtual Training | 3 Part Series This three-part AMA training series is designed to take you on a progressive journey through the three skills modern digital marketers need most: the ability to measure → optimize → prove results now that AI is influencing nearly every channel. Each session contains a piece of the puzzle - measurement, then strategy, then proof. Just a practical set of guidelines from real experts, designed for marketers who are accountable to results and need to show their work. Google Analytics Bootcamp June 2, 2026 | 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM CDT Virtual Bootcamp In this three-hour bootcamp, our expert speaker will show you how to maximize the value of your GA4 account. We'll take you step-by-step through setup and go into the deeper analysis where the real value is hiding. Plus we'll go a bit deeper and introduce you to new features and methods in how GA4 explorations show the top paths to action. Transform Your Marketing with AI: Hands-On Workshop Series June 8-29, 2026 Virtual Workshop | Four Sessions Across four live sessions, you will use ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and others to build an actual marketing strategy, produce on-brand content, and set up performance reporting designed for your real work. Learn alongside other marketers at a similar stage, with an instructor guiding the process and peers making the troubleshooting faster. You will finish with a completed AI-assisted strategy, a repeatable workflow, and a digital badge and certificate to show for your work. Marketing Unleashed: See the Tools Rewriting What's Possible June 9, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM CDT Sponsored Webinar We kick off with a keynote that cuts straight to it: what separates high-performing marketing teams from everyone else right now and what you can do about it. Then, three of the most innovative marketing technology partners take the stage for live, hands-on demos built specifically for marketers who refuse to leave results on the table. The New Go-To-Market Playbook for Marketers June 11, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT Virtual Training This session introduces a strategic yet practical framework for building and executing effective go-to-market strategies across both B2B and B2C organizations. Participants will learn how to move beyond disconnected campaigns to design coordinated market strategies grounded in customer understanding, clear positioning, and cross-functional execution. Through real examples, guided exercises, and reusable templates, attendees will leave with practical tools they can immediately apply to upcoming launches, growth initiatives, and market expansion efforts. Virtual Conference: Collaborating with AI June 16, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM CDT Virtual Conference This free virtual conference is built for marketers looking to work with AI, not around it. This conference explores how marketing teams can integrate AI into everyday workflows to enhance creativity, efficiency, and decision-making. Through practical sessions, real-world use cases, and expert perspectives, attendees will learn how to responsibly adopt AI tools while maintaining human insight and brand integrity. Walk away with strategies to make AI a true partner in your marketing efforts. Two Layers Deeper: Marketing with Direction at the Speed of Thought June 17, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT Sponsored Webinar This session will explore how AI agents can help marketing teams get two layers deeper: identifying the root causes behind operational gaps, then turning those insights into action in the real world. From flagging when a region falls behind and creating personalized campaigns for specific segment gaps to launching out-of-the-box projects like communications funnel audits and website efficacy analysis, no data point is left behind when it comes to driving revenue and improving marketing outcomes. Summer Enrollment Marketing Strategies for Higher Education June 23, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT Virtual Training Grounded in cognitive marketing, empathy-driven communication, and experience design, this workshop examines how institutions can effectively support two fundamentally different student mindsets at once: one seeking reassurance, belonging, and readiness; the other beginning to explore, question, and imagine. During the session, we'll conduct an informal audit of traditional summer marketing communications and a journey map for each segment. Participants will learn how to align messaging, timing, and channels to meet these divergent needs without diluting impact. 2026 Webinar Benchmark Report Revealed June 23, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT Sponsored Webinar Every year, Goldcast digs into the data behind thousands of real webinars to see what top-performing teams are doing differently. This year's Webinar Benchmark Report is the biggest yet, analyzing 26,190 webinars across 522 B2B organizations, representing 6.8 million registrants and more than 2.2 million attendees. The takeaway is clear: webinar programs are becoming more strategic, more content- driven, and more AI-powered. Goldcast will break down what the latest benchmarks mean for marketers building webinar programs right now. How to Write a Marketing Plan June 24, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT Virtual Training Join us to learn the components of a great plan and how to prioritize those strategies, as well as gain access to a framework for documenting everything so senior leaders are aligned and support your direction. Learn to build a repeatable, solid marketing plan, from defining your target profile to diagnosing your funnel. The Identity Gap: How Marketers Perceive Success and Where It Breaks Down June 24, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT Sponsored Webinars Most marketers believe their marketing is working. But as operations scale, what once felt effective becomes harder to sustain. In new research with the American Marketing Association, Epsilon found a clear gap: marketers who use identity resolution report higher confidence in their ability to identify audiences, deliver personalized experiences and measure results than those who don't. Non-identity users still believe they can be effective overall, but that belief starts to unravel when they look more closely at how their marketing actually performs. In this webinar, we'll break down where performance starts to diverge and what it takes to create greater clarity and alignment across marketing. How to Drive AI Visibility with Press Releases and Earned Media June 30, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT Sponsored Webinars AI search is changing how buyers discover brands. If your content isn't showing up in AI-generated answers, you're losing visibility and missing opportunities to drive traffic and pipeline, even when your campaigns are strong. For marketers, this shifts how content should be created, distributed, and measured. Visibility is no longer about rankings. Your brand needs to be cited, trusted, and surfaced when AI tools generate answers. In this session, we'll break down how press releases and earned media influence what AI surfaces, along with practical ways to adapt your strategy so your content shows up and drives impact in AI-powered search. LinkedIn Learning Generative AI for Marketing Professional Certificate by the AMA Online | 4 Hours | Beginner AMA's Generative AI for Marketing Professionals Certificate course is available on the LinkedIn Learning platform. Generative AI is revolutionizing marketing and content creation. This new learning path equips marketers with the essential skills they need to harness AI tools responsibly, from prompt engineering fundamentals to creating authentic content and developing strategic AI implementation plans. Learners will acquire practical applications that will help boost productivity and drive innovation in their work. Upcoming Conference 2026 AMA-Sheth Doctoral Consortium June 11-14, 2026 Conference | New York, NY | Invitation Only The 2026 AMA-Sheth Foundation Doctoral Consortium will be hosted at Gabelli School of Business, Fordham University in New York on June 11-14, 2026. This unique event brings together the best doctoral students from business schools in the United States, Canada, Europe and the rest of the world. It is the only consortium that exposes doctoral students to the rich diversity of topics, methodological perspectives and theories that exist within the marketing discipline. This experience is designed to spark creativity and insight by challenging students to think outside their existing paradigms and broaden their views on what constitutes good research. Additionally, the consortium's focus is to help students successfully transition to their first faculty position by providing guidance on research, teaching and service. Faculty scholars are selected who have made important contributions to the field and who are dedicated to helping doctoral students establish professional linkages among themselves and with faculty. Why learn with the AMA? The AMA is the premier community for marketing professionals offering training, research, and industry guidance. Continue your journey with Digital Marketing courses and professional credentials . The AMA is dedicated to helping marketers advance their careers through expert-led courses that deliver the latest trends, insights, and actionable skills. Our courses offer the flexibility and depth marketers need to thrive in an ever-evolving industry. Explore more AMA learning opportunities . ###
Summerfield completes first home sale at net zero development in Middlezoy, Somerset
Mon, Jun 01, 2026 07:56 EDT
Summerfield Homes has completed on the first open market sale at its Saxon Fields development in Middlezoy, marking a major milestone less than a year after construction began on site. The three-bedroom property was purchased by Jessica Radford and Charles Beake under Summerfield's MyHomes scheme, enabling them to buy their home at 25% less than its market value. Saxon Fields is a mixed development of 26 homes comprising one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom properties. Eight of the homes were made available through a housing association and are already occupied. The development is also Summerfield's first net zero development, with each home designed to generate as much renewable energy as it is targeted to consume and so not adding to the UK's overall level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. To achieve its green targets, Summerfield has included solar PV panels, air source heat pumps and energy saving devices in the house designs. Presenting the keys and a bottle of Champagne to Jessica and Charles, Summerfield Homes Sales and Marketing Divisional Director, Philip Morgan said: "One of the best parts of my job is handing over a new home to its buyers. I love seeing the delight on their faces as their dream of home ownership comes true. All of us at Summerfield wish them happiness in their new home." Charles said: "Getting onto the property ladder was a dream of ours and had seemed out of reach but the My Home scheme has made it possible and we are thrilled to be moving in." Before beginning work on the 26 homes off Back Lane, Summerfield Homes appointed an Archaeology company to carry out excavations. It uncovered a Bronze Age farmstead as well as pottery, grinding stones and tools for spinning and leather working.
SGS showcases testing and certification expertise at spoga+gafa 2026
Mon, Jun 01, 2026 07:21 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, confirms its participation in spoga+gafa 2026, the international trade fair for the global garden lifestyle, BBQ and outdoor living sector, taking place from June 22-24, 2026, in Cologne, Germany. Bringing together leading industry players from across the outdoor living value chain, spoga+gafa serves as a central platform for innovation and market insight, with a focus on outdoor living as an extension of the home, sustainable materials, smart gardening technologies and premium BBQ experiences. Exhibiting at Booth CO34, Hall 7, SGS will provide regulatory and technical guidance for manufacturers and brands marketing gas appliances and outdoor lifestyle products. SGS supports efficient and secure global market access through independent third‑party testing and certification, including compliance with major international standards such as CE, GS and UKCA. With SGS experts available on site, spoga+gafa 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for industry professionals to engage directly with a trusted global partner on topics related to product quality, safety and regulatory compliance. Industry stakeholders are encouraged to register now and schedule a meeting with SGS specialists.
Child Bereavement UK Recruits for Lived Experience Volunteers
Mon, Jun 01, 2026 03:58 EDT
This National Volunteers Week, leading bereavement charity, Child Bereavement UK, is recruiting for the voices of parents who have experienced the loss of their baby or child. The new volunteer role aims to give a platform for bereaved parents and will be a part of Child Bereavement UK's volunteer ambassador programme, which seeks to hear the experiences of bereaved families throughout the UK. Head of Voice and Participation at Child Bereavement UK, Fenella Prior-Smith, comments, "We are so pleased to be opening opportunities for bereaved parents to share their voices alongside grieving young people. "Here at Child Bereavement UK, we believe it is so important to listen, and work with, those with lived experience of bereavement. We know how powerful it is to hear from those with personal experience of grief and bereavement so that as an organisation we are shaped by those who need us most. "We welcome applications from parents or carers bereaved of a child or baby and we look forward learning from, and working with, these volunteers. "Together with bereavement specialists and our Lived Experience Ambassadors, we want to create a diverse range of services, content and campaigns to create meaningful conversations and change surrounding the different aspects of grief and how it impacts both young people and parents bereaved of a child." The Lived Experience Ambassador role will sit alongside volunteer roles for children and young people, creating a platform to share their voices and experiences of grief. Child Bereavement UK recently merged with Winston's Wish, the UK's first children and young people's bereavement charity. The newly merged and unified organisation is opening new volunteer opportunities to hear from parents who would like to share their experiences and to help other families know that they are not alone. Child Bereavement UK helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. The charity offers free, UK-wide, accessible online grief support to children and young people (up to 25) who are bereaved or facing the death of someone important, and the parents and carers of babies and children who are dying or have died. Youth Ambassador Nell comments, "It helps as I know I'm using my experience for good. I want to use my time to create positive change for others experiencing bereavement and loss, and I find that sharing my own experience and advice has helped me articulate my own feelings around grief." Lived Experience Ambassadors, whether bereaved young people or grieving parents, will be given opportunities to get involved in various activities, including raising awareness and understanding of grief by sharing their voices and opinions on projects within Child Bereavement UK and beyond. These volunteers will also have the opportunity to work on public affairs campaigns and to influence content, services and other Child Bereavement UK initiatives. If you are a bereaved parent or carer of a baby or child up to the age of 25 and would be interested in volunteering as a Lived Experience Ambassador , please review the dedicated page on the Child Bereavement UK where you can view opportunities for adults and young people. Child Bereavement UK helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. We offer free, UK-wide, accessible online grief support to children and young people (up to 25) who are bereaved or facing the death of someone important, and the parents and carers of babies and children who are dying or have died. Our trained bereavement specialists are available to speak with Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm (excluding bank holidays) by phone, email, text and WhatsApp, or via our website - childbereavementuk.org
