S&J Land Administration Services Names Taylor Richards Director of Land Administration
Thu, Oct 15, 2026 10:40 EDT
S&J Land Administration Services LLC has named Taylor Richards as its new Director of Land Services and Administration. Richards will work alongside Team Leader and attorney Sandra K. Fraley in overseeing the team that provides administrative land services to clients in the energy industry. Richards brings more than 13 years of experience to the role, with a background in leading land administration teams, overseeing multi-basin oil and gas operations, and managing extensive leasehold and mineral portfolios across multiple states. She supports ownership, division-of-interest governance, lease and contract administration, land records, acquisition and divestiture due diligence, internal controls, data integrity, and systems implementation. "Taylor understands the day-to-day demands facing land administration teams and how better processes and technology can help them work more effectively," said Fraley. "We are pleased to welcome her to S&J Land Administration Services, where her leadership and operational insight will help support our clients to strengthen operational workflows, improve data reliability and support efficient and informed decision making." S&J Land Administration Services LLC is a subsidiary of national law firm, Steptoe & Johnson PLLC. S&J Land Administration Services guides and assists energy clients with lease records maintenance and land system management, division order preparation and administration, renewable support, contract administration, acquisition and divestiture due diligence, and provides additional departmental support for special projects. The team is staffed with senior-level analysts who bring a depth of familiarity with multiple basins across the country and knowledge of the major land administration software programs.
Red List Review 2026 for Great Britain's Dragonflies and Damselflies
Thu, Oct 15, 2026 08:38 EDT
Freshwater sentinels tell their story The British Dragonfly Society (BDS) has today published a major new assessment of the extinction risk facing Great Britain's dragonflies and damselflies: A review of the Red List status of the Odonata of Great Britain 2026. The review updates the earlier 2008 Odonata Red Data List for Great Britain, assessing the status of our dragonflies and damselflies. Red Lists provide an internationally recognised assessment of species' risk of extinction and provide important evidence to help inform conservation action. Dragonflies and damselflies are widely recognised as valuable indicators of the health of freshwater habitats, making changes in their status an important part of understanding wider environmental change. The review, commissioned and partially funded by Natural England, assesses 46 established breeding species against internationally recognised IUCN Red List criteria, drawing on more than 1.3 million records collected over 20 years. The assessment also incorporates trend metrics and a risk-of-bias assessment provided by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), helping to inform the assessment of species' threat status. "Understanding how species are faring is a critical part of Red List assessments, helping us identify which species are most at risk of extinction. These assessments would not have been possible without the efforts of thousands of wildlife recorders and citizen scientists, who contributed more than 1.3 million species observations on which the trends are based. By combining these records with state-of-the-art analytical methods, we were able to produce robust estimates of how species distributions are changing across Britain." Dr Gary Powney, Quantitative Ecologist, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Brilliant Emerald - Dave Smallshire The review reveals a mixed picture, with some species showing range expansion while others face increasing extinction risk. Climate change, habitat degradation, habitat loss and fragmentation continue to put pressure on dragonfly and damselfly species, with impacts varying across the country. More species are now at risk: One of the most significant findings is the increase in the number of species classed as Endangered . Eight species are now classed as Endangered, twice the number identified in the previous assessment in 2008. Four species have moved into the Endangered category since the previous assessment: Brilliant Emerald - previously Vulnerable Azure Hawker - previously Vulnerable Northern Emerald - previously Near Threatened Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly - previously Near Threatened Others, including Common Hawker , are showing concerning trends, with its status moving from Least Concern to Near Threatened. Some species, including Black Darter , have also been flagged for monitoring due to ongoing population decline, although they have not yet reached the threshold for an increase in threat category. Dainty Damselfly - Dave Smallshire There are also reasons for hope: The review also highlights positive changes and successful conservation action. Great Britain now has a more diverse Odonata community, with 44 extant established breeding species , compared to 39 in 2008. Large White-faced Darter, Yellow-spotted Emerald and Winter Damselfly are now included. Dainty Damselfly , previously considered Regionally Extinct in Britain, has returned and successfully bred in Kent. It is now classed as Endangered. Four species have improved and been re-categorised as Least Concern : Variable Damselfly, Scarce Emerald Damselfly and Scarce Chaser , which have moved from Near Threatened, and Norfolk Hawker , which has moved from Endangered. These changes reflect positive developments in the status of these species, alongside targeted conservation efforts. "This review and its findings demonstrate the complexity and geographical variation in the impacts of a changing climate, highlighting how these can create both threats and opportunities for species across the country. It represents years of recording effort by volunteers, ecologists, and conservation professionals and is an invaluable tool in helping to focus our conservation efforts where they are most needed and to more deeply understand the status of our dragonflies and damselflies and their freshwater habitats." Pam Taylor, Chair of Trustees, British Dragonfly Society "We are delighted to have worked with the British Dragonfly Society to produce this new Red List for Britain's dragonflies and damselflies. The assessment demonstrates the value of strong partnerships and robust scientific evidence in understanding how our wildlife is faring. Its findings will help guide conservation action for threatened species and the habitats they depend on, helping us target efforts where they can make the greatest difference." Kate Morris, Senior Specialist - Species Recovery, Natural England Notes to editors: Photographs: We request that if using any of the images supplied, a picture credit is provided for the relevant photographer. Images should only be used in conjunction with this press release. Link to download images - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/pptivce75uh1t33f09kg5/ANvy3LffT0WlKmI8moBbHI8?rlkey=t6lprvrc2wc7s2fkd4il5zfk6&st=0r6uwk5e&dl=0
New Research Reveals Fastest-Growing Entrepreneurial Hotspots in the UK As Founders Move Away from Major Cities
Thu, Oct 15, 2026 07:26 EDT
New research has revealed the fastest-growing entrepreneurial hotspots in the UK, with Harlow, Southampton and Mid Ulster surging ahead of traditional locations such as London and Manchester. Analysis of the latest ONS business demography data by online accountancy firm eAccounts reveals a national slowdown in new business creation with a 3.1% decline year-on-year. Beneath the national slowdown however, a number of local areas are bucking the trend with dramatic growth recorded in surprising pockets across the country. Harlow tops the entrepreneurship index after business creation jumped 25%, from 260 new businesses between January and June 2025 to 325 in the same period this year. Southampton takes second place with growth of 20.7%, while Mid Ulster ranks third after recording a 19.2% increase. The findings also reveal a striking shift away from some of Britain's traditional entrepreneurial centres. No London borough appears in the national Top 10, while five of the ten fastest-growing areas for new business creation are located in the East of England; Harlow, Broxbourne, Luton, Welwyn Hatfield and Three Rivers. Rank Area H1 2025 H1 2026 Growth 1 Harlow 260 32 +25.0% 2 Southampton 460 555 +20.7% 3 Mid Ulster 260 310 +19.2% 4 Westmorland and Furness 350 410 +17.1% 5 Broxbourne 265 305 +15.1% 6 Luton 620 710 +14.5% 7 Highland 435 490 +12.6% 8 Renfrewshire 285 320 +12.3% 9 Welwyn Hatfield 270 300 +11.1% 10 Three Rivers 275 305 +10.9% Scotland was the strongest performing broad geography, with new business creation increasing by 5.2% versus the wider national decline. Highland and Renfrewshire both made the national Top 10. eAccounts founder Kris Corbisiero said, "The national figure suggests business creation is slowing, but that masks some striking local success stories in places like Harlow and Southampton. "The traditional assumption has been that new businesses gravitate towards the biggest commercial centres. Digital platforms, cloud-based business tools and remote working have weakened that connection. For many founders, being close to a major city simply isn't as important as it once was. "That creates opportunities for towns that may never previously have been thought of as entrepreneurial hotspots. The interesting question now is whether places such as Harlow, Southampton and Mid Ulster can turn this burst of business creation into sustainable long-term growth." For more information, visit https://www.e-accounts.co.uk .
