SGS Launches Products & Materials Module to Enhance SGS SMART Digital Platform
Mon, Nov 17, 2025 10:48 EST
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, announces the launch of its new Products & Materials module - the latest advancement in SGS SMART, its industry-leading digital platform for supply chain management. The new module empowers buyers and suppliers to seamlessly collaborate on product and material data, testing workflows and compliance documentation across the supply chain. It supports the creation, tracking and testing of individual and grouped products and materials, directly linking them to supply chain partners through structured workflows and approvals that ensure regulatory compliance and operational transparency. Key capabilities: Streamlined creation & management: create and manage single or batch entries for materials and products. Connect them through a bill of materials (BoM) with integrated testing requirements, exemptions and care label details Integrated testing workflow: submit and track electronic test request forms (eTRFs), manage multi-stage testing (e.g. base, bulk and product tests) and upload third-party reports with approval tracking Supply chain collaboration: connect suppliers, manufacturers and buyers to ensure traceability. Assign products to buyers for structured review and approval Document control & audit trail: maintain certificates and reports in a centralized product workbook, complete with version control and historical tracking Customization & flexibility: adapt workflows, fields and templates to align with buyer programs and specific compliance needs Efficiency & transparency: reduce manual data entry and email exchanges while gaining real-time visibility into product status, testing progress and document updates The Products & Materials module is more than just a digital catalog, it serves as a centralized, traceable library that connects testing and compliance data directly to final products. The result: greater transparency, reduced risk and faster time to market, empowering data-driven decisions across every stage of the supply chain. Yvonne Tse, Vice President, Softlines, Asia Pacific, and SGS SMART Product Manager: "Global brands and retailers may introduce thousands of new products to their shelves every month. With the Products & Materials module in SGS SMART, testing, inspection and other relevant services can be seamlessly requested as soon as an item is added to the catalogue. This helps accelerate quality assurance processes and significantly enhances operational efficiency. "This new module is a key step in the ongoing evolution of our SGS SMART platform. By delivering structured workflows, transparent documentation and deep insights into product composition, testing history and compliance status, it enables faster, smarter decisions. With this enhancement, SGS SMART reaffirms its position as the go-to digital solution for supply chain professionals in the consumer products industry." Find out more about SGS SMART
Europa Worldwide Group takes centre stage as International Logistics Leader at top awards
Mon, Nov 17, 2025 10:41 EST
Europa Worldwide Group is celebrating a major industry accolade after being named the first-ever International Logistics Leader. The award was presented at a prestigious gala dinner in Solihull, West Midlands, and recognises Europa's growth and innovation across the global logistics sector. The annual Logistics Leadership Awards, organised by the Logistics Leaders Network, celebrate excellence and innovation across the logistics and supply chain management industry. Designed to highlight outstanding achievements in all areas of transport and logistics, the awards recognise those setting new standards in the sector. In this category, Europa was nominated by industry leaders in recognition of its exceptional performance and leadership. The event was attended by leading executives and representatives from every area of the logistics sector, including industry organisations such as the UKWA, the trade organisation for the warehousing sector. Since their launch 15 years ago, the awards have championed innovation and leadership across the sector. Some categories are open to entries, while others, like the International Logistics Leader Award, are reserved for nominations. Each entry is carefully evaluated by a distinguished panel of industry experts. "The judges were impressed by the growth of Europa Worldwide Group and its creation of the first Delivery Duty Paid customs solution and a money-back-guarantee on its European Road Freight operations, Europa Road, which has given UK exporters more confidence and flexibility trading in the EU post-Brexit in 2020." The three divisions of Europa Worldwide Group form a fully integrated global logistics network built on expertise, innovation, and customer service. Through ongoing investment and the development of advanced systems and services, Europa Worldwide Group exemplifies what it means to be an international logistics leader, driving progress across every corner of the global supply chain. As highlighted by the judges, Europa's Road Freight division has successfully ensured the frictionless flow of goods between the EU and the UK post-Brexit, with a suite of products called Europa Flow. Europa Road was also the first road cargo company to offer a Money Back Guarantee on all European road freight operations post-Brexit. The Logistics Leaders Network award was collected by Caroline Lister (Branch Manager of Europa Road in Sheffield), Tom MacDonald, Regional Manager (North) at Europa Air & Sea and Joe Partner, Regional Manager (North) at Europa Road. Andrew Baxter , Chief Executive Officer at Europa Worldwide Group, said, "We're proud to be recognised as an International Logistics Leader by our peers. This achievement reflects the dedication and innovation across our team, whose commitment to delivering excellence across global supply chains sets us apart. Winning this award highlights our drive to keep pushing boundaries, creating efficient logistics solutions for customers worldwide." The Logistics Leaders Network was founded in 2010 by leading transport professional Peter Acton to provide a platform for senior and emerging logistics leaders to debate key strategic supply chain and logistics issues impacting business performance. Peter Acton (whose roles have included editor of Motor Transport magazine) is a qualified traffic engineer and transport planner, and for the last three decades has been a leading commentator on logistics and supply chain issues. He also leads The Retail Supply Chain & Logistics Expo - bringing together retailers, brands, and logistics experts to explore the future of retail logistics.
