SGS hosts webinar showcasing next‑generation integrated strategies for skin sensitization
Tue, May 12, 2026 04:28 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, will host a webinar, 'Next-Generation Integrated Strategies for Skin Sensitization in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products', on May 28, 2026. As regulatory restrictions on animal testing continue to expand, alongside increasing expectations for safety and transparency, cosmetics and personal care product manufacturers are under growing pressure to adopt alternative approaches to toxicological risk assessment. Skin sensitization remains a critical endpoint in ensuring consumer safety and regulatory acceptance across global markets. In this webinar, expert presenter Dr. Ashwani Sharma will provide an overview of the biological mechanisms underlying skin sensitization and explain how data from multiple non-animal sources can be integrated into robust, scientifically sound safety evaluations. He will look at next-generation integrated approaches, highlighting how in chemico, in vitro and in silico methods can be combined within integrated approaches to testing and assessment (IATA). The session will examine key alternative testing methodologies and weight-of-evidence strategies, demonstrating how these approaches can support hazard identification and risk assessment for both cosmetic ingredients and finished products. Regulatory perspectives and case examples are also discussed, illustrating how integrated strategies align with current expectations in the US, EU and Asian markets. By adopting next-generation integrated skin sensitization strategies, companies can improve decision-making, streamline product development and enhance regulatory readiness while supporting ethical, non-animal testing frameworks. SGS's expertise in cosmetic safety assessment helps businesses navigate evolving regulatory landscapes while maintaining high standards of consumer protection and product quality. Toxicologists, cosmetics and personal care manufacturers, quality control managers and regulatory specialists are invited to register now and gain practical insights into the next generation of skin sensitization safety assessment for global markets. For further information, please contact: Jennifer Buckley Senior Global Marketing Manager SGS, Health & Nutrition Tel: +1 9738669043 Media inquiries
Acuity Trading Invests in MarketReader to Build a More Complete AI Market Intelligence Offering
Tue, May 12, 2026 02:00 EDT
Growth investment strengthens Acuity's ability to combine market, event and trade intelligence with real-time market move attribution. Acuity Trading, a global provider of AI-driven market, event and trade intelligence solutions for brokers, platforms and financial institutions, today announced a growth investment in MarketReader, an AI-powered financial intelligence platform focused on explaining why markets move in real time. The investment marks a significant step in Acuity's long-term strategy to build a broader, more complete intelligence offering for financial institutions and their end users. It brings together Acuity's established market intelligence infrastructure, alternative data capabilities and global distribution with MarketReader's specialist market move attribution technology. MarketReader is designed to answer one of the most important questions facing professional market participants: why did this move? Its technology identifies abnormal price movements and connects those moves with relevant market, macro, news, sentiment and cross-asset data to provide timely, structured explanations of what may be driving market activity. For Acuity, the investment is a signal of confidence in MarketReader's technology, team and market opportunity. It supports the continued expansion of Acuity's intelligence ecosystem by adding a specialist explanation layer that helps users move beyond prices, headlines and data towards clearer market context. Together, Acuity and MarketReader are building a stronger workflow for professional market participants: helping users identify what is moving, understand why it is moving, validate the wider context and monitor what may matter next. MarketReader's technology uses a structured, rules-based framework supported by controlled AI workflows. Its approach is designed to provide consistent, explainable outputs for professional and institutional environments where transparency, supervision and reliability are critical. Andrew Lane, Co-Founder of Acuity Trading, said: "This investment reflects our confidence in MarketReader and in the future of market move attribution as an important part of financial intelligence. Acuity has always focused on helping clients make sense of markets through AI, data and research. MarketReader adds a powerful explanation layer to that ecosystem, helping users understand not just what has moved, but why it may have moved." The investment will support closer product, commercial and operational alignment between the two businesses, while enabling Acuity to bring MarketReader's capabilities into its wider suite of intelligence solutions for brokers, trading platforms, wealth firms and financial institutions. For Acuity's existing clients, the move creates an opportunity to access richer market context inside the workflows they already use. For institutional and advisory users, it supports faster, more defensible explanations of market activity. For compliance-sensitive environments, it provides a clearer, more structured approach to market explainability and human oversight. Jens Nordvig, Co-Founder of MarketReader and former Goldman Sachs currency strategist, said: "Acuity has built a strong global platform for delivering AI-driven market intelligence at scale. This investment gives MarketReader the opportunity to extend the reach of our real-time attribution technology and bring clearer market explanations to a wider professional audience. Together, we can help financial institutions provide a more complete understanding of what is driving markets." The move reflects a broader shift in financial markets towards explainable, context-rich intelligence. As market participants face rising volumes of data, headlines and price movement, the ability to understand the drivers behind market activity is becoming increasingly important. MarketReader's core audience includes institutional investment teams, RIAs, hedge funds, asset managers, family offices, research teams, wealth firms and enterprise platforms that need fast, credible explanations for market moves. Acuity brings established delivery capability across broker, platform and institutional workflows, supporting wider access to MarketReader's technology among professional users globally. The investment is not intended to replace human judgement or investment decision-making. Instead, it is designed to support professional users with clearer market context, structured explanations and more efficient access to relevant market intelligence. Disclaimer / risk warning MarketReader and Acuity Trading provide market intelligence, research tools and decision-support technology for informational and professional use only. Nothing in this announcement constitutes investment advice, financial advice, a personal recommendation, a financial promotion, or an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or hold any financial instrument. Financial markets involve risk. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. CFDs, spread betting, foreign exchange, margin trading, cryptoassets and other leveraged products are complex and high risk. Leverage can magnify losses as well as gains, and users should ensure they understand the risks involved before using these products. AI-supported outputs should not be relied upon in isolation and do not guarantee any outcome. They are intended to support human analysis, professional judgement and appropriate supervision, not to replace independent research, regulated advice or compliance review. About MarketReader MarketReader is an AI-powered financial intelligence platform focused on explaining why markets move in real time. By combining structured data, expert sources and controlled AI workflows, MarketReader delivers event-driven market move attribution for professional investors, financial institutions and enterprise platforms. MarketReader is positioned as a market explanation and attribution layer. It is not an investment signal provider, not a personal recommendation tool and not an autonomous trading decision system. About Acuity Acuity Trading, an Acuity Analytics company, brings together the strengths of PIA First and Signal Centre to deliver a broad suite of market intelligence, analytics and trader engagement tools for brokers, platforms and institutional partners worldwide. Since pioneering visual market insight and sentiment tools in 2013, Acuity Trading has continued to expand its capabilities through advanced analytics, alternative data, AI-driven insight and trading technology. By combining research expertise with scalable technology, Acuity supports brokers and trading platforms in delivering structured market context within their existing environments. Acuity's team of academics, scientists, market analysts and technology specialists is dedicated to developing high-impact data products designed to support traders. Solutions are available through flexible delivery options including APIs, MT4/MT5, plug-and-play widgets and third-party automation services. For further information or to request a demo, please visit www.acuitytrading.com or contact: Follow Acuity Trading on social: Twitter: @acuitytrading LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acuity-trading Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acuitytradingltd/
Acuity Trading and WNSTN Partner to Co-Integrate Trading Intelligence and Personalised AI Engagement
Tue, May 12, 2026 01:00 EDT
Acuity Trading and WNSTN Partner to Co-Integrate Trading Intelligence and Personalised AI Engagement Acuity Trading, the market intelligence company combining AI and analyst expertise for brokers and trading platforms, has partnered with WNSTN, a global leader offering AI engagement tools for financial institutions, to co-integrate their technologies and deliver a more connected trading experience. The partnership will combine Acuity's market, event and trade intelligence with WNSTN's conversational AI, data visualisation, real-time interaction capabilities and compliance monitoring tools. Together, the two companies aim to help brokers and financial platforms deliver timely market context, relevant content and more bespoke user journeys within their existing environments. Acuity's platform brings together Trade Intelligence, Market Intelligence and Event Intelligence in a white-labelled, multilingual environment built for broker growth, with delivery across MT4, MT5, cTrader, widgets and APIs. WNSTN provides a turnkey AI solution for investment platforms, including a multi-agent financial AI system, interactive chat, real-time analytics, bespoke branding and a proprietary compliance officer module trained on financial regulations. Under the partnership, brokers and platforms will be able to deliver Acuity's intelligence through WNSTN's engagement layer, while benefiting from WNSTN's personalisation and interaction capabilities alongside Acuity-powered content. The shared aim is to create a clearer, more joined-up user experience without adding unnecessary complexity for platform teams. Roy Michaeli, Co-Founder and CEO of WNSTN: "We believe AI in financial services must do more than generate answers. It needs to deliver relevant insights in a way that is secure, responsible and practical for regulated firms. By working with Acuity Trading, we are combining trusted market intelligence with a highly personalised engagement framework, giving brokers and platforms a stronger way to give users with timely, contextual and actionable information." Andrew Lane, CEO of Acuity Trading: "Brokers and platforms are looking for ways to give traders more clarity at the point decisions are made. This partnership combines Acuity's market intelligence with WNSTN's personalised engagement layer, helping firms deliver a more connected in-platform experience that is informative, scalable and designed with compliance in mind." The partnership reflects a shared focus on combining high-quality market intelligence with intuitive, compliant delivery. Acuity helps brokers keep traders confident, active and engaged by delivering clear trading intelligence directly inside their platforms, while WNSTN enables financial institutions to deploy AI experiences with speed, security and regulatory oversight built in. Together, the companies are creating a more practical and effective way for brokers and financial platforms to deliver trading-related content, market context and personalised user engagement. About WNSTN WNSTN is a global provider of compliant AI solutions for financial institutions, brokerages, and capital markets firms. Built with layered compliance controls, multi-agent financial intelligence, and enterprise-grade security, WNSTN enables institutions to deploy real-time AI safely across client engagement, service automation, and internal analytics workflows. WNSTN is headquartered in the U.S. with teams across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. About Acuity Acuity Trading revolutionised the online trading experience for millions of investors with the introduction of visual news and sentiment tools in 2013. Today, Acuity continues to lead the fintech market with advanced analytic tools, alternative data and highly engaging trading tools using the latest in AI research and technology. Acuity's team of academics, scientists, news and market professionals are dedicated to delivering highly effective data products that bring value to investors of all levels and experience. Flexible delivery options include APIs, MT4/5, plug and play widgets and third party automation services. Contact Us https://acuitytrading.com/
COOL-BINZ Recognized on Entrepreneur's 2026 Top New & Emerging Franchises List
Mon, May 11, 2026 14:58 EDT
Climate-controlled portable storage concept gains national recognition as demand rises for flexible, service-based business models and innovative storage solutions As entrepreneurs increasingly seek business models built around flexibility, recurring demand and practical innovation, emerging service concepts are drawing heightened attention across the franchising industry. One category gaining momentum is climate-controlled portable storage, and COOL-BINZ is emerging as an early innovator within the space. COOL-BINZ has been recognized on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2026 Top New & Emerging Franchises list, an annual ranking that highlights franchise brands demonstrating strong potential, industry relevance and growing interest among prospective business owners. For COOL-BINZ, the recognition underscores the brand's growing presence and innovative approach to portable storage solutions. Unlike traditional storage offerings, COOL-BINZ provides portable, climate-controlled storage units designed to serve a wide range of residential and commercial needs. The units plug into a standard 110v outlet and support a variety of applications, including temperature-sensitive storage, mobile office space, refrigeration and freezer use cases. As homeowners and businesses continue prioritizing convenience, mobility and flexible infrastructure, demand for adaptable service solutions has expanded across multiple industries. COOL-BINZ was developed to meet these evolving needs while also creating a scalable opportunity for entrepreneurs entering the service-based franchise sector. "Entrepreneurs today are looking closely at businesses that solve practical, everyday challenges while offering long-term adaptability," said Matt O'Rourke, EVP of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group. "COOL-BINZ stands out because it brings innovation to a traditional industry, creating solutions that appeal to both residential and commercial customers while opening the door to multiple revenue opportunities for franchise owners." Since joining the BELFOR Franchise Group portfolio, COOL-BINZ has continued expanding into new markets while introducing customers to a different type of storage experience, one centered around flexibility, accessibility and climate-controlled protection. With the support of BELFOR Franchise Group, COOL-BINZ franchise owners benefit from the operational support, training and infrastructure of a leading franchisor with proven experience helping entrepreneurs build resilient local businesses. The franchisor's brand portfolio spans a wide range of essential residential and commercial service industries, providing franchisees with access to established systems, ongoing coaching and collaborative brand support. For more information about COOL-BINZ, visit coolbinzfranchise.com . For more information about BELFOR Franchise Group, visit belforfranchisegroup.com . About BELFOR Franchise Group BELFOR Franchise Group is a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor. For decades, BELFOR Franchise Group has empowered entrepreneurs by offering strong business models, industry-leading training and continuous business coaching to help local owners succeed. BELFOR Franchise Group is the parent organization to a portfolio of service-based franchise opportunities in the home services, commercial cleaning and restoration industries. The franchise brands include 1-800-BOARDUP , 1-800 WATER DAMAGE , Blue Kangaroo Packoutz , Chem-Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning , Clear Pest Pros , COOL-BINZ , DUCTZ , Helpful Heroes , HOODZ , JUNKCO+ , N-Hance Wood Refinishing , The Patch Boys , redbox+ Dumpsters , WINMAR and Z PLUMBERZ . For more information, visit belforfranchisegroup.com .