DRUID AI EXPANDS ENTERPRISE AGENTIC AI PLATFORM WITH VOICE ENHANCEMENTS, AGENT INTEROPERABILITY AND GOVERNANCE CAPABILITIES
Thu, Oct 15, 2026 04:47 EDT
- As AI shifts from answering questions to completing work, new releases help enterprises move agents from pilot to production with governance and auditability built in - Druid AI today announced new voice, agent interoperability, governance and evaluation capabilities that help enterprises move AI agents from experimentation into governed, production workflows. The updates will be showcased at Symbiosis 5: Agentic Enterprise , Druid's annual customer and partner event in London on October 20, where customers will share how they're putting AI Agents to work in production. Highlighting these updated capabilities, Joe Kim , CEO of Druid AI , said, "The market has spent the last two years talking about models; enterprises care about something different. They want to know whether an agent completed the task, followed the rules and delivered a result the business can trust: appointments booked, hours saved, revenue generated. That's why we built governance, orchestration and auditability into the platform itself." This is supported in McKinsey's latest State of AI report, in which only 37% of respondents said that AI has contributed positively to EBIT, essentially unchanged from 2025. Just 6% qualified as McKinsey's AI "high performers", meaning they attribute at least 5% of EBIT to AI and report significant value from it. Extracting value from AI is about changing how work gets done and changing how value is determined, from activity to completed work, which is why Druid measures success by completed business outcomes, not call deflection or activity volume. "Our AI agent, IRIS, was built to support the patient journey and now completes 75% of our NHS cataract pre-operative assessments and manages 45% of first outpatient bookings, all with 95% patient satisfaction," said Viraaj Sharma , AI & Transformation Leader at Optegra Eye Health Care . "For us, that's the real value of responsible AI in healthcare: better access for patients, and human intervention where it matters most. When a patient raises a clinical concern or falls outside the automated pathway, IRIS routes them straight back to our teams." Druid's voice, agent interoperability, governance and evaluation capabilities include: Purpose-tuned voice models that incorporate industry-specific terminology and regulatory language, where agents connect natively to contact center platforms and core industry systems, including electronic health records, core banking, policy administration and student information systems. Druid MCP connects external agents to line-of-business applications while keeping orchestration, governance and business logic within Druid. Enterprises can also orchestrate agents built with Microsoft Copilot Studio, Claude SDK, OpenAI SDK, LangChain and more, alongside Druid-native agents, and a new Claude skill extends Druid Authoring while keeping the platform model-agnostic. Prebuilt, industry-specific agents for healthcare, banking, insurance, higher education and retail are orchestrated by the Druid Conductor. Teams can extend these or build from scratch with Druid AI Authoring Agents, which create and refine agents in natural language with human review before deployment. Druid's AI agent reference model defines 26 inspectable, measurable components covering an agent's mandate, capabilities, skills, tools, tasks and outputs, so organizations can measure effectiveness and see how agents are configured, behave and perform in production. The approach draws on Druid's AI Benchmark Report , which examined channel preferences, peak demand patterns, and operational outcomes across deployments. Highlights will be shared live at Symbiosis 5, along with customers including Haier, Axa, SpaMedica, Sellwerk, Advanced Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Clinics, Banca Transilvania, Optegra, American University of Antigua, Incline P&C, and more, alongside partners including Microsoft, Org, Accenture, RSM, and Genpact. Registration and agenda are available at druidai.com/symbiosis5 . ENDS Druid AI - https://www.druidai.com/ Druid AI delivers AI that works. Proven, industry-ready AI Agents for Higher Education, Healthcare, Retail, Banking, and Insurance, built on a best-in-class Conversational AI Platform. Druid helps organizations deploy always-on, policy-accurate agents across chat, SMS, voice, and email that automate end-to-end customer and employee journeys while integrating seamlessly with existing enterprise systems. With reusable workflows, content packs and embedded multilingual capability, Druid enables secure, governed automation at enterprise scale. Founded in 2018, Druid AI supports 350+ clients globally and an ecosystem of 250+ partners.
New Load Security Guidance Is a Reminder That Safe Handling Starts Before the Vehicle Ever Moves
Thu, Oct 15, 2026 04:43 EDT
Logistics UK has published a major update to its best-practice guidance on load security for the brewing and drinks industry, produced jointly with the DVSA and the Health and Safety Executive. The guidance sets out practical advice for breweries, drinks manufacturers, logistics operators, loaders and drivers on securing loads safely from the moment goods are packed to final delivery. Pallet Truck Shop says the update is a timely reminder that load security doesn't begin at the vehicle: it begins with how goods are handled on site long before they're ever loaded. The DVSA issues around 2,000 prohibitions a year for insecure loads, and the new guidance highlights how the drinks and brewing sector faces particular challenges: products of different shapes, weights and heights, multidrop routes that create shifting weight distribution as deliveries are made, and kerbside deliveries with limited handling facilities. Every one of those challenges starts somewhere specific, with the pallet trucks , stackers and table trucks moving kegs, cases and cylinders around a yard or warehouse before a vehicle is ever loaded. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Truck Shop said, "This guidance rightly points out that responsibility for load security can't just be pushed down to the driver. What it also makes clear, even if it's not the main focus, is that a lot of what makes a load unstable gets decided well before the vehicle leaves the yard. "If stock has been moved around site on equipment that's not properly rated, or handled in a way that's already knocked things out of shape, that instability doesn't disappear once it's loaded onto a vehicle: it just becomes someone else's problem further down the chain. "For breweries and drinks manufacturers specifically, where you're dealing with kegs, cases and sometimes gas cylinders all in the same operation, having the right handling equipment on site is part of the same chain of responsibility this guidance describes. "Good vehicle loading starts with good handling practice on the ground. If a business is reviewing its approach to load security off the back of this guidance, it's worth including the equipment used before goods even reach the vehicle." To find out more about Pallet Truck Shop, visit: www.pallettruckshop.co.uk .
