Fuel Duty Frozen: A Victory for Pressure from Drivers. Now Get Britain Moving
Wed, Oct 28, 2026 15:45 EDT
FairFuelUK welcomes the Fuel Duty freeze but says it is not a cut. Howard Cox calls for further action on soaring pump prices and urges the Prime Minister, Chancellor, and Transport Secretary to meet with him to discuss his forthcoming 20-year transport and mobility strategy for economic growth. Howard Cox, Founder of FairFuelUK, said: "Thank goodness a smidgeon of common sense has prevailed. Freezing Fuel Duty is a victory for drivers, businesses, and sustained campaigning. But let's be absolutely clear: a freeze is not a cut." "Millions of drivers, small businesses, hauliers, farmers and tradespeople are already being battered by painfully high petrol and diesel prices. Simply deciding not to make those prices even worse through higher taxation is the very least the Government should be doing." "For nearly 17 years, FairFuelUK has fought objectively and successfully to keep fuel taxes low and to make politicians understand that drivers are not cash cows. This decision shows that when the government listens to motorists, common sense can prevail." 113 COUNTRIES HAVE ACTED ON ENERGY COSTS. BRITAIN MUST DO MORE. FairFuelUK says the Government must look beyond freezing Fuel Duty and consider further action to reduce the impact of high energy and transport costs on households and businesses. The IEA 2026 Energy Crisis Policy Response Tracker confirms that governments worldwide have adopted measures in response to the current energy crisis, including short-term financial support to reduce costs for households and businesses. [iea.org] FairFuelUK cites IEA data indicating that by June 2026, 113 countries and the European Commission had introduced policy measures to support consumers and businesses in response to rising energy costs, including 55 countries that adopted taxation measures. Howard Cox said: "If governments around the world can intervene to cushion their citizens and businesses against an energy-price shock, why isn't Britain doing much more?" "Freezing Fuel Duty prevents the Treasury from making a bad situation worse. It doesn't reduce the painful prices drivers and businesses are paying at the pumps today." "High diesel prices don't stop at the filling station. They feed through haulage, farming, manufacturing, construction and deliveries and ultimately into the costs faced by households and businesses." "Affordable fuel isn't simply a motorists' issue. It is a cost-of-living issue, a business issue, and an economic-growth issue. Drivers and road transport help create economic activity. They must stop being treated as convenient cash machines whenever the Treasury needs more revenue." "If Ministers are serious about growth, they must get the cost of diesel down. You cannot get Britain growing while making it increasingly expensive to move virtually everything Britain produces, sells and consumes." "IFS WRONG AGAIN: BEFORE ASKING WHAT A FREEZE COSTS WHITEHALL, ASK WHAT A TAX RISE COSTS BRITAIN" Howard Cox also rejected the conventional description of maintaining lower Fuel Duty as a "cost" to the Exchequer. The Institute for Fiscal Studies response on road and fuel taxation estimated that permanently retaining the full 5p reduction would cost about £2.3 billion a year by 2029-30 relative to the forecasts it was commenting on . [ifs.org.uk] Howard Cox said: "Here we go again. When it comes to Fuel Duty, I sometimes think IFS should stand for the 'Institute for Fiscal Stupidity'." "The IFS talks about maintaining lower Fuel Duty as a cost to the Exchequer. I look at the other side of the balance sheet: what does taking even more money from motorists, hauliers and businesses cost the wider economy?" "The planned increase in punitive fuel taxation is not money that has mysteriously disappeared. If Government doesn't take that additional tax, the money stays with families and businesses, who can spend it, invest it or use it to meet their rising costs." "Before asking what freezing Fuel Duty costs Whitehall, ask what raising Fuel Duty costs Britain." "Why deliberately increase the cost of mobility when you're simultaneously telling us economic growth is the number-one priority? Keep more money circulating in the real economy, reduce pressure on transport costs and give businesses room to grow. It's a no-brainer." BRITAIN NEEDS A 20-YEAR TRANSPORT STRATEGY FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH In the coming weeks, Howard Cox will publish his comprehensive 20-year transport and mobility strategy, developed with input from more than 80,000 FairFuelUK supporters, drivers, and public transit users. The strategy will make the case for a transport policy that places economic growth, productivity, mobility, affordability, and fairness at the center of a long-term national plan. Howard Cox said: "Britain cannot continue to run its transportation system from Budget to Budget and crisis to crisis. We need a long-term transportation strategy grounded in one fundamental economic truth: mobility drives growth." "In the coming weeks, I will publish my comprehensive 20-year transportation and mobility strategy, informed by more than 80,000 drivers and public transit users." "This isn't about choosing motorists over public transportation, roads over rail, or existing vehicles over new technologies. It is about creating an efficient, affordable, and properly integrated transportation system that makes it easier to move people and goods around Britain." "If we improve mobility, reduce unnecessary transportation costs, and make our networks more efficient, we can help businesses become more productive, help people access jobs and opportunities, and contribute to the economic growth Britain desperately needs." MY CHALLENGE TO MPs AND THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA Howard Cox is calling on MPs, policymakers, and the mainstream media to judge the forthcoming strategy by its proposals and the benefits it could deliver, rather than by traditional political or transport divides. He said: "My challenge to MPs and the mainstream media is simple: judge this strategy by the evidence and by what it can deliver." "If we can make Britain's transport system more efficient, affordable, and integrated, their constituents, readers, and viewers benefit. Businesses benefit. Communities benefit. And above all, the economy benefits." "This isn't a motorists-versus-public-transport plan. It is a plan to get Britain moving." PRIME MINISTER, CHANCELLOR AND TRANSPORT SECRETARY: PLEASE MEET ME Howard Cox is formally asking the Prime Minister, Chancellor, and Transport Secretary to meet him following the publication of the strategy to discuss how its proposals could contribute to economic growth, productivity, affordable mobility, and a lower cost of living. Howard Cox said: "I am publicly asking the Prime Minister, Chancellor, and Transport Secretary to meet with me. Not for a photo opportunity or political point-scoring, but for a serious discussion about how transport and mobility can help deliver the economic growth Britain desperately needs." "For nearly 17 years, I have worked at the sharp end of transport campaigning, listening to drivers and businesses and dealing directly with politicians and policymakers." "My forthcoming strategy draws on that experience and combines it with input from more than 80,000 people who use our roads and public transport." "I will bring the strategy. I will bring the evidence. I will bring the views of tens of thousands of transport users. All I ask of Government is an open mind and a willingness to listen." "The Fuel Duty freeze shows that Government can listen to drivers. Now let's have the bigger conversation about how we get Britain moving and make transport a catalyst for economic growth." FAIRFUELUK IS CALLING ON THE GOVERNMENT TO: Maintain the Fuel Duty freeze and protect the 5p-per-litre reduction. Take further action to reduce the burden of exceptionally high petrol and diesel prices. Give PumpWatch real teeth and increase scrutiny and accountability throughout the fuel supply chain. Consider targeted fiscal measures capable of reducing the impact of elevated fuel costs on families and businesses. Recognise affordable and efficient road transport as an important contributor to productivity and economic growth. Engage seriously with Howard Cox's forthcoming 20-year transport and mobility strategy. Meet Howard Cox to discuss the proposals and how transport policy can help get Britain growing again. HOWARD COX'S MESSAGE TO GOVERNMENT "Freeze the tax. Bring down pump prices. Stop treating drivers as cash cows. Then sit down with me and let's build a transport system that gets Britain moving and our economy growing for the next 20 years." ENDS The IEA 2026 Energy Crisis Policy Response Tracker says governments have taken a range of measures in response to the current energy crisis, including short-term energy-saving actions and financial support intended to lower costs for households and businesses. [iea.org] Source: International Energy Agency, 2026 Energy Crisis Policy Response Tracker .
Wildflowering: A relationship therapist reveals the five conversations to have before agreeing to 'see where things go'
Wed, Oct 28, 2026 09:49 EDT
Psychosexual and relationship therapist Rea Shahroudi explains how to take dating slowly without leaving the other person guessing about where they stand. For two people getting to know each other, agreeing to "see where things go" can mean enjoying a new connection without pressure. But if one person assumes exclusivity and the other continues dating others, the same words can conceal very different expectations, says Rea Shahroudi, a London psychosexual and relationship therapist and the co-founder of sex and relationship therapy platform, Intima Therapy. Wildflowering is a new name for a more casual approach to dating that lets romantic connections develop without immediately imposing labels or following traditional timelines. Rea supports giving relationships room to grow but says it's still important to be clear about intentions, boundaries and expectations from the start. "Labels bring pressure," she says. "If you know you are interviewing for a life partner, that pressure sits on the connection and on both of you." A recent report published by Feeld and Dr Justin Lehmiller offers more context. It found that 58% of its surveyed participants identified authenticity and clear intentions as the biggest missing piece in modern dating. The findings came from a combined UK and US sample, including Feeld members. "The most important agreements are not about what you call each other. They are about what each person is looking for," says Rea. She recommends the following five conversations for anyone agreeing to 'see where things go'. 1. What are you looking for? When you meet someone new, expectations may well be different. Agreeing to start slowly doesn't mean that the other person isn't looking for a commitment. 2. Are you seeing other people? Even if there's no label on the connection, each party could assume something different about exclusivity. Be clear about whether you plan to see other people or if you'd prefer to be exclusive. 3. What pace feels comfortable? People attach different meanings to physical affection. Taking things slowly could be mistaken for disinterest by one person, while the other may be uncomfortable with physical intimacy at the start of a new relationship. 4. How much contact and time together do you want? Different needs for independence and closeness can create conflict if they aren't expressed upfront. Agree how often you'd like to see each other, what level of communication feels comfortable, and how much space you require when you aren't together. 5. What needs discussing before sex? Before becoming sexually involved, discuss consent, boundaries, STI testing and protection, and contraception where relevant. If either person has other sexual partners, consider what information should be shared. For Rea, flexibility and responsibility can exist together. The aim is to give both people enough information to decide whether the connection works for them. "Knowing yourself, connecting with your feelings and communicating well are big factors in a successful dating journey," she says. For more information, visit intimatherapy.co.uk .
Datacentres have solved cooling... now comes the hard part
Wed, Oct 28, 2026 07:42 EDT
The datacentre industry has made its decision on liquid cooling. Facilities running high-density AI workloads led the way. The major hardware vendors have designed their latest AI processor hardware around it. Direct-to-chip cooling, where liquid is routed through cold plates directly onto the processors, is now the reference architecture for any new AI-optimized facility. The question is no longer whether liquid cooling will become standard. It already has. The real question now is ' What do accurate reliable measurements look like in this new scenario? ' Liquid cooling is not a new idea. IBM pioneered water-cooled mainframe computers in the 1960s, and the technology has been standard in supercomputers and high-performance computing clusters ever since. For the mainstream datacentre industry, however, it remained a niche concern. Interesting in principle, unnecessary in practice. Air worked well enough, and the economics of switching did not justify the complexity. That calculation changed, and fast. The trigger was artificial intelligence. As AI moved from research to large-scale commercial deployment, it introduced workloads that generate heat at a scale air cooling cannot handle. A conventional server rack draws between 5 and 10 kilowatts. An AI rack today can draw ten to twenty, even thirty times that. At those densities, the physics of air cooling simply run out: heat capacity of air is relatively low, and moving enough air to extract the heat would require fan energy so large it becomes economically absurd, and even then, the hottest parts of the chip would not be reached in time. Liquid, with a heat capacity roughly 3,500 times greater than air by volume, is the only viable path forward. Liquid cooling solves the thermal problem. But operating these systems reliably over time is a question the industry is still working out, and the measurement infrastructure that makes reliable operation possible is where much of that work remains. The thermal trajectory has only one direction To understand where the measurement challenge is headed, it helps to understand the rate at which the underlying hardware is changing. According to AFCOM's 2025 State of the Datacentre Report, average rack density has already risen from 7 kW in 2021 to 16 kW today, and 79 percent of industry respondents expect the climb to continue. At the leading edge, NVIDIA's 2027 Kyber rack platform is projected to reach 600 kW with NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang indicating future racks could eventually require a full megawatt. That would make a single enclosure as power-hungry as an entire small datacentre was a decade ago. The gap between average and leading-edge deployments is widening with each new generation of AI hardware, and the leading edge sets the infrastructure requirements that everyone else eventually must meet. Air cooling reaches its practical limit at roughly 20 to 30 kW per rack. At higher densities, fan energy alone makes air-only cooling economically unworkable. Liquid, with its vastly superior thermal conductivity, is not a preference at these densities, it is a physical requirement. From one domain to two Running a liquid-cooled facility is not a straightforward extension of running an air-cooled one. It is a categorically different operational environment, demanding new expertise across power, structural and mechanical engineering, fluid dynamics and chemistry, and instrumentation. And across all of these, measurement is the layer that makes the others controllable. In a traditional air-cooled facility, the management of controlled environments is well understood. Temperature, relative humidity, differential pressure. Parameters, with decades of industry practice behind them, standardized in guidelines like those published by ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, and served by mature sensor technology. Operators know what they are measuring, why, how that feeds to controls, and what the numbers mean. Liquid cooling extends that domain significantly. Pipes carrying cold water have always been part of datacentre infrastructure, delivering chilled water to air handlers and fan wall units. But the scope and criticality of liquid measurement expands dramatically when cooling is brought all the way to the chips through CDUs and cold plates. The parameters that now require dedicated instrumentation include liquid temperature, pressure, flow rate, and level, as well as leak detection and coolant health indicators such as pH, turbidity, conductivity, and refractive index. Each carries its own failure modes, all requiring careful monitoring to ensure effective cooling loop performance and to maintain the needed quality of liquid, in the proximity of hardware that may be worth tens of millions of euros per square meter of floor space. Liquid cooling takes over where air runs out of power, but air-side management remains essential for everything else. Direct-to-chip cooling takes the heat out from the hottest components, but the residual heat from the rest is cooled with air. As the hardware being protected becomes more expensive per square meter, the cost of any failure, whether from overheating, condensation, or coolant leak on the liquid side, or from inadequate airflow on the air side, grows with it. The stakes around every rack are higher, and so is the value of ensuring at all times, that the controlled environments are exactly as they should be. In liquid-cooled environments, the reliability and dependability requirements for measurement are even more critical than before. Measurements in a liquid-cooled environment Alongside the liquid-side parameters, ambient conditions in the data hall and in the critical parts of the cooling system must be actively managed. Dew point is where the risk concentrates. Liquid cooling's efficiency depends on delivering cold liquid to the cold plates, but colder piping inside an air-conditioned space creates a condensation risk. When pipe surface temperature drops below the ambient dew point, water forms. Not a maintenance inconvenience, but a potential failure event with consequences that far exceed any maintenance budget. The standard practice is to maintain coolant supply temperatures at least 2°C above the measured ambient dew point. The coolant distribution unit is responsible for holding that margin, but only if it knows what the dew point actually is, continuously. The measurement challenge across all these parameters is not exotic. It draws on well-established sensor physics. But applying it correctly, meaning knowing where to measure, how frequently, and how sensor data feeds into control decisions requires a thorough understanding of both the technology and the environment it operates in. Dynamic facilities demand dynamic measurements AI workloads are fundamentally different from traditional datacentre workloads. AI training jobs are intensive and intermittent. A cluster transitions from idle to full training load in minutes, generating a step change in thermal output that the cooling system must respond to in real time. The CDU managing that cluster needs to control the cooling loop, not with a delay of several minutes but instantly and continuously, ensuring supply and return temperatures are within limits, pressure and flow rates are as they should be, and the ambient dew point near the cold manifolds stays within tolerance as the system heats up. Reliable measurements make dynamic control possible. Without accurate real-time data on critical parameters across the facility, the control systems are operating on delayed or inaccurate information. And the consequences cascade: inefficient cooling wastes energy, inadequate cooling risks hardware, and overcorrection wastes both. Every percentage point of efficiency improvement in a facility running hundreds of kilowatts per rack translates directly into operating cost and carbon impact. That connection between measurement quality and operational outcome is what makes getting the instrumentation right a business decision, not just a technical one. What the next generation will require The direction from here is more of everything that is already challenging. Rack densities will continue to increase. Each step in this progression adds measurement requirements that do not yet have the benefit of decades of industry practice behind them. Reliable measurements are the foundation on which everything else is built. They allow cooling systems to be controlled precisely rather than conservatively, energy efficiency targets to be achieved rather than merely aspired to. They give operators confidence that both the cooling infrastructure and the computer hardware it serves are operating within safe parameters. And they provide the early warning that separates a recoverable problem from an expensive one. Without trustworthy measurements, a liquid-cooled datacentre is operating on assumptions. And at these rack densities, assumptions are expensive. The industry is still building the understanding of what rigorous measurement looks like in this environment. That understanding is where the hard work of the next phase begins. ENDS Words: 1395 Sources - AFCOM, 2025 State of the Datacentre Report - ASHRAE TC 9.9, Thermal Guidelines for Data Processing Environments; Liquid Cooling Technical Committee guidance Author: Anu Kätkä, Head of Datacentres and Critical Environments, Industrial Measurements, Vaisala
A Tonne Takes About 20kg to Move - Keep It That Way with Well-Maintained Manual Handling Equipment Expert Advises
Wed, Oct 28, 2026 05:44 EDT
Can you lift a tonne by hand? Of course not - no ordinary human can. Put it on a pallet truck, though, and HSE's rule of thumb says it takes only about 20kg of effort to move it across a flat floor. That's why the humble pallet truck is such a good piece of kit - as long as it's good quality, and in good condition. The catch is that the figure is the best case. HSE guidance puts the force needed to move a load across a flat, level floor with a well-maintained handling aid at no less than 2% of its weight. So, the maths starts there. A 400kg load needs at least 8kg of effort, and a 1,000kg load at least 20kg. HSE's push and pull guideline figures are around 20kg of force to start or stop a load for men and 15kg for women, dropping to 10kg and 7kg to keep it moving. They're screening figures, not legal limits, but well worth keeping in mind. Pallet Trucks UK says that's why it pays to do the sums when pallets are being built, not afterwards. How much goes onto each pallet, how far it travels and who's pushing it all matters. After that, it's condition: the force needed goes up, perhaps by a lot, if the wheels aren't in the right position or the equipment is poorly maintained, and that slopes and ramps can push forces very high. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Trucks UK, said, "The truck does the hard part, and it does it brilliantly. It turns a job nobody could do by hand into one most people can manage. But that 2% is the best case, and it assumes everything's in perfect order. A stiff wheel or a worn bearing adds to it, and nobody notices because it creeps up. "So, we'd say do the maths twice. Once when you're loading, so you know what a pallet really weighs and whether the person pushing it is inside the guideline, bearing in mind the figures for women are lower. Then again on the truck itself. If pallets are getting heavier or there's a new ramp on the route, take a fresh look. "Look after your pallet trucks, stackers and lift tables and they will carry on, making a tonne feel manageable with very little effort!" For more information, please visit: www.pallettrucksuk.co.uk .