New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies to Hold Business Meetings in the Bronx and Rochester
Mon, May 11, 2026 07:51 EDT
May 11, 2026 -- The New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies (NYSCCRR) will hold public business meetings on Friday, May 15, 2026 , at two locations: Walker Memorial Baptist Church in the Bronx and Lake Riley Lodge at Cobb's Hill Park in Rochester . The business meetings are open to the public, and community members are welcome to attend and observe the proceedings. The agenda will include updates on the Commission's ongoing work, communications strategy, community outreach efforts, and next steps in advancing reparative justice across New York State. Following the formal meeting, commissioners will be available for questions and conversation. EVENT DETAILS Who: Open to the public What: NYSCCRR Business Meeting - featuring updates on the Commission's ongoing work and next steps to advance reparative justice across New York State When: May 15, 2026 | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Where: Walker Memorial Baptist Church 120 E 169th Street Bronx, NY 10452 [ Click to get directions ] Lake Riley Lodge at Cobb's Hill Park 100 Norris Drive Rochester, NY 14610 [ Click to get directions ] The primary focus of business meetings is to address the internal business of the commission, including internal discussions, decision-making, planning by the commissioners and voting on resolutions as necessary. A quorum of at least five commissioners must be present to hold any votes. These meetings are open to the public; however, because they are devoted primarily to commission business, the time for receiving public comment may be limited to a short period at the end of the meeting. Business meetings will be live-streamed, and video recordings will be available on the commission's website for later viewing. The NYSCCRR continues its statewide work studying the economic, social and political impacts of slavery and systemic racism in New York State. Additional public hearings and business meetings are scheduled through spring 2026. HOW TO FOLLOW THE COMMISSION'S WORK Community members can learn more details at www.ny.gov/reparations . While these specific business meetings are centered on internal operations, those wishing to provide formal input may submit written or audio testimony via email to ReparationsCommission@reparations.ny.gov or leave a voicemail by calling 518-473-3997. To learn more about the Commission, access past hearing materials, or follow NYSCCRR updates, visit www.ny.gov/reparations Connect with NYSCCRR: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn
New service helps aspiring charity founders get through the complex registration process with confidence
Mon, May 11, 2026 07:05 EDT
Evolve Catalyst , a UK charity management consultancy, today launched its Charity Registration Support service, providing professional guidance for founders preparing Charity Commission applications. The service addresses a critical gap in the sector, where many promising charitable initiatives struggle with complex registration requirements, leading to delayed approvals, rejected applications, and unnecessary stress for founding teams. "Every year, hundreds of passionate founders start the charity registration process only to hit obstacles they didn't see coming," said Ghamdan Al-Areeky, Founder of Evolve Catalyst and Charity Mentor. "Drafting compliant charitable purposes, understanding public benefit requirements, getting governance documents right; these aren't intuitive tasks, and mistakes lead to months of delays or outright rejection. We created this service because founders should be spending their energy on their mission, not decoding Charity Commission guidance documents." The service provides professional drafting and review of core registration documents, including charitable purposes, public benefit statements, and governing documents. Founders also receive guidance on trustee eligibility, essential policies, and support throughout the registration period to handle Charity Commission queries efficiently. Charity registration in the UK has become increasingly complex, with stricter compliance requirements and more detailed scrutiny from the Charity Commission. Many founders, particularly those from underrepresented communities or without prior charity sector experience, face significant barriers to establishing their organisations. Poor-quality applications not only delay registration but can also create weak governance foundations that cause problems years later. This service helps founders establish strong legal and governance frameworks from day one, getting their applications right the first time. "The real impact of delayed or rejected applications goes beyond frustration," Al-Areeky continued. "Communities wait longer for the support they need. Founding teams lose momentum. Potential funders move on. Getting the registration process right from the start isn't just about compliance; it's about getting vital services to people faster and building charities that can thrive from their first day." About Evolve Catalyst Evolve Catalyst is a UK charity management consultancy supporting small and medium-sized charities through hands-on mentoring and strategic guidance. We work with charity founders, trustees, CEOs and senior managers on governance, systems, communications, fundraising, and strategic planning, helping them build strong foundations for sustainable growth and lasting community impact. How to Access Charity Registration Support Charity founders interested in professional registration support can learn more and book a consultation at https://www.evolvecatalyst.org/charity-registration/ .
Lindström expands in Poland with acquisition of protective workwear manufacturer ORK Poland
Mon, May 11, 2026 06:57 EDT
Lindström Oy has acquired the shares of ORK Poland sp. z o.o., one of the leading protective workwear manufacturers in Poland. The acquisition supports Lindström's strategy 2030 and strengthens its ability to serve existing and new customers with comprehensive, high‑quality workwear production capabilities. ORK Poland employs approximately 140 people at two locations in Końskie and Kielce and serves customers in a variety of industries across the Polish market. The company has built a strong reputation in the local market through its expertise, quality and skilled organisation. In addition to continuing to serve ORK Poland's customers, Lindström can further enhance service for our textile rental customers through strengthened in-house production capabilities. President and CEO of Lindström Group, Juha Laurio, comments: "ORK Poland adds complementary capabilities, local know-how and a skilled organisation to Lindström. The acquisition strengthens our production capabilities in Europe and supports our long-term growth strategy. We look forward to working together with the ORK Poland team and leveraging our combined strengths to support Lindström's future growth." "We are pleased that the business will continue as part of Lindström. We believe Lindström provides a strong and responsible platform for the future development of the company." Emanuel Drela, former CEO and majority owner of ORK Poland sp. z o.o. adds. More information: Juha Laurio President & CEO, Lindström Oy juha.laurio@lindstromgroup.com Media inquiries Lauri Hyppölä Manager, Communications Tel. +358 44 288 3920 lauri.hyppola@lindstromgroup.com Lindström is a family-owned textile service company with a business model rooted in circular economy principles. With over 5,100 employees, Lindström provides comprehensive textile solutions for various industries, including workwear, cleanroom textiles, mats, industrial wipers, washroom products, cleaning textiles, and textile services for hotels, restaurants and the healthcare sector. The service covers textile supply, washing, maintenance, replacements and delivery. Founded in 1848 and headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Lindström now operates in 24 countries across Europe and Asia, with a 2025 turnover of EUR 542 million. For further information, please visit lindstromgroup.com ORK Poland sp. z o.o. ORK Poland sp. z o.o. is a privately owned company based in Poland. The company operates in manufacturing and provision of protective workwear products and serves customers in various industries in the Polish market. ORK Poland sp. z o.o. has its headquarters in Kielce, Poland.
New Platform Launches to Reimagine Careers Education for the 21st Century
Mon, May 11, 2026 06:48 EDT
For all the talk of preparing young people for the future, most are still leaving school with little understanding of the working world they are about to enter. They are expected to choose subjects, courses, and career paths while knowing almost nothing about the industries around them, the jobs within those industries, or what those jobs entail in real life. A staggering 84% of young people still have no idea what they want to do when they leave education - and when they do make a choice, an eye-watering 96% will change jobs within three years. This needs to change, and a new platform called Working Eye is set to do just that with the launch of its £75,000 crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. Part AI platform, part video-driven discovery experience, Working Eye has been designed to give people something that career advice has struggled to provide for years: visibility. The company describes its mission as moving beyond traditional "careers advice" and into what it calls "career discovery". Instead of pushing students towards generic pathways based on broad assessments and outdated information, the platform helps users explore the reality of different careers through intelligent recommendations and immersive video content. AI helps users identify careers, industries and opportunities they may never otherwise have considered. Video then brings those roles to life, allowing users to hear directly from people inside those industries about what their work is really like - the routines, pressures, challenges, progression and realities that are rarely discussed in schools. The aim is not simply to tell people what jobs exist, but to help them understand where they may genuinely fit. For founder and CEO Peter Cayless, the current system has left generations of young people trying to make life-shaping decisions with only fragments of information. "We've normalised asking teenagers to make enormous choices about their future while showing them almost none of the world they're choosing from," he said. "Most still don't know the basics - what industries exist, what opportunities sit inside them, or what working life looks like from one role to the next. "That creates uncertainty, poor decisions and, ultimately, wasted potential. Working Eye changes that dynamic. AI helps people discover careers that may genuinely suit them, while video helps them understand those careers properly before making decisions. Together, that has the power to change forever the way people find work that fits who they are." The £75,000 campaign is intended to help bring the platform to market, expand its growing video library and support rollout into schools and homes. Education figures who have seen the platform early believe it could represent a major shift in how career education is approached. Clive Barnett, Former HM Inspector, Ofsted, said Working Eye is "the most innovative thing to happen in careers advice for years". "There's simply nothing else like it," he added. Mary Keeling, Partner at IBM Consulting, said, "This is the holy grail; it's the one we've been waiting for." Students who have used initial versions of the platform have responded strongly to hearing directly from people in different roles, particularly when those accounts challenge expectations or reveal aspects of a job rarely discussed. The campaign arrives at a time when concerns around job readiness and skills gaps are becoming harder to ignore. As careers become less linear and more subject to change, the need to revisit and rethink direction is only expected to grow. Working Eye is positioning itself not as a replacement for existing systems, but to strengthen them - starting with something simple: letting people see what they are choosing. The campaign is now live on Indiegogo: www.indiegogo.com/en/projects/working-eye/working-eye-reimagining-careers-education-for-the-21st-century-powered-by-ai
Consultation on BPA and Other Bisphenols in Food Contact Materials in Türkiye
Mon, May 11, 2026 04:32 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 056.26, reporting on Türkiye's notification to the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its draft regulations on bisphenol A (BPA) and other hazardous bisphenol derivatives in certain food contact materials (FCMs) and articles. Most commonly used to produce polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins to improve the durability of FCMs, these substances have been found to disrupt the endocrine system and are increasingly subject to strict legislative control worldwide. Two draft communiqués from Türkiye's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry were notified to the WTO on April 8, 2026, on FCMs and articles: Turkish Food Codex Draft Communiqué on the 'Restriction of the Use of Bisphenol A, other Hazardous Bisphenols and Bisphenol Derivatives in Certain Substances and Materials in Contact with Food' (Draft Communiqué 1), a communication largely harmonized with European Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 Draft Communiqué on 'Amendments to the Turkish Food Codex Communiqué on Plastic Substances and Materials in Contact with Food', a document complementing the requirements in Draft Communiqué 1 The communiqués include proposals for bans, strict content limits and conditions for permitted use across specific material categories. These would set significant restrictions on BPA and other hazardous bisphenols and would also establish testing and conformity requirements, along with rules on declarations of conformity and conditions of use. If accepted, the draft proposals will introduce new obligations for manufacturers, retailers, importers and distributors across the food contact supply chain. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 056.26 includes further information about the two draft communiqués, including key provisions and implementation timelines. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to SafeGuardS 056.26 for more details. SGS food contact material services SGS's technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS's food contact material services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Türkiye Consults on BPA and other Bisphenols in Food Contact Materials 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 Ugur Yilmaz Certification and Regulatory Manager Tel: +90 (0)538 979 2056 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines Linkedin: SGS Connectivity & Products
Move Towards Inclusive Labeling for Cosmetic Products in Spain
Mon, May 11, 2026 04:25 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 049.26, summarizing Spain's draft Royal Decree that would mandate accessible labeling for cosmetics, food products and hazardous substances. This move is intended to better protect vulnerable consumers. A comprehensive framework is introduced in the draft, promoted by the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030, to ensure that consumer products sold in Spain can be understood and used safely by all consumers, particularly those with visual impairments. While covering a wide range of goods, the draft proposal does not apply to bulk products or those intended solely for industrial or professional use. The new accessibility standards require compliance across the entire supply chain, with manufacturers, importers and distributors subject to reporting obligations, including the reporting of any detected non-compliance. The requirements established in the proposed Royal Decree support Spain's commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and help harmonize national consumer protection rules with broader EU packaging and waste regulations. They include: Accessible physical labeling Clear Spanish-language text for all essential information Digital accessibility tools as a complement to physical labels Specific mandatory content on labels The draft decree is currently progressing through a revised approval process and is expected to advance in the second half of 2026, following a review by national authorities and the European Commission, with no final approval or implementation date currently set. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 049.26 includes further information about the proposed requirements and the approval process. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 049.26 for more details. SGS cosmetics and personal care product services Through a global network of state-of-the-art laboratories, SGS offers comprehensive testing and certification solutions for cosmetics, household care, absorbent hygiene and disinfectant products. Their experts verify safety and efficacy, simplifying market access while ensuring regulatory compliance. Learn more about SGS's cosmetic and hygiene product services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Spain Moves Toward Inclusive Labeling for Cosmetic Products SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information, contact Media Inquiries or: Lydia Abdel Rahman Designation Business Developer, Cosmetic and Personal Care Health and Nutrition Website: www.sgs.com/cosmetics LinkedIn: Cosmetics & Personal Care