Area Farmers and Growers Eligible to Receive AgPack Benefits from LPK CDJR
Mon, Nov 17, 2025 09:53 EST
Farmers helping farmers find a return on their truck investment is how AgPack ® was born. Now, 12 years later, AgPack benefits to farmers and growers can quickly add up to more than $45,000* in real operational savings. LPK Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM (CDJR) in Defiance recently renewed their eligibility in the Certified Ag Dealer Program (CAD) allowing them to offer AgPack to their farm and ranch customers. This package provides a first ever "Return on an Agriculture Truck Investment." LPK CDJR's staff has maintained their qualifications as an official Certified Agriculture Dealership. The specialized agricultural training keeps the staff better informed to understand the specific demands farmers, ranchers and growers have of their farm vehicles. "While trucks are a critical tool on the farm, the bottom line for farmers and growers is also critical," noted Matt Mahalak, general manager at LPK 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 products and services from some of agriculture's leading brands." AgPack is a collaboration of agricultural companies who, collectively, have organized a specialized package of discounts and rebates that agriculture cannot get anywhere else, on inputs producers will probably be buying anyway. The process is quite simple: Register for your AgPack® ID Number at AgTruckTrader.com Provide your AgPack ID Number when ordering or purchasing any new or qualifying used truck or SUV at any Certified Agriculture Dealership sm Redeem your options! Approx. 1 week after your order or purchase, an AgPack Redemption Specialist will help you redeem any of the over $45,000 in additional valuable options with 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 Landleader Rhino Ag American Hat Company Bedrock Truck Bed Michelin & BF Goodrich Mil+Spec Tarter Farm & Ranch Equipment Chute Help, Inc. Mystic Lubricant Top Gun Blades Dairyland Seed Outback Wrap Valent Dixie Chopper PinUltimate Vanair DTN Raeco Builders Valley Vet Supply Durango Boots RealTruck, Inc. Walkabout Mother Bin Ford Pros Reinke Irrigation Wrangler Gallagher For a complete line-up of the current offers from AgPack partners, visit www.GetAgPack.com . Farmers and ranchers can cash in one AgPack offer or use them all, it is up to them and totally complimentary. 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 only 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 76,009 Ohio farm 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 Cantu. "It's also about making sure farmers and growers 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 LPK CDJR, 20502 Country Road 424, Defiance, OH 43512 or call them at 567-229-9206 to gain access to the complimentary AgPack benefits or visit them online at: https://dealers.certifiedagdealer.com/certified-dealers/LPK *Based on customer using every AgPack® benefit to its maximum value. Visit GetAgPack.com for full program details. 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/SUV orders, new truck/SUV purchases and used truck/SUV purchases. ###
A New Era of Travel: Nationwide Study Reveals the Rise of 'Purposeful Luxury'
Mon, Nov 17, 2025 08:46 EST
Luxury travel is entering a new chapter. A new nationwide study conducted by Voyagers Travel Company suggests that travellers are no longer choosing between indulgence and authenticity; they're demanding both in equal measures. Today's adventurers still seek the comfort, the attention to detail, and the exclusivity that comes with luxury travel, but they're also looking for greater depth; for something that makes a trip feel worthwhile, not just expensive. The focus has shifted from ticking off landmarks to finding real moments of connection, whether that's learning from local experts, exploring wild landscapes, or simply slowing down to understand the daily realities behind beautiful destinations. According to the study: Around 70% of respondents now prefer itineraries that blend adventure, nature, and genuine cultural exchange with luxury touches. Only a small fraction - 12% - said traditional, status-driven travel still appeals to them. Most plan just one major trip a year, viewing it as something to savour: an investment in growth and discovery rather than a simple getaway. 80% said they would recommend a purposeful luxury experience to others, signalling this is more than just the latest trend. "Travelers aren't rejecting luxury; they're redefining it," says Voyagers Travel writer, Marco Sancho. "They still want exceptional experiences, but they also want to know their journey means something. The new aspiration is to travel with intent; to enjoy exclusivity while leaving a positive mark on the world." This emerging idea of purposeful luxury blends refinement with responsibility. Nearly half of travellers surveyed define it as a balance of social, environmental, and cultural impact. Conservation-led adventures, local learning, and wellness experiences are among the most valued, with travellers citing connection with communities, moments of discovery, and learning while giving back as what makes a trip truly memorable. For many, the ultimate indulgence is no longer private isolation, but privileged access to experiences that few others share: a walk through remote Amazon trails with an indigenous guide, or a small-ship voyage in the Galápagos led by naturalists dedicated to finding smart ways to protect its fragile ecosystem. For more than twenty years, Voyagers Travel Company has helped shape this evolution. By working with local experts and community partners such as ILLA Experience Hotel in Quito, Napo Wildlife Centre, and Hacienda Zuleta, the company creates bespoke journeys that pair luxury service with genuine engagement. Guests enjoy world-class comfort while contributing to positive change, supporting people, protecting the land, and celebrating culture. "At Voyagers, we believe that travel should enrich the traveller as well as the places they visit and the people who live there," Sancho adds. "Every trip should leave the world a little better than when we found it, and embracing purposeful luxury in travel is going a long way towards making that a reality." For more information, visit https://www.voyagers.travel or read the full study here: https://www.voyagers.travel/blog/the-new-era-of-luxury-travel-purposeful-journeys-now-reshape-the-market
SGS launches Products & Materials module to enhance SGS SMART digital platform
Mon, Nov 17, 2025 08:27 EST
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, announces the launch of its new Products & Materials module - the latest advancement in SGS SMART, its industry-leading digital platform for supply chain management. The new module empowers buyers and suppliers to seamlessly collaborate on product and material data, testing workflows and compliance documentation across the supply chain. It supports the creation, tracking and testing of individual and grouped products and materials, directly linking them to supply chain partners through structured workflows and approvals that ensure regulatory compliance and operational transparency. Key capabilities: Streamlined creation & management: create and manage single or batch entries for materials and products. Connect them through a bill of materials (BoM) with integrated testing requirements, exemptions and care label details Integrated testing workflow: submit and track electronic test request forms (eTRFs), manage multi-stage testing (e.g. base, bulk and product tests) and upload third-party reports with approval tracking Supply chain collaboration: connect suppliers, manufacturers and buyers to ensure traceability. Assign products to buyers for structured review and approval Document control & audit trail: maintain certificates and reports in a centralized product workbook, complete with version control and historical tracking Customization & flexibility: adapt workflows, fields and templates to align with buyer programs and specific compliance needs Efficiency & transparency: reduce manual data entry and email exchanges while gaining real-time visibility into product status, testing progress and document updates The Products & Materials module is more than just a digital catalog, it serves as a centralized, traceable library that connects testing and compliance data directly to final products. The result: greater transparency, reduced risk and faster time to market, empowering data-driven decisions across every stage of the supply chain. Yvonne Tse, Vice President, Softlines, Asia Pacific, and SGS SMART Product Manager: "Global brands and retailers may introduce thousands of new products to their shelves every month. With the Products & Materials module in SGS SMART, testing, inspection and other relevant services can be seamlessly requested as soon as an item is added to the catalogue. This helps accelerate quality assurance processes and significantly enhances operational efficiency. "This new module is a key step in the ongoing evolution of our SGS SMART platform. By delivering structured workflows, transparent documentation and deep insights into product composition, testing history and compliance status, it enables faster, smarter decisions. With this enhancement, SGS SMART reaffirms its position as the go-to digital solution for supply chain professionals in the consumer products industry." For further information, please contact: Leo Yang Softlines, C&P Tel: +86 21 61152151
Lockton verstärkt die Präsenz in der Schweiz
Mon, Nov 17, 2025 05:50 EST
Ein natürlicher nächster Schritt im Engagement für Schweizer Kunden Lockton, der weltweit grösste unabhängige Versicherungsbroker in Familienbesitz, baut seine Präsenz in der Schweiz mit neuen Standorten in Zürich und Genf aus - ein konsequenter Schritt im langjährigen Engagement für Schweizer Kunden. Aufbauend auf der erfolgreichen Zusammenarbeit mit multinationalen Kunden markiert die von der FINMA im Oktober 2025 erteilte Lizenz einen wichtigen Meilenstein für das Engagement von Lockton im Schweizer Markt. Mit der neuen Struktur stärkt Lockton die Kundennähe und bietet massgeschneiderte Lösungen für Unternehmen mit komplexen, nationalen und grenzüberschreitenden Risiken. Schweizer Führungsteam mit internationaler Erfahrung Die Schweizer Gesellschaft wird von Stephan Bachmann, CEO der Lockton Switzerland GmbH mit Sitz in Zürich, geleitet. Romain Hémery übernimmt die Leitung der Romandie und wird von Genf aus agieren. Beide verfügen gemeinsam über mehr als 45 Jahre Erfahrung in der Beratung und Strukturierung anspruchsvoller Versicherungsprogramme. Zum Führungsteam gehören Christian Leder und Michael Forster, die im ersten Quartal 2026 zum Team stossen werden. Weitere personelle Ergänzungen werden folgen. Fokus auf Kunden, Branchen und Partnerschaften Lockton Schweiz konzentriert sich auf ausgewählte Branchen der Schweizer Wirtschaft und auf die Betreuung multinationaler und grosser nationaler Unternehmen. Dabei nutzt das Team die globalen Ressourcen von Lockton, den Zugang zu internationalen Märkten und eine weitreichende geografische Präsenz, um individuelle Lösungen mit lokalem Fokus zu entwickeln. Die langjährige Partnerschaft mit Funk bleibt ein wesentlicher Bestandteil der Wachstumsstrategie und gewährleistet die weitere Zusammenarbeit bei gemeinsamen Kunden. «Lockton tätigt bedeutende Investitionen in ganz Kontinentaleuropa. Die Stärkung unserer Präsenz in der Schweiz ist eine natürliche Erweiterung unserer bisherigen Aktivitäten, basierend auf den Beziehungen, die wir zu unseren Schweizer Kunden aufgebaut haben», sagt EJ Hentenaar, CEO von Lockton Europe . «Die Schweiz ist die Heimat innovativer und marktführender multinationaler Unternehmen. Mit einem starken Team vor Ort können wir unser Versprechen eines hervorragenden Kundenservice noch effektiver einlösen und die gesamte Stärke der globalen Kompetenzen von Lockton auf den Schweizer Markt bringen.» Stephan Bachmann, CEO von Lockton Schweiz , fügt hinzu: «Seit meinem Eintritt bei Lockton bin ich begeistert von der Kunden- und Mitarbeiterorientierung, der Unabhängigkeit, dem Unternehmergeist und der langfristigen Perspektive des Unternehmens. Lockton ist ein Unternehmen, das sich ganz auf seine Kunden konzentriert und sie an erste Stelle setzt - ein Grundsatz, der sich mit meinen Überzeugungen deckt. Diese Philosophie in der Schweiz umzusetzen bedeutet, globale Reichweite mit Schweizer Präzision zu verbinden und messbaren Mehrwert dort zu schaffen, wo es für die Kunden am wichtigsten ist.» Biographie von Stephan Bachmann Biographie von Romain Hémery Weitere Informationen und Bildmaterial finden Sie in unserem Newsroom . Über Lockton Was Lockton auszeichnet, macht uns auch besser: unsere Unabhängigkeit. Als privat geführtes Unternehmen ermöglicht Lockton mehr als 13'100 Mitarbeitenden in über 155 Ländern, sich ganz auf die Risiko- und Versicherungsbedürfnisse ihrer Kundinnen und Kunden zu konzentrieren. Mit Fachwissen und Erfahrung auf globaler Ebene verfügt Lockton über das tiefgehende Verständnis, das notwendig ist, um aussergewöhnliche Ergebnisse zu erzielen. Weitere Informationen finden Sie unter: www.lockton.com
Five Top Tips for Stress-Free Christmas Cooking Revealed by Acclaimed Private Chef
Mon, Nov 17, 2025 04:15 EST
- culinary expert Renu Ballantine shares how preparation, simplicity, and a few smart hacks are the secret to Yuletide success - As the festive season approaches, Renu Ballantine ( Chef Renu B ) has unveiled her golden rules for a calm Christmas kitchen. Renu, who has created tailored dining experiences for clients from London to Miami, specialises in simplifying complex culinary techniques to create dishes that are elegant, approachable, and packed with flavour. Her top tips provide the tricks of the trade that will help eliminate the panic and guesswork of festive cooking [i] . Chef Renu B's recipe for stress-free Christmas cooking: Keep the Main Event Simple (but cook it perfectly) When it comes to the Christmas main course, whether it's turkey, beef, goose, or a plant-based protein, simplicity and good execution are key. Ensure perfect results by using the following techniques: Before cooking, bring your meat/poultry to room temperature: remove your main protein from the fridge 30-45 minutes before roasting (do not leave it out for longer than 90 minutes). The larger the joint or bird, the longer it will take. Invest in a digital thermometer: Do not rely on guesswork when deciding when your meat or poultry is cooked. Renu recommends the Babacom Dual Probe Meat Thermometer to monitor internal temperatures. Probe the protein where it cooks last (the middle of the joint or bird) with your digital thermometer. This will ensure your meat/poultry is neither undercooked nor overcooked. Here is a good guide to cooking temperatures: https://www.souschef.co.uk/blogs/the-bureau-of-taste/meat-temperatures-the-quick-guide Rest generously: Remove the meat/poultry when it's around 85-90% cooked and then rest it, covered with foil, for half the time you cooked it for (yes, really!). Poultry needs to reach an internal temperature of above 74 °C, which means removing it when the thickest part of the leg reaches approximately 67.5°C. It will continue to cook after you remove it from the oven. Rest birds upside down, so the juices flow back in for extra succulence. 2. Have Fun with the Sides Butter, herbs, spices, garlic, or cheese are your friends and can add a quick and easy freshness or richness to simple steamed veggies or sides. Roast potatoes: add peeled garlic during the last 20 minutes of cooking, and a rosemary sprig, 10 minutes before finishing. Carrots: add a mixture of melted butter, maple syrup, and a little salt for the last five minutes of cooking. If you are steaming, mix through before serving. Finish parsnips with thyme for a fresh, bright note; again, throw in at the last minute just before serving. Stir Parmesan or Gruyère into mashed potatoes for extra depth and flavour. 3. Keep the Pudding Simple Choose desserts that can be made in advance, such as a tiramisu. It improves overnight and is hugely versatile with lots of combinations; Irish Cream or pistachio are great for a festive twist. Here's a simplified, but full-flavour version: https://www.chefrenub.com/recipes 4. Prep Your Table and Serving Items Early Avoid last-minute stress and scrambling by setting the dining table and laying out serving utensils and dishes, complete with labels, the day before. For the serving dishes, the labels are especially convenient if someone offers to help; they'll know exactly what goes where and which dish goes with which serving implement, without needing to ask you while you are in the midst of final preparation. Post-it notes or masking tape are great for this. 5. Be Smart with Special Diets Catering for guests with special dietary requirements doesn't have to mean doubling the workload or having entirely separate menus. With a few smart substitutions, everyone can enjoy the same dishes, and your job will be a lot easier. Vegan: Use a high-quality plant-based butter such as Flora Plant in mash and on vegetables. It's rich and creamy, and most guests won't notice the difference. Dairy-free : Swap in Nush Dairy-Free Creamy Almond M-lk Spread for appetisers. "Nush works perfectly with smoked salmon for a starter or with figs on blinis as a canapé," says Renu. For desserts, the chef recommends Oatly Whippable Creamy Oat : "It tastes great, is easy to whip up, and doesn't break the bank." Gluten-free : The classic roast dinner is gluten-friendly with a few easy tweaks. Use cornflour instead of flour to thicken gravy, choose gluten-free bread for bread sauce, and look for ready-made gluten-free Yorkshire puddings in the freezer section of larger supermarkets. "Preparing a Christmas meal shouldn't overwhelm you. With the right tricks up your sleeve, a few hacks and some dedicated planning, a calm and confident festive kitchen is within anyone's reach," said Renu Ballantine. "It's about working smarter, not harder, so you can free up more time to relax and actually enjoy Christmas with friends and family." To find out more about Chef Renu B and for more food and cooking inspiration, visit https://www.chefrenub.com/ and @Chefrenub on Instagram. - ends - [i] Renu Ballantine is not affiliated with any of the products mentioned in this release and has not received compensation for these endorsements. Her recommendations are based solely on personal experience.