Umpqua Dairy Earns Its Fifth Consecutive Irving B. Weber Award for Total Quality Excellence
Tue, Oct 27, 2026 19:49 EDT
Roseburg, Oregon, dairy earns prestigious QCS honor for the 12th time Umpqua Dairy Products Company of Roseburg, Oregon, has once again earned the Irving B. Weber Award for Total Quality Excellence, the highest honor presented through the QCS Purchasing Cooperative's Dairy Quality Excellence Program. The award was announced during the Celebration Gala at the 2026 QCS Annual Conference in Plano, Texas. The 2026 honor marks an extraordinary fifth consecutive Weber Award for Umpqua Dairy and the company's 12th Weber Award overall. Umpqua has also been named a Weber Award finalist 25 times, demonstrating a sustained commitment to product quality, food safety, and operational excellence. "Winning the Weber Award once is a significant achievement. Earning it five years in a row speaks to a culture of quality that is deeply embedded throughout Umpqua Dairy," said QCS Purchasing Cooperative President and CEO Ken Klug. "Their team continues to set an exceptionally high standard, and we are proud to recognize that commitment." Umpqua Dairy was a 2026 Dairy Quality Excellence Award winner and Weber Award finalist in two categories, Cultured Products and Ice Cream. The Irving B. Weber Award for Total Quality Excellence is the highest recognition in the QCS Dairy Quality Excellence Program, which dates to 1944. The program benchmarks participating dairy plants on product quality, food safety, and operational performance, and recognizes companies that consistently demonstrate excellence in product quality across dairy categories. The award is named for Irving B. Weber, whose vision that independent dairies could distinguish themselves through rigorous testing and exceptional product quality guided the QCS Dairy Quality Excellence Program for more than 80 years, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence across the industry. "Umpqua Dairy's record in this program is remarkable not simply because of the number of awards they have earned, but because of the consistency required to achieve them," Klug added. "Quality is something that has to be delivered every day, and Umpqua continues to demonstrate what that looks like." The Weber Award was presented at the QCS Annual Conference, which brings together leaders from food and beverage manufacturing, procurement, operations, and supplier organizations for education, collaboration, and industry connections. ###
Tucson Federal Credit Union Puts Community Commitment Into Action During Arizona Credit Union Week
Tue, Oct 27, 2026 14:04 EDT
From buying neighbors their morning coffee to painting a mural at Sister José Women's Center, TFCU joined credit unions statewide for a week of giving, volunteerism and financial education Tucson Federal Credit Union (TFCU) joined credit unions across the state October 13 through 16 for the fourth annual Arizona Credit Union Week (AZCUWEEK), a statewide celebration of the credit union movement and the difference credit unions make in the communities they serve. Throughout the week, TFCU employees took part in community service, financial education and collaborative initiatives designed to create meaningful local impact while strengthening relationships across Arizona's credit union community. "Arizona Credit Union Week is a chance to show what people helping people looks like in action," said Matthew Gaspari, President and CEO of Tucson Federal Credit Union. "Whether our team was buying a neighbor's morning coffee, painting alongside our fellow credit unions at Sister José Women's Center or teaching young people about money, this week turned our commitment to the community into action. When Arizona's credit unions work together, we make a bigger difference than any one of us could on our own." TFCU's AZCUWEEK highlights Pay-It-Forward Day (Tuesday, October 13): TFCU kicked off its week at local and independently owned coffee shops: Coffee Times and Roadrunner Coffee, covering $1,700 in coffee and breakfast purchases for local customers. Volunteer Day (Wednesday, October 14): Seven TFCU employees joined volunteers from OneAZ Credit Union and Hughes Federal Credit Union at Sister José Women's Center to paint a large mural across the center's living area. Through the broader AZCUWEEK initiative, participating credit unions also contributed funds to support the nonprofit organizations served throughout the week. International Credit Union Day (Thursday, October 15): Credit unions across Arizona collaborated on social media content featuring employees answering Arizona-themed questions and sharing financial tips, with each organization supporting and amplifying one another's posts. Financial Soccer Presented by Visa (Friday, October 16): The week concluded in Tempe at Geneva Epps Mosley Middle School, where participating credit unions came together for a youth-focused event combining financial literacy lessons with soccer and interactive learning. Now in its fourth year, Arizona Credit Union Week is a collaborative effort among the state's credit unions, united by a shared mission to empower financial well-being, strengthen local economies and give back to the communities they serve. For TFCU, the week reinforced the value of Arizona credit unions working together to create broader community impact than any one organization could achieve alone. For more information, visit www.azcuweek.com or follow #AZCUWeek on social media. To learn more about TFCU's community programs, financial education and year-round volunteerism, visit tucsonfcu.com or follow TFCU on social media.
What If We Could Stop Aging? The Intriguing Premise of a New Medical Thriller, The Aging Code
Tue, Oct 27, 2026 12:46 EDT
A doctor in both Internal Medicine and Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Harvard-educated Robert J. McCunney is no stranger to cutting-edge science and research developments. His background perfectly sets the stage for his gripping new novel, The Aging Code . Centered around a New York Times journalist and a UN physician investigating the causes of aging, they become enmeshed in a deadly terrorist plot targeting Ukrainian diplomats in this medical mystery and political thriller. Watch the book trailer here: https://youtu.be/sImfBnwNw-g?si=IYV4zjF3hNfG34y3 Science, possibilities, passion, and thoughts on the contemporary war tragedies in Ukraine make this fine novel a significant debut. Very highly recommended on many levels! Grady Harp MD ., Amazon Top 100 Hall of Fame Reviewer , 5-Stars Readers are fully transported into the world of Anna Carlson, the aforementioned journalist, and Dan Murphy, the UN physician, as they uncover an international plot connected to groundbreaking discoveries in aging. While Dan explores medical mysteries in his own practice, Anna begins to ask questions about if it is truly possible to extend one's lifespan by manipulating DNA. The scientific basis sets the stage and brings a heavy dose of realism into the story. Meanwhile, in the wake of Russia's attack on Ukraine, drawing from modern history, readers catch glimpses into the lives of the Ivanovs: A Russian genetics scientist, a wife and child killed in the war, and surviving daughter Oksana, who ends up caught in the middle of this international conspiracy. These characters' stories converge to create an exciting and mysterious novel! The author treats us to a graduate course in international terrorist intrigue, geopolitics, environmental medicine, and the science of aging. Move over Sir Arthur Conan Doyle! Robert McLellan, MD, MPH Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center "In writing this book, I wanted to explore a number of important topics in medicine today," Dr. McCunney says. He continues, "Like all forms of new technology, however, benefits are associated with risks. This book ideally will raise awareness of some of the potential nefarious purposes of this fascinating medical advance." His extensive research is expertly interwoven within The Aging Code , complete with plenty of real-world references, medical insight, and maps of locations. Thrilling, exciting, and mysterious, The Aging Code revolves around complex yet fascinating medical discoveries that bring up real-world ethics and questions. The setting puts the story in modern times, making it feel all the more real. Lauren Lee , Writer and Editor, 5-Stars Comparable to the works of authors like Michael Crichton, The Aging Code is a suspenseful, complex, and intriguing mystery. It draws upon popular topics in medicine and current events, while also being unique and engaging. Readers will be on the edge of their seats! The Aging Code is available on Amazon . About Robert J. McCunney, MD, MPH, MS: Dr. McCunney is a specialist in internal medicine and is board certified in occupational and environmental medicine. He is a practicing physician in the Pulmonary Division of the Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) in Boston and a member of the Harvard Medical School faculty. Dr. McCunney received a BS in chemical engineering from Drexel University, a MS in environmental health from the University of Minnesota, a MD from the Thomas Jefferson University Medical School and an MPH from the Harvard School of Public Health. He completed training in internal medicine at Northwestern University Medical Center in Chicago. He is the former Director of Environmental Medicine at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and is the past president of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM). In the literary field, Dr. McCunney has edited six medical textbooks and published 125 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. His debut novel, Cluster , was a finalist in the Readers' Choice Book Awards and a finalist in the Independent Authors awards. He has also received awards from international, national, and regional medical societies for his work in occupational and environmental medicine. Media Contact: For a review copy of The Aging Code or to arrange an interview with Dr. Robert J. McCunney, contact Scott Lorenz of Westwind Book Marketing at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com Reach Lorenz on Twitter @abookpublicist .