CUBIG launches in UK with 'missing layer' approach to enterprise AI infrastructure
Sat, May 09, 2026 04:44 EDT
CUBIG , the company behind the AI-Ready Data OS, today announced its expansion into the UK, positioning itself at the centre of a growing debate in enterprise technology: why AI continues to underdeliver in real-world deployment. While investment in AI models and tools has accelerated rapidly, many organisations are finding it difficult to translate that progress into operational outcomes. The problem is rarely a shortage of data, more that most enterprise data simply exists in an unusable state. That data might be fragmented, inaccessible or unfit for AI use, and is emerging as a critical barrier, contributing to delays, failed pilots and challenges in moving AI from experimentation into production. As it enters the UK market, CUBIG is bringing a different perspective to the problem. Rather than focusing on models, the company is defining what it describes as the 'missing layer' in AI infrastructure: an operational layer designed to transform raw data into AI-ready, usable and reproducible assets before it is used by AI systems. "The industry has spent the last few years focused on what AI models can do, but far less attention has been paid to whether the data behind those models is actually usable," said Bae Ho, Founder and CEO of CUBIG. "In reality, many organisations aren't failing to deploy AI because of the models. They're struggling because their data isn't ready." The announcement follows recent international recognition for CUBIG's technology at the T Challenge 2026, a global telecom innovation competition co-hosted by Deutsche Telekom and T-Mobile US. CUBIG was named runner-up among 12 global finalists, becoming the first Korean company to achieve a top-tier finish in the competition. At the event, CUBIG showcased its AI execution layer powered by LLM Capsule, demonstrating how enterprises can securely connect large language models to operational data without exposing the original data, while maintaining governance, traceability and policy control. The recognition reflects growing demand for infrastructure that enables enterprises to operationalise AI reliably, particularly in regulated industries where data quality, governance and reproducibility are critical. Through its platform ecosystem, which includes SynTitan, DTS and LLM Capsule, CUBIG enables organisations to prepare data for AI use, apply policy-based data control architectures and maintain verifiable data states, allowing AI systems to operate more reliably in regulated and high-stakes environments. Founded in South Korea in 2021, CUBIG has developed its technology in response to the growing complexity of enterprise data environments, where issues such as data quality, accessibility and traceability can limit the effectiveness of AI. Its expansion into the UK follows CUBIG's recent Series A funding, and reflects increasing demand from sectors such as financial services, healthcare and the public sector, where organisations are under pressure to adopt AI while maintaining strict standards around governance, privacy and operational resilience. Use cases for CUBIG's approach include enabling AI systems to work with rare or siloed datasets in fraud detection, supporting regulation-friendly use of restricted healthcare data, and improving traceability and reproducibility in enterprise AI workflows. CUBIG's ecosystem includes work with enterprise and public sector organisations, alongside partnerships and certifications including AWS Marketplace, Gartner recognition, and ISO 27001 and ISO 42001. The company's UK expansion reflects what it sees as a wider shift in the market, as organisations move beyond experimentation and begin investing in the operational infrastructure required to deploy AI reliably at scale.
Standards and Specifications Updated for South Korea Food Contact Materials
Fri, May 08, 2026 10:33 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 055.26, reporting on South Korea's updated of food contact utensils, containers and packages standards. Notice No. 2026-24 was issued in March 2026, updating the country's 'Standards and Specifications for Utensils, Containers and Packages'. This notice replaces requirements and specifications detailed in the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)'s Notice No. 2024-29. Food contact utensils, containers and packages are regulated by Chapter 3 of the Food Sanitation Act, which directs the MFDS to establish standards and specifications for these products. Key revisions in Notice No. 2026-24 include the restructuring of the 'General Rules' and 'Common Standards and Specifications', the introduction of a new section defining multiple terms, updates to migration requirements for certain plasticizers and the expansion of permitted recycled materials from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to include polypropylene (PP) under specified conditions. Notice No. 2026-24 takes effect from March 27, 2026, with some exceptions for certain substances. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 055.26 includes a useful table highlighting the migration specifications for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) under the new standard. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 055.26 for more details. SGS food contact material services SGS's technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS's food contact material services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full South Korea Updates Standards and Specifications for Food Contact Materials 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 SeungJae Lee Section Chief, Connectivity and Products Tel: +82 (0)31 460 8028 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
European EN 12221:2026 Requirements for Changing Units and Pads Revised
Fri, May 08, 2026 04:33 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 057.26, focusing on the European Committee for Standardization's (CEN) publication of revisions to EN 12221, the standard covering changing units, changing pads and related accessories intended for use alongside other items such as cots and dressers. Dated March 2026, the main change in EN 12221:2026 is the extension of its scope to include changing pads, regardless of whether they are supplied with the changing unit or provided separately. This is intended to close a previous regulatory gap, with a focus on products where the perception of safety created by raised sides may mask deficiencies in underlying real-world performance. Reproducible tests, dimensional criteria and measurable results are used to assess compliance, with new and updated requirements involving dimensional requirements and key mechanical and functional tests designed to objectively assess safety. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 057.26 includes further information about the scope of the revised standard and comparisons with the previous edition. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 057.26 for more details. 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 to 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 EN 12221:2026 Revises European Requirements for Changing Units and Pads SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information, contact Media Inquiries or: Catherine Follin-Arbelet Global Expert, Juvenile Products Tel: +33 (0)6 2850 2588 Website: www.sgs.com/juvenile-products-and-childcare-articles Linkedin: SGS Connectivity & Products Melody Zhang Technical Manager, Connectivity & Products Tel: +86 (0)21 6107 2702 Website: http://www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
New Legislation for Food Contact Silicone Materials Sold in Brazil
Fri, May 08, 2026 04:22 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 054.26, summarizing Brazil's new law on silicone materials in food contact materials (FCMs) and articles. New sanitary requirements were issued on April 7, 2026, by Brazil's National Health Agency (ANVISA) and published in the Official Gazette (DOU): Resolution of the Collegiate Board of Directors RDC No.1020 of April 2, 2026 Normative Instruction No. 435 of April 2, 2026 Resolution No.1020/2026 transposes Mercosur/GMC/RES. No.34/25 into Brazil's domestic law. It establishes definitions, authorized substance lists and test methods for silicone food contact materials, sets migration limits, including those for childcare articles, mandates specific test methods and standards, requires compliance verification using existing migration standards and repeals outdated silicone provisions in earlier regulations. Effective on the day of its publication in the DOU of April 7, 2026, the regulations impact stakeholders across the food contact silicone material and article supply chain, including manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that may impact their business. SafeGuardS 054.26 includes further information on Resolution No.1020/2026, including key provisions. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 054.26 for more details. SGS food contact material services SGS's technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS's food contact material services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Brazil Issues New Legislation for Food Contact Silicone Materials 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 Lara Gallego Packaging Regulations Consultant, Mercosur/Brazil Tel: +55 11 94178 0564 Website: http://www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
The Black Culture Foundation Awards Alisha James a Black Rose
Thu, May 07, 2026 17:37 EDT
SAN BERNARDINO, CA. Alisha James, Senior High Teacher at San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD), will receive a Black Rose Award at the 34 th Annual Black Rose Award Celebration on Saturday, September 12, at Cal State San Bernardino. James is a Spanish teacher at San Bernardino High School. She and a team of Black educators at the school have gone above and beyond to create opportunities for students to see themselves in excellence and to support students in being their best selves. Most recently, Alisha's team held a Career Day featuring all-black vendors, employers, and presenters for black students on campus. James had this to say when she learned she had gotten the award: "This means so much to me because I love my students and the population I serve, but a very small percentage is Black, so everything I've done with my colleagues to support our Black students has been voluntary, doing additional tasks to support our Black scholars. "It's a work in progress, but I can see the improvements. I'm so happy to be part of an amazing team of Black professionals as well. Thank you!" With more than 15 years of teaching experience, she has built trust and generated support for high-profile, often complex projects. James led a team of Black scholars at San Bernardino High School to form the first Black Student Union there. This has resulted in Black students receiving recognition for their work. Black students are a small population at the school, so creating this organization helps them gain recognition for their achievements. She and her team organized the upcoming All Black Scholar Awards, which will be given out at a special event on April 30, 2026. They have also put together a Black Student Professional Development program in which students learn about Black history and culture and participate in a Q&A forum with prominent Black leaders. The Black Rose Awards gala takes place on Saturday, February 1, at 5:30 p.m. at Cal State San Bernardino, in the Santos Manuel Student Union, located at 5500 University Parkway in San Bernardino. For tickets to the gala, visit the Black Culture Foundation website: sbbcfoundation.org/black-rose-tickets/ This year's recipients include the Jim King Founders Award recipient, the J.W. Vines Medical Society . The recipient of the Dr. Juanita Scott Humanitarian of the Year Award is Carl M. Dameron . Other Black Rose Award winners include Alisha James , Alton Garrett Jr. , Anthony Morris , Chache Wright, Dr. Keith Moses, Jonathan Beauregard, Marcelino "Mars" Serna , and Tawon Green. To become a Black Rose Awards sponsor, visit sbbcfoundation.org/black-rose-sponsorship/ About the Black Rose Awards The Black Rose Awards are sponsored by the Black Culture Foundation, founded in 1968 by a group concerned that nationwide school systems haven't incorporated Black history into curricula, preventing students from learning about an important part of U.S. history. The Foundation aims to promote interest and understanding of Black culture, raise awareness of Black accomplishments, organize an annual Black History Month parade and cultural activities, and foster unity across cultures. For more information about the Black Culture Foundation, go to: SBBCFoundation.org .
A Full-Scale Fitness Solution for Active Aging in Rural Texas
Thu, May 07, 2026 16:30 EDT
In a rural Texas coastal community where access to wellness resources can be limited, the YMCA has created something unexpected: a full-scale fitness center designed to support active aging at every level. In Palacios, Texas, expectations for a community fitness center were modest. With a town population of roughly 1,200 and a broader service area made up of farmland and small coastal communities, most residents anticipated little more than a basic workout room. Instead, they walked into a fully equipped YMCA express facility featuring commercial-grade strength and cardio equipment designed to support mobility, independence, and lifelong wellness. For many members, particularly older adults, the response was immediate and unanimous: This is a real gym. The Palacios facility is part of the Calhoun County YMCA, which operates five locations and program centers across a wide geographic region stretching toward San Antonio and Houston. While YMCA leadership had traditionally avoided opening facilities in communities under 5,000 residents, local leaders proposed a different approach that ultimately revealed just how essential access to fitness had become for this largely retirement-aged population. "We weren't planning to go into a community this small," said Michele Morales, Regional Executive Director for the Calhoun County YMCA. "But once we saw the need, we realized this wasn't about scale, it was about impact." Meeting a Hidden Community Need The Palacios express gym was developed through a collaborative model: the community invested in equipment and minor building renovations, while the YMCA contributed funding and operational oversight. What began as a cautious pilot quickly became a vital wellness resource. "We thought we were just meeting the bare necessities," Morales said. "But once we opened the doors, it became clear the community really needed us, we just didn't realize how much." With the next closest YMCA more than 30 miles away, retirement-aged residents had limited options for structured, safe, and accessible exercise. The new facility quickly reached 175 units of membership, representing more than 330 individual members in a town of approximately 1,200 residents. Designing for Active Aging, Without Compromise From the outset, the YMCA's priority was to create a space that supported active aging without feeling clinical, limited, or scaled down. The equipment selection played a central role in achieving that balance. The Palacios express gym is anchored by a comprehensive lineup of SportsArt ECO-NATURAL™ cardio equipment, including two Status ellipticals, two Elite ellipticals, three treadmills, three recumbent cycles, and two Status steppers. Together, the mix offers members multiple low-impact cardiovascular options, which is an essential consideration in a retirement-heavy community where joint health and balance are priorities. The ellipticals provide smooth, biomechanically aligned motion paths that reduce joint stress while maintaining full-body engagement. Recumbent cycles offer supported seating and accessible step-through design, making them particularly appealing to members with limited mobility or balance concerns. The treadmills feature wide decks and intuitive console layouts, supporting both steady-state walking and progressive conditioning programs. Even the step mills (often associated with high-intensity training) offer controlled, adjustable resistance suitable for varying ability levels. "Active aging doesn't mean lowering expectations," said Ruben Mejia, Executive Vice President of SportsArt Americas. "It means engineering equipment that supports joint integrity, stability, and confidence, while still delivering meaningful strength and cardiovascular outcomes. Older adults want to feel capable, not limited." The cardio selection is complemented by a robust strength-training footprint. The facility includes selectorized cable stations, a dual-function chin-up/dip unit, leg press and leg extension machines, lat pulldown and row stations, chest press, shoulder press, multi-press units, adjustable benches, dumbbells, kettlebells, medicine balls, and plate-loaded training options. Rather than limiting the floor to light-duty machines, the YMCA intentionally included a full spectrum of strength modalities to support everything from basic resistance training to progressive overload for more advanced members. "For older adults, strength training is not optional, it's foundational," Mejia said. "Maintaining muscle mass directly correlates to fall prevention, metabolic health, and long-term independence. When a facility invests in a complete strength offering, it sends a message that longevity matters." Ease of use was critical across both cardio and strength platforms. Clearly marked adjustments, smooth cable travel, accessible weight stacks, and ergonomic seating allow members to transition confidently between movements without frustration or intimidation. Importantly, the equipment also delivers visual impact. Framed against black flooring and neutral walls, the sleek cardio units and strength machines create a professional training environment that immediately elevated member expectations. "People expected something small and basic," Morales said. "When they walked in and saw the space, they were genuinely surprised. They kept saying, 'This is legit.'" A Welcoming Space That Encourages Consistency The physical environment reinforces that sense of pride. Black flooring, neutral walls, and well-spaced equipment create a polished, contemporary feel, far from the "household gym" many residents anticipated. Currently operating as an open gym, the Palacios location allows members to exercise at their own pace, and that is an important factor for retirees who value routine and independence. For Mejia, that autonomy is a key component of long-term health. "The goal isn't just activity, it's consistency," he said. "When equipment feels intuitive and comfortable, members come back. That consistency is what protects mobility, reduces fall risk, and preserves independence." Expanding Access Through Insurance Partnerships Accessibility at the Palacios YMCA extends beyond design. Through agreements with multiple insurance providers, including Medicare Advantage plans, many older adults can access membership at little to no out-of-pocket cost. "In many cases, their insurance covers the full cost of the membership," Morales explained. "They might pay a little more in premiums, but they're getting a gym membership that would normally cost $30 a month." For retirees on fixed incomes, that model removes a significant barrier, transforming fitness from an optional expense into an essential health resource. "Communities like Palacios show why accessibility matters," Mejia said. "When you combine smart equipment design with financial accessibility, you create a true wellness ecosystem." A Model for Rural and Aging Communities While the Palacios express gym is currently the only Calhoun County YMCA location outfitted almost entirely with SportsArt equipment, its success offers a replicable model for rural and retirement-focused communities nationwide. "This showed us what's possible," Morales said. "When you give people the right environment and the right equipment, they show up." For the residents of Palacios, the gym has become more than a workout space. It's a place to maintain independence, build routine, and stay connected, one strength session or low-impact cardio workout at a time. And for SportsArt, it reinforces a broader industry shift. "The future of fitness isn't just high performance," Mejia said. "It's inclusive performance that creates spaces where every generation can train with confidence." For more information on SportsArt strength and cardio equipment, and accessories, visit www.gosportsart.com . About SportsArt With more than 40 years of innovative design and manufacturing excellence, SportsArt continues to lead the fitness industry through revolutionary sustainable solutions. Along with the world's only line of energy-generating cardio equipment, ECO-POWR™, SportsArt also offers a full range of high-quality cardio, strength and rehabilitation equipment for the fitness, medical and residential markets. Known for its dedication to service, durability and cutting-edge technologies, SportsArt is one of the largest single brand manufacturers in the world with over 500,000 square feet of state-of-the-art space. The company designs, manufactures and tests all equipment in-house before it is sold in over 70 countries worldwide. For more information visit gosportsart.com .
The Gin Guild Welcomes 31 New Members at Spring Installation as Global Membership Reaches 642
Thu, May 07, 2026 12:27 EDT
The Gin Guild welcomed 31 new members from across the international gin category at its Gin Industry Annual Dinner and Spring Installation in London, taking total membership to 642 globally. The Spring Installation, held on Thursday, 30 April 2026 at London's historic Guildhall, brought together distillers, brand owners, hospitality professionals, supply chain partners and leading figures from across the global gin community. The new intake reflects the continued breadth, calibre and international relevance of the Guild's membership, with established global names, independent distillers, emerging producers and specialist industry partners joining the organisation. The Gin Guild's Gin Industry Annual Dinner has become one of the most significant events in the global gin calendar, providing a formal moment of installation for new members, alongside an evening of networking, fellowship and category-wide celebration. The 2026 event again featured gins from across the membership, drawn from the Guild bar, including products from new members and recent launches from existing members. Charles Maxwell, Grand Rectifier of The Gin Guild and founding director of the organisation, said: "Welcoming 31 new members to The Gin Guild is a powerful reminder of the depth, diversity and ambition that continues to define the gin category. The Guild has always been a meeting point for people from every part of the gin world, from distillers and brand owners to bartenders, writers, educators, suppliers and global advocates. "At a time when parts of the spirits sector are facing real commercial pressure, it is more important than ever that gin has an independent, international body committed to quality, shared knowledge, responsible enjoyment and the long-term strength of the category. Gin has come an extraordinary distance, and while no successful category moves forward without challenge, I remain confident in its resilience, creativity and global appeal." The Spring Installation followed a period of continued activity for The Gin Guild, including the development of industry guidance, educational resources and sustainability support for producers of all sizes. Its initiatives include Gin-Note™, the Guild's flavour guidance framework designed to help brands communicate the unique characteristics of their gins, and the Sustainability Toolkit for Gin Distillers, created to support practical environmental improvements across the sector. The event also took place at a time of wider challenge for the UK spirits sector. The Gin Guild recently joined seven other spirits industry representative organisations in highlighting concerns around UK spirits duty, citing HMRC data showing a £94m fall in spirits revenue in 2025/26 and revenue £1.1bn lower than forecast when the new alcohol duty system was introduced in 2023. While the Spring Installation was a celebration of the category's people, craft and creativity, the Guild said its growing membership also reflected the importance of collaboration, advocacy and practical support during a changing market. Pal Gleed, Director General of The Gin Guild, said: "The Spring Installation is always a highlight of the Guild calendar, and this year was no exception. Our growth is significant, not only because of the number, but because of the quality and breadth of the people and organisations from around the globe joining us. "The gin industry remains one of the most innovative and internationally connected parts of the spirits world. Our role as the Guild is to bring that community together, champion excellence, share knowledge and provide a forum where people can learn from one another. The category is not without its challenges, but the strength of the people in this room, and across our wider membership, gives us every reason to be optimistic about gin's future." Founded in 2012, The Gin Guild brings together individuals and organisations involved in the distillation, production, promotion, distribution and appreciation of gin. Its membership includes leading global spirits businesses, craft distillers, brand owners, master distillers, bartenders, educators, writers, suppliers and category specialists. The Guild does not promote any single brand. Instead, it provides a neutral, international forum for the advancement of gin, promoting excellence, knowledge exchange, responsible consumption and custodianship of the category. The Gin Guild's next major industry event, Ginposium 2026, will take place on Friday 12 June at RSA House in London, bringing together some of the world's most respected personalities and experts from the drinks and gin trade for a full day of insight, discussion and category knowledge sharing. ENDS