Humane Canada Launches Canada's First National Professional Education Program for Humane Societies and SPCAs
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 18:47 EDT
Groundbreaking national initiative will strengthen animal care, shelter operations and leadership, helping people doing vital work in communities across the country deliver better outcomes for animals Humane Canada has launched Canada's first national suite of professional education programs created specifically for its members and the broader animal welfare sector. The three offerings give people working in communities across the country access to relevant, practical learning that strengthens animal care, shelter operations and organizational leadership. The initiative is the next major step for Humane Canada's Learning & Resource Centre, launched earlier this year with foundational funding from PetSmart Charities of Canada. The national animal welfare learning platform now offers hundreds of valuable resources, courses, guided learning options, webinars and opportunities for peer connection. Its newest offerings-the Certificate in Humane Animal Care (CHAC), Certificate in Animal Shelter Operations (CASO) and Certified Animal Welfare Professional (CAWP) pilot designation-support learning from hands-on animal care and shelter operations to strategy and leadership. A First for Canada's Animal Welfare Sector Together with Humane Canada's Accreditation Program, the Centre connects professional learning with national standards and best practice. People gain practical skills they can apply immediately, while organizations strengthen animal care, operations, governance and accountability, building public confidence and better outcomes for animals and communities. "The people who care for animals and support communities across Canada deserve learning designed for the realities of their work. These programs give them practical tools, recognized professional development and a stronger foundation to create lasting change, for animals, for organizations and for the communities that depend on them." - Tara Hellewell, Director of National Engagement, Humane Canada CAWP equips current and emerging leaders to strengthen strategy, governance and organizational performance. CHAC builds practical skills for high-quality, evidence-informed animal care. CASO develops the capabilities needed to manage and improve shelter operations. Together, these programs give animal welfare professionals across Canada practical, recognized learning they can apply in their workplaces-strengthening care for animals, supporting stronger organizations and helping communities access more consistent, effective services. Animal welfare professionals, organizations and employers can learn more about Canada's first national animal welfare professional education offerings through Humane Canada's Learning & Resource Centre. Explore Humane Canada's Professional Education
Junior League of New Orleans' 15th annual TOUCH-A-TRUCK® rolls into a bigger home this year at the Alario Center
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 18:18 EDT
The Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) announces the return of TOUCH-A-TRUCK® , presented by Ochsner Children's and American Safety, Saturday, Nov. 14 at a new larger location: the Alario Center in Westwego. This family-friendly event gives children of all ages a chance to have a hands-on experience with more than 20 trucks, machines and vehicles that build, serve and protect the Greater New Orleans community. The move to the Alario Center gives TOUCH-A-TRUCK® more room to grow with space for more vehicles and an improved event flow. From helicopters to bulldozers, fire engines to utility trucks, TOUCH-A-TRUCK® lets kids climb, explore and learn about the machines and meet community heroes who keep our city safe and strong. Doors open to all guests at 10 a.m., with VIP early access beginning at 9 a.m. Families can enjoy the event throughout the day, with a special sensory-friendly hour at 2 p.m. ensuring an inclusive environment where all loud noises and bright lights are turned off so children can comfortably explore the vehicles. "There is something really special about watching a child climb into a fire truck, sit behind the wheel of a big rig, or discover a vehicle they've only ever seen from a distance," said JLNO president, Shelby Wynne. "The move to the Alario Center gives us more room to create those moments for families across Greater New Orleans while continuing to grow an event that supports JLNO's work in our community." Through JLNO's Hard Hat Helpers program, community members can help open the gates of TOUCH-A-TRUCK® to students from underserved schools. Donations fund Field Trip Friday on Nov. 13, giving hundreds of local children the chance to experience the excitement and wonder of the event at no cost, an unforgettable day that may not otherwise be possible. Families looking to make the day even more special can rev up the fun with a TOUCH-A-TRUCK® Birthday Party, the ultimate celebration for kids who love trucks, machines and adventure. TOUCH-A-TRUCK® is made possible thanks to the generous support of presenting sponsors Ochsner Children's and American Safety, with additional support from Raising Cane's, New Orleans Tours, and more. Tickets and VIP access are available at jlno.org/touch-a-truck .
Beignet sandwiches and the sweet potato flavor profile take center stage on the 2026 Beignet Fest menu
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 17:48 EDT
Beignet sandwiches are emerging as a defining theme of the 2026 Beignet Fest menu, alongside several variations featuring sweet potatoes, a familiar ingredient in Southern fall cooking. In all, Beignet Fest brings together 25 local food vendors serving nearly 50 different beignet dishes Saturday, Nov. 7, at New Orleans City Park's Festival Grounds from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fried chicken is another natural fit for the sandwich format. Ruby Slipper Cafe will serve a Nashville hot chicken beignet "sammie" alongside a version for younger diners while Southern's will offer a hot honey fried chicken beignet. Loretta's Authentic Pralines will serve a peanut butter and jelly beignet and a burger beignet, while NOLA Food Vault will offer a catfish po-boy beignet. "We're also excited to have Asian Outdoor Kitchen serve a beignet banh mi with grilled chicken, and Magasin Vietnamese Café a grilled pork beignet banh mi," said Sherwood Collins, Beignet Fest Foundation executive director and event producer. "Both put a distinctly Vietnamese spin on the beignet, bringing the bright, savory flavors of a banh mi together with one of New Orleans' most beloved foods." Sweet potatoes, which have a longstanding place in Southern cooking, provide another point of connection across the menu. Divine Cuisine will serve candied sweet potato beignets, while Monday Restaurant and Bar will feature its own take on sweet potato beignets. Real Clever Cuisine will offer a sweet potato puff puff beignet, and Viola's Heritage Breads will serve sweet potato beignets with berry sauce and sweet potato calas, a rice-based fritter with a tradition of its own in New Orleans. The menu also includes traditional powdered sugar beignets and a range of sweet and savory favorites. Cafe Beignet and PJ's Coffee will serve traditional beignets, while Loretta's Authentic Pralines will offer praline and chocolate praline beignets along with its famous crabmeat beignet. Other options include Asian Outdoor Kitchen's passionfruit mochi beignets, Divine Cuisine's Bananas Foster beignets and Sweet Legacy's fried chicken and beignets with honey pecan glaze. Beyond beignets, festivalgoers can find dishes including crawfish and crab corn bisque from 4 of Us Catering, red beans and rice with sausage from Blue Runner and filé gumbo from Tiger's Creole Cuisine. The menu reflects both the creativity surrounding the festival's signature dish and the broader food traditions that define the region. Along with the food, attendees will enjoy live local music, a local Artist Market, a family-friendly Kids Village, the Abita Beer Garden and the PJ's Coffee Café. New this year, The Porch will offer a gathering place where local chefs and food personalities will share the stories, traditions and people behind Louisiana's celebrated culinary culture - all set against the backdrop of a welcoming front porch motif. Proceeds from Beignet Fest benefit the Beignet Fest Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established to support the autism community in Greater New Orleans. Founded in 2016, the Beignet Fest Foundation has raised more than $3 million in support of its mission to celebrate, embrace, and empower the lives of children with autism and their families. To view the menu and purchase tickets to the 9th annual Beignet Fest visit beignetfest.com . *Editors' Note: Click here for images of the 2026 Beignet Fest menu along with image and b-roll from past festivals. Media requesting a press pass should reach out to alicia@gambelpr.com . 