SGS Details New Chinese Standard for Disposable Underwear
Tue, Oct 27, 2026 12:42 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 140.26, focusing on a new Chinese product standard, FZ/T 64125-2026. Issued by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), FZ/T 64125-2026 sets new testing, microbiological controls, labeling and product compliance requirements for disposable underwear. FZ/T 64125-2026 applies to disposable underwear products manufactured primarily from knitted fabrics or nonwoven fabrics, and excludes products intended for infants aged 36 months and below. Appearance quality and performance requirements are established in Clauses 5.1 and 5.2 of the standard. In addition, products are classified according to fabric type and microbiological grade. Requirements for product instructions and labeling, as well as provisions covering classification, sizing, performance requirements, test methods, sampling rules, packaging, transportation and storage are included in FZ/T 64125-2026 Stakeholders such as manufacturers, brand owners, retailers, importers and distributors of disposable underwear products marketed in China are affected by the new standard. Testing laboratories and quality and regulatory compliance teams involved in product development and market access are also impacted by FZ/T 64125-2026, which takes effect on November 1, 2026. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 140.26 includes further technical content and specifications from FZ/T 64125-2026. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 140.26 for more details. SGS softlines services SGS has a worldwide network of over 40 state-of-the-art laboratories, including 10 in China, specializing in the testing of apparel, footwear, and home textiles. Their committed team is drawn from multidisciplinary backgrounds, allowing them to conduct a comprehensive range of physical, chemical and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. SGS helps companies ensure quality, performance and compliance with international, industrial and regulatory standards worldwide. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS's softlines services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full China Issues New Textile Industry Standard FZ/T 64125-2026 for Disposable Underwear SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information, contact Media Inquiries or: Dr. Min Zhu Senior Director, Technical Services and Operations, Softlines, US and Canada Tel: +1 (97) 346-11230 Website: www.sgs.com/softlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
SGS Highlights China's New Standard for Washable Thin Quilts
Tue, Oct 27, 2026 12:31 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 139.26, focusing on China's new textile industry standard FZ/T 62053-2025 for washable thin quilts and its impact on testing, labeling and product quality requirements. Issued by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), FZ/T 62053-2025 came into effect on February 1, 2026, and applies to thin quilts intended for direct use and washing. Products designed for infants aged 36 months and under fall outside the scope of the standard. A washable thin quilt is defined as a lightweight product made by sewing together two layers of fabric with filling material in between using an appropriate method, with a filling mass per unit area of not more than 150 g/m 2 . Category B specifications in Chinese standard GB 18401 are applicable for general safety technical product requirements, with children's product specifications set out in the Category B requirements of GB 31701. Filling material fibers must comply with GB 18383. In addition, FZ/T 62053-2025 establishes requirements for fiber content, filling mass deviation, dimensional stability after washing, pilling resistance, fiber leakage resistance and color fastness. The standard also sets out testing and quality control specifications covering a range of performance and quality requirements. These requirements are intended to increase the safety, durability and quality of washable thin quilts and will affect manufacturers, brand owners, importers, distributors, testing laboratories and quality control personnel producing, testing, certifying and selling washable thin quilts in China. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 139.26 includes further information on the key requirements of FZ/T 62053-2025. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 139.26 for more details. SGS softlines services SGS has a worldwide network of over 40 state-of-the-art laboratories, including 10 in China, specializing in the testing of apparel, footwear, and home textiles. Their committed team is drawn from multidisciplinary backgrounds, allowing them to conduct a comprehensive range of physical, chemical and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. SGS helps companies ensure quality, performance and compliance with international, industrial and regulatory standards worldwide. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS's softlines services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full China Issues New Textile Industry Standard FZ/T 62053-2025 for Washable Thin Quilts SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information, contact Media Inquiries or: Dr. Min Zhu Senior Director, Technical Services and Operations, Softlines, US and Canada Tel: +1 (97) 346-11230 Website: www.sgs.com/softlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
Area Farmers and Growers to Receive AgPack Benefits from Kernersville CDJR
Tue, Oct 27, 2026 10:15 EDT
For Additional Information, contact: Lyle E. Orwig, Managing Partner Certified Agriculture Dealerships 262-352-2426 lyle@certifiedagdealer.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Area Farmers and Growers to Receive AgPack Benefits from Kernersville CDJR Kernersville, N.C. (October 27, 2025) - Farmers helping farmers find a return on their truck investment is how AgPack ® was born. Now, 12 years later, AgPack benefits to farmers and ranchers can quickly add up to $45,000* in real operational savings. Kernersville Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM (CDJR) recently completed the stringent requirements to become a local Certified Agriculture Dealership making them eligible to now offer AgPack to their agriculture customers. This package provides a first ever "Return on an Agriculture Truck Investment." Kernersville CDJR's staff has recently completed stringent training to qualify as an official Certified Agriculture Dealership. The training will help the staff better understand the specific demands farmers, ranchers and growers have of their farm & ranch vehicles. "While trucks are a critical tool on the farm and ranch, the bottom line for them is also critical." noted Tim Mitchell, dealer principal at Kernersville CDJR. "Being able to provide our customers with access to AgPack through a new or used vehicle is game changing. We can literally help the agriculture buyer save thousands of dollars in their daily operations through the AgPack exclusive rebates and discounts on dozens of products and services." AgPack is a collaboration of agricultural companies who, collectively, have organized a specialized package of discounts and rebates that farmers can't get anywhere else, on inputs farmers are already buying anyway. The process is quite simple: Register for an AgPack® ID Number at AgTruckTrader.com Provide the AgPack ID Number when ordering or purchasing any new or qualifying used truck or SUV at any Certified Agriculture Dealership sm Redeem the AgPack options! Approx. 1 week after an order or truck purchase, an AgPack Redemption Specialist will call to help redeem any of the over $45,000 in additional valuable options from AgPack Partners "Believe it, or not, AgPack is complimentary with the purchase or lease of a new, or qualifying pre-owned, farm truck or SUV from a Certified Agriculture Dealership ," noted Pat Driscoll, CEO of The Certified Agriculture Group. "Plus, AgPack can be stacked on top of any incentive, rebate, fleet or VIP program the local dealer can offer." Below is a list of companies with products or services included in each AgPack: AgroLiquid American Hat Company Bedrock Truck Bed Chute Help DTN Dixie Chopper Durango Boots Ford Pro Gallagher Landleader Mil+Spec Michelin & BF Goodrich Mystic Lubricant PinUltimate Outback Wrap Rhino Ag Raeco Builders Tarter Farm & Ranch Equipment RealTruck Reinke Irrigation Top Gun Blades Valent Vanair Walkabout Mother Bin Valley Vet Supply Wrangler For a complete line-up of the current offers from AgPack partners, visit GetAgPack.com Farmers and growers can cash in one AgPack offer or use them all, it is totally up to them. And they can take their time on any one, or all, as AgPack offers are valid for at least one full year from original date of the vehicle purchase. In select cases, the offers are valid even longer. In addition to AgPack, farmers can benefit from additional programs available from their Certified Ag Dealer. These benefits include: AgWagon : A specially designed truck for farmers, ranchers, and rodeo, the AgWagon is built with rugged features to meet the demands of agricultural work. The official licensed agricultural truck of PRCA/ProRodeo, the AgWagon comes with 28 functional modifications to make it ag and rodeo capable. For more information on AgWagon, visit www.agwagon.com CADFi Ag Financing : Farmers and ranchers can secure payment terms on their ag trucks that match their operation's income cycle. No longer will they be confined to a monthly payment cycle. For more information visit www.GetCADFi.com CADProtect: Traditional protection plans often don't cover vehicles used for agricultural purposes. CADProtect safeguards against expensive repairs, ensuring minimal disruptions to your regular activities. All major components are covered, from powertrain to steering. For more information on CADProtect, visit www.CADProtect.com Becoming a Certified Agriculture Dealership lets the 42,817 North Carolina farm and ranch families know the dealership understands the uniqueness of agriculture and is committed to providing the best total truck solution to meet their needs. "And it's not just about working with a specialty agriculture truck dealership when buying a new truck," added Mitchell. "It's also about making sure farmers and ranchers have a truck dealership they can trust for parts and service when the truck isn't so new. A specialty store they can rely on to help keep things running like they do their tractor, fertilizer or fencing dealer." To learn more about the Certified Agriculture Dealership Program and AgPack go to: www.certifiedagdealer.com/ To stay connected and learn about new AgPack program enhancements Like us on Facebook . And when ready to purchase or lease the next farm truck or SUV, visit Kernersville CDJR at 950 NC Hwy. 66 S, Kernersville, NC 27284 or call 336-967-8955 to gain access to the complimentary AgPack benefits or visit online at: dealers.certifiedagdealer.com/certified-dealers/kernersville *Based on customer using every AgPack ® benefit to its maximum value. Visit GetAgPack.com for full program details. In the 1st half of 2025 the average savings per truck purchased from a CAD was $21,525. ### About Certified Agriculture Dealer Program Certified Agriculture Dealerships know farming and ranching as their staff have successfully completed special agriculturally focused training to become a Certified agriculture business. Once Certified, only these dealers can exclusively offer AgPack, a special package of cost savings and rebates that if used to their maximum could save farmers and ranchers $45,000* in operating costs for supplies, services and equipment on their operations (assuming they use every AgPack benefit to its maximum value). About Certified Agriculture Dealer's AgPack A package of farm and ranch management tools available exclusively through Certified Agriculture Dealers that can give the agriculture customer an immediate return on their vehicle investment. These product savings are awarded to qualified vehicle buyers, with the purchase of a qualified vehicle, at no additional cost to the customer by several leading brands within the agriculture industry. To qualify for AgPack , the truck buyer simply needs to prove ownership interest in a farm or ranch. AgPack is stackable on top of any available OEM incentives, Fleet or VIP offers and/or dealer discounts; awarded per vehicle, not per customer; and can be awarded on qualifying new truck orders, new truck purchases and used truck purchases. Photo Headline: Kernersville CDJR Maintains Agricultural Certification Caption: Grower and farmer benefits from AgPack can quickly add up to nearly $45,000* in real farm operational savings. Kernersville CDJR recently completed the requirements to maintain the Certified Agriculture Dealer status and can continue offering an AgPack to their farm and rural customers.