Proof Cutting Fuel Duty Will Increase Consumer Spending and Small Business will Invest More Too
Sun, Nov 16, 2025 19:15 EST
FairFuelUK and Lewis Cocking MP, for Broxbourne, will present the latest Annual FairFuelUK Pre-Budget Opinion Poll Results to MPs at a Drop-In Reception in Portcullis House, Room P, on November 17th at 5 pm to 7 pm. You are welcome to attend. The FairFuelUK poll titled " What do YOU want from the Christmas Budget 2025? " was conducted as part of their 14th annual Pre-Budget Opinion Survey. It was open to all between October 20th and November 14th, with over 63,000 participants responding, to date. Of the 63,909 poll respondents, 45.7% want Fuel Duty Cut by up to 20p per litre, 27.5% want it kept frozen, 19.3% want this regressive levy scrapped altogether, and 3.6% want it increased by up to 20p per litre. 3.9% were unsure about what they wanted to happen with the budget regarding this tax. Despite more than 83.4% saying that EVs should be taxed to use our roads, 4 out of 5 (78.7%) are completely against introducing any form of pay-per-mile taxation. Between 47% and 69% of respondents to the survey said they'd have to cut back their spending if Fuel Duty were hiked by restoring Rishi Sunak's temporary 5p cut or even worse by potentially up to a rumoured 10p - 20p increase in the Winter Budget. But if Rachel Reeves continues to freeze or even cuts Fuel Duty by as much as 20 pence, up to 9 out of 10 of these road users will likely spend their pump fill-up tax cut savings into the economy. 9 out of 10 drivers will spend considerably more in the economy, with these filling up at the pump savings, if Fuel Duty is cut by 20p per litre. Over 12,007 small businesses/sole traders also responded, with 55% to 77% stating that their company would have no choice but to reduce their business costs if fuel duty were increased by 5p to 20p in the Budget. If the Chancellor continues to freeze Fuel Duty, however, one in four small businesses responding to FairFuelUK's Annual survey will definitely increase their spending on their businesses. However, more encouragingly for the Treasury to develop economic growth, any cut of 5p up to 20p per litre in this regressive levy will lead to an even more significant increase in expenditure for 55% to 77% of these sole traders and small businesses. 3 out of 4 sole traders will definitely spend on their businesses if Fuel Duty is cut by 20p per litre. Howard Cox, Founder of FairFuelUK, says: "Time and time again over the past decade and a half, FairFuelUK has demonstrated, through highly respected independent economic analyses, that reducing fuel duty on the highest taxed drivers in the world will slow down inflation. GDP will grow, jobs will be created, consumer spending will rise, business investment will increase, and consequently, Treasury income will benefit significantly. Our latest survey is not the typical market research for purists. But, it shows that putting money into the pockets of real people, such as these consumers and businesses, will promote economic growth and boost tax revenue for this beleaguered Labour Government. So, at the very least, Rachel Reeves, please keep Fuel Duty Frozen for the lifetime of this Parliament. " "Net Zero is neither a valid nor an effective tax policy for pursuing economic growth, either. Over the last 20 to 25 years, CO2 emissions worldwide have increased by 50%, but the UK's have decreased by 45%. So why should drivers be penalised for the good environmental work already done here in Blighty? Why should consumers and businesses be punished in the pocket when we have done more than any other country in the world to reduce emissions?" "To improve economic productivity, the UK should copy the US and build more roads, especially motorways, as part of its long-term infrastructure strategy. Initial priorities should include, for example, connections between the Midlands and key ports, such as Felixstowe, Southampton, and Hull, as well as links between large cities - particularly the long-neglected trans-Pennine routes. And of course, to maximise the accumulation and recognised productivity benefits of roads, the UK should reduce road user costs to the US model. And that means cutting Fuel Duty." Spending Intentions Tables from the FairFuelUK Poll based on potential Fuel Duty changes in the Budget
Area Farmers and Growers Eligible to Receive AgPack Benefits from Buckeye Superstore
Sun, Nov 16, 2025 09:40 EST
Farmers helping farmers find a return on their truck investment is how AgPack ® was born. Now, 12 years later, AgPack benefits to farmers and growers can quickly add up to more than $45,000* in real operational savings. Buckeye Superstore, a Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM dealer in Shelby recently renewed their eligibility in the Certified Ag Dealer Program (CAD) allowing them to offer AgPack to their farm customers. This package provides a first ever "Return on an Agriculture Truck Investment." Buckeye Superstore's staff has maintained their qualifications as an official Certified Agriculture Dealership. The specialized agricultural training keeps the staff better informed to understand the specific demands farmers and growers have of their farm vehicles. "While trucks are a critical tool on the farm, the bottom line for farmers and growers is also critical," noted Siena Witfoth, marketing manager at Buckeye Superstore. "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 products and services from some of agriculture's leading brands." AgPack is a collaboration of agricultural companies who, collectively, have organized a specialized package of discounts and rebates that agriculture cannot get anywhere else, on inputs producers will probably be buying anyway. The process is quite simple: Register for your AgPack® ID Number at AgTruckTrader.com Provide your AgPack ID Number when ordering or purchasing any new or qualifying used truck or SUV at any Certified Agriculture Dealership sm Redeem your options! Approx. 1 week after your order or purchase, an AgPack Redemption Specialist will help you redeem any of the over $45,000 in additional valuable options with 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 Landleader Rhino Ag American Hat Company Bedrock Truck Bed Michelin & BF Goodrich Mil+Spec Tarter Farm & Ranch Equipment Chute Help, Inc. Mystic Lubricant Top Gun Blades Dairyland Seed Outback Wrap Valent Dixie Chopper PinUltimate Vanair DTN Raeco Builders Valley Vet Supply Durango Boots RealTruck, Inc. Walkabout Mother Bin Ford Pros Reinke Irrigation Wrangler Gallagher For a complete line-up of the current offers from AgPack partners, visit www.GetAgPack.com . Farmers and ranchers can cash in one AgPack offer or use them all, it is up to them and totally complimentary. 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 only 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 27 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 76,009 Ohio farm 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 Witfoth. "It's also about making sure farmers and growers 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 Buckeye Superstore, 278 Mansfield Ave., Shelby, OH 44875 or call them at 567-333-8581 to gain access to the complimentary AgPack benefits or visit them online at: dealers.certifiedagdealer.com/certified-dealers/buckeye *Based on customer using every AgPack® benefit to its maximum value. Visit GetAgPack.com for full program details. Photo headline: Buckeye Superstore Maintains Agricultural Certification Photo: (RAM Truck with Trailer) Caption: Farmer benefits from AgPack can quickly add up to nearly $45,000* in real farm operational savings. Buckeye Superstore recently renewed the requirements to maintain their qualifications as a Certified Agriculture Dealer and can continue offering AgPack to their farm and rural customers. 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/SUV orders, new truck/SUV purchases and used truck/SUV purchases. ###
Area Farmers, Growers and Ranchers Eligible to Receive AgPack Benefits from DCJR of Winter Haven
Sun, Nov 16, 2025 09:04 EST