2026 Beignet Fest Menu 4 of Us Catering Fried Chicken & Mac Sandwich; Strawberry Shortcake Beignets; Crawfish & Crab Corn Bisque Any O'Cajun Crawfish Beignets; Gumbolaya Asian Outdoor Kitchen Passionfruit Mochi Beignets; Beignet Banh Mi with Grilled Chicken; Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Skewers (GF); Korean Corn Dog Biscuits & Buns Beignet Bites; Crawfish Boudin Balls; Seafood Boil Mac; Peach Cobbler Wings Blue Runner Red Beans and Rice with Sausage (GF) Café Beignet Traditional Beignets; Chocolate Drizzle Beignets; Salted Caramel Beignets Chubbie's Fried Chicken 2-Piece Chicken Dinner; 3-Piece Chicken Dinner; 2-Tender Dinner; 3-Tender Dinner; Side of Fries or Dirty Rice; Jalapeño Peppers (V, GF) Diva Dawg Crawfish Étouffée Beignet Fries; Crown Apple Pie Bread Pudding Beignet; Crabmeat Grill Cheesy; Crawfish Étouffée Dawg Divine Cuisine Bananas Foster Beignets; Candied Sweet Potato Beignets; Cheesecake-Stuffed Beignets; Crawfish Roll with House-Fried Potato Chips Jessie's HuckABucks Mrs. Jessie's HuckABucks (GF); Big Eazy Beignet Fries; Bayou Smoothie Bowls; Brownie or Cookie à la Mode Cups Lillie's Cajun Kitchen Seafood Beignet; Strawberry Shortcake Beignet; Mardi Gras Beignet; Boudin Eggrolls; Loaded Street Corn Loretta's Authentic Pralines Praline Beignet; Chocolate Praline Beignet; The Famous Crabmeat Beignet; Burger Beignet; Peanut Butter & Jelly Beignet Magasin Vietnamese Café Cloud Beignet with Chicken Curry; Crab Rangoon Beignet; Grilled Pork Beignet Banh Mi; Shrimp Garlic Noodles Monday Restaurant and Bar Sweet Potato Beignets NOLA Food Vault Sweet Potato Praline 'n Cream Beignet; Stuffed Fried Catfish with Creamy Seafood Sauce; Catfish Po-boy Beignet Oh Taste & See Beignet Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce; Beignet Fries with Chicken Wings; Shrimp & Crabmeat Rolls PJ's Coffee Traditional Beignets; Cinnamon Sugar Beignets Real Clever Cuisine Sweet Potato Puff Puff Beignets; Kouign Shrimp & Mirliton Puff Puff; Redfish Cake Po-boy on Leidenheimer Bun; Creole Seafood Gumbo with Super File; Brussels or Cauliflower Voorheese Ruby Slipper Café Nashville Hot Chicken Beignet Sammie; Fruity Lemon Berry Glazed Beignets; Kids Fried Chicken Beignet Sammie; Traditional Beignets; Side of Tater Tots Southern's Hot Honey Fried Chicken Beignet; Glazed Beignets; Banana Pudding Beignet Squeezy Street Watermelon Bowl or Salad (V, GF); Pineapple Bowl or Salad (V, GF); Watermelon Pizza (GF); Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Sweet Legacy Fried Chicken & Beignets with Honey Pecan Glaze; Honey Pecan Beignets; Chocolate Turtle Beignets; Birria Mac & Cheese Tiger's Creole Cuisine Beignet Reagan with Crawfish Cream Sauce; File' Gumbo; Beef Yaka Mein The Vintage NOLA Oreo Cheesecake Beignets; Beignet Bites with Powdered or Cinnamon Sugar; The Vintage Famous Parmesan Truffle Fries Viola's Heritage Breads Sweet Potato Beignets with Berry Sauce; Sweet Potato Calas; Creole Corn Dog Bites GF = gluten-free; V = vegetarian.
Southern Careers Institute Partners with Goodwill South Texas for 2027 Work the Runway Fashion Show
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 12:07 EDT
Southern Careers Institute (SCI) is proud to continue its partnership with Goodwill South Texas for the 2027 Work the Runway Fashion Show , taking place October 21, 2027, in McAllen, Texas . Work the Runway is more than a fashion show- it's a celebration of creativity, sustainability, education, and community impact. As Goodwill South Texas's annual signature event, it showcases the talent and innovation of student designers who transform thrifted materials into unique, runway-ready creations, proving that fashion can inspire change and make a lasting difference. This year's theme, "The Masks We Wear", challenges student designers to explore identity, self-expression, and the roles we play in everyday life. Through original, wearable works of art, designers are invited to reveal stories, emotions, and hidden layers that exist beneath the surface, transforming thought-provoking ideas into creative fashion statements. SCI is proud to return as a partner following last year's successful participation, when two Cosmetology Operator students from SCI's Brownsville Branch Campus competed in Work the Runway and earned awards for their creative designs. Their achievements highlight the talent, innovation, and artistic vision of SCI students. The partnership reflects Southern Careers Institute's commitment to empowering students to showcase their creativity, build confidence, and engage in meaningful community experiences that extend beyond the classroom. "Work the Runway is a wonderful example of what can happen when creativity, education, and community come together," said Jeremie Baldwin, Campus Director at Southern Careers Institute. "We are proud to continue our partnership with Goodwill South Texas and look forward to seeing how this year's student designers bring the theme, "The Masks We Wear", to life through their creativity, vision, and original designs." From August 2026 through October 2027, students participating in Work the Runway will have the opportunity to compete for four scholarships totaling $6,000. These scholarships will help support students in pursuing their educational goals while showcasing their creativity, talent, and passion for fashion. The event also advances Goodwill South Texas' broader mission of creating pathways to employment and economic opportunity. Proceeds from Work the Runway help support Goodwill's free job training and job placement programs from individuals facing barriers to employment. According to Goodwill South Texas, these programs have equipped more than 28,000 people over the past six years with essential job-readiness skills, resume assistance, digital training, and access to career opportunities. Through its continued partnership with Goodwill South Texas, Southern Careers Institute is proud to support an event that celebrates student creativity, encourages artistic expression, and helps create opportunities for individuals across South Texas to build skills, pursue meaningful careers, and achieve brighter futures. For more information about Work the Runway and Goodwill South Texas, visit https://www.worktherunwaystx.com/ . About Southern Careers Institute Founded in 1960, Southern Careers Institute (SCI) has been dedicated to empowering Texas students through career-focused education. With eight campuses conveniently located in Austin, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Pharr, San Antonio North, San Antonio South, and Waco, SCI offers a diverse array of programs designed to prepare students for successful careers and meaningful community contributions. Our training programs encompass various fields, including Business, Beauty, Allied Health, Technology, and Trades, with options for hybrid and online learning to accommodate different learning styles. Please note that not all programs are available at every campus. The Southern Careers Institute Austin Main campus is located at 1701 W Ben White Blvd, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704. Phone: 512-432-1400 Website: scitexas.edu
Taylor & Francis Pre-Lets Entire 30,000 Sq ft Cantay House in Central Oxford
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 10:45 EDT
Elwood Fund Management secures leading academic publishing occupier for the whole building during early stages of construction works Elwood Fund Management , in partnership with Landid has pre-let the entirety of their central Oxford office development, Cantay House, to Taylor & Francis, a leading international academic publisher. Taylor & Francis, which employs around 2,400 people across 15 countries, will occupy all of the approximately 30,000 sq ft building on completion, transforming it into its main office. The project which started on site in June is due to complete in Q2 2027, with Spratley & Partners as architect and Kingerlee the lead contractor. Originally designed in 1901 by Oxford architect H.J. Tollit, Cantay House is a red-brick period building in the city's West End, close to Oxford railway station and the city centre. The redevelopment and refurbishment will create a highly sustainable building, whilst retaining as much of its original character as possible. Russell Black, Head of Asset Management at Elwood Fund Management , said: " Securing Taylor & Francis for the whole of Cantay House soon after committing to the main construction contract is a strong endorsement of both the building and our approach to its repositioning. The successful pre-letting further supports our belief in the strength of those markets which are strong in the knowledge economy and innovation. Our objective is to retain the character that makes Cantay House distinctive while substantially improving its environmental performance, services and amenity. This agreement gives us the opportunity to deliver that vision for a major long-term occupier." James Silver, Managing Director at Landid , added: "Cantay House presents an unusual opportunity to create modern office space within a building with genuine architectural character in the centre of Oxford. The design has been led by the existing building rather than working against it, retaining its period qualities while making significant interventions to its services, circulation and shared spaces. "Having this commitment from Taylor & Francis so early in the project will enable us to move forward with a clear understanding of how the completed building will be occupied to best fit their needs." Once completed the building will target BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating. There will be a reconfigured core and circulation areas, alongside a new reception, communal ground floor courtyard and second-floor terrace. Cantay House will also provide 40 cycle spaces and seven parking spaces. Stuart Blackley, Executive Vice President of Operations at Taylor & Francis , said: "Taylor & Francis is excited for our move to Cantay House, placing the main office of our global publishing business right in the centre of Oxford. Cantay House represents an incredible opportunity to create a modern office environment for our colleagues and also to provide accessible spaces where local and international researchers, and members of the public, can engage with academic and professional knowledge in ways that will benefit our authors, partners, and the local economy." Savills advised Elwood Fund Management. JLL acted on behalf of Taylor & Francis. - ENDS -
Taylor & Francis pre-lets entire 30,000 sq ft Cantay House in central Oxford
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 10:34 EDT
Taylor & Francis pre-lets entire 30,000 sq ft Cantay House in central Oxford Elwood Fund Management secures leading academic publishing occupier for the whole building during early stages of construction works Oxford, 14 th October 2026: Elwood Fund Management , in partnership with Landid has pre-let the entirety of their central Oxford office development, Cantay House, to Taylor & Francis, a leading international academic publisher. Taylor & Francis, which employs around 2,400 people across 15 countries, will occupy all of the approximately 30,000 sq ft building on completion, transforming it into its main office. The project which started on site in June is due to complete in Q2 2027, with Spratley & Partners as architect and Kingerlee the lead contractor. Originally designed in 1901 by Oxford architect H.J. Tollit, Cantay House is a red-brick period building in the city's West End, close to Oxford railway station and the city centre. The redevelopment and refurbishment will create a highly sustainable building, whilst retaining as much of its original character as possible. Russell Black, Head of Asset Management at Elwood Fund Management , said: " Securing Taylor & Francis for the whole of Cantay House soon after committing to the main construction contract is a strong endorsement of both the building and our approach to its repositioning. The successful pre-letting further supports our belief in the strength of those markets which are strong in the knowledge economy and innovation. Our objective is to retain the character that makes Cantay House distinctive while substantially improving its environmental performance, services and amenity. This agreement gives us the opportunity to deliver that vision for a major long-term occupier." James Silver, Managing Director at Landid , added: "Cantay House presents an unusual opportunity to create modern office space within a building with genuine architectural character in the centre of Oxford. The design has been led by the existing building rather than working against it, retaining its period qualities while making significant interventions to its services, circulation and shared spaces. "Having this commitment from Taylor & Francis so early in the project will enable us to move forward with a clear understanding of how the completed building will be occupied to best fit their needs." Once completed the building will target BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating. There will be a reconfigured core and circulation areas, alongside a new reception, communal ground floor courtyard and second-floor terrace. Cantay House will also provide 40 cycle spaces and seven parking spaces. Stuart Blackley, Executive Vice President of Operations at Taylor & Francis , said: "Taylor & Francis is excited for our move to Cantay House, placing the main office of our global publishing business right in the centre of Oxford. Cantay House represents an incredible opportunity to create a modern office environment for our colleagues and also to provide accessible spaces where local and international researchers, and members of the public, can engage with academic and professional knowledge in ways that will benefit our authors, partners, and the local economy." Savills advised Elwood Fund Management. JLL acted on behalf of Taylor & Francis. - ENDS -
Niagara Parks to Partner with EMM Williams Productions to Host World Premiere of AVATAR: Guardians of Eywa
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 10:30 EDT
Brand-new multi-sensory experience AVATAR: Guardians of Eywa inspired by James Cameron's Avatar franchise transports audiences into the breathtaking world of Pandora Licensed by Disney Theatrical Group, the immersive walkthrough experience promises a seamless blend of live performance art, captivating narrative and state-of-the-art immersive technology Produced by Montreal-based entertainment company EMM Williams Productions, experienced collaborator with global brands Design and Creative production by Moment Factory, a Montreal-based global entertainment studio pioneering new forms of collective experiences since 2001 World premiere slated for May 2027, to be hosted by Niagara Parks in Niagara Falls, Canada Niagara Parks is pleased to announce that it will be partnering with EMM Williams Productions to host the world premiere of a brand-new, immersive theatrical production, AVATAR: Guardians of Eywa , a Magic Walk™ experience inspired by James Cameron's Avatar franchise. AVATAR: Guardians of Eywa is the latest innovation in live entertainment -an original immersive storytelling experience developed by IMMEX and produced by EMM Williams Productions, designed by Moment Factory, under license from Disney Theatrical Group and Lightstorm Entertainment Inc. This ambitious project developed by a visionary international creative team will bring Pandora's vibrant world to audiences across the globe. AVATAR: Guardians of Eywa is an immersive Pandoran saga that unfolds through multi-sensory environments, inviting guests to journey deeper into a beautiful and mysterious world through story, discovery and connection. The journey culminates in a live acrobatic show celebrating the power of connection and the spirit of life itself. The new production was developed by EMM Williams Productions, a Montreal-based global entertainment company specializing in live shows, immersive experiences and international touring productions, with Moment Factory, a global leader in immersive and location-based experiences, leading the design and creative production. The project is supported by significant private investment, as well as funding from the Government of Canada's Creative Export Canada program (Export Ready stream), underscoring the strength of Canadian creative innovation and its export potential in premium live entertainment. The world premiere of AVATAR: Guardians of Eywa will take place in Niagara Falls, Canada, commencing a multi-show engagement in the destination before continuing on to other venues around the world. The opening date for AVATAR: Guardians of Eywa is May 17, 2027. Niagara Parks will host the production at a performance site at Table Rock Centre with shows running through to early September 2027. Additional details, including ticket release dates, will be announced in the coming months. Audiences can stay informed by signing up for the waitlist through Fever, the production's official ticketing provider, at https://feverup.com/m/788048 . Digital assets including concept renderings* are available here . *Visuals are preliminary concept renderings and may evolve as the project progresses. Quotes "Niagara Falls has inspired awe for generations, and this groundbreaking new production will match that sense of wonder on an entirely new stage. We are proud to welcome a world-class experience that will redefine entertainment in our destination, attract visitors from around the world and showcase Niagara Falls as a place where iconic natural beauty and extraordinary experiences come together." - Graham Coveney, Niagara Parks Chair " AVATAR: Guardians of Eywa is a defining moment for our company and for the future of immersive live entertainment. We are incredibly proud to bring this world premiere to life in Niagara Falls alongside Disney Theatrical Group, Lightstorm Entertainment, IMMEX, Moment Factory and Niagara Parks. This production showcases the creativity, innovation and world-class talent that Canada has to offer, and marks the beginning of an exciting global journey for Magic Walk™. We look forward to welcoming audiences into the breathtaking world of Pandora through an experience unlike anything they have seen before." - Tony Haswani, President of EMM Williams Productions "We are thrilled to help bring this one-of-a-kind experience to life, combining beautiful multimedia environments with live acrobatics. Our team, for the design and the creative production, had the privilege of diving deep into the world of AVATAR to help craft an authentic experience for Niagara Falls visitors. A sincere thank you to EMM Williams Productions for inviting us to collaborate, and to Disney Theatrical Group and Lightstorm Entertainment for trusting us with their iconic story world." - Jonathan St-Onge, Executive Director, Moment Factory, Originals "Ontario's tourism landscape continues to grow, with new attractions and experiences giving visitors from near and far more reasons to explore our province. Bringing AVATAR: Guardians of Eywa to Niagara Falls for its world premiere builds on our Destination Niagara strategy by adding an exciting new attraction to the region and strengthening Niagara and Ontario's place as a world-class destination." - Zee Hamid, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming About AVATAR: Guardians of Eywa AVATAR: Guardians of Eywa is an immersive walkthrough experience that transports guests into the world of Pandora. It is the first experience of its kind to combine large-scale multimedia environments with live acrobatics in one continuous journey. Guests begin by freely exploring the Rainforest and Coastal Reef environments, where state-of-the-art interactive installations allow them to engage with captivating Pandoran flora and fauna. They are then immersed in a narrative acrobatics show that traces the Na'vi cycle of life through spectacular acts, dynamic choreography, and rich cinematics. Visitors will emerge from Pandora with a greater sense of community and connectivity with each other and the world around them. About Magic Walk™ and Its Creators Developed in Québec, Magic Walk™ is a next-generation immersive entertainment format that blends large-scale narrative design, advanced multimedia technologies, environmental storytelling, robotics, and live artistic performance into a fully integrated audience journey. Structured as a multi-chapter experience culminating in a shared live theatrical finale, the format is designed for global deployment across a wide range of venues while maintaining a unified creative vision. Magic Walk™ is owned by IMMEX and produced by Montréal-based EMM Williams Productions, a global entertainment company founded in 2003 specializing in live shows, immersive experiences, and international touring productions. About EMM Williams Productions Founded in 2003, EMM Williams Productions is a Montréal-based global entertainment company specializing in live shows, immersive experiences, and international touring productions. With decades of expertise spanning acrobatic performance, large-scale multimedia environments, and live event creation, EMM has collaborated with some of the world's most prestigious brands, including Moment Factory, Fever, Notre Dame de Paris, Fuerza Bruta, and leading creative studios worldwide. EMM has also produced major cultural and sporting events such as the equestrian show Cavalero, the Opening Ceremony of the Dakar Rally, and promotional concerts for artists including Céline Dion, Shakira and Scorpions. About IMMEX IMMEX is the owner of Magic Walk™, a next-generation immersive entertainment format designed to combine narrative, technology, robotics, and live performance into a fully integrated audience experience. Conceived as a flexible, traveling format, Magic Walk™ is designed for global deployment across a wide range of venues while maintaining a unified creative vision. About Moment Factory Moment Factory is a global entertainment studio pioneering new forms of collective experiences. For 25 years, its multidisciplinary team has worked at the forefront of creativity and technology to inspire wonder and real-world connection. Combining expertise in immersive storytelling, interactive and game design, multimedia scenography, music, lighting, and special effects, the studio has delivered over 600 projects worldwide, including its Lumina Night Walk and AURA series. Headquartered in Montreal, with offices in Paris, Tokyo, New York, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, Moment Factory is actively shaping the destinations of tomorrow. Its work includes collaborations with clients such as Disney, Billie Eilish, Universal Studios, Miral, FIFA, Real Madrid C.F. and Meow Wolf. momentfactory.com About Disney Theatrical Group DISNEY THEATRICAL GROUP (DTG), a division of The Walt Disney Studios led by Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart, brings the stories you love to life through stage productions, arena shows, and immersive experiences. Each year, DTG reaches nearly 40 million guests across 300 cities on five continents, with hundreds of millions entertained around the globe since the company's inception in 1994. DTG oversees a growing global portfolio including arena spectaculars such as Disney On Ice; family touring productions including Disney Junior Live On Tour: Let's Play! ; immersive and experiential attractions such as Mundo Pixar Experience ; Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail; Avatar: Guardians of Eywa ; The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Sphere and Secret Cinema's Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure . Alongside this work, Disney Theatrical Group has become one of the most successful theatre producers in the world. Its New York productions include The Lion King, Aladdin, Frozen, Newsies , Elton John & Tim Rice's Aida, TARZAN® , Mary Poppins (co-produced with Cameron Mackintosh), The Little Mermaid and Peter and the Starcatcher . Additional stage ventures include the current North American tour of Beauty and the Beast , the Olivier Award-nominated Shakespeare in Love, Hercules , stage productions of Disney's High School Musical, Der Glöckner von Notre Dame in Berlin and King David in concert on Broadway. About Niagara Parks Since its establishment in 1885, Niagara Parks has remained a self-financed agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, entrusted to preserve and protect the land surrounding Niagara Falls and the Niagara River. Today, Niagara Parks boasts gardens, a horticulture school, recreation, golf courses, restaurants, heritage and historic sites, gift shops and, of course, Niagara Falls. In short, natural landscapes, history, family fun, hiking, culinary delights, attractions and adventure. Stay Connected: Facebook: @NiagaraParks Instagram: @niagaraparks Twitter/X: @NiagaraParks #NiagaraParks For more information, please visit niagaraparks.com or contact:
SGS Reports on US CPSC Proposal to Classify Certain Window Coverings as Substantial Product Hazards
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 10:05 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 135.26 on a proposal by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to designate certain corded window coverings as substantial product hazards (SPHs). On September 24, 2026, the CPSC published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to amend its Substantial Product Hazard List for window covering cords. The proposal would expand the list of hazardous cord configurations deemed to present a substantial product hazard under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA). The proposal aims to reduce the risk of strangulation for children eight years of age and younger associated with accessible window covering cords. It builds on the CPSC's 2022 SPH rule and reflects revisions incorporated into ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2022. Under the proposal, certain stock and custom window coverings that do not comply with specified ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2022 requirements relating to cord safety, product design and labeling would be deemed substantial product hazards. The proposed rule is open for public comment until November 23, 2026. If finalized, manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers of window coverings may need to review product designs, labeling and compliance programs to ensure conformity with the proposed requirements. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 135.26 provides additional information on the proposal, affected products and potential implications for industry. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to SafeGuardS 135.26 for more information. SGS Furniture Services SGS helps you deliver well-designed, functional, durable and safe products to your customers. We have the furniture industry, regulatory and technical expertise to check your products' compliance against relevant standards and/or your own specifications. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS's Furniture Services: SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full US CPSC Issues NPRM to Designate Certain Window Coverings a Substantial Product Hazard SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information contact: Dennis Lancion Consumer and Retail, Technical Manager, Hardlines Tel: +1 (905) 364-3757 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
SGS Reports on Health Canada's Button and Coin Battery Safety Update
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 09:55 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 134.26 on Health Canada's addition of button and coin battery products and their packaging to Table 3 under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) general prohibitions approach. On September 18, 2026, Health Canada updated Table 3 to include products containing button or coin batteries, together with button and coin battery packaging. The update identifies safety performance criteria that affected products and packaging must meet, or an equivalent level of safety. Button and coin batteries present a significant ingestion hazard, particularly for young children. When swallowed, they can become lodged in the esophagus and cause severe internal burns, long-term injury or death. To address these risks, Health Canada determined that additional safety measures are required. The requirements apply to products containing button or coin batteries, as well as battery packaging, and reference recognized safety standards covering product design, packaging and labeling. Manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers and brand owners must ensure affected products comply with the applicable performance criteria before being placed on the Canadian market. The Table 3 update became effective on September 18, 2026. While the update does not create new regulations, products and packaging that fail to meet the identified safety criteria may be considered a danger to human health or safety under the CCPSA and could be subject to compliance or enforcement action. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 134.26 provides additional information on the requirements, applicable standards and implications for affected supply chain participants. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to SafeGuardS 134.26 for more information. SGS battery testing services SGS offers a comprehensive range of battery testing and compliance services to help manufacturers and suppliers demonstrate product safety and conformity with applicable regulatory requirements. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS battery testing services. Learn more about SGS's Battery Testing Services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Health Canada Adds Button and Coin Battery Products and Packaging to CCPSA General Prohibition Table 3 SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information, contact: Dennis Lancion Technical Manager - Hardlines +1 905 364 3757 Website: www.sgs.com/connectivity LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
SGS SafeGuardS Highlights UK Proposal to Update Toy Safety Standards
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 09:49 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 133.26 on a UK proposal to update designated toy safety standards that provide presumption of conformity with the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 in Great Britain. On September 23, 2026, the UK's Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) issued a proposal to amend the list of designated toy safety standards for Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). The proposal would replace EN 71-4:2020 with EN 71-4:2020+A1:2025 for experimental chemistry sets and introduce two new standards covering formamide in foam toy materials and certain chlorinated phosphorus flame retardants in toy materials. If adopted, the changes would take effect on October 22, 2026, unless the proposal is withdrawn or revised before that date. The proposal may impact manufacturers, importers, retailers and other stakeholders across the toy supply chain in Great Britain. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 133.26 provides additional information on the proposed changes and their implications for the toy industry. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to SafeGuardS 133.26 for more information. SGS toy and juvenile product services SGS offers a wide range of services to ensure that products comply with relevant standards for childcare articles and children's equipment. They provide consulting, training, product development, testing, audit and inspection services to ensure that products comply with strict regulations worldwide, demonstrating the safety and quality of juvenile products being brought onto the market. After all, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS's toy and juvenile product services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full UK Proposes Updates to Toy Safety Standards for Great Britain SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information contact: Dr. HingWo Tsang Global Information and Innovation Manager Tel: +852 2774 7420 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
Shared Responsibility, Divided Priorities: New Research Exposes Enterprise Workforce Disconnect
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 09:34 EDT
- With no single department taking the lead, enterprise organizations risk losing control of workforce costs, compliance and visibility as responsibilities become increasingly fragmented - One in four enterprise organisations lack full alignment between HR and Procurement when making contingent workforce decisions, raising concerns that fragmented responsibilities could undermine efforts to build more agile, cost-effective workforces, according to new global research from People2.0 . The study of 700 senior HR and Procurement decision-makers across the US, Canada, UK, Netherlands, Australia and India found that over a quarter (25%) of organisations describe the relationship between the two functions as only somewhat aligned or worse, while over a third (39%) identify internal alignment as a major challenge in managing their contingent workforce. The findings show that responsibility for managing contingent workers is increasingly spread across different departments, but teams are not always working together effectively. Workforce Procurement, Talent Acquisition and HR now have the greatest influence over contingent workforce decisions, with between 55% and 58% of respondents rating each function as having a high or primary role in decision-making . However, there is no clear consensus over who should take the lead, with just 17% identifying Workforce Procurement as the primary decision-maker, with the same proportion citing Talent Acquisition, while 16% point to HR. Finance and Legal also play a role, adding further complexity to how contingent workforce programmes are managed. Matt Fryer , Regional Director EMEA at People2.0 , commented on the findings, "Organizations are still working out who in the business is ultimately responsible for managing contingent labor, and it frequently falls in the gap between HR and Procurement. Many organizations simply do not have a centralized view of their contingent workforce, which means they lack the data needed to manage it effectively. A growing trend is a specialized management function that blends procurement, HR, recruitment and compliance into one centralized team." Bringing more departments into workforce decisions should encourage collaboration, but different priorities can make that difficult. HR and Talent Acquisition tend to focus on people, skills and workforce experience, while Procurement is more concerned with costs, contracts and supplier relationships. Unless responsibilities are clearly defined, teams can end up working towards different goals. This can create problems well beyond the departments involved. Inconsistent onboarding, gaps in worker classification and compliance, and limited visibility over workforce costs and performance can all result from a lack of coordination. And as contingent workers make up a larger share of the workforce, these issues become increasingly difficult to manage. Three-quarters (75%) of respondents say contractors, freelancers and temporary workers account for at least 11% of their workforce, while 43% report that contingent workers represent more than 20%. Christie Heintz, Senior Program Director, Shared Services at People2.0 , explained why managing an increasingly complex contingent workforce requires clearer ownership, "Managing a contingent workforce program used to look a lot simpler. A hiring manager knew who they wanted, picked up the phone, and had someone starting Monday. Today, organizations have had to get serious about how these programs actually run. Procurement manages cost and contracts, HR manages classification and onboarding, legal manages risk and technology platforms manage the data. The most successful enterprise programs have a dedicated internal team that owns the contingent labour function." The research also reveals differences in workforce governance across international markets. Organisations in India report the highest levels of collaboration between HR, Procurement and Talent Acquisition, alongside the strongest alignment between HR and Procurement among the six countries surveyed. While approaches vary between countries, the challenge for enterprises is much the same: making sure everyone involved in workforce decisions is working towards the same goals. "As reliance on contingent talent grows, closer coordination between HR, Procurement and Talent Acquisition will be critical to avoiding fragmented processes, improving visibility and ensuring workforce strategies deliver the flexibility businesses need," concluded Heintz . The State of Contingent Workforce Management Report, Enterprise Edition is available to download via the People 2.0 website . ENDS About the research This research comprised a quantitative online survey of 700 senior business decision-makers working within enterprise organisations (500+ employees and annual revenues of $100M+) across six key markets: the USA, Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, Australia and India. The study focused exclusively on senior business decision-makers in HR and Procurement professionals, as these functions played a central role in contingent workforce strategy and management. Respondents were also screened using additional qualification questions to ensure they had direct responsibility for, or influence over, contingent workforce decisions. The sample was weighted towards North America (USA: 200 respondents; Canada: 100 respondents), with 100 respondents surveyed in each of the remaining markets, providing a total sample of 700. At a 95% confidence level, this delivered an overall margin of error of approximately ±3.7%, making the findings robust for identifying global market trends and comparing the perspectives of HR and Procurement professionals. The research explored the challenges enterprise organisations faced in managing contingent workforces, identified which functions held the greatest influence over workforce decisions, and examined the key factors shaping contingent workforce strategies across large organisations. The analysis focused primarily on the overall findings, with comparative insights between HR and Procurement respondents where statistically appropriate Media contacts: Anthony Monks ITPR people2.0@itpr.co.uk +44(0) 207 183 8200 +44(0) 7842 386 809 About People 2.0: https://www.people20.com/ People2.0 is a global provider of workforce compliance and payroll services for enterprises and talent suppliers, including staffing firms, search and recruiting firms, mass talent entities, and professional services firms. People2.0 helps these businesses navigate employment, labour, and tax regulations across the world. Specializing in worker classification and compliance, People2.0's employer of record (EOR) and agent of record (AOR) services streamline talent placement operations, correctly classify workers, and facilitate international placements. Whether hiring locally or globally, People2.0 empowers enterprises and talent suppliers of all sizes to engage the contingent workforce, keeping businesses compliant with local and international regulations. Using its global network of in-country experts, People2.0 enables its partners to hire any worker, anywhere, in any arrangement. These services help businesses in 130+ countries grow faster, operate more profitably, and expand globally.