Carla Cipriani asume el liderazgo de eXp Realty en Perú para impulsar una nueva etapa de expansión y oportunidades
Tue, Oct 27, 2026 08:45 EDT
Con 17 años de experiencia, una destacada trayectoria empresarial y un firme compromiso con la profesionalización del sector, Cipriani liderará una nueva etapa de expansión de eXp Realty en Perú, impulsando el desarrollo de los agentes y la colaboración global. eXp Realty®, la firma de corretaje inmobiliario más centrada en el agente en el planeta, anunció el nombramiento de Carla Cipriani como nueva Country Leader de eXp Perú , marcando el inicio de una nueva etapa de crecimiento, fortalecimiento de operaciones y desarrollo de oportunidades para los profesionales inmobiliarios del país. Con 17 años de experiencia en el sector inmobiliario, Carla Cipriani es una reconocida empresaria y líder del mercado peruano. Es fundadora y CEO de Cipriani & Asociados, y a lo largo de su trayectoria ha participado en operaciones inmobiliarias que superan los 500,000 m² vendidos, consolidando una sólida experiencia en desarrollo de negocios, dirección comercial y formación de equipos orientados a resultados. Su preparación académica incluye formación empresarial en The Wharton School, una de las escuelas de negocios más reconocidas internacionalmente. Esta experiencia, sumada a su conocimiento del mercado peruano y su visión estratégica, le ha permitido desarrollar iniciativas enfocadas en la competitividad y el crecimiento sostenible del sector. Desde 2019, Cipriani ha desempeñado importantes roles de liderazgo en instituciones e iniciativas gremiales, entre ellas CPAIP e Inmoperú Mujer. Actualmente, es presidenta de la Asociación Peruana de Mujeres Inmobiliarias (APMI), desde donde contribuye activamente a la profesionalización de la industria, el fortalecimiento del liderazgo y la construcción de un sector más preparado, conectado y colaborativo. Su incorporación a eXp Realty representa una apuesta por un liderazgo cercano a los agentes, capaz de combinar experiencia local con las oportunidades de una plataforma internacional que promueve la independencia empresarial, la innovación tecnológica y la colaboración entre profesionales. "Asumir el liderazgo de eXp Realty en Perú representa una gran oportunidad para contribuir a la evolución del sector inmobiliario en nuestro país. Creo firmemente en el talento de nuestros profesionales y en la importancia de brindarles herramientas, tecnología y conexiones que les permitan desarrollar negocios más sólidos y competitivos", expresó Carla Cipriani, Country Leader de eXp Perú. "Me entusiasma formar parte de una compañía que pone al agente en el centro de su modelo y promueve la colaboración sin fronteras. Mi compromiso es impulsar una comunidad de agentes preparada, conectada y con acceso a oportunidades que les permitan crecer tanto a nivel local como internacional". Una nueva etapa para eXp Realty en Perú El nombramiento de Cipriani reafirma el compromiso de eXp Realty con el mercado peruano y su visión de construir una comunidad de profesionales inmobiliarios que cuenten con las herramientas, el respaldo y las conexiones necesarias para desarrollar negocios sólidos y competitivos. "Siempre hemos creído en el enorme potencial de Perú y en el talento de sus profesionales inmobiliarios. Nuestro compromiso es brindarles tecnología de vanguardia, herramientas innovadoras, capacitación continua y acceso a una red global que les permita desarrollar sus negocios y aprovechar nuevas oportunidades", afirmó Felix Bravo, Director General Internacional de eXp Realty . "La llegada de Carla fortalece esta visión. Su experiencia, liderazgo y profundo conocimiento del mercado serán fundamentales para consolidar nuestra presencia en el país e impulsar un modelo de negocio que pone a los agentes en el centro de todo lo que hacemos". Esta nueva etapa también representa una oportunidad para seguir impulsando la participación de profesionales con diferentes trayectorias y perspectivas en posiciones de liderazgo, reconociendo el papel fundamental que desempeñan las mujeres en el desarrollo de la industria inmobiliaria. "Me llena de alegría dar la bienvenida a Carla a nuestro equipo de liderazgo en América Latina. Su trayectoria, preparación y compromiso con el desarrollo de otros profesionales reflejan los valores que queremos seguir fortaleciendo en eXp Realty", expresó Virginia Restrepo, Directora Regional de CALA (Caribe y América Latina) . "La industria inmobiliaria cuenta con una participación femenina muy significativa, y es especialmente valioso ver cómo cada vez más mujeres asumen posiciones estratégicas, aportando su visión, experiencia y capacidad de transformar negocios. Carla es un gran ejemplo de ese liderazgo que inspira, conecta y genera oportunidades. Estoy segura de que, trabajando de la mano con todos nuestros agentes, construiremos una etapa extraordinaria para eXp Perú". Una nueva etapa de liderazgo en eXp Perú Con el nombramiento de Carla Cipriani como nueva Country Leader de eXp Perú, la compañía inicia una transición de liderazgo, sucediendo a Ricardo Alfaro , quien estuvo al frente de la apertura y puesta en marcha de las operaciones en el país. eXp Realty expresa su profundo agradecimiento a Ricardo por su compromiso, visión y dedicación, fundamentales para establecer las bases de la compañía en el mercado peruano. Su trayectoria con eXp continúa, ahora desde su rol como agente, enfocado en el crecimiento de su negocio, la expansión de su red y la generación de nuevas oportunidades junto a la comunidad global de eXp Realty. Su permanencia refleja el espíritu de colaboración y desarrollo profesional que caracteriza a la compañía, dando continuidad a su valiosa contribución al crecimiento de eXp en Perú. Por qué los agentes están eligiendo eXp Realty en Perú y en todo el mundo Estructura de comisiones competitiva: Un modelo diseñado para que los agentes conserven una mayor proporción de sus ingresos. Colaboración global: Acceso a una red internacional de profesionales y oportunidades de negocio. Participación en ingresos y propiedad de acciones: Oportunidades para generar ingresos adicionales y participar en el crecimiento de la compañía, sujetas a los términos de sus programas. Flexibilidad basada en la nube: Tecnología que permite desarrollar el negocio sin depender de oficinas físicas tradicionales. Mentoría y capacitación continua: Herramientas, formación y acompañamiento para fortalecer las capacidades profesionales de los agentes. Los agentes que estén listos para tomar las riendas de su carrera profesional pueden obtener más información en www.expperu.pe ###
Scotland Faces Apprenticeship Recruitment Crisis as Employers Pull Back From Hiring
Tue, Oct 27, 2026 08:39 EDT
Rising training costs, financial risks and lack of government support threaten the next generation of skilled plumbing and heating professionals. Scotland risks a growing apprenticeship recruitment crisis as rising costs, financial pressures and inadequate employer support are leading plumbing and heating businesses to reconsider whether they can afford to train the next generation of skilled professionals, according to a major new report from SNIPEF , the Plumbing and Heating Federation. The Forgotten Side of the Apprenticeship Triangle , which has involved or secured the backing of more than 350 plumbing and heating businesses across Scotland, warns that declining employer participation could weaken the skilled workforce needed to protect public health, maintain safe homes, build housing and deliver low-carbon heating. The research reveals a concerning gap between past recruitment and future intentions. While 84% of surveyed employers had recruited apprentices in the previous five years, only 53% of those expressing a definite view expected to recruit over the next three years. Rising wage costs, more than 1,000 hours of mandatory college attendance, substantial supervision requirements and limited productivity during the early years of training are placing increasing financial pressure on employers and discouraging apprenticeship recruitment. These challenges are compounded by the risk of losing newly qualified apprentices after businesses have invested significant time, money and resources in their development, often with little opportunity to recover that investment. The financial commitment is substantial. Based on nationally agreed apprentice wage rates and a 40-hour working week, SNIPEF estimates that employing one plumbing and heating apprentice costs approximately £82,500 in wages over four years. Some 78% of respondents rated Scottish Government apprenticeship support as inadequate or poor, while 93% identified increased funding as an incentive to recruit. Almost two-thirds believed training costs should be shared equally between employers and government. Yet employers have not lost faith in apprenticeships. More than four in five support the established four-year training model, recognising its importance in developing the competence and judgement needed to work safely. Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF , said: "Scotland cannot afford to take its future skilled workforce for granted. Apprenticeships provide a vital route into employment, but without employers willing and able to create those opportunities, there are no apprenticeships. "Our research shows that employers remain committed to training the next generation. What is changing is their ability to afford that commitment. They pay the wages, provide supervision, absorb lost productivity and carry the financial risk over four years, yet receive too little direct support towards those costs. "This is not simply a problem for plumbing and heating businesses. It affects every community that depends on safe water and heating systems, new housing and the transition to low-carbon heating. "If we continue to overlook employers, we risk losing apprenticeship opportunities and skilled capacity that could take years to rebuild. The Scottish Government must recognise that supporting apprenticeships means supporting the businesses that provide them." For many smaller businesses operating on tight margins, these costs can determine whether an apprenticeship is offered at all. Rural and island employers face additional travel, accommodation and college access pressures. Brian Warrender, Managing Director of B&B Warrender Limited in Fordoun, Aberdeenshire, said: "We believe strongly in apprenticeships and see training young people as an investment in our future. But taking someone on is a major four-year financial commitment. "We pay wages during college attendance, provide experienced staff to supervise apprentices and accept that they cannot be fully productive initially. Even after making that investment, there is no guarantee they will stay with us once qualified. We want to keep training, but without practical support, the costs and risks are becoming increasingly difficult to justify." Ross Butter, of Jim Butter Plumbing and Heating in Dundee and Vice President of the SNIPEF Dundee & District Association, said: "The four-year apprenticeship has served our profession well for generations. Plumbing and heating is skilled, safety-critical work, and it takes time, experience and proper supervision to develop someone who can work competently and independently. "We cannot afford to see that standard weakened or the number of employers willing to train reduced. If businesses stop taking on apprentices today, the consequences will be felt for years to come. Scotland needs skilled professionals to maintain essential services, keep homes safe and install the heating systems of the future." Colin Peacock, Joint Managing Director of John Crawford & Co (Mechanical) Ltd in Glasgow , said: "We currently employ six apprentices because finding experienced, qualified plumbing and heating professionals is becoming increasingly difficult. If we cannot recruit the skilled people we need, we have to develop them ourselves. "But that is the dilemma. Training apprentices is essential to securing the future of our business, yet the wages, college attendance and supervision costs make us think twice about taking on more. We are caught between a rock and a hard place. "Government talks a great deal about the importance of apprenticeships, but if it wants businesses to keep creating these opportunities, it needs to help share the cost of training the next generation." SNIPEF argues that current funding arrangements do not sufficiently recognise the demands of four-year, safety-critical apprenticeships, where competence develops through sustained college education and supervised workplace experience. The report makes four recommendations. Targeted financial assistance towards wages during mandatory college attendance and early supervision costs. Recognition of nationally agreed apprentice wage rates in public grants and employer support schemes Ensure that public contracts requiring businesses to recruit or train apprentices as part of tender conditions explicitly recognise, cost and fund those commitments. The plumbing and heating profession to examine flexible, accredited routes for people with relevant skills and experience while maintaining established competence and safety standards. Fiona Hodgson added: "We are not asking for standards to be weakened or employers to be relieved of their responsibilities. We want a fairer, more sustainable partnership. "Scotland's housing, infrastructure and low-carbon ambitions depend on skilled people, and those skills depend on employers prepared to train them. The time to act is now, before declining confidence becomes a lasting loss of apprenticeship opportunities." SNIPEF is seeking meetings with Scottish ministers, public bodies and parliamentarians to advance the recommendations and secure greater recognition of employers' essential role in apprenticeship training. Key findings of the report 84% of employers had employed apprentices in the previous five years. 53% of respondents were now expecting to recruit apprentices in the next three years. 78% rated Scottish Government support for apprenticeships as inadequate or poor. 93% identified increased funding support as an incentive to recruit apprentices. 81% supported the established four-year plumbing and heating apprenticeship model. 63% believed apprenticeship training costs should be shared equally between employers and government. £82,500 is the estimated four-year apprentice wage cost, based on nationally agreed wage rates and a 40-hour working week, excluding wider employer costs. Read the report in full here About the report The Forgotten Side of the Apprenticeship Triangle : Sustaining Scotland's safety-critical and delivery-critical plumbing and heating apprenticeships is published by SNIPEF on 27 October 2026. The research comprises a national employer survey completed by 188 plumbing and heating businesses and five regional working groups held in Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Inverness. More than 240 businesses contributed across the two stages. The research includes SNIPEF members and non-members. Survey percentages relate to respondents and, where stated, to those answering a particular question. The findings represent employer experiences and intentions rather than forecasts of the number of apprenticeship places that will be lost. About SNIPEF The Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation represents plumbing and heating businesses in Scotland and Northern Ireland. It provides advice, training, representation and professional support, and works to maintain high standards across the profession. SNIPEF Training Services Ltd is the managing agent for the plumbing and heating apprenticeship in Scotland. Report and supporting materials: www.snipef.org/publications Media enquiries: Richard Campbell Richard.campbell@snipef.org 07710 542 381 Interviews and photography: Fiona Hodgson and participating employers available for interview, subject to confirmation.
England's short let register now expected in March 2027 as portfolio owners urged to check property records
Tue, Oct 27, 2026 05:18 EDT
Manchester operator Beyond Stays Group is urging owners of multiple short-stay properties to get a firm handle on which property maintenance records they hold, whether any essential checks require attention and who is responsible for each action ahead of proposed new legislation expected to be enacted next spring. England's mandatory registration scheme for short-term lets is now expected to begin in March 2027, according to government guidance updated on 2 October. The scheme is not yet in force, and the published guidance does not set a final list of documents owners will need to submit. Beyond Stays Group, which manages short-stay apartments and multi-unit properties in Manchester, says portfolio owners can use the time to review their records and the responsibilities that already apply to their properties to avoid a scramble for compliance at the start of the new year. Existing government guidance covers fire, gas, carbon monoxide and electrical safety. It also advises owners to check whether an energy performance certificate is needed, review their insurance and ask their local planning authority whether permission is required. What applies will depend on the property and how it is used. For an owner with several apartments, the practical challenge is keeping track of different renewal dates, any outstanding work and records held by different people. An owner, managing agent and building management company may each have part of the picture. "Ten apartments can mean ten sets of renewal dates, checks and outstanding actions. The weak point is often the handover between the owner, operator and building manager," says Matt Thompson, founder of Beyond Stays Group. "Put the records in one place, name the person responsible for each action and check that it has actually been completed. That work is useful now, whatever the final registration process requires." Beyond Stays recommends a property-by-property review showing which records are held, when each needs renewing, whether an action remains open and who is responsible for closing it. Owners in managed buildings should also check their lease and establish which matters fall to the building manager. The proposed register does not replace the need to consider existing safety and planning requirements. The updated government page addresses self-catering accommodation offered to paying guests for leisure or holiday use. Operators with a mix of holiday and corporate stays should check how the final scheme rules apply to their properties when further details are published. For more information, visit beyondstaysgroup.co.uk .
A Tonne of Winter Stock, No Loading Dock and One Pair of Hands? Manual Handling Equipment Is Vital Says Expert
Tue, Oct 27, 2026 04:58 EDT
Rock salt, kiln-dried logs, animal feed, bird food. Round about now, the winter lines start landing at garden centres, farm shops and agricultural merchants across the country - and they don't arrive in friendly, easy-to-handle quantities. A pallet of 25kg bags can easily run to a tonne, and bagged feed at agricultural merchants arrives in similar loads. Plenty of these businesses are small. The delivery pulls up at the front of a yard that's often gravel or cobbles rather than smooth concrete, usually with no loading dock and often no forklift on site. There might be two people to get everything off the vehicle and into the store before opening time. Midland Pallet Trucks says that's exactly where manual handling equipment - such as pallet trucks, stacker trucks and lift tables - earns its keep. There's nothing to charge and nothing to plug in, so it works for a business where the people on shift might be the owner, a weekend student and whoever else is free. Stock like this doesn't move just once, either. A full pallet comes off the lorry, gets broken down, then its contents are moved again to the shelf or the front of the shop whenever a cold snap sends customers in looking for salt - and possibly help taking it to their own vehicle, too. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Midland Pallet Trucks, said, "Rural businesses get a bit of a reputation for being rough and ready, but plenty of farm shops and garden centres have a lovely tidy stockroom. The difficult bit is the last twenty yards between the lorry and the shelf, usually across a surface that's nothing like a warehouse floor. "That's where wheel choice matters more than the capacity figure on the box. Bigger, harder-wearing wheels roll over gravel and ruts far more easily than small ones, so it's worth telling whoever you buy from what your yard really looks like, not just the stockroom. "And a cold snap doesn't give you a week's notice. When it turns, you want the salt out of the delivery and onto the shop floor in an afternoon, with the truck sitting ready instead of somebody going off to look for it." For more information, visit https://www.midlandpallettrucks.com .