Winter Haven, Fla. (November 11, 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 more than $45,000* in real operational savings. Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Winter Have (DCJR) recently renewed their eligibility in the Certified Ag Dealer Program (CAD) allowing them to offer AgPack to their farm and ranch customers. This package provides a first ever "Return on an Agriculture Truck Investment." DCJR of Winter Haven's staff has maintained their qualifications as an official Certified Agriculture Dealership. The specialized agricultural training keeps the staff better informed to understand the specific demands farmers, ranchers and growers have of their farm & ranch vehicles. "While trucks are a critical tool on the farm, the bottom line for farmers and ranchers is also critical," noted Mike Mahalak, owner at DCJR of Winter Haven. "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 products and services from some of agriculture's leading brands." AgPack is a collaboration of agricultural companies who, collectively, have organized a specialized package of discounts and rebates that agriculture cannot get anywhere else, on inputs producers will probably be buying anyway. The process is quite simple: Register for your AgPack® ID Number at AgTruckTrader.com Provide your AgPack ID Number when ordering or purchasing any new or qualifying used truck or SUV at any Certified Agriculture Dealership sm Redeem your options! Approx. 1 week after your order or purchase, an AgPack Redemption Specialist will help you redeem any of the over $45,000 in additional valuable options with 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 Landleader Rhino Ag American hat Company. Chute Help, Inc. RealTruck Tarter Farm & Ranch Equipment Bedrock Truck Bed Michelin & BF Goodrich Top Gun Blades Dairyland Seed Mil+Spec Valent Dixie Chopper Mystic Lubricant Vanair DTN Outback Wrap Valley Vet Supply Durango Boots PinUltimate Walkabout Mother Bin Ford Pros Raeco Builders Wrangler Gallagher Reinke Irrigation For a complete line-up of the current offers from AgPack partners, visit www.GetAgPack.com . Farmers and ranchers can cash in one AgPack offer or use them all, it is up to them and totally complimentary. 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 only 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 27 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 37,500 Florida farm 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 Mahalak. "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 DCJR of Winter Haven, 299 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven, FL 33880 or call them at 863-251-5517 to gain access to the complimentary AgPack benefits or visit them online at: dealers.certifiedagdealer.com/certified-dealers/winter *Based on customer using every AgPack® benefit to its maximum value. Visit GetAgPack.com for full program details. Photo headline: DCJR of Winter Haven Maintains Agricultural Certification Photo: (RAM Truck with Trailer) Caption: Farmer benefits from AgPack can quickly add up to nearly $45,000* in real farm operational savings. DCJR of Winter Haven CDJR recently renewed the requirements to maintain their qualifications as a Certified Agriculture Dealer and can continue offering AgPack to their farm and rural customers. 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/SUV orders, new truck/SUV purchases and used truck/SUV purchases. ###
2025 National Lived Experience Leadership Conference: Uniting Lived Experience Leaders to Organize, Empower, and Advocate for Change
Fri, Nov 14, 2025 13:01 EST
Cincinnati, OH - The National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) proudly announces the 2025 National Lived Experience Leadership Conference, taking place November 17-19, 2025, offered both virtually and in person in Cincinnati, Ohio. This powerful national gathering is guided by three core pillars: organize, empower, and advocate. These principles shape how we lead, how we build, and how we create lasting change together. "The people closest to the problem must be closest to the solution," said Donald Whitehead, Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless. "This conference gives power back to those whose voices have too often been excluded from national conversations about housing and justice." At a time when policies are punishing poverty instead of solving it, the conference will serve as a national call to action, uniting those most directly impacted to develop strategies that restore dignity, expand resources, and ensure housing remains a human right. Centering Lived Experience in the Fight for Justice Participants will engage in dynamic workshops, collaborative strategy sessions, and panels highlighting innovative community-led solutions. The conference emphasizes that those who have lived through homelessness are not only experts in survival, they are architects of change. Addressing the Growing Crisis Across the United States, cities are increasingly responding to homelessness with criminalization, passing laws that ban sleeping in public spaces and punishing people for simply trying to survive. Meanwhile, critical federal funding for housing and services continues to decline. The National Lived Experience Leadership Conference aims to confront these intersecting crises head-on by equipping grassroots leaders with the tools, networks, and policy knowledge needed to push for real, systemic change. A Movement, Not Just a Meeting More than a conference, this is the next chapter in a growing movement for equity and justice. The event will amplify the leadership of people who have experienced homelessness, building a national network committed to reversing harmful policies and creating solutions grounded in compassion and evidence. Event Details: Dates: November 17-19, 2025 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Hosted by: National Coalition for the Homeless Learn more: www.nationalhomeless.org
Adept Armor Introduces the Archon Level IV Plate
Fri, Nov 14, 2025 12:05 EST
Adept Armor , pioneers in next-gen protective solutions, is pleased to introduce the Archon Level IV Plate. Developed in response to European military requirements, the Archon represents the ideal balance between protection, weight, and comfort for today's combat scenarios. Weighing in at just 5.75 lbs. and measuring 10 x 12" at a 1" thickness, the Archon delivers comprehensive protection from both the .30-06 M2 AP and modern intermediate-caliber AP threats while maintaining an exceptionally light weight. Adept Armor will debut the Archon Plate at Milipol Paris 2025 , taking place Nov. 18 - 21, 2025, at Paris Nord Villepinte, where the company will exhibit at Booth 5 G 601. While peer adversaries increasingly field advanced tungsten-cored threats such as 5.45x39mm 7N24, 7N39, and next-generation 5.8mm AP rounds, most Level IV plates were designed around yesterday's threats. The Archon is a culmination of focused engineering, maximizing protection from the threats one is most likely to face, while keeping weight at the absolute minimum. It is built for those who need assured protection from 5.56mm, 5.45mm, and 5.8mm tungsten-cored threats without the weight penalty of heavy-duty Level IV+ plates like the Colossus. "By optimizing for intermediate-caliber tungsten threats rather than over-engineering for every possible threat, we've created a plate that delivers exactly what modern warfighters need. Nothing more, nothing less," said Jake Ganor, President of Adept Armor. The Archon features a SiC-TiB2 composite strike face, a next-gen ceramic material developed specifically to counter tungsten-cored small arms threats. It features a next-gen UHMWPE composite backer with an integrated, premium Ivoryguard thermoplastic foam on the body side for exceptional comfort and trauma reduction. The resilient thermoplastic foam is also included in the molded padding on the strike-face for practical drop and impact protection. Featuring a multi-curve design for comfort and a better form fit, the Archon has a full-sized strike face with full edge-to-edge ceramic coverage. The Adept Armor Archon plate is multi-hit capable against the following: M2AP: .30-06 M2 AP at over 2880 fps Advanced 5.56mm AP: 5.56x45mm M995 at over 3400 fps. Also resistant to 5.56mm Swiss P AP, Ruag AP TC, NAMMO AP4, and more. Advanced 5.45mm AP: 5.45x39mm 7N24, 7N39, and similar tungsten-cored threats. All lesser threats: All lesser threats, such as M855A1, M80A1, 7.62x54mmR B-32 API, etc. Note: For assured protection from heavy tungsten threats such as Swiss P AP, we recommend the Colossus. For more information on Adept Armor, visit its website or follow along on Instagram or YouTube .
Plan International USA's Gifts of Hope catalog offers meaningful ways to support girls this holiday season
Fri, Nov 14, 2025 09:30 EST
As girls around the world face increasing barriers to education, health care and safety, Plan International USA is launching its annual Gifts of Hope catalog , a holiday giving campaign that turns simple purchases into life-changing support for children and families. Each gift in the catalog helps to fund areas such as education, health, emergency response and livelihood support. Items range from school supply kits to clean water solutions, giving donors a clear way to contribute to long-term, community-led change. Last year, Plan International reached more than 49 million children , including 26 million girls , in more than 80 countries. "We are in danger of sending girls backward, and it is happening around the world. Every day, they are losing ground and losing access to classrooms, health care and safety. Gifts of Hope gives us a way to push forward again. Every gift helps a girl stay in school, build confidence and shape her own future," said Shanna Marzilli, president and CEO of Plan International USA. Highlights from the 2025 catalog include: $25 - Backpack filled with school supplies that keeps a girl learning year-round $30 - Menstrual health kits for three girls , so they can manage their periods with dignity and stay in school $75 - Emergency medical care for children in crisis zones $80 - Jump-start a farming business for five families, helping parents earn steady incomes and feed their children $90 - Training for five teachers , strengthening classrooms and improving learning for hundreds of children $185 - Smart pump device to provide clean water for a community Plan's work focuses on supporting children, especially girls, who often face the highest risks during conflict, climate-related disasters and economic instability. Gifts of Hope provides an accessible way for donors to make a meaningful impact while supporting locally led solutions. "This campaign gives donors transparency and choice," said Katherine Williford, chief development officer at Plan International USA. "Each item represents real impact, whether it is keeping a girl in school, supporting a young mother or helping a family rebuild after crisis." The full catalog is available at www.planusa.org/what-you-can-do/gifts-of-hope .
Keeper Security Empowers Developers With Secure Secrets Management in Visual Studio Code
Fri, Nov 14, 2025 07:05 EST
Keeper's zero-trust and zero-knowledge extension gives developers the power to code securely without leaving their workflow Keeper Security , the leading provider of zero-trust and zero-knowledge cybersecurity software protecting passwords and passkeys, infrastructure secrets, remote connections and endpoints, today announces the launch of its Visual Studio Code (VS Code) extension, extending Keeper's enterprise-grade secrets management directly into developers' coding environments. The VS Code extension expands the KeeperPAM® platform's reach into the developer ecosystem, enabling secure, zero-trust secrets management throughout the software development lifecycle. Secure secrets management is critical for developers because it directly protects the credentials, API keys, tokens and certificates that applications rely on to function securely. When these secrets are mishandled, such as being stored in plaintext, hardcoded into source code or shared informally, they create severe vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit to compromise systems or data. The new Keeper VS Code extension allows developers to save, retrieve, generate and execute commands using secrets stored in their Keeper Vault, eliminating the need to leave their coding environment or expose sensitive information in configuration files. This direct integration supports both Keeper Commander CLI and Keeper Secrets Manager , providing organisations with the flexibility to align with their preferred infrastructure and security requirements. "Developers play a critical role in securing the software supply chain," said Craig Lurey, CTO and Co-founder of Keeper Security. "Integrating Keeper directly into Visual Studio Code empowers teams to develop securely from the start. By embedding zero-trust principles into their workflows, developers can protect secrets and maintain compliance without slowing innovation." This launch reflects Keeper's continued dedication to delivering unified privileged access and secrets management capabilities that align with the evolving needs of modern enterprises and development teams. Key capabilities of the Keeper VS Code extension include: Secrets Management: Save, retrieve and generate secrets directly from Keeper Vault. Flexible Usage: Operate in Keeper Commander CLI or Keeper Secrets Manager mode. Secret Detection: Automatically identify hardcoded credentials, such as API keys and tokens, for immediate remediation. Secure Command Execution: Run applications with secrets securely injected from Keeper Vault. Logging and Debug Tools: View logs and enable debug mode for full operational transparency. By integrating secrets management directly into VS Code, Keeper helps organisations reduce secret sprawl, prevent accidental exposure and maintain compliance with zero-trust and least-privilege security frameworks. Keeper Secrets Manager is part of Keeper's unified privileged access management platform, KeeperPAM®. Built on a zero-trust, zero-knowledge architecture, KeeperPAM combines enterprise password, secrets and connection management with endpoint privilege management, zero-trust network access and remote browser isolation in a single cloud-based platform. Keeper's Secrets Manager eliminates the need for manual secrets distribution, enforces least-privilege access and enables automated credential rotation, strengthening security while accelerating development workflows. With centralised visibility, detailed audit trails and API integrations that fit seamlessly into existing toolchains, KeeperPAM empowers developers to code faster, deploy securely and maintain compliance with minimal overhead. Keeper's new extension is available now in both the Visual Studio Marketplace and Open VSX Registry , ensuring compatibility with VS Code and its derivatives, such as Cursor. ### About Keeper Security Keeper Security is one of the fastest-growing cybersecurity software companies that protects thousands of organisations and millions of people in over 150 countries. Keeper is a pioneer of zero-knowledge and zero-trust security built for any IT environment. Its core offering, KeeperPAM®, is an AI-enabled, cloud-native platform that protects all users, devices and infrastructure from cyber attacks. Recognised for its innovation in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Privileged Access Management (PAM), Keeper secures passwords and passkeys, infrastructure secrets, remote connections and endpoints with role-based enforcement policies, least privilege and just-in-time access. Learn why Keeper is trusted by leading organisations to defend against modern adversaries at KeeperSecurity.com . Learn more: KeeperSecurity.com Follow Keeper: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn X YouTube TikTok
Recruiter's 'Top Tips' for Securing AI Entry Roles
Thu, Nov 13, 2025 11:06 EST
As more and more job postings involve AI skills as a requirement, one of the UK's largest recruiters Gi Group UK is urging candidates and businesses to see the integration of artificial intelligence as an opportunity for change and career development. Laura Stretton, Candidate Experience Manager at Gi Group UK, is encouraging entry level candidates to broaden their horizons and dive into AI training opportunities. According to estimates from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change , one to three million jobs could be displaced by AI, however these are predicted to occur gradually with the pace of AI adoption across the wider economy. AI could raise UK national income by between 5 per cent and 14 per cent by 2050, with the most likely prediction pointing to a substantial 11 per cent boost. In recent months it has been widely reported that sectors most at risk of automation are analytical roles, media roles and programming tasks. An opportunity for change Sharing insight into the role of AI within recruitment, Laura said: "Artificial intelligence is transforming the recruitment landscape, particularly in entry-level roles. However, though we may be seeing an industry reduction in traditional positions, there is a growing demand for candidates equipped with the training and knowledge to operate AI systems. While the integration of AI within the workplace comes with a number of cautions, it is a great opportunity for upskilling and building technical skills. "AI is here, which means businesses and candidates must keep up. In order to stay ahead of the curve and remain at the forefront of tech advancements, both parties must adapt and upskill. "From a candidate perspective, it's time to be looking at adapting the focus of your CV to showcase any AI-related expertise and embracing continuous learning to remain competitive in the evolving job market. We