Somerset cleanroom specialist appoints new sales manager to support UK and European growth
Wed, Sep 23, 2026 10:16 EDT
Somerset-based cleanroom specialist Total Clean Air (TCA), TOMI Environmental Solutions' Preferred European Partner for SteraMist ® , has appointed Tony Lynam as Sales Manager (Decontamination). The appointment comes as interest grows in advanced contamination-control technologies across pharmaceutical research and manufacturing, biotechnology, life sciences, healthcare, food production, advanced manufacturing and other operationally critical sectors. In his new role, Tony will support growth across the UK and Europe as demand increases for effective, science-led bio-decontamination solutions and bespoke, compliant cleanrooms in regulated and critical environments. The partnership combines SteraMist's patented ionised Hydrogen Peroxide (iHP ® ), delivered through Binary Ionization Technology ® (BIT ® ), with TCA's controlled-environment expertise, local service infrastructure, integration capability, validation knowledge and customer support. Together, TCA and TOMI help customers integrate bio-decontamination into wider contamination-control programmes while minimising operational disruption and protecting critical environments, equipment, processes and people. Phillip Godden, Chief Executive Officer of Total Clean Air, said, "Together, TCA and TOMI can help customers incorporate effective decontamination into broader contamination-control strategies while minimising operational disruption and protecting critical environments, equipment, processes and people. SteraMist provides the patented, science-led technology, while TCA brings the local expertise to understand highly regulated and technically demanding environments, specify and integrate the right solution, support validation and provide responsive, ongoing service." Elissa J. Shane, Chief Operating Officer of TOMI Environmental Solutions, noted, "Europe is one of the most important growth markets for advanced contamination control as pharmaceutical, biotechnology and manufacturing organisations expand under increasingly demanding regulatory standards. As a long-term partner, Tony brings the technical depth in SteraMist iHP technology and the regulatory understanding this market needs. Paired with TCA's proven expertise in highly regulated environments, he will help more organisations incorporate SteraMist's validated iHP technology into their contamination-control strategies. This appointment reflects TOMI's long-term commitment to its partners and customers and to expanding access to advanced decontamination solutions through trusted regional expertise." With more than 20 years of experience introducing technologies that improve safety, reduce risk and support business continuity, Tony has worked across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, emergency services and industrial sectors. His role will focus on helping organisations strengthen their contamination-control strategies through the combined expertise of TCA and SteraMist, providing a UK-based point of contact for consultation and ongoing support across agreed markets. Customers will be supported throughout the project lifecycle, from initial consultation and specification through to integration, validation, training, servicing and consumables. Tony said, "I've seen SteraMist iHP bio-decontamination used in hospitals, laboratories, pharmaceutical facilities and emergency-response situations, and it has consistently delivered outstanding results. "The opportunity to combine TCA's market expertise with SteraMist's innovative technology was particularly exciting. I believe that, together, we can help many more organisations strengthen their contamination-control strategies and build greater operational resilience." Demand for effective and repeatable bio-decontamination continues to grow as organisations place greater emphasis on contamination prevention, operational resilience and regulatory compliance. In pharmaceutical and biopharma environments, the focus is increasingly on validated decontamination processes, cleanroom performance and minimising downtime. The rapid expansion of biologics, cell and gene therapies, personalised medicine and sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing is contributing to market growth and demand. Similar trends can be seen across healthcare, where organisations are seeking high levels of microbial reduction while maintaining rapid room turnaround and equipment compatibility. Other sectors, including food production, advanced manufacturing and research, are also looking for solutions that reduce disruption, protect sensitive equipment and processes, and support business continuity. SteraMist's patented iHP technology supports rapid bio-decontamination across cleanrooms, laboratories and other controlled environments. TCA provides the expertise needed to assess cleanroom and laboratory requirements, specify a tailored solution, enable validation and provide ongoing technical support. Tony added, "What excites me most is that I believe we've only scratched the surface of what's possible. Awareness of SteraMist continues to grow, but there are still many organisations that haven't experienced its benefits first-hand." As TOMI's Preferred European Partner, TCA is continuing to raise awareness of SteraMist iHP bio-decontamination technology across the UK and agreed European markets. The partnership helps organisations operating in highly regulated environments implement effective contamination-control strategies, supported by local expertise, validation capability and long-term customer service.
Summerfield Charity Boules Tournament raises £3,500 for Somerset Good Causes
Wed, Sep 23, 2026 09:46 EDT
Businesses from across the South West came together for Taunton-based developer Summerfield 's 15th annual charity boules tournament, raising £3,500 for Somerset good causes. The tournament and lunch, held at Taunton Deane Cricket Club on Thursday, 10th September, welcomed 40 teams and more than 155 guests for a friendly knock-out competition and an opportunity to raise money for the local community. Funds raised through the event will support Arc through the Summerfield Force for Good Fund, a new charity partner for the next two years, as well as making a number of smaller grants to local charities and groups, managed by Somerset Community Foundation. Arc provides accommodation, outreach and personalised support to people affected by homelessness across Somerset, helping them move towards greater stability and independence. Contributions from participating businesses raised £2,803.67, with Summerfield rounding this up to £3,500. The donation will be made through Somerset Community Foundation as part of Summerfield's long-standing commitment to supporting local organisations. James Holyday, Group Managing Director of Summerfield, said: "Our annual boules tournament is always a highlight in the Summerfield calendar, bringing together the local business community for some friendly competition while raising money for organisations making a real difference in Somerset. "We are delighted that this year's event will support Arc and its vital work with people affected by homelessness. I would like to thank every business that joined us, donated and helped make the day such a success. We are also pleased to introduce the additional charity draw this year, enabling another local cause to benefit from the generosity and community spirit behind the event." Businesses attending were also invited to choose one of ten local charities to be entered into a special draw for an additional £500 donation from Summerfield. Open Door Charity was selected to receive the donation by PKF Francis Clark, the winners of the draw. Fiona Foster, Philanthropy Manager at Somerset Community Foundation, said: "Summerfield's annual charity boules tournament is a wonderful example of local businesses coming together to support their community. We are delighted to work with Summerfield to ensure the generosity of everyone involved reaches local charities and groups, where it can make a meaningful difference. This year's support for Arc will help the charity continue its vital work with people affected by homelessness across Somerset." The Cup competition was won by A C Mole, with Cooper Associates taking the runners-up place. PKF Francis Clark won the Plate competition, ahead of the Summerfield team. The best-dressed team prize went to Amicus Law, while Albert Goodman received the Wooden Spoon. The annual tournament is due to return in September 2027, with the date to be confirmed.
Early-Bird Savings for 2026 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education End October 5
Wed, Sep 23, 2026 09:00 EDT
For Immediate Release: September 23, 2026 Contact: Amy Gwiazdowski, agwiazdowski@ama.org Early-Bird Savings for 2026 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education End October 5 November 8-11, 2026 in Greater Denver, CO Area Chicago, IL - Higher education marketing, communications, enrollment, and advancement professionals are encouraged to register now for the 2026 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education , as early-bird registration and hotel room block savings end on October 5, 2026. The conference will take place November 8-11, 2026, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado. For more than 30 years, the AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education has brought together higher education marketers to explore strategies that strengthen institutional reputation, support enrollment goals, and drive long-term organizational success. The event features a peer-reviewed educational program designed to deliver relevant insights and actionable ideas for today's higher education landscape. Attendees will have opportunities to participate in expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, networking experiences, and conversations with fellow marketers facing similar challenges and opportunities. The Symposium also features one of the largest gatherings of higher education-focused solution providers, giving attendees direct access to innovative tools and services designed to enhance institutional impact. New for 2026, attendees can connect through the AMA Braindate Lounge, a dedicated space for one-on-one and small-group discussions focused on sharing ideas, solving challenges, and building meaningful professional relationships. Additional programming includes opportunities tailored specifically for senior leaders and emerging leaders in higher education marketing. Early-bird registration and hotel room block savings for the 2026 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education will end on October 5. Attendees are encouraged to register early to maximize savings and secure their place at this premier gathering of higher education marketing professionals. For registration information and event details, visit: ama.org . ###
Gen Z homebuyers most willing to cut lifestyle costs to afford a home, Cotality study finds
Wed, Sep 23, 2026 07:41 EDT
Gen Z homebuyers are more willing than other generations to cut back on lifestyle spending to help afford a home, according to research from Cotality, a leading global property information, analytics, and data-enabled solutions provider. Cotality's new Consumer Sentiment Report reveals a significant shift in purchasing behavior across the US, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand - primarily driven by affordability concerns. Gen Z emerges as most adaptable generation Cotality found that Gen Z buyers are most willing to cut lifestyle spending at 78% (Millennials are similarly willing at 77%), compared with 69% of Gen X and 50% of Baby Boomers. 74% of Gen Z respondents say they would take a smaller home compared with 64% of Millenials, 57% of Gen X and 43% of Boomers. "Gen Z buyers have grown up in an environment of elevated housing costs, so they're entering the market with different expectations," Hepp said. "They're more willing to adjust their budgets, reduce discretionary spending, or consider a smaller home if it means achieving homeownership sooner. That flexibility helps explain why they're the generation most prepared to move forward despite affordability challenges." Affordability pressures are forcing buyers to compromise Sixty-five percent of all respondents say they would seek a smaller mortgage to improve affordability, and more than half would refinance into a smaller loan or buy a less expensive property (57% and 59%, respectively). 69% say they have already cut, or plan to cut, discretionary spending - on shopping, travel and eating out - in pursuit of homeownership. "Expectations set by Covid-era interest rates have stagnated the market and sidelined millions of would-be homeowners. By playing the waiting game, people eliminate one of the primary paths to wealth building and limit their ability to build financial reserves in an economy weighted down by increasing unaffordability," said Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at Cotality . "At first glance, renting at $2,000 per month looks cheaper than buying with a $300,000 mortgage," Hepp said. "But once you account for principal paydown and the federal tax benefit, ownership becomes roughly cost-neutral at a 6.6% mortgage rate and clearly favorable at 6.0%. Over 10 years, the lower-rate ownership scenario produces nearly $24,000 in savings relative to renting, even before considering any home-price appreciation." Consumer confidence across markets is under strain, but responses differ Responses to affordability pressures vary between markets. UK buyers are the least willing to compromise, with fewer prepared to buy a smaller home (42% versus 59% globally), take on a smaller mortgage (53% versus 65%) or cut lifestyle spending (59% versus 69%). Canadians are the most willing to purchase a smaller home (68%), while Australians lead on cutting lifestyle spending (75%) (consistent with an affordability gap that has been widening for years ). New Zealanders are the most adaptable overall, leading on willingness to take a smaller mortgage (68%) and matching Australia on lifestyle cuts. The United States sits near the global average across all measures, reflecting a market under pressure but with greater flexibility than the UK and less severe affordability constraints than Australia and New Zealand. "The dream of homeownership remains, but the route to achieving it is increasingly defined by flexibility, compromise, and careful financial adjustments. As affordability pressures persist, the next phase of housing demand may not be defined by who can move fastest, but who can adapt their plans to move with confidence," concluded Hepp. To read the full report, visit the Cotality website .
FunkyScore Launches Betting-Free Live Scores Platform
Wed, Sep 23, 2026 05:56 EDT
Sports fans tired of being bombarded with betting adverts while checking the latest scores, fixtures and results can now stay up-to-date and gambling pop-up free with the launch of a new live-scores website and app. FunkyScore offers fans real-time coverage across 15 sports without a betting odd in sight. Having spent over a year in development, the platform and app is loaded with community features so fans can easily share their love for their chosen team or sports pro without being spammed by gambling ads. Alongside live scores, fixtures, results and league standings, visitors can post comments, images and videos about their favourite teams directly on the site and app - a fan-engagement offering the company believes is unmatched among live-scores platforms of its kind. The platform currently covers more than a dozen professional sports, including football, basketball, tennis, NFL, baseball and ice hockey, with founder James Martin confirming plans to expand the sports on offer over the coming months and years. "I built FunkyScore because I was tired of opening a scores app and being bombarded with betting adverts before I'd even found the fixture I was looking for. Fans want the scores, the stats and a place to talk about their team with other supporters -not another gambling sales pitch. "We've made a deliberate choice to keep betting out of FunkyScore entirely, from the odds themselves right through to who we work with commercially. It's a stance that sets us apart, and it's one I'm proud of. Most live score sites focus on betting odds from their own company or promote other betting companies' odds which I think detracts from the fan experience. I believe FunkyScore is the first in the industry to take this stance. This is just the beginning: we'll keep adding sports and features, but the values behind FunkyScore won't change." FunkyScore is free to use, with no signup wall gating access to scores, fixtures or standings, and the company's approach to user data remains deliberately light-touch. The FunkyScore app is available to download now for iOS and Android devices and can also be accessed online at www.funkyscore.com . Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funkyscore/ Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Funkyscorecom/61584545075074/ Or watch the video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5bftQJ8mvU&feature=youtu.be
From Midwife to Baby Sensory Leader: Olivia Knott Starts New Chapter in Lancaster
Wed, Sep 23, 2026 05:04 EDT
What do you do when the baby class where you loved taking your own child could suddenly become your new job? For Olivia Knott, the answer was to take the leap. The local mum began running Baby Sensory Lancaster classes this month, bringing six years of experience as a midwife to a role she already knows from the other side of the room. While Olivia had spent her career supporting new families, becoming a mum herself gave her a different perspective on those crucial early months. When her daughter was born, the family moved closer to relatives - and Olivia began looking for work that would give her more flexibility around family life. That's when the perfect chance presented itself. Olivia discovered the franchise through an email from a neighbouring franchisee after putting herself on a waiting list ahead of the family's move. "I saw the email at exactly the right time," she said. "It felt like one of those opportunities you don't want to let pass you by." Baby Sensory quickly became a big part of their week. Olivia took her daughter to classes during maternity leave and remembers them as one of the highlights, alongside their swimming lessons. "I absolutely loved going to Baby Sensory with my daughter," said Olivia. "It became something we really looked forward to each week. We even persuaded a couple of friends to come along, so it was lovely seeing them enjoy it as much as we did. "Now I feel incredibly lucky to be leading the classes myself. I know from experience how quickly that first year goes, and how valuable it is to have somewhere you can go, enjoy time with your baby and make memories together." Baby Sensory classes are for babies from birth to 13 months. Activities bring together music, lights, movement, textures and imaginative play, with each session drawing on research into babies' learning and development. Parents are encouraged to join in and discover simple ways to play and interact with their babies. Olivia says that combination was a major reason she wanted to take on the franchise. "For me, Baby Sensory isn't just another baby class," she said. "There is so much thought behind what happens in each session. Babies get to explore and have fun, but parents also learn about their development and get ideas they can take home with them. That was important to me as a mum, and it's something I want to give to other families too." With her first Lancaster classes now underway at the Vale of Lune Rugby Club, Olivia is looking forward to meeting Lancaster's newest little residents and the people bringing them along. She also runs classes in Catterall (Catterall Village Hall) and Longridge (Wilfrid's Club). For more information, please visit www.babysensory.com/lancaster .
Scale Up, Scale Down: The Importance of Equipment that Moves with Demand
Wed, Sep 23, 2026 04:55 EDT
Uncertain or unpredictable consumer demand is now a top concern for around four in ten UK small businesses, according to the Simply Business SME Insights Report 2026. Pallet Truck Shop says this makes it exactly the wrong moment for smaller e-commerce operators to commit to large, fixed automation projects, and exactly the right moment to invest in flexible, scalable handling equipment instead. Large-scale automation is likely to work best when a business has a clear, predictable picture of its future volumes, since the investment only pays off properly once it's running at a certain scale for a sustained period. When demand is genuinely uncertain, businesses risk either overcommitting to capacity they don't end up needing, or underinvesting and being caught out if sales pick up faster than expected. Manual and electric handling equipment - such as pallet trucks , stackers , and table trucks - avoids much of that risk, since it can be added to or scaled back relatively easily as a business's actual order volumes become clearer. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Truck Shop, said, "When demand is unpredictable, the last thing most small online retailers want is to lock themselves into a big, fixed automation project based on a forecast that might not hold up. We understand why automation gets a lot of attention, but it works best when you already know roughly what you're planning for. Handling equipment gives businesses a lot more room to breathe. Businesses can add a couple more electric pallet trucks if a quarter turns out busier than expected, or scale back on hire equipment if things are quieter, without the same level of commitment a robotics investment involves. "We're seeing more small businesses take exactly this approach at the moment. Rather than waiting for demand to feel certain before investing in anything, they're choosing equipment that lets them respond to whatever happens, rather than betting heavily on one particular version of the future, " Chesworth added. "It's a more cautious approach in some ways, but it's also a more sensible one given how unpredictable trading conditions have become. You don't need to solve for certainty you don't have. You just need equipment that can keep up, whichever way things go." To find out more about Pallet Truck Shop, visit: www.pallettruckshop.co.uk .
SGS reports on New Mexico PFAS labeling guidance
Wed, Sep 23, 2026 03:50 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 124.26, reporting on New Mexico's issuance of new guidance on labeling products containing intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The July 2026 guidance follows a May 2026 final rule implementing the PFAS Protection Act (Chapter 102, 2025 (House Bill 212)). Codified as Title 20, Chapter 13, Part 2 of the New Mexico Administrative Code (20.13.2 NMAC), the rule establishes notification, labeling and sales prohibition requirements for consumer products containing intentionally added PFAS, subject to specified exemptions. Labels must display an Erlenmeyer flask with the word 'PFAS' inside the flask. Stakeholders across the consumer product supply chain, including manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers operating in New Mexico, are affected by the guidance. Unless a product is exempt, manufacturers must label any consumer product containing intentionally added PFAS by January 1, 2027, and display the label in online and catalog sales materials. The guidance provides examples and recommended labeling practices for products, packaging and online or catalog sales materials. It also addresses labeling approaches for complex durable goods, the use of PFAS labels or disclaimers from other states and conditions for exemptions and waivers. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 124.26 provides further information on the PFAS labeling guidance. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to SafeGuardS 124.26 for more details. SGS consumer product services SGS provides news about the development of regulations affecting consumer products as a complimentary service. With an unrivaled global network of laboratories, they offer physical/mechanical testing, analytical testing and consultancy work for technical and non-technical parameters applicable to a comprehensive range of consumer products. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS's consumer product services. IMPACT NOW for sustainability IMPACT NOW for sustainability consolidates all SGS's sustainability offerings under four strategic pillars: climate, nature, ESG assurance and circularity. Through these pillars, SGS offers trusted compliance solutions that directly help businesses address the key environmental and social challenges impacting the planet. Find out more at www.sgs.com/impactnow SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full New Mexico, USA, Issues Guidance on Labeling Products Containing Intentionally Added PFAS SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information, contact Media Inquiries or: Dr. HingWo Tsang Global Information and Innovation Manager Tel: +852 2774 7420 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
SGS reports on Serbia's updated chemical restrictions and POP requirements
Wed, Sep 23, 2026 03:38 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 125.26, focusing on Serbia's updated chemical restrictions, which further align the country's legislation with EU requirements. The 'Regulation on Restrictions and Prohibitions on the Production, Placing on the Market and Use of Chemicals' establishes restrictions and prohibitions on hazardous chemicals and products that pose an unacceptable risk to human health and the environment, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs). It was published in the Official Gazette of Serbia (OGS) No 90/2013-83 and has been consolidated through OGS No 82/2026-28. OGS No 82/2026-28 was issued on September 4, 2026. It amends two lists of hazardous chemicals in the Regulation. The Regulation is broadly aligned with provisions from three pieces of EU legislation, including REACH, the POP Recast Regulation and Directive 2004/42/EC. Restrictions have been introduced for diisocyanates. Three chemicals, methoxychlor, UV-328 and dechlorane plus (DP), have also been added to the list of prohibited POP substances, with revisions to requirements for several polybrominated flame retardants. Manufacturers, importers, retailers and other intermediaries operating in Serbia are among the stakeholders affected by OGS No 82/2026-28, which entered into force on September 12, 2026, eight days after publication in the Official Gazette of Serbia. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 125.26 provides further information on the update, including the newly added POP substances under Annex 2 of the Regulation, their descriptions, uses and impurity exceptions. It also provides information on the revised requirements for certain polybrominated flame retardants. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to SafeGuardS 125.26 for more details. SGS chemical testing SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS chemical testing services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Serbia Updates Chemical Restrictions and POP Requirements SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information, contact Media Inquiries or: Dr. HingWo Tsang Global Information and Innovation Manager Tel: +852 2774 7420 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
American Bus Association Foundation's First Canadian Economic Impact Study Finds Motorcoach Travel Generates $4.4 Billion, Supporting Nearly 25,000 Jobs
Tue, Sep 22, 2026 13:14 EDT
[Washington, DC] - The American Bus Association Foundation announces the release of its 2025 Motorcoach Economic Impact Report for Canada , conducted by Tourism Economics, which measures the full scope of the motorcoach industry - both group travel and scheduled service - and its contribution to the Canadian economy. The report was produced in partnership with Motor Coach Canada and the Ontario Motor Coach Association , reflecting a collaborative effort to document the scale, reach, and economic importance of motorcoach travel across Canada. [1] The analysis found that motorcoach travel generated a total economic impact of $4.4 billion in 2025, supporting 24,947 full- and part-time jobs across the Canadian economy and generating $980 million in taxes for federal, provincial, and local governments. Motorcoach travellers spent $2.3 billion in 2025 across transportation, lodging, food, recreation, and retail, and travelled an estimated 4.5 billion passenger kilometres (2.8 billion passenger miles). Every dollar of that direct spending generated $1.90 in total economic activity as it moved through supplier industries and employee households. The findings underscore the essential role motorcoaches play not just in tourism, but also in regional connectivity and affordable public transportation. To put the sector in context, motorcoach travellers accounted for roughly 2% of the approximately $104 billion spent on tourism in Canada each year - close to $6 million every day - and about 1 in 70 of all jobs in Canada's tourism economy. The industry operated a fleet of 1,425 motorcoaches in 2025. "Canada is essential to the health of group travel in North America - connecting communities, supporting affordable travel and sustaining businesses on both sides of the border," said Fred Ferguson, President & CEO of the American Bus Association. "ABA strongly supports our Canadian members, partners and the cross-border business relationships that tie our industries together. We are working jointly with Canadian leaders to find common ground, rebuild trust and strengthen the flow of travel and commerce between our countries. This new data gives us a shared evidence base to make that case - nearly 25,000 jobs and $4.4 billion in economic activity - and to show why continued collaboration matters." Key Findings Key findings from the report include: $2.3 billion in direct spending by motorcoach travellers in 2025. $4.4 billion total economic impact nationwide when including indirect and induced effects. 24,947 jobs supported across all sectors - from hospitality to retail to transportation. $1.5 billion in wages and salaries generated. $980 million in total tax revenue, with $489 million to provincial and local governments. The analysis separates the two major components of the motorcoach sector: Group Travel: Generated $2.8 billion in total economic impact and 15,827 jobs. Scheduled Service: Generated $1.6 billion in total economic impact and 9,120 jobs. Group travel accounts for roughly one-third of passenger kilometres but nearly two-thirds of direct spending, reflecting the hotel stays, meals, and destination spending that accompany charter and packaged-tour travel. Provincial Results Alongside the national report, the ABA Foundation is releasing a provincial snapshot for each province and territory - a three-page infographic covering the total motorcoach impact plus separate breakdowns for group travel and scheduled service, with direct spending, passenger kilometres, jobs, wages, and provincial, local, and federal taxes. Motorcoach travel's economic impact reaches every province. Ontario recorded the largest at $1.40 billion in business sales supporting 7,871 jobs, followed by Alberta ($809 million, 3,898 jobs), Quebec ($795 million, 4,828 jobs), and British Columbia ($687 million, 3,748 jobs). Lew Myers, the ABA Foundation's Director of Research, Policy, and Impact, pointed to the study's provincial detail. "Canada is indispensable to the health of group travel in North America, and this research makes clear just how significant that contribution is," said Myers. "The national numbers are powerful, but the local data is what gives communities, destinations and decision-makers something they can act on. It shows where motorcoach travel supports jobs, visitor spending and businesses in their own markets. That gives us a stronger foundation to validate the industry's economic importance, inform better infrastructure and investment decisions, strengthen advocacy on both sides of the border, and demonstrate that U.S. and Canadian travel economies are deeply connected. We strongly support our Canadian partners and the cross-border relationships that help this industry thrive." Readers can access the full report and the provincial snapshots on the ABA Foundation's website . By providing detailed data and accessible tools, the ABA Foundation aims to inform industry members, policymakers, and the public about the significant role motorcoach travel in all forms plays in fueling economic development across Canada. [1] All figures are in current (nominal) 2025 Canadian dollars.
Tucson Federal Credit Union's Targeted Email Strategy Drives Record Member Engagement in First Half of 2026
Tue, Sep 22, 2026 13:00 EDT
Reduced email volume and multi-channel promotion helped the TFCU Challenge outperform 2025 participation, while targeted campaigns supported insurance sales and member event engagement TUCSON, Ariz. - September 22 , 2026 - Tucson Federal Credit Union (TFCU) closed the first half of 2026 with measurable growth in member engagement, capping a six-month member rewards campaign that outperformed the prior year and reinforcing a communication strategy built around fewer, more targeted messages rather than higher email volume. The TFCU Challenge, a six-month initiative rewarding members for maintaining active accounts, enrolling in online banking, and completing debit card and Zelle activity, concluded in June with average monthly engagement of 4,693 eligible members in 2026, up from 3,977 in 2025, an increase of roughly 18 percent. The growth came even as TFCU reduced promotional email volume for the campaign, shifting instead to a multi-channel approach that included branch digital signage, website promotion, and consistent social media support. TFCU's broader June email program reflected the same emphasis on relevance over reach. Email support for Concert Connections ticket giveaways, tied to upcoming shows at AVA Amphitheater, generated 855 total raffle submissions, while targeted messaging around Tucson Federal Insurance Agency's auto insurance offerings contributed to 36 policy sales during the month. Additional campaigns promoting Personal Financial Coaching, a Personal Loan home renovation offer, and the FastCash loan program each met or exceeded industry benchmarks for open and click-to-open performance. "I am incredibly proud of the thoughtful approach our team has taken to member communication. We made a conscious decision to focus on relevance over volume because our members deserve information that is useful, timely, and meaningful to their lives. By leveraging multiple channels, we're able to connect with members in the ways that work best for them while creating a more seamless experience across the organization. The engagement growth we've seen is encouraging, not because of the numbers alone, but because it tells us we're building stronger relationships and creating more opportunities to fulfill our mission of empowering people and improving lives throughout our Tucson community," stated Krystal Adams, COO, Tucson Federal Credit Union. The results come as credit unions nationally are re-evaluating how they measure email performance. Industry researchers note that open rates alone are an increasingly unreliable engagement signal due to privacy features such as Apple Mail Privacy Protection, prompting marketers to weigh click-through, click-to-open, and conversion metrics more heavily. These figures are tied directly to member actions such as loan applications, insurance purchases, and event participation, and TFCU's June results reflect that shift, with campaign performance measured against real member behavior rather than volume alone. TFCU plans to continue its multi-channel, reduced-frequency communication strategy into the second half of 2026, with an emphasis on segmented, member-relevant content across products including consumer lending, insurance, and financial coaching.
DWT Offshore powołało Łukasza Buczyńskiego na stanowisko Country Managera, aby wzmocnić ofertę usług offshore w Polsce
Tue, Sep 22, 2026 07:46 EDT
„Czerpiąc z naszej bogatej wiedzy branżowej, wspieramy rozwój nowych projektów offshore na Bałtyku." Na początku września firma DWT Offshore Sp. z o.o. powitała Łukasza Buczyńskiego na stanowisku Country Managera w Polsce. Dzięki ponad 15-letniemu doświadczeniu w sektorze odnawialnych źródeł energii, Łukasz przyczyni się do wzrostu obecność DWT Offshore w Polsce i zwiększenia skali oferowanych przez firmę usług na podtrzeby powstających na Bałtyku projektów morskiej energetyki wiatrowej. Doświadczone kierownictwo na rozwijającym się rynku Łukasz Buczyński wnosi do firmy imponujące doświadczenie zawodowe; wcześniej pełnił funkcję członka zarządu i dyrektora operacyjnego (COO) w Polenergia SA oraz dyrektora ds. aktywów w EDP Renewables Polska, gdzie zarządzał portfelem farm wiatrowych i słonecznych o łącznej mocy blisko 1 GW. Pełniąc funkcję Dyrektora Serwisu Międzynarodowego w firmie Senvion, wraz ze swoim zespołem, świadcząc prace serwisowe dla morskich farm wiatrowych na Morzu Północnym, był wówczas jednym z pionierów w Polsce, kładąc tym samym podwaliny pod obecnie rozwijający się polski sektor offshore. „Cieszę się, że mogę dołączyć do DWT i wspierać ambicje Polski w zakresie morskiej energetyki wiatrowej" - mówi Łukasz Buczyński. „Polska ma ogromny potencjał, zarówno w pod względem możliwości budowy morskich farm wiatrowych, jak i rozwoju lokalnych kompetencji niezbędnych na ich potrzeby. Moim celem jest budowanie silnej współpracy z partnerami biznesowymi , świadczenie na ich rzecz niezawodnych usług i wniesienie realnej wartości, w postaci wiedzy i doświadczenia DWT do powstającego w Polsce sektor offshore. Kluczem do osiągnięcia sukcesu będą zaufanie i współpraca. Z niecierpliwością czekam na współpracę z naszymi zespołami i partnerami, by wspólnie budować przyszłość polskiej branży offshore. Achim Berge Olsen, dyrektor generalny (CEO) działu offshore w DWT, podkreśla: „Pozyskując Łukasza Buczyńskiego na stanowisko Country Managera, zyskaliśmy doświadczonego eksperta w dziedzinie serwisu i zarządzania aktywami. Dzięki niemu zamierzamy jeszcze skuteczniej świadczyć nasze usługi dla polskich projektów morskiej energetyki wiatrowej. Nasze doświadczenie i szeroki zakres wsparcia pozwalają nam wnosić kluczową wiedzę ekspercką na młody polski rynek offshore". Kompleksowa oferta usługowa Siłą DWT są zaawansowane kompetencje inżynieryjne oraz wiedza techniczna obejmująca urządzenia różnych producentów. Umożliwia to nam serwisowanie turbin i stacji elektroenergetycznych wielu czołowych marek. Oferta firmy obejmuje pełny cykl życia morskich farm wiatrowych: od etapu budowy, przez wymianę kluczowych podzespołów, inspekcje i serwis podwodny, aż po optymalizację eksploatacji oraz wsparcie w zakresie QHSE (jakość, bezpieczeństwo, higiena pracy i ochrona środowiska). W ramach strategii DWT, Łukasz będzie ściśle współpracował z polskimi i międzynarodowymi interesariuszami. Początkowe działania koncentrować się będą na obsłudze technicznej, zarządzaniu aktywami oraz budowaniu partnerstw z lokalnymi dostawcami i operatorami, aby zapewnić sprawną realizację projektów. DWT z entuzjazmem podchodzi do współtworzenia transformacji energetycznej w Polsce pod kierownictwem Łukasza Buczyńskiego i dedykowanego zespołu ds. projektów offshore.
DWT returns to Riffgat offshore wind farm with maintenance contract awarded by EWE
Tue, Sep 22, 2026 07:38 EDT
Successful comeback to Germany's first commercial North Sea offshore wind farm with comprehensive service for 30 Siemens turbines DWT (Deutsche Windtechnik) has been awarded the contract for maintenance and further services at the Riffgat offshore wind farm. From 1 January 2027, the independent service provider will provide technical services for all 30 Siemens SWT-3.6-120 wind turbines for operator EWE for an initial period of two years. The contract includes three annual extension options and marks the return of DWT to a wind farm it successfully serviced until the end of 2021. Built by EWE in 2013, the Riffgat offshore wind farm was the first commercial offshore wind farm in the German North Sea and has a total installed capacity of 108 megawatts. Comprehensive service package from a single source The new service contract covers a broad spectrum of maintenance and service activities. These include annual maintenance of the Siemens turbines, expert inspections for crane and access equipment, and active identification of optimisation potential at the Riffgat wind farm. Additional optional services are available, including remote fault elimination with second-level support, on-call troubleshooting and repair work, as well as extensive warehouse and spare parts management. Proven partnership continues "With DWT, we have secured a strong service partner for the maintenance and upkeep of the Riffgat offshore wind farm," explains Jantje Bolduan, Offshore Manager at EWE's Offshore Centre. "The fact that we are working with DWT again and can build on the existing project experience makes this partnership particularly valuable." DWT previously provided maintenance and servicing for the Riffgat offshore wind farm from 2019 until the end of 2021. At that time, the company became the world's first independent service provider (ISP) to maintain offshore Siemens SWT-3.6 turbines. Achim Berge Olsen, CEO of DWT's offshore division, emphasises the strategic importance: "We are extremely pleased to have won back Riffgat and to have prevailed in the competitive tender process. This project is another building block securing our company's positive order situation and consolidating our strong position in Siemens technology." Operations coordinated from Borkum The offshore operations for the Riffgat wind farm will be coordinated from Borkum, with the maintenance teams working from the customer's base on the island. During the winter months, troubleshooting will be carried out from DWT's service station in Emden, with teams transported to the turbines by helicopter when required.
Deutsche Windtechnik gewinnt Offshore-Windpark Riffgat zurück: Wartungsvertrag mit EWE ab 2027
Tue, Sep 22, 2026 07:34 EDT
Erfolgreiche Rückkehr in den ersten kommerziellen Offshore-Windpark der deutschen Nordsee - Umfassender Service für 30 Siemens-Turbinen Die Deutsche Windtechnik hat den Zuschlag für die Wartung und weitere Instandhaltungsleistungen des Offshore-Windparks (OWP) Riffgat erhalten. Ab dem 1. Januar 2027 übernimmt der unabhängige Servicedienstleister für zunächst zwei Jahre die technische Betreuung aller 30 Windenergieanlagen des Typs Siemens SWT-3.6-120 für den Betreiber EWE. Der Vertrag umfasst drei einjährige Verlängerungsoptionen und markiert die Rückkehr der Deutschen Windtechnik zu einem Park, den das Unternehmen bereits bis Ende 2021 erfolgreich betreute. Der 2013 von EWE errichtete Offshore-Windpark Riffgat war der erste kommerziell betriebene Windpark in der deutschen Nordsee und verfügt über eine installierte Gesamtleistung von 108 Megawatt. Umfassendes Leistungspaket aus einer Hand Der neue Servicevertrag beinhaltet ein breiteres Spektrum an Wartungs- und Instandhaltungsleistungen. Dazu gehören die Jahreswartung der Siemens-Turbinen, Sachverständigen- und Sachkundigenprüfungen für Kran- und Befahranlagen sowie die aktive Identifikation von Optimierungspotenzialen im OWP Riffgat. Zusätzlich stehen optionale Serviceleistungen zur Verfügung, darunter Fernentstörung mit Second-Level-Support, Entstörung und Instandsetzung auf Abruf sowie ein weitreichendes Lager- und Ersatzteilmanagement. Bewährte Zusammenarbeit wird fortgesetzt „Mit der Deutschen Windtechnik haben wir einen leistungsstarken Servicepartner für die Wartung und Instandhaltung des OWP Riffgat gewinnen können", erklärt Jantje Bolduan, Offshore Managerin im Offshore Center der EWE. „Besonders die Tatsache, dass wir mit der Deutschen Windtechnik erneut zusammenarbeiten und dabei auf die bereits bestehende Projekterfahrung aufbauen können, macht diese Partnerschaft wertvoll." Die Deutsche Windtechnik hatte bereits von 2019 bis Ende 2021 die Wartung und Instandhaltung des OWP Riffgat übernommen. Damals war das Unternehmen weltweit der erste unabhängige Servicedienstleister (ISP), der Siemens-Anlagen vom Typ SWT-3.6 offshore in der Wartung hatte. Achim Berge Olsen, CEO der Offshore-Sparte der Deutschen Windtechnik, betont die strategische Bedeutung: „Wir freuen uns außerordentlich, dass wir Riffgat zurückgewonnen haben und uns im Wettbewerb durchsetzen konnten. Das Projekt ist ein weiterer Baustein, der die positive Auftragslage unseres Unternehmens absichert und unsere starke Stellung bezüglich Siemens-Technologie manifestiert." Einsatz von Borkum aus koordiniert Der Offshore-Einsatz für OWP Riffgat wird von Borkum aus koordiniert, die Wartungsteams arbeiten von der Basis des Kunden auf Borkum aus. In den Wintermonaten erfolgt das Troubleshooting von der Servicestation der Deutschen Windtechnik in Emden, wobei die Teams bei Bedarf per Helikopter zu den Anlagen gebracht werden.
Online retailers risk scaling blind as marketplace complexity hides true margins
Tue, Sep 22, 2026 03:31 EDT
UK online retailers expanding across multiple marketplaces risk making pricing, stock and growth decisions without a reliable view of profitability because platform fees, refunds and VAT are not being consistently reconciled, specialist accountancy firm eAccounts has warned. As retailers add channels such as Amazon, eBay, Shopify, Etsy, TikTok Shop and Vinted, gross sales can rise while actual channel margins become harder to see. Each platform presents sales, commissions, advertising, fulfilment, storage and refunds differently, while bank feeds often show only the net payout received. Unless gross sales and every deduction are mapped correctly, topline growth can conceal weakening margins and create errors in VAT and tax reporting. The problem is particularly acute for retailers using accounting processes designed for conventional single-channel businesses. Kris Corbisiero, Co-Founder of eAccounts, said: " Selling online isn't the same as running a local plumbing business, yet many ecommerce retailers are still receiving exactly the same type of accounting advice. Once businesses start selling across multiple platforms, the rules change completely. We've seen businesses overpay tax, misunderstand profitability and struggle with VAT simply because their accountant didn't understand how online marketplaces actually work." eAccounts says the risk commonly becomes visible at two points. The first is when a retailer's taxable turnover exceeds the £90,000 VAT registration threshold. The second is when the business adds marketplaces or starts selling into other countries, making the reconciliation of sales, fees, refunds and VAT significantly more complicated. For retail leaders, poor reconciliation is not only a compliance issue. Without dependable channel-level figures, businesses can struggle to identify which marketplaces are genuinely profitable, where advertising spend is delivering a return and whether pricing still covers fulfilment, storage, commission and returns. Anil Demir, Founder of global ecommerce partnership TLINKTO, said: " Selling across Amazon and eBay taught me that eCommerce accounting is a different game entirely, once you're juggling marketplace fees, VAT, inventory and multiple sales channels, it's incredibly easy to lose sight of your actual profitability. "Through TLINKTO and eCommerce Target, I work closely with dozens of eCommerce entrepreneurs, and the same problem comes up again and again: businesses scaling fast without accounting support built for how marketplaces actually work. An accountant who genuinely understands eCommerce isn't a nice-to-have anymore, it's the difference between scaling profitably and scaling blind." Four signs a retailer may have outgrown its accounting support - Finance reports begin with marketplace payout totals rather than gross sales and the deductions that produced them. - The accountant relies on manual payout reports instead of connecting directly to marketplace data or compatible ecommerce integrations. - The adviser cannot clearly explain the VAT treatment of marketplace or international sales. - The business cannot see profitability by sales channel after fees, refunds, advertising, fulfilment and storage costs. The warning comes as HMRC begins signing up sole traders who are required to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax for the 2026 to 2027 tax year and have not already enrolled. The rules apply from 6 April 2026 to sole traders and landlords with qualifying income above £50,000, based on their 2024 to 2025 tax return, and require compatible software, digital records and quarterly updates. Dan Little, Founder of Link My Books, added: "We connect thousands of ecommerce sellers to their accounting software every day, and the difference between sellers working with a specialist and those using a general accountant is stark. Sellers with specialist support have cleaner books, fewer VAT errors and a much better understanding of their actual margins." eAccounts is encouraging online retailers to review whether their current accountant can confidently reconcile marketplace data, report profitability by channel and explain their VAT and Making Tax Digital obligations. For more information, visit https://www.e-accounts.co.uk .
Supply Chains Are Wobbling - Is Your Warehouse Steady?
Tue, Sep 22, 2026 03:16 EDT
Supply chain disruption is now cited as a risk by more than a third of UK manufacturers, according to MHA's 2026 Manufacturing Report, up from 31% the previous year. As disruption becomes more common outside the factory gates, the reliability of equipment inside the warehouse matters more than ever, as it's one of the few parts of the operation businesses can still fully control. When materials or components are delayed, or delivery schedules shift at short notice, manufacturers often have to move faster once stock does arrive, making up for lost time elsewhere in the process. This puts extra pressure on handling equipment that might previously have coped comfortably with a steadier, more predictable flow of goods. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Midland Pallet Trucks, said, "We hear a lot of the same from customers at the moment - things arriving later than planned, or in less predictable batches than they're used to. "What that means in practice is that when stock does turn up, there's often a scramble to get it moved, processed and out the door quickly. And that's exactly the wrong time to discover a piece of equipment - such as a pallet truck , stacker truck or lift table - isn't performing the way it should." Businesses can't do much about disruption happening further up the supply chain, but they can make sure their own equipment isn't adding to the problem. "We'd encourage manufacturers to think of equipment maintenance as part of their resilience planning, not a separate issue. If deliveries are less predictable than they used to be, the margin for error inside the warehouse gets smaller too, and that's where properly maintained kit earns its keep," Chesworth added. "It's a straightforward thing to check, but it's often overlooked until something goes wrong at exactly the moment a business can least afford it." For more information, visit https://www.midlandpallettrucks.com .
Ed Davey's Fuel Duty Cut: A Desperate Conference Stunt
Mon, Sep 21, 2026 11:06 EDT
"Ed Davey's three‑month fuel duty cut is opportunistic "We welcome any politician finally waking up to the fuel crisis - but Ed Davey is 16+ years late." "A three‑month cut is not a plan. It's a conference soundbite." "Forty countries have acted decisively. The Lib Dems have never once backed FairFuelUK's calls for long‑term duty reform." "Motorists deserve structural change - not a seasonal giveaway." FairFuelUK today responded to Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey's call for a temporary 10p‑a‑litre fuel duty cut until Christmas , announced at the party's conference in Brighton. While any move to ease the cost‑of‑living crisis for motorists is welcome, FairFuelUK says the proposal is pure political opportunism from a party that has been absent for nearly two decades of campaigning for fairer fuel taxation. Sir Ed Davey told broadcasters that petrol and diesel prices have surged due to "Trump's mad war with Iran" , and argued that the Treasury is receiving a windfall from higher oil, gas and energy prices - money he says should be returned to motorists through a temporary duty cut. He claimed the 10p cut would translate into a 12p reduction at the pumps , funded by elevated VAT, gas tax and energy profits levy receipts. FairFuelUK notes that this is not a new Lib Dem position : Davey made the same call in April, but the party has never supported FairFuelUK's long‑running campaign for permanent duty reform, PumpWatch transparency, or diesel margin accountability. FairFuelUK Statement Howard Cox, Founder of FairFuelUK, said: "It would be churlish not to say 'well done' to Ed Davey for finally recognising the crippling burden of fuel costs - but let's be honest: this is blatant opportunism. Where have the Liberal Democrats been for the last 17 years while FairFuelUK has fought relentlessly for drivers, hauliers and small businesses? They have ignored every call for duty cuts, transparency, and diesel fairness - until a conference headline beckoned. Since the start of the Iran crisis, more than 40 countries have stepped in to help their motorists: cutting fuel duty, reducing VAT, capping rises, and intervening directly in pump prices. The UK has done none of these things. Yet only now, with diesel heading towards £2 a litre and motorists at breaking point, the Lib Dems suddenly discover fuel duty fairness." Context: What Ed Davey Announced A 10p‑a‑litre temporary fuel duty cut until Christmas. Claimed impact: 12p reduction at the pump once VAT is factored in. Justification: Treasury windfall from higher oil, gas and energy prices. Additional Lib Dem transport pledges: £1 bus fare cap, 10% rail fare reduction, VAT cut on public EV charging, Review of network costs inflating charging prices FairFuelUK's Position FairFuelUK welcomes any political party finally acknowledging the scale of the crisis - but insists: A three‑month cut is not enough. The Government must freeze fuel duty for the entire Parliament . The UK must adopt PumpWatch with legislative teeth . Weekly publication of net‑of‑tax margins must become mandatory. A renewed CMA investigation into diesel margin inflation is essential. Retail margins - which have doubled since 2021 - must be brought under control. Why This Matters Motorists are facing the highest diesel prices since 2022, with RAC Fuel Watch warning diesel could hit £2 a litre this week. Petrol prices have climbed to 172p , diesel to 195p , driven by the US‑Iran conflict. Motor fuel prices were 23% higher in August than a year earlier. FairFuelUK argues that without decisive action, the UK will continue to suffer: Higher inflation Higher logistics and business costs Higher rural isolation Lower economic mobility Persistent profiteering at the pumps We are a public affairs team with no shareholders to satisfy, just an award-winning campaign representing the real concerns of hard-working motorists, families, small businesses, commercial drivers and hauliers across the UK. Decades of fiscal exploitation by successive Governments with little in return warrant the need for FairFuelUK. FairFuelUK was founded by and is managed by the Campaign's CEO, Howard Cox. Twitter @howardccox Funding is provided through regular donations from supporters. Previous backers have included Logistics UK, the RHA, the RAC, Association of Pallet Networks, UKLPG and others Since 2010, FairFuelUK has saved drivers over £200bn in planned tax hikes in duty and VAT through constructive and objective campaigning. Now the immediate pressure group's focus is on stopping those unnecessary tax hikes based on a good-intentioned but flawed 'green' agenda. These include new taxes and bans on drivers entering our major cities, and potentially adding more costs on petrol and diesel drivers by the Treasury. These are new taxes that will not improve air quality, but simply hit consumers and the economy. There are ways to improve air quality without hitting consumers' pockets. Current FairFuelUK Campaign Issues include: Fuel duty, VAT on duty - PumpWatch and fuel price transparency - Effective ways to lower emissions but not through tax hikes - Stop the perennial demonisation of van drivers, hauliers and motorists - Quash ULEZ, LTNs, 15 minute areas - Scrap 2030 Ban on the sales of new diesel and petrol cars - More investment in UK roads similar to the level of HS2 spend - Establish a long term Government strategic roads transport plan - Halt unnecessary cash generating congestion zones and ULEZ expansion - VED and its future - Influence fairer future road user taxation plans and road funding with fuel duty revenue predicted to decline - Help role out new vehicle technology in a way that does not hit drivers in the pocket - Scrap hospital parking charges - Other related motoring costs and driving issues
They say it takes a village to raise a child. So we built one": Nine-year Buckhurst Hill community launches fundraiser to secure its future
Fri, Sep 18, 2026 05:16 EDT
A community play space that has supported Buckhurst Hill families for nine years is asking local people to help keep its doors open as it begins a new chapter as a Community Interest Company. The Playhub has spent almost a decade creating a place where parents, carers and young children can play, connect and find support. Founded by Casta Littlewood nine years ago, it has now entered a new chapter as Community Playhub CIC. Hebe Ockenden first came to The Playhub as a parent before becoming a volunteer and spending nearly four years helping to support its community. She has now joined Casta as co-director, with the pair working together to protect and develop The Playhub while keeping local families at the heart of it. The immediate challenge is funding the physical space that makes all of this possible. The Playhub has launched a GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise £1,620 to cover its hall hire for the October to December term. Supporters can also help generate ongoing funds by buying tickets through the Epping Forest Community Lottery. But behind the fundraising target is a much bigger story about what a play space can become when it grows around the needs of the people using it. The Playhub offers affordable stay-and-play sessions alongside a growing network of community and family support. Families can access an Infant Feeding Café offering peer support, baby weighing and evidence-based information; a sling library; and a regular community food table supplied through Redbridge Zero Waste. The Playhub also welcomes local practitioners and community services into a familiar, accessible space where parents can seek support while their children play. Free places are available for families who tell us they need one, with no eligibility checks or proof required. The Playhub's community extends far beyond the hall. It also runs a large network of local WhatsApp groups connecting families with friendship, information, activities, practical support and one another. These include groups for parents of babies, toddlers and primary-aged children, as well as local activities, buying, selling and giving away children's items, nights out, theatre trips, dads' events and wider community conversations. Rather than designing a service and asking families to fit within it, The Playhub has evolved over nine years by listening to the people coming through its doors and responding to what families say they need. Casta Littlewood, founder of The Playhub and co-director of Community Playhub CIC, said: "I've always tried to give the community what it needs, and The Playhub has grown as a reflection of that. "We listen to the families who come through the door and respond to what they need. That might be somewhere to play, somewhere to meet other parents, feeding support, practical help or simply somewhere they feel they belong." For Hebe, the journey from parent to volunteer and now co-director reflects the way The Playhub allows families not only to receive support, but also to become part of providing it. Hebe Ockenden, women's health and community advocate and co-director of Community Playhub CIC, said: "I first came to The Playhub as a parent with my own child. Over time, I became a volunteer and increasingly involved in the community around it. Becoming co-director feels like the next step in protecting something that has become incredibly important to me and to so many local families. "I've always wanted to work in spaces that improve women's health and wellbeing, particularly during pregnancy, birth and early motherhood. "What I love about The Playhub is that support doesn't always have to happen behind a closed door or through a formal referral. Sometimes it happens over a cup of tea while your baby is being weighed, while you're feeding your baby or while your toddler is playing beside you. "They say it takes a village to raise a child. The Playhub feels like what happens when a community actually builds one." The move to become a Community Interest Company is intended to protect and develop that community purpose. Rather than transforming The Playhub into something new, Hebe and Casta hope the CIC structure will provide an already established community resource with greater opportunities to access funding, develop partnerships and build a sustainable future. Their immediate priority is straightforward: keeping the hall paid for and the doors open. They are asking local residents, businesses and supporters to help secure the coming term through donations to the hall hire fundraiser or to support The Playhub longer-term through the community lottery. Even small contributions can collectively help provide the physical space in which children play, parents make friends, new families receive support, people access practical help and a community continues to grow. Support The Playhub Donate to the hall hire fundraiser www.gofundme.com/f/hall-hire-at-the-playhub Support Community Playhub CIC through the Epping Forest Community Lottery www.eppingforestcommunitylottery.co.uk/support/community-playhub-cic
Freshers are Seven Times More Likely to Contract Meningococcal Disease Than Young Adults who don't go to University
Thu, Sep 17, 2026 22:57 EDT
First-year students face a risk of meningococcal disease around seven times higher than young people of a similar age who do not attend university, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data demonstrates. The increased risk is linked to close social contact, shared accommodation and exposure to new social groups. Meningitis B (MenB) remains the dominant strain of meningococcal disease affecting young people. It was responsible for 97% of invasive meningococcal cases in 15 to 24-year-olds (93 of 96 cases) in England during 2025 to 2026, according to UKHSA reports . To help improve awareness of the warning signs, the Spencer Dayman Meningitis Research charity has developed a free symptom card and dispenser for use in schools, universities, workplaces, GP surgeries, libraries and community settings. Dr Steve Dayman, founder of the Spencer Dayman Meningitis Research charity and the UK's Meningitis Movement, explains, "Meningitis and sepsis can strike quickly and symptoms can appear in any order. It is vital that parents and young people know what to look for. Symptoms can be hard to spot or may initially resemble flu or a hangover. "Early diagnosis and treatment can mean the difference between life and death. I know of numerous cases where recognising symptoms early enabled people to receive life-saving treatment." Dr Dayman has spent more than 40 years driving meningitis vaccine development, research and awareness-raising. He introduced and promoted the diagnostic Tumbler Test to the public in 1991. He encourages students, parents, lecturers, teachers and employers to carry a symptom card. It could save a life. Young people are eligible for the NHS's time-limited two-dose MenB vaccination this autumn. Visit Book a MenB vaccination appointment - NHS to find out more. To support awareness campaigns, the charity is offering free symptom cards and dispensers to universities, schools, workplaces, GP surgeries and community organisations. To receive free symptom cards and dispensers, contact: info@spencerdaymanmeningitisresearch.org Digital posters, cards and leaflets covering meningitis and sepsis are available at: https://www.spencerdaymanmeningitisresearch.org/meningitis-explained/downloads/ ---- About meningitis and sepsis Meningococcal disease can cause meningitis, sepsis or both together. Recognising the symptoms of each can help people seek urgent medical attention sooner. MenB was the leading cause of invasive meningococcal disease across almost all age groups under 25, the latest Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD) government report shows. Vaccination is helping to reduce cases of meningococcal disease but does not protect against every type of meningitis or every cause of sepsis. Research shows that teenagers and adolescents are more likely to carry meningococcal bacteria and are therefore at increased risk of spreading the infection. Up to 1 in 4 teenagers carry meningitis-causing bacteria in the back of their throats, compared to 1 in 10 people in the general population. As well as being potentially fatal, meningitis can leave those infected with long-term health conditions, including hearing or vision loss, and difficulties with memory and movement. Key symptoms of meningitis and sepsis Symptoms can appear in any order and not everyone will experience every symptom. Seek urgent medical advice if meningitis or sepsis is suspected. Fever Severe headache Stiff neck Sensitivity to light Confusion Drowsiness Rash that does not fade under pressure Cold hands and feet Rapid breathing - Ends - Notes to editors: Spencer Dayman Meningitis Research charity Established in 2023, the Spencer Dayman Meningitis Research charity builds on more than 40 years of work in meningitis research, awareness and advocacy. The charity funds innovative research into vaccines against meningitis-causing bacteria and Streptococcal infections associated with serious illnesses including bacterial meningitis and sepsis. The charity is led by Dr Steve Dayman, founder of the UK's Meningitis Movement, and is supported by a panel of medical experts. Dr Dayman has dedicated more than four decades to raising awareness of meningitis after losing his son, Spencer, to bacterial meningitis and sepsis at just 14 months, in 1982. After Spencer's death, Dr Dayman set up the Meningitis Research Appeal, the first charity to represent meningitis. Initially he was told by the meningitis scientific fraternity that he would not see a meningitis vaccine in his lifetime. There are now five vaccines in the UK national vaccination programme. He has been involved in many meningitis charities and research efforts over the past 40 years and received an MBE for services to healthcare in 2011 and an honorary doctorate from University of Bristol in 2014. The Spencer Dayman Meningitis Research Charity was established in his son's memory and aims to improve prevention and early diagnosis of these life-threatening conditions. The charity has already committed more than £500,000 to research programmes focused on vaccines, which will primarily be used to research at the Spencer Dayman Research Laboratories at the University of Bristol. These are destined to protect children, adolescents and vulnerable adults against meningitis and Streptococcal infections, as well as to establish a groundbreaking 'Sepsis Diagnosis in 5 Minutes' test. https://www.spencerdaymanmeningitisresearch.org Interviews with Dr Steve Dayman are available on request, at flexible times and short notice Notes: Research shows that teenagers and adolescents are more likely to carry meningococcal bacteria and are at increased risk of spreading the infection (source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/meningococcal-carriage-and-infection-technical-background ) 313 confirmed MenB cases in England in 2024-25 (source: UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) https://www.gov.uk/government/news/vaccination-crucial-as-meningitis-cases-increase ) Up to 1 in 4 teenagers are carrying meningitis-causing bacteria in the back of their throats, compared to 1 in 10 in the general population (source: https://vaccineknowledge.ox.ac.uk/meningococcal-disease#How-is-it-passed-on ) Sepsis affects an estimated 245,000 people in the UK each year and contributes to around 48,000 to 50,000 deaths annually (source: https://sepsistrust.org/about-sepsis/references-sources/ ) This year's NHS vaccination programme is available for teenagers aged 17 or 18 who are born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, and young people aged 24 or under who are starting university or some types of residential further education for the first time. (source: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/)
NATP Urges Senate Consideration of Bipartisan Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act
Thu, Sep 17, 2026 15:37 EDT
The National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) is urging Senate leaders to move the Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act (S. 3931) forward for consideration by the full Senate following overwhelming bipartisan approval by the Senate Finance Committee. In a Sept. 15 letter to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., NATP thanked the senators for their bipartisan work on the legislation and asked them to work with Senate leadership to advance the bill. The Finance Committee approved the legislation 26-1 on July 30. "A 26-1 vote sends a clear message that better taxpayer service and reasonable standards for paid tax return preparers are not partisan goals," said Scott Artman, CPA, CGMA, CEO of NATP. "The committee has taken an important step. We hope the full Senate now has the opportunity to consider these reforms." The TAS Act includes more than 60 bipartisan tax administration reforms aimed at improving taxpayer service, modernizing IRS operations and strengthening taxpayer rights. NATP supports the legislation because many of the issues it addresses are ones tax professionals encounter while helping taxpayers navigate the federal tax system. Among its taxpayer service provisions, the legislation would expand online access to tax returns, notices and correspondence; allow certain responses to the IRS to be submitted electronically; provide more information about processing backlogs and telephone wait times; expand callback availability; and support greater electronic processing of taxpayer correspondence and paper-filed returns. The legislation also would establish federal suitability and education requirements for certain paid tax return preparers. Under the current proposal, the requirements generally would apply to paid preparers who are not CPAs, attorneys or enrolled agents in good standing and who do not qualify through a comparable state program. Required education would cover ethics, professional responsibility and tax law and would be capped at 18 hours annually. The legislation also would provide notice and an opportunity for a hearing when the Treasury Department seeks to suspend or revoke a preparer tax identification number. NATP supports reasonable education and accountability standards that encourage paid tax return preparers to remain current on tax law, ethics and professional responsibility while maintaining appropriate protections for tax professionals. The TAS Act has not become law, and its provisions could change as it moves through Congress. NATP is asking Senate Finance Committee leaders to continue working with Senate leadership to move the legislation forward. To further discuss the letter or NATP's stance on preparer regulation, please contact Nancy Kasten or Samantha Strong .