Nothing Without Us Podcast Wins Gold at 5th Annual Signal Awards
Mon, Oct 26, 2026 16:20 EDT
Nothing Without Us (NWU), a disability advocacy podcast produced by Lakeshore Foundation , has been named the Gold winner for Culture, Belonging & Inclusion in the 5th Annual Signal Awards . This year's program honors podcasts that take creative risks: work that breaks format, takes on hard subjects or finds a new way to reach listeners. NWU was created one year ago with the goal of amplifying voices and sharing stories from across the disability community. Named after the disability rights slogan "nothing about us without us," the podcast features conversations with special guests that challenge assumptions, amplify underrepresented voices and move conversations about disability, accessibility and inclusion forward. "Nothing Without Us champions the disability community and the numerous ways disabled leaders are making their mark on the world," said Alie B. Gorrie, host of Nothing Without Us. "Even as somebody that works in the disability advocacy field, this podcast continues to teach me so much, and I know our listeners feel the same way!" Winners are selected by The Signal Awards Judging Academy, an esteemed collective made up of the architects, instigators and trailblazers of the medium. "Podcasting is no longer defined by a single format, platform or approach to storytelling, and this year's submissions make that evolution impossible to ignore," said Jemma Brown, GM of The Signal Awards. "Charts and download counts can only tell us what's popular. At Signal, our role is to notice the creative risks that are quietly changing what everyone else makes next. This year's Winners offer a first look at podcasting's next chapter." Each year, The Signal Awards present Gold, Silver and Bronze honors, and the listening public votes for their favorite Finalists to receive the Listener's Choice Award in each category. In 2026, Listener's Choice voting drew over 260,000 votes from 94,000 listeners.
SGS webinar addresses ATEX and IECEx certification challenges and solutions for equipment in explosive atmospheres
Mon, Oct 26, 2026 06:50 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, is pleased to host an expert webinar, 'Navigating Challenges in the ATEX & IECEx Product Certification Process', on November 13, 2026. Products intended for use in explosive atmospheres must comply with strict safety and regulatory requirements to minimize ignition risks in hazardous environments. Frameworks such as ATEX in Europe and IECEx globally define the processes manufacturers must follow to demonstrate compliance and gain market access. Achieving certification is technically demanding, requiring detailed design assessment, comprehensive documentation, alignment with quality systems and careful interpretation of standards. As manufacturers increasingly target multiple regions, complexity is further heightened by differing regulatory expectations. At the same time, pressure to accelerate time to market is growing, while safety and compliance must be maintained. This webinar provides practical insight into the ATEX and IECEx certification process, covering each stage from initial design assessment through testing, certification and ongoing compliance. Common challenges will be explored, including documentation gaps, testing readiness and delays caused by design non-conformities. SGS experts will also share proven best practices and a structured approach to help manufacturers streamline certification, reduce risk and support efficient access to global markets. This session will be particularly relevant to professionals in engineering, compliance, certification, quality, R&D, product development and operations working within industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, manufacturing and industrial processing. Stakeholders are encouraged to register now to gain expert guidance on navigating ATEX and IECEx requirements and bringing compliant products to market with confidence.
Breakthrough in Bat Crime Investigation as Almost 1,000 UK Police Officers Complete Specialist Training
Mon, Oct 26, 2026 06:21 EDT
- forces better equipped to recognise and tackle offences ahead of Bat Week 2026 - A specialist bat crime training course developed by Mowbray Partners in partnership with the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) has been completed by police officers in 44 forces across the UK. This milestone comes ahead of Bat Week (24th-31st October), which raises awareness of bats' ecological importance and the threats facing them and their roosts. The module launched in May 2025 as part of the wider National Wildlife Crime Academy , a digital training platform helping police forces strengthen their capabilities to tackle wildlife crime. Since then, 949 personnel - including both Police Wildlife Crime Officers and officers whose primary role is outside wildlife crime - have completed the Bat Crime unit. This gives police forces a broader pool of staff able to recognise potential offences involving bats and understand when and how they should be dealt with as a police matter. Over 130 bat-related incidents are reported each year, the majority involving the development of land or properties. Investigating these incidents can be complex, requiring an understanding of UK bat species and their habitats, relevant legislation and the evidence needed to support a case. Available through the NWCU Digital Training Academy, the Bat Crime Digital Training Module simplifies the process and gives delegates a practical grounding in these areas, alongside the types of bat crime and incidents they may encounter and investigation and prosecution procedures. Training includes: Why bat crime matters The different UK bat species and where they roost The scale and nature of bat incidents and crimes Legislation relating to bat crime and incidents, including who is responsible for prosecution Police powers associated with bat crime and incidents Evidence, investigation and prosecution options Case studies and practical scenarios Additional information and specialist resources A printable investigation flowchart for use by officers in the field Each section of the Bat Crime module has a Q&A and takes approximately sixty minutes to complete. Mowbray Partners and other sponsors currently provide it free to UK Police officers. They can access it at any time. "Bat Week provides an important opportunity to celebrate these remarkable creatures while highlighting the need to protect them from criminal activity. At the National Wildlife Crime Unit, we are proud to work alongside the Bat Conservation Trust to support enforcement activity, develop intelligence, and strengthen investigations into offences affecting bats and their roosts," said Sue Eddy, Deputy Head of the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit. "Offences involving bats can be complex, requiring a detailed understanding of legislation, ecology, and evidential opportunities. The Bat Crime Digital Training Module - developed with Mowbray Partners - has become a cornerstone of this work, providing officers with the practical skills and specialist knowledge needed to respond confidently and effectively. The continued uptake of the module demonstrates the growing commitment of Police Wildlife Crime Officers to protecting bats and ensuring offences against these highly protected species are recognised, investigated, and taken seriously." "Wildlife crime can have serious consequences, but with police officers dealing with a wide range of priorities, it can fall further down the list. This is one of the reasons why Mowbray Partners has worked with the National Wildlife Crime Unit to develop online training that gives officers across the police service access to specialist knowledge without the financial and time costs associated with residential training," said Ken McIntosh, co-founder of Mowbray Partners. "The response to the Bat Crime module has been particularly encouraging, demonstrating the value of flexible training that officers can utilise in the field, whether or not wildlife crime is part of their usual role." "The Bat Conservation Trust is delighted to have supported the National Wildlife Crime Unit and Mowbray Partners in developing the Bat Crime Training Module for the Digital Wildlife Crime Academy. Our longstanding partnership with the NWCU demonstrates the value of collaboration, bringing together specialist knowledge and expertise to deliver effective training that equips enforcement professionals to protect our wildlife, habitats and species," said Mark Goulding, Wildlife Crime Project Officer at The Bat Conservation Trust. The NWCU Digital Training Academy has been developed by Mowbray Partners in conjunction with the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) and comprises a series of nine e-learning modules: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Bat Crime Badger Crime Poaching & Hare Coursing Hunting with Hounds (three modules) Birds of Prey Crime Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) Mowbray Partners is currently seeking sponsors to support the continued provision of the UK Police National Wildlife Crime Unit Digital Training Academy for free to the police, their partners and voluntary agencies who are on the frontline of the fight to safeguard the most vulnerable species in the UK. If you'd like to know more about sponsorship opportunities, then please get in touch with Paul Williams at: paulwilliams@mowbraypartners.co.uk For more information, visit: https://www.mowbraypartners.co.uk/ . If you are interested in finding out how you can grow your organisation with high-quality training, contact the team at: support@mowbraypartners.co.uk . - ends - NOTES TO EDITORS About Mowbray Partners Established in 2017, Mowbray Partners is a world-class digital training solutions partner for organisations dedicated to protecting people, wildlife, and the environment. Driven by a team of passionate conservationists, the company is committed to projects that make a lasting, real-world difference. Mowbray Partners transforms complex operational, technical, and regulatory subjects into engaging, highly effective online training. By converting expert knowledge into bespoke, scalable digital programmes, the company helps organisations replace traditional classroom delivery, create blended learning programmes, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure consistent, high-quality, measurable learning outcomes. To date, the company has developed over 30 specialist programmes - used nationally and internationally -, trained more than 6,000 individuals, and supported every police force across England and Wales. With contracts in place to train an additional 18,000 people over the next three years, Mowbray Partners will continue to provide those working to protect people, wildlife, and the environment with immersive, scenario-based learning, which builds knowledge and supports improved practice. Its clients span organisations responsible for public safety, conservation, and environmental protection, including: Police forces across England and Wales National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) The Angling Trust The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) Botanical Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), headquartered at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew The British Bird of Prey Centre The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) The Barbados Police Service The Barbados Defence Force For further press information, please contact: Francesca De Franco on 0794 125 3135 or email fdefranco1@gmail.com