SportsArt Launches ECO-POWR™ Calculator to Quantify Energy-Generating Fitness Impact
Fri, May 29, 2026 15:41 EDT
New digital tool enables facilities to estimate energy savings and sustainability benefits from ECO-POWR™ cardio equipment. SportsArt, a global leader in sustainable fitness solutions, today announced the launch of its new ECO-POWR™ Calculator, an interactive tool designed to help fitness facility operators and developers quantify the environmental and operational impact of energy-generating cardio equipment. Available online at gosportsart.com/eco-powr-calculator/, the tool allows users to input key facility data, such as equipment mix and usage patterns, and receive an estimate of how much electricity their facility could generate and how that energy can offset overall consumption. Data-Driven Sustainability for Fitness Operators With sustainability becoming a key performance metric for modern fitness and recreation spaces, the ECO-POWR™ Calculator provides operators with a practical way to model ROI, energy savings, and environmental benefits before investing in equipment. By translating workouts into watts, the tool helps facilities: Estimate electricity generation potential Visualize energy cost offsets Support sustainability reporting and LEED-related initiatives Engage members through measurable impact metrics Turning Workouts into Measurable Impact The calculator builds on SportsArt's patented ECO-POWR™ technology, which captures human energy during exercise and converts it into utility-grade electricity. Using an integrated micro-inverter, the equipment feeds this energy directly back into a facility's electrical grid in real time, reducing net energy use and supporting sustainability goals. ECO-POWR™ equipment can capture a significant portion of user-generated energy (up to approximately 74%) transforming cardio workouts into a renewable power source for fitness facilities. From treadmills and ellipticals to cycles and steppers, the ECO-POWR™ line enables facilities to reduce their carbon footprint while engaging users in a more meaningful workout experience, where every session contributes to measurable environmental impact. Executive Perspective "Today's operators are looking for more than just high-performance equipment, they want solutions that align with their sustainability goals and deliver measurable value," said Ruben Mejia, Executive Vice President of SportsArt Americas. "The ECO-POWR™ Calculator gives facilities a clear, data-driven view of how human energy can be transformed into real-world impact. It's a powerful way to demonstrate that every workout can contribute to something bigger through reduced energy consumption, lowered carbon footprints, and the creation of more sustainable fitness spaces." About SportsArt ECO-POWR™ SportsArt's ECO-POWR™ technology is a cornerstone of the company's sustainability platform, enabling fitness facilities to function as micro power plants. By converting human exertion into usable electricity, ECO-POWR™ equipment helps offset energy consumption while delivering premium performance and durability. About SportsArt A pioneer in sustainable fitness, SportsArt has been innovating design and manufacturing premium fitness equipment since 1977. Our mission is to engineer beautiful, smart, innovative products and technologies that help sustain the health of people and our planet. Our ECO-POWR™ line, the world's only energy-generating cardio equipment, features patented technology that captures 74% of the energy generated during a workout and feeds it back into the grid. Along with ECO-POWR™, SportsArt offers a full range of high-quality cardio, strength and rehabilitation equipment for the fitness, medical and residential markets. Our state-of-the-art, 500,000+ square foot manufacturing space is ISO-14001 certified, enabling us to design, manufacture and test our products in a way that reduces overall environmental impact. Today, SportsArt is one of the world's largest single-brand manufacturers and sold in over 70 countries. By creating fitness solutions that positively impact users, partners and the planet, SportsArt is inspiring performance for our shared world.