The Winter Beauty Staple That Comes from the Sea, Not the Lab
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 07:48 EDT
Central heating, biting wind and the first proper frost: skin notices all three long before the rest of us do. Lower temperatures, indoor heating and changed in humidity can leave it dry and uncomfortable, and plenty of people start rethinking their winter routine as a result. For The Moss Way , the answer to that tight, worn-out feeling starts on the west coast of Ireland, in cold Atlantic water. That's where Irish sea moss grows. It is harvested seasonally by small-scale harvesters, and The Moss Way sends its harvest for laboratory testing. The results show iodine, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, vitamins A and C, B vitamins and a spread of trace minerals, all occurring naturally. There are soluble fibre and mucilage too, which is what turns prepared sea moss into a gel. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation and helps protect cells from oxidative stress, while zinc and vitamin A both help maintain normal skin. Sea moss delivers them together, as part of a wholefood source - with no lab involved! Prepared as a gel, sea moss can also go directly onto the skin, as well as being taken as a food product. That gives people two ways to use the same ingredient, which suits anyone who would rather keep their beauty shelf close to nature. "Every winter, people start noticing what the cold is doing to their skin," said Harry Morgan, founder of The Moss Way. "A lot of the focus is on complicated routines, but plenty of people just want something simple and natural. "You can have sea moss as part of a balanced diet or use it on your skin, so there's more than one way to make it part of your routine, and you can pick whichever suits you." For The Moss Way, where sea moss comes from matters as much as what's in it. It grows naturally in pristine Atlantic waters and is gathered season by season by small harvesters along Ireland's west coast. Nothing about it is manufactured: it's all natural, an ingredient people recognise and can trace back to source. Sea moss offers a way to bring naturally occurring nutrients into a daily beauty and wellbeing routine - and a good reason to look at what the Atlantic has to offer. For more information, visit www.themossway.co.uk .
Resonant Clinical Solutions and Haier Biomedical Introduce an Innovative Benchtop Centrifuge with a Natural Refrigerant
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 05:59 EDT
Resonant Clinical Solutions - a global clinical solutions partner serving life sciences organizations across the clinical supply chain and sample lifecycle - and Haier Biomedical - a trusted leader in reliable and sustainable laboratory equipment - have launched an innovative benchtop centrifuge using a natural refrigerant. The hydrocarbon-cooled LX-60T100R is specifically designed for clinical trials use, with new features that reduce its environmental impact and overcome constraints that have previously limited equipment in this category. The reengineered centrifuge is the result of an ongoing partnership between the two companies. The strategic collaboration combined Haier Biomedical's engineering expertise with Resonant's clinical trials knowledge to create a modern, user-centric instrument. Importantly, the centrifuge complies with upcoming legislation further restricting the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) - historically used as refrigerants in laboratory instruments - due to their significant global warming potential (GWP). The jointly developed centrifuge directly addresses this challenge, and is available more than two years ahead of critical industry deadlines in Europe and the U.S.
UK Sickness Absence Hits 15-year High, With Musculoskeletal Issues Among the Biggest Causes
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 04:59 EDT
New research from the CIPD shows UK workplace absences have climbed to an average of 9.4 days per employee per year - the highest level in more than fifteen years. Musculoskeletal issues remain among the most cited health conditions affecting staff. Pallet Trucks UK says the figures are a useful prompt for e-commerce and fulfilment businesses to revisit their manual handling risk assessments, rather than treating them as a box ticked once and forgotten. For fast-growing online retailers in particular, risk assessments completed when an operation was smaller or slower often don't reflect how the business runs now. Order volumes rise, picking rates increase, and the physical demands placed on staff moving stock around a fulfilment space can change considerably without anyone formally reassessing whether the equipment - such as pallet trucks , stackers and lift tables - and processes in place still match the risk. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Trucks UK, said, "Absence figures like this may be read as purely HR statistics, but for anyone running a warehouse or fulfilment operation, there's a much more practical question underneath it. If musculoskeletal issues are genuinely one of the biggest drivers of time off work nationally, it's worth asking whether your own manual handling risk assessment still reflects what's happening on your floor today. "We talk to a lot of growing e-commerce businesses where the risk assessment was done early on, when order volumes were a fraction of what they are now. Nobody goes back and checks whether the equipment that was fine for twenty orders a day is still appropriate for two hundred. "It doesn't need to be a huge exercise. Looking honestly at whether staff are handling more stock, more often, or for longer stretches than when the assessment was last written is a reasonable starting point, and it often points fairly quickly to where equipment, not just process, needs to catch up." With absence at its highest level in over fifteen years, this feels like exactly the moment to make sure handling equipment isn't contributing to a problem that's already costing businesses nationally. For more information, please visit: www.pallettrucksuk.co.uk .
SGS Focuses on Worker Health in the Textile Industry
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 04:21 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published a Consumer Compact article highlighting the dangers of hazardous substances in the textile and apparel industry. With regulatory focus on the environmental impact of carbon emissions, water use and waste management in the softlines sector intensifying, worker health can sometimes receive less attention. The article highlights the importance of controlling hazardous chemicals used in dyeing, finishing and coating processes to help prevent long-term occupational health risks. Identifying the risks The article explores common issues identified in textile facilities, including inadequate ventilation, unsafe chemical handling and storage practices, insufficient training and a lack of structured occupational health programs and exposure monitoring. Exploring the S.T.O.P principle A key tool in risk mitigation is the S.T.O.P. principle: substitution, technical controls, organizational measures and personal protective equipment (PPE). The article explains how robust management systems applied effectively can help facilities identify, control and reduce workplace risks more effectively, and also examines the benefits of a systems-based approach to occupational health and safety management. bluesign solution The bluesign System helps facilities identify, manage and reduce occupational health risks through a comprehensive approach to chemical management and facility performance. By evaluating worker safety alongside environmental performance, resource productivity, emergency preparedness and social responsibility, bluesign, an SGS company, provides a structured framework for assessing how chemical risks are managed in practice. The article also highlights the bluesign CMR Solvent Phaseout Program, which supports manufacturers in reducing reliance on higher-risk substances while promoting safer workplaces and more responsible chemical management practices. Read the full article, ' Why Textile Sustainability Must Include Worker Health '. For further information, contact: Barbara Oswald Chief Commercial Officer Tel: +41 (71) 272 29 90 Website: www.bluesign.com LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