encourage candidates to explore how AI can create opportunities and open doors, including new and innovative career pathways." Training and development Rebecca Napier , IT Business Partner at Gi Group UK, commented: "At Gi Group, AI training has become a key element of our upskilling opportunities for employees. It is no longer a debate of whether AI will impact the workplace, it's now about ensuring you're getting on board. I'm currently working towards my degree apprenticeship in Digital and Tech Solutions, to ensure I'm up to speed with how artificial intelligence can help our candidates and support our internal team to continually develop. With any new skill or tool, learning is important for every role, but it's particularly important within tech related industries. As the job market continues to evolve it's vital that businesses and candidates alike are prioritising not only the integration of AI but the management of AI systems. "We've implemented AI tools into our recruitment process to become a more streamlined and efficient service to our customers and candidates. Our systems ensure we can fulfil tight deadlines and position the best candidates with the right businesses. Finding a way to integrate these tools into daily work life is an important task for businesses wishing to succeed." The Government's latest data has found that AI related employment increased by 33%, when comparing 2023 to 2024, which is an increase of 21,600 jobs. Examples of entry level AI related roles include AI Prompt Engineer, AI Ethics Specialist, and AI Operations Assistant. The emergence of new roles Laura added: "Entry level vacancies have dropped, while the UK job adverts requiring AI skills continue to grow faster than other sectors. The introduction and implementation of AI isn't just a tech advancement, it has created a cultural switch, changing the working world as we know it. While these tech advancements are disrupting career routes, it is the perfect opportunity for new roles to emerge and for candidates to acquire new skill sets and increase their AI literacy. However, it's important that candidates don't lose focus of the human soft skills like creativity and critical judgement that will help them to adapt. "Businesses are harnessing the power of AI to grow and innovate, so candidates who are proactive in aligning their skillsets with these advancements will be well-positioned to thrive in this dynamic environment. Gone are the days of one-track careers, this new era of employment is providing vast opportunities for candidates to explore their strengths and dive into the latest tech." Gi Group UK is headquartered in Chesterfield in the Midlands. Parented by Gi Group Holding, Gi Group UK employs close to 500 people in 2025 from 20 office locations. Gi Group UK is uniquely committed to the creation of social and economic value for both employers and candidates alike.
Leading Families Home Acquires Family House, Strengthening Services for Families Experiencing Homelessness
Thu, Nov 13, 2025 10:30 EST
Leading Families Home has acquired Family House, combining two of the region's most established family service organizations to strengthen housing stability. The acquisition, supported by $290,000 in funding from the City of Toledo, takes effect immediately. Together, the organizations will create the largest nonprofit in the region dedicated exclusively to serving families in crisis, expanding capacity to serve more than 1,000 individuals each year through emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent supportive services. "The acquisition of these two organizations supports our strategic goal of reducing shelter administrative and operational costs in a climate of declining resources, said Rosalyn Clemens, director of the Toledo Department of Housing and Community Development. "By joining forces, these two shelters will achieve more efficient delivery of services to Toledo homeless families. We thank Mayor Kapszukiewicz and the Toledo City Council for supporting this vision. "This acquisition allows us to provide a stronger, more coordinated response for families who need safe shelter and long-term stability," said Jennifer Jacobs, executive director of Leading Families Home. "Both organizations share a deep commitment to compassion and community, and this step ensures that legacy continues for generations to come." Founded in 1921 as Beach House Family Shelter, Leading Families Home has served families in Toledo for more than a century, helping them achieve safety, stability and independence through housing, behavioral health, and case management programs. Family House, established in 1985 by the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, has been a vital refuge for families across northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, offering shelter and supportive resources with dignity and respect. The acquisition will streamline administrative services and reduce operational redundancies, allowing Leading Families Home to direct more resources toward direct support and expanding programs for families in crisis. "By coming together, we are preserving two strong legacies while expanding the impact for families who need us most," said Debra Sue Pearson, president of the board of Leading Families Home. "This is a powerful step forward for our community." The city's funding will support the acquisition, facility updates and uninterrupted services through the winter months, ensuring continued stability for local families in need. For more information about Leading Families Home and its programs, visit www.leadingfamilieshome.org . ### About Leading Families Home Over 100 years ago, Beach House Family Shelter began offering shelter to mothers with children and single women in Toledo. In 1982, the program expanded to include emergency shelter and services for intact families, including fathers, and single-parent fathers with children. In 2016, Beach House Inc. merged with F.O.C.U.S. to create Leading Families Home. Today, Beach House Inc., dba Leading Families Home, is one of only three family shelters in northwest Ohio. For more information, please visit www.lfhtoledo.org . ###
Dynamic New Corporate Video Showcasing Innovation and Growth
Thu, Nov 13, 2025 10:27 EST
In its 60 th year, Russell Roof Tiles has unveiled a powerful new corporate video capturing the company's vision with the development of its revolutionary concrete roof tile Bute3 ® . "The Journey of Bute3 ® " was produced in collaboration with ABECE, who manufacture concrete roof tile machinery from fully automated plant concepts to single-user machines. The video offers a striking visual journey through Bute3 ®' s story - from five-year development to the cutting-edge manufacturing processes used today. The video highlights Russell Roof Tiles' commitment to innovation, sustainability, and delivering exceptional value to clients. Bute3 ® is a groundbreaking concrete roof tile; the tile's innovative design is intended to provide a versatile alternative to traditional or small-format tiles, and it can be installed on roofs with a pitch as low as 25 degrees. The interlocking triple format of the Bute3 ® tile has the appearance of three separate plain tiles but is installed as one unit. This design dramatically speeds up the installation process and can be up to 33 per cent quicker to install than other small format interlocking tiles. The triple tile format means only 10.9 tiles are required per square metre (at a 75mm headlap), significantly reducing the number of tiles that need to be handled and laid. "The new corporate video is more than just a showcase - it's a statement of who we are and where we're going," said Andrew Hayward , Managing Director at Russell Roof Tiles. "It celebrates the journey of product innovation, our people, our partnerships, and our shared ambition to lead with quality and integrity." Filmed at its new £18.5 million factory in Burton on Trent, the video features team members, stunning aerial footage of the new plant, and shows ABECE's robotics at work on the pioneering new production line, showing how revolutionary technology and expertise are shaping the future of construction manufacturing. View the video here : With a focus on innovation, safety, and sustainability, Russell Roof Tiles continues to drive excellence and new product innovation. Russell Roof Tiles manufactures a range of concrete roof tiles and UPVc fittings and accessories for roofs across the UK. Customers include all of the major national house builders, local authorities, housing associations, clinical commissioning groups, and care home providers. The firm has been manufacturing concrete roof tiles for over 60 years, since pioneer John Gibson founded Annandale Tile Company in Lochmaben near Lockerbie in 1965. Russell Roof Tiles has continued to develop and innovate since then and is now one of the leading suppliers of roof tiles. Today, the firm employs almost 200 staff across three sites, two in Burton on Trent and Lochmaben. The video will be used across Russell Roof Tiles' digital channels, trade events, and customer presentations to reinforce the company's growing reputation as a trusted, forward-thinking partner.