Oil Tops $116 as Britain's Small Businesses Face a Fight for Survival
Sun, Oct 25, 2026 21:00 EDT
Exclusive FairFuelUK poll of 6,607 firms reveals nearly one in four businesses cannot survive much longer while ministers continue to offer no meaningful relief Britain's small businesses are facing an economic emergency as Brent crude oil surges above $116 a barrel , pushing the prospect of even higher fuel costs onto businesses already struggling to survive. Reports show Brent crude closing at around $116.72 per barrel , its highest level in nearly six months. [cnbc.com] , [financefeeds.com] A major FairFuelUK poll of 6,607 small businesses reveals a sector on the brink: 43.9% are just about surviving 30.4% are struggling to survive 22.5% say they cannot survive much longer Only 3.1% are surviving comfortably With oil now trading above $116 per barrel , business owners fear another wave of rising pump prices will push thousands more firms towards closure. [cnbc.com] , [financefeeds.com] When asked about the biggest impact of current fuel prices: 34.7% said they are being forced to raise prices 17.0% said fuel costs threaten the viability of their business 15.3% reported severe profit reductions 13.3% are suffering cash-flow problems 8.6% say jobs are at risk 6.2% have delayed investment and expansion Only 5% said current fuel prices have had no significant effect. Howard Cox, Founder of the 17-year Public Affairs Campaign, FairFuelUK, says: "Oil above $116 should be setting off alarm bells in every Government department. Instead, ministers seem determined to sit on their hands while Britain's economic backbone is being crushed." "Our poll shows nearly one in four small businesses now believes it cannot survive much longer. That was before any further impact from oil surging beyond $116 a barrel. The reality is that many firms have simply run out of resilience." "Every builder's van, every taxi, every delivery vehicle, every farmer's tractor and every HGV relies on affordable fuel. When oil spikes, the consequences spread throughout the economy. Food becomes more expensive. Services become more expensive. Inflation rises. Investment stalls. Jobs are put at risk." "The Government keeps talking about growth. Yet growth cannot happen when the businesses expected to create jobs and generate prosperity are being suffocated by transport costs." "Britain is Falling Behind" "While dozens of countries have introduced fuel-tax reductions, subsidies, rebates or other forms of support to protect businesses and households from soaring energy costs, Britain has effectively chosen to do nothing." "Other governments recognise affordable fuel is an economic necessity. Westminster continues to view drivers and small businesses as a convenient source of tax revenue." What a random selection of Small Businesses Are Telling FairFuelUK "My fuel bill has doubled from £150 per week to nearly £300 per week." "Patients are simply coming less often because they can no longer afford the travel costs on top of treatment fees." "Everything I buy for my business costs more because of fuel. Combined with excessive pump prices, I'm struggling to keep the business going." "Our fuel bill has increased dramatically, due to needing vans and heavy machinery, we are a big diesel user, the cost of fuel has put prices up from our suppliers, with many having several increases per year. This has reduced our profit margin significantly, we were looking to take on an apprentice, but due to the squeeze on our profits we have decided we can not afford to set one on" "I do work for the National trust and a few firms in London, these jobs involve lots of miles as well as ULEZ, congestion charge and parking, its getting to the stage where its £100 a day for one vehicle in London and that is without any fines. It is not sustainable. The fuel bill is 25% higher than last year." "I am a self-employed owner-driver of a small van subcontractor courier. Fuel prices are ridiculous. I do most work through a major UK same-day courier company, and they have increased our job payments slightly, but it doesn't really make a dent in the increase in costs. When multisourcing work through the Courier Exchange, I can completely set my own prices and pass them on to the customer (courier businesses). This, however, increases the prices of everything and causes inflation. This Labour regime is too economically illiterate to understand that - and probably don't care anyway, as they are only interested in ridiculous box-ticking virtue signalling like Net-Stupid-Zero." "Fuel is now more than 50% of turnover" Howard Cox Response "These are not statistics. These are real businesses, real livelihoods and real families under pressure. Each of these businesses represents thousands more across the country facing the same struggle. As oil rises above $116 a barrel, their situation will become even harder." Biz Poll: Carried out in October 2026: https://fuel-impact-pulse.base44.app
Luxury Retail Partnership Signals Growing Demand For Premium British Rum
Fri, Oct 23, 2026 12:12 EDT
Award-winning modern British rum producer DropWorks Rum has partnered with Fortnum & Mason to create an exclusive single-cask release, marking an important next step in the relationship between the distillery and the iconic luxury retailer. With just 160-bottles produced, the small-batch release celebrates the natural sweetness of cane honey combined with modern British rum craftsmanship. The new rum has been created exclusively, and in partnership with Fortnum & Mason and combines DropWorks Rum's contemporary approach with the retailer's reputation for luxury food and drink. Founded in 2023 by Lewis Hayes, DropWorks produces British-made rum from its Sherwood Forest distillery, recognised as the largest premium rum distillery in Europe, which can produce up to 1.5 million bottles of rum a year. The distillery is also open for private visits, tastings and tours. Distilled from a fermentation of pure cane honey, the rum has been matured for two-and-a-half years in heavily charred American and French oak casks to develop maximum depth and character. The resulting rum delivers layers of orange blossom, garden honey, roasted almond, toasted coconut and vanilla. Lewis Hayes , Founder and Master Distiller at DropWorks Rum, said: "This collaboration brings together two brands who share a passion for quality and craftsmanship. "The rum's distinctive cane honey base creates a naturally indulgent character, while extended maturation in heavily charred oak casks has created depth and complexity. For us, it demonstrates how British rum continues to evolve and innovate, creating products that can sit confidently alongside the finest premium spirits available today." The new limited release follows Fortnum & Mason listing of DropWorks Rum earlier this year, now stocking a number of products including DropWorks Rum Gift Set , Barrel Drop and the limited-edition Distiller's Drop #001, for both premium spirits drinkers as well as gifting. To support the launch, DropWorks Rum is hosting a programme of in-store tastings at Fortnum & Mason's Piccadilly flagship store in October and November, giving customers the opportunity to try the limited-edition release, as well as the chance to meet founder and master distiller Lewis Hayes. Oscar Dodd, Buyer, Wine & Spirits said, "When tasting a selection of impressive DropWorks Rum's cask samples earlier this year, one in particular jumped out the glass. Their cane honey rum, after 2.5 years in a hybrid cask, is creamy in texture and bursting with warm citrus, acacia honey, toasted coconut, almond and vanilla. With only 160 bottles available, this rum captures Fortnum's taste for rarity and indulgence in every drop." The partnership further strengthens the brand's premium retail credentials as it continues to expand distribution across the UK's premium on-trade and specialist retail sectors. Continuing to push the boundaries in the modern British rum space, this partnership follows the launch of DropWorks latest-limited edition Distiller's Drop #003 - which explores different approaches to flavour development through different casks, maturation techniques and modern British rum making.
Bute3® Roof Tile Used as Part of Home Transformation Project for DIY SOS
Fri, Oct 23, 2026 12:12 EDT
Russell Roof Tiles ' award-winning concrete roof tile was used to transform the home of a family on the BBC television show DIY SOS . Leading UK roofing manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles supported S Whelan Roofing and Building Ltd in meeting the tight project deadline after their previous supplier let them down at the last minute. In the episode, the team at DIY SOS and S Whelan Roofing and Building Ltd supported a family in Freckleton, Preston, who were bringing home their teenage son Daniel after he was in hospital for nearly three years after life-saving brain surgery. After eight days of hard work, the property was transformed from a two-bed bungalow into a four-bedroom home to provide the family with more space. Launched in 1999, DIY SOS features a team of experts who help families in need by calling on local trades and friends to support a house renovation. After being approached by DIY SOS, to supply tiles for a new roof, Russell Roof Tiles contributed 1,400 tiles and fittings of its brand new Bute3 ® , free of charge. The revolutionary concrete roof tile, which combines three traditional plain titles with a standard interlocking format, was the perfect product due to its quick and easy installation process which helped the team finalise the home within the eight-day period despite previous complications. The roofing manufacturer spent five years designing, engineering and developing Bute3®, which has a 33 per cent faster installation rate compared to other small format, thinner leading-edge products. "After being told that we would be the first contractor to use the Bute3® tile, we were a little apprehensive," said Shaun Whelan at S Whelan Roofing and Building Ltd. "However, after we had a lengthy chat with the Russell Roof Tiles team and saw the product first-hand, we were confident the roof was going to look great. We actually found the Bute3 ® tile system easy and very quick to install. "This was important, as time was of the essence, but the Bute3 ® tile covered a large area quickly." S Whelan Roofing and Building Ltd is based in the North West region of England and have more than 25 years' experience in the roofing industry. "We are delighted to have been a part of such an incredible project which has made a real difference for the family involved," said Gordon McKinnon , Sales Executive in the North West at Russell Roof Tiles. "When the contractor informed us of the tight deadline, we knew that Bute3 ® would be the perfect choice. Our tile provided a high-quality, reliable roof for the family in a short space of time and we are very happy with the final result. "We would like to thank North West Roofing Supplies for its assistance throughout the process and supplying roofing batten free of charge to the project, and DIY SOS and S Whelan for placing their trust in us," Gordon added. The roof was also designed and installed in accordance with the correct specification provided by Russell Roof Tiles, meaning that it is covered by its 15-year RussSpec guarantee to give peace of mind to the homeowners. As a leading independent UK manufacturer of concrete roof tiles, fittings and uPVC roofing accessories, Russell Roof Tiles provides complete pitched roofing solutions designed for modern construction demands.