Gertsema Wealth Advisors Announces Educational Events Focused on Purposeful Giving and Longevity
Thu, May 07, 2026 10:29 EDT
Saint Joseph financial planning and investment management firm invites community to explore charitable giving and practical strategies for living healthier, more energized lives Gertsema Wealth Advisors (GWA), an independent SEC Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) and financial planning firm, today announced two upcoming educational events designed to help individuals and families align their money and lifestyle decisions with what matters most to them. The firm will host a Lunch & Learn in June on purposeful charitable giving in retirement, along with a May women's event focused on practical, sustainable longevity strategies. Both events will be held at GWA's offices located at 2425 N. Woodbine Road, Suite B&E, in Saint Joseph, Missouri. SUPPORTING CLIENTS AND COMMUNITY THROUGH EDUCATION Bringing in local nonprofit voices and wellbeing experts reflects the firm's belief that financial planning should support every aspect of a person's life, from their philanthropic goals to their day-to-day well-being. "Purposeful planning is about much more than numbers on a page. It's about helping people use their resources to live the life they want and support the causes they care about," said CEO and Wealth Advisor Nick Gertsema, CFP®, ChFC®, RICP®, AIF®. "These events are an extension of our commitment to educating our clients and the broader community, whether that means making tax-smart charitable gifts in retirement or making everyday choices that support long-term health and vitality." WOMEN'S EVENT: ADDING YEARS TO YOUR LIFE On Thursday, May 14, at 5:30 p.m., GWA will host its 2nd quarter women's event featuring Journey for Longevity founders Jessica Bledsoe and Heather Hausman. This engaging evening program is designed for women who want to feel more energized, resilient, and vibrant in their everyday lives by making realistic, sustainable changes. Bledsoe and Hausman will share how their approach to longevity focuses not just on adding years to life, but on adding life to your years through better sleep, nutrition, and movement. Attendees will learn simple, actionable strategies they can begin using right away to support their overall well-being, with plenty of time for discussion and questions in a relaxed, supportive setting. The event is free to attend, with RSVP required by Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be served. Learn more and register here or call GWA at 816-259-5060 or email taylor@gertsema.net . THE POWER OF PURPOSEFUL GIVING IN RETIREMENT On Thursday, June 11, at 12:00 p.m., Chief Operating Officer and Wealth Advisor Scott Keegan will lead a Lunch & Learn Session: "The Power of Purposeful Giving in Retirement" at the GWA office. During this interactive session, Scott will walk attendees through how Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) can be used to help satisfy Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from IRAs while potentially reducing tax exposure and increasing the impact of their charitable gifts. In addition to learning about tax-efficient giving strategies, attendees will hear from representatives of local nonprofit organizations who will share their missions, the meaningful work they are doing to support individuals and families in the Saint Joseph community, and ways to get involved and support their organizations. Whether participants are already taking RMDs or are planning ahead for future retirement income decisions, they will walk away with practical ideas for aligning their resources with the causes they care about most. "We are honored to partner with community organizations and leaders who share our desire to help people feel more confident and empowered about their future," said Gertsema. The Lunch & Learn is free to attend, but RSVPs are required by Monday, June 8. To reserve a seat, call GWA at 816-259-5060 or email taylor@gertsema.net . ABOUT GERTSEMA WEALTH ADVISORS (GWA) Gertsema Wealth Advisors is an independent wealth management firm focused on helping individuals, families, and business owners plan with clarity and confidence. Founded in 2018 by Mike Gertsema to provide fee-based planning that puts the client first and focuses on holistic planning before investing. Today, GWA has a multigenerational team led by CEO and Wealth Advisor Nicholas (Nick) Gertsema, supported by several additional wealth advisors and a dedicated operations and client service staff, allowing the firm to offer personalized strategies for retirement, tax and estate planning, risk management, and more. The team emphasizes education, transparency, and making the complex simple so clients can clearly understand and feel confident about what is happening with their money. To learn more about the firm's guiding principles and service offerings, visit www.gertsema.net . Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor.
Windmill Retreat serves up a treat for Somerset Day
Thu, May 07, 2026 09:57 EDT
Windmill Retreat Lodges, Spa and Estate in Middlezoy is supporting and celebrating Somerset Day with its offer of two nights in a luxury suite and a hamper of treats from the County. Guests are greeted at one of the five adult-only Elements Suites , completed just last year, with a chilled bottle of Somerset sparkling wine, a taster of Windmill Gin and a hamper full of local goodies. Full use of the Avänto Wellness Spa garden, including the hot tub, barrel sauna and cold-water shower, come with the offer as well as access to a larder of complimentary homemade cake, pick 'n' mix sweets and popcorn making machine. Breakfast is included and served on site at The Levels Country Kitchen café, where the chefs are keen to showcase ingredients from local suppliers such as Pyne's of Somerset, Longmans Cheese and The Sausage Shed. Guests can also enjoy lunch at the café and in the evening, a Somerset-inspired sharing platter of local cheeses and cold cuts can be ordered alongside drinks for in-suite room service. The Taste of Somerset offer is based on two people sharing and is now available all year, seven nights a week subject to booking at least seven days in advance. Marketing and events manager, Joanna Murphy, said: "We are proud to be based in this beautiful County and our rural setting here is one of the reasons people return to us time and again, so we are delighted to support Somerset Day. "This special offer is giving us the chance to really focus on and highlight the superb local produce we have on our doorstep and hopefully our guests will go home having had the best taste of Somerset." To find out more or to plan your stay, visit www.windmillretreat.co.uk
SGS Joins Industry Leaders at IoT Tech Expo 2026 in California
Thu, May 07, 2026 05:02 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, is delighted to announce its participation in IoT Tech Expo 2026 in California. Technology professionals, innovators and retailers will come together at North America's leading trade show for the Internet of Things (IoT) to learn about connected solutions and real-world applications of IoT and related technologies. As a key part of TechEx North America, IoT Tech Expo provides networking, technical presentations and expert-led sessions across a range of topics, including industrial IoT, digital twins and enterprise transformation, embedded systems, connected devices, smart infrastructure and automation and edge platforms. SGS services for the connected industry deliver testing and compliance solutions for manufacturers and retailers seeking expert support at every stage of the product life cycle. Capabilities are offered across a range of products and services, including IoT devices, smart consumer electronics and cybersecurity. Guidance on global regulatory compliance and technical services will be available from SGS experts at booth 156 throughout the event. IoT Tech Expo takes place from May 18-19, 2026, at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, 408 S Almaden Boulevard, San Jose, California 95110, USA. Stakeholders are advised to register now . SGS DIGITAL TRUST At SGS, digital trust is fundamental to every modern technology ecosystem. With SGS DIGITAL TRUST: Across technologies, services and organizations , we provide a global framework that helps clients build, validate and maintain trust across all layers of the digital environment. Our approach focuses on four domains - Connected Products & Technologies, Digital Services & Infrastructure, Data & Artificial Intelligence and Organizations & People - delivering full-spectrum coverage supported by international standards and regulatory requirements.