Mast Year for Trees Signals Need for Sustainable Ground Management in Urban Construction
Thu, Nov 13, 2025 10:21 EST
On a recent evening walk through my local woodland, I couldn't help but notice the abundance of acorns and conkers carpeting the ground. This year is what arborists call a mast year - a natural phenomenon where trees produce an unusually large number of seeds. While it's a remarkable ecological event, it may also be an early warning sign for the built environment. What does a mast year mean for construction and infrastructure? A mast year can indicate that trees are under stress, often due to prolonged dry conditions. These environmental pressures are closely linked to the same climate patterns - droughts, heatwaves, and sudden heavy rainfall - that are also driving an increase in ground movement and subsidence across the UK and Ireland. The UK has large areas with shrinkable clay soils, such as much of London and the South East, North East of England, parts of the North West (like Manchester and parts of the Lancashire Plain), and the Trent Valley. The interaction between trees, moisture loss, and ground behaviour can have serious consequences for buildings and infrastructure. As roots draw moisture from the soil, particularly during dry spells, the ground can shrink, leading to cracking, settlement, and foundation instability. Urban trees and the sustainability balance The London iTree report estimated there are over eight million trees in the capital, delivering vital benefits such as improved air quality, carbon capture, and biodiversity. However, with climate conditions becoming more volatile, these same trees can interact unpredictably with the built environment. The challenge for sustainable construction professionals is to balance ecological value with ground stability, ensuring that the benefits of urban greening are not undermined by costly structural damage. Building climate resilience through sustainable remediation At Mainmark, we are seeing growing demand for low-impact, sustainable ground engineering solutions that address subsidence without resorting to disruptive excavation or tree removal. We can achieve this by taking a 'combined methodology' approach, prioritising both the building and the natural environment in our approach. Our Teretek® resin injection solution is a greener, cost-effective and quick alternative to subsidence repair, which strengthens foundations and relevels the ground without the need for underpinning. By adopting data-led monitoring, collaborative planning with arborists, and sustainable remediation technologies, developers and asset owners can safeguard both their structures and the surrounding natural environment. A call for integrated climate adaptation The mast year phenomenon serves as a reminder that climate change affects every aspect of our built environment - from the roots of our trees to the integrity of our foundations. A sustainable construction approach must recognise these interdependencies and plan for long-term resilience. Mainmark UK is part of the global Mainmark group of companies - founded originally in Australia in 1989, but successfully delivering projects in New Zealand, Japan, Thailand, the UK and Ireland. Through its solutions for releveling, ground improvement and void filling, it has successfully delivered 82,000 projects globally to help futureproof infrastructure from climate-related disasters.
American Marketing Association Honors Outstanding Higher Education Marketers
Thu, Nov 13, 2025 10:18 EST
For Immediate Release: November 12, 2025 Contact: Amy Gwiazdowski, agwiazdowski@ama.org American Marketing Association Honors Outstanding Higher Education Marketers Awards Presented at the 2025 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education Chicago, IL -The American Marketing Association (AMA) and the AMA Foundation announced the winners of the prestigious AMA Higher Education Marketer of the Year Awards and the AMA Emerging Marketer in Higher Education Award. These awards recognize exceptional creativity and ingenuity within the higher education marketing landscape and celebrate individuals and teams or organizations that have demonstrated outstanding innovation in traditional and/or digital realms. The Best Branded Merch in a University Marketing Campaign Award recognizes the creativity and effectiveness of promotional merchandise in university marketing efforts. "Congratulations to all our 2025 winners and finalists for their exceptional contributions to higher education marketing," said Bennie F. Johnson, CEO of the AMA . "By challenging boundaries and inspiring new possibilities, these extraordinary marketers remind us that marketing is not only about strategy. It's about shaping the future and making a lasting impact. They are driving innovation, sharing knowledge, and shaping a future where excellence is a collective achievement." The AMA Foundation Higher Education Marketer of the Year Award sponsored by Yes& Lipman Hearne Individual Winner: Luke Anderson, Emory University Finalists: Justin M. Bell, Fordham University Jen Di Sandro, Governors State University The AMA Foundation Higher Education Marketer of the Year Award sponsored by Yes& Lipman Hearne Team Winner: Creighton University Finalists: Mohawk Valley Community College San José State University The AMA Emerging Marketer in Higher Education Award Winner Angelina Denomme, Bryant University Finalists: Toni Maria Perilli, Fordham University Amber Zundel Roberts, College for Creative Studies The AMA Emerging Marketer in Higher Education Award recognizes exceptional creativity and ingenuity in advancing marketing and communications strategies within the higher education landscape. This award celebrates individuals, teams, or collaborations that have demonstrated outstanding innovation in traditional and/or digital realms among project-based, campaign-based, or a collection of projects from the last academic year. To be eligible for the AMA Foundation Higher Education Marketer of the Year Awards, individual nominees and teams must be currently employed at a higher education institution with focus on the branding, marketing, and communications aspects of a college or university. All nominees are considered regardless of organization size and budget. Two awards are presented-one award recognizing an individual thought leader and one award recognizing an outstanding marketing team. Best Branded Merch in a University Marketing Campaign Award sponsored by Promotional Products Work! (PPAI) Winner Vanderbilt University Finalists: California State University, Fresno Rice University The Best Branded Merch in a University Marketing Campaign Award recognizes the creativity and effectiveness of promotional merchandise in university marketing efforts. This award invites all higher education marketers to showcase their most innovative and impactful branded merchandise used in a marketing campaign. Learn more about these AMA awards . ###
Only for the Season, Only from Hiland: Celebrate the Taste of Tradition
Thu, Nov 13, 2025 09:05 EST
This holiday season, Hiland Dairy invites families to share The Taste of Tradition, a celebration of cherished moments, comforting flavors, and the joy of being together. From holiday baking and family dinners to cozy nights by the fire, Hiland's farm-fresh dairy products help make the season feel a little more like home. "For generations, Hiland has been part of the holidays - from the first pour of eggnog to the last cookie baked," said Sarah Carey, Marketing Manager of Hiland Dairy Foods. "Our locally made, farmer-owned products are crafted with the same care and quality that families have trusted for decades." To make the season even more fun, Hiland is giving consumers a chance to win festive prizes in the "Taste of Tradition" Giveaway. Fans can enter at HilandDairy.com/Tradition by signing up and sharing a favorite family holiday tradition (though sharing isn't required to enter). Whether it's baking cookies with Grandma or watching classic holiday movies with a mug of Hiland Egg Nog, every story helps celebrate the joy of togetherness and tradition. The campaign runs in conjunction with the release of Hiland's popular seasonal milk and eggnog flavors; the limited-time products are available now through December 31. Hiland's holiday lineup includes: Pumpkin Spice Flavored Milk - A creamy, comforting classic that tastes like fall in a glass. Chocolate Mint Flavored Milk - Smooth chocolate with a refreshing hint of mint, perfect for fireside sipping. Peppermint Mocha Flavored Milk - A festive blend that brings your favorite coffeehouse flavor home. Old-Fashioned Custard - Rich, velvety, and full of holiday nostalgia. Old-Fashioned Egg Nog - A timeless favorite made the traditional way - thick, creamy, and delicious. Pumpkin Spice Egg Nog - Rich flavor with the taste of seasonal pumpkin spice.