BP Chair Removal: Early Signs of Governance in Action Under Pressure
Fri, May 29, 2026 10:02 EDT
If reporting is borne out, BP's handling of the removal of their Chair may point to governance processes working as intended under pressure. The situation highlights the critical role of an experienced Company Secretary in enabling boards to act on serious concerns. As speculation continues around the removal of the Chair of BP, early reporting, including in the Financial Times, suggests that concerns may have been raised and crystallised at board level prior to the decision taken. If that reporting proves to be well founded, it would point to governance processes functioning as intended under pressure and underlines the critical role of a Chartered Company Secretary in ensuring boards are able to act when serious concerns arise. We have no inside information, and we will no doubt learn more over time, but there is no evidence that this is connected to matters relating to BP's recent AGM. It is also not surprising that the company has not provided more detail; there will rightly be legal, contractual and HR considerations shaping what can be said publicly at this stage. At its core, this is a board-level governance event. These moments have an immediate impact on confidence, not only in markets, but among employees, regulators and wider stakeholders. The key distinction is between the incident itself and the organisation's underlying governance capability. What matters most is how effectively issues are identified, addressed and learned from. That is what shapes trust, resilience and long-term credibility. In the short term, the removal of a chair on governance and conduct grounds raises legitimate questions about oversight, board dynamics and internal controls. However, without fuller information, it is not possible to conclude whether this represents a failure of governance or a strong example of governance functioning effectively under pressure. Over time, the handling of the situation - including the speed and decisiveness of the response, with the Senior Independent Director speaking on behalf of the Board - will be the more meaningful indicator and can be read as governance working as intended. Ben Mathews, the Company Secretary of BP, is a long-standing Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute and a highly experienced Chartered Secretary. This reflects the level of professional capability that boards rely on when navigating situations such as these. Governance professionals are well aware that issues will arise; the true measure of effective governance lies in how they are managed and ultimately resolved. In situations of this nature, the Company Secretary plays a central role in supporting the board through fast-moving and sensitive governance challenges, helping to ensure that processes are robust, decisions are well founded, and the organisation is able to respond with clarity and integrity. This also underlines the value of strong governance capability and of ensuring those responsible for it are well trained, supported and empowered to act when circumstances require. Peter Swabey FCG, Policy & Research Director, The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland
Quantuma secures the future of Leon Restaurants with over 530 jobs saved
Fri, May 29, 2026 07:49 EDT
Experts from business advisory firm Quantuma have successfully guided Leon Restaurants Limited (LEON) through the restructuring of the business. LEON will emerge from administration after receiving unanimous support from the creditors who voted as part of a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA), including HMRC. Over 530 jobs have been saved across LEON's head office, central support and trading site teams. The restructuring of the business has removed a number of underperforming sites in the LEON chain of restaurants and the CVA will enable LEON to exit administration with a total of 43 restaurants, including 23 franchises. The Company will now press ahead with its ambitious development plans. Known as the 'naturally fast food' restaurant chain, LEON was founded in 2004 with its first outlet located in London's Carnaby Street. The chain expanded to a total of 75 sites with a mix of owned and franchised outlets. The LEON chain was bought back by its co-founder and former chief executive John Vincent in October 2025 from Asda. Quantuma's Brian Burke and Michael Kiely, along with Andrew Andronikou (now a Parter with BTG Consulting plc), were appointed as Administrators on 10 December 2025, to oversee the restructuring process. Over recent months, they have worked closely with LEON's leadership team, navigated its immediate challenges, devised and delivered a robust restructuring programme, concluding with the CVA. The restructuring has involved the closure of a number of LEON restaurants. Affected employees were assisted by the establishment of a programme with Pret A Manger where they were able to apply for jobs via a dedicated channel. The Leon Grocery business was not affected by the Administration and restructuring. Brian Burke, Joint Nominee and Managing Director at Quantuma commented: "I am delighted to have achieved this positive outcome for LEON which protects over 530 jobs and ensures the continuity of a highly valued restaurant chain. While the retail and hospitality sector continues to suffer highly challenging trading conditions given the impacts of increased costs, tax burdens, business rates and national insurance, I am very pleased that the Quantuma team has secured an outcome that will position the business to return to its positive trajectory." John Vincent, Founder and CEO of Leon, said: "I am so grateful to all our landlords and other creditors who have shown us such strong support in recent months. With their backing we now have the opportunity, as well as the responsibility, to get LEON back to its best and to help people eat and live well every day. "I would also like to thank all my colleagues for working extremely hard during the same period to stabilise the business and restore some of its old verve. And finally, I would like to thank all our LEON customers, who were so patient when the business was in the wilderness and are now back in our restaurants and cheering us on." ENDS Photograph Link to photograph for Brian Burke , Managing Director at Quantuma
