Forget the Cotswolds: Dorset serves up the country's most authentic Christmas
Thu, Sep 24, 2026 07:38 EDT
This December, Dorset Cottage Holidays is calling on travellers to leave the well-trodden Cotswolds behind and rediscover a completely different side to Christmas. Across the county - from wooded valleys to windswept clifftops and the shadow of a thousand-year-old castle - the agency's collection of cottages offers a festive season shaped by history, landscape and time spent properly together. Deep in West Dorset, the historic Minterne Estate sets the tone for slow, storybook Christmases. Home to the Digby family since the 18th century, the estate pairs centuries of heritage with cottages built for gathering: Manor Farmhouse, a Grade II listed country house sleeping up to ten with woodburners and space for new traditions to take root; Churchill House, a grand seventeen-sleeper made for the biggest of family reunions; and smaller retreats such as The Bothy, Kings House and The Pool House, each offering its own quieter take on countryside comfort. Guests also have year-round access to Minterne Gardens, where winter walks through a sheltered Himalayan-style valley bring a hush of beauty to the season. Picturing a Christmas by the coast? Fear not: Swanage delivers a full seaside experience ! Walks along the promenade, fish and chips wrapped against the cold, and cottages such as Seashell View and Seaspray offering panoramic views over the bay from just steps off the sand - there is everything you need to make memories that will last a lifetime. Further along the Isle of Purbeck, Corfe Castle brings a fairytale backdrop to the festive season . With its ruined fortress rising above stone-built streets, the village pairs wonderfully with cottages - including Castle Heights and Castle View House, both offering front-row views of the ruins along with wood-burning fires to retreat to once the frost sets in! Leanne Hemingway, Director at Dorset Cottage Holidays, said, "Christmas doesn't need to be curated to feel special - it needs to feel real. That's what Dorset offers. Whether guests are gathering the whole family under one roof at Minterne, watching the waves roll in at Swanage, or waking up to castle ruins in Corfe, they're getting a Christmas that's grounded in genuine tradition rather than a picture-perfect Instagram backdrop. "We've seen more and more people looking for exactly that after years of chasing the same handful of Cotswold postcodes." With muddy boots by the door, dogs curled by the fire and long walks rewarded with a proper pub roast, Dorset offers all the charm associated with a traditional British Christmas - with far fewer crowds and a far deeper sense of place. For more information, please visit dhcottages.co.uk .
Repair Café Lambeth Announces Lambeth Climate Day 2026
Thu, Sep 24, 2026 07:22 EDT
Repair Café Lambeth is proud to announce the return of Lambeth Climate Day 2026, taking place on Saturday 3 October, 10am - 1pm at Lambeth Town Hall. Now in its third year, the event will once again bring together residents, community groups and innovators to showcase the borough's creativity and commitment to fighting the climate crisis. Building on the momentum of the previous two years, which drew hundreds of attendees and dozens of funders and local environmental groups, Lambeth Climate Day has become a fixture in the local calendar. The event brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to learn, collaborate and take action. This year's programme features a lively mix of exhibition stalls from local environmental organisations alongside practical, hands-on workshops run by community groups from across the borough. At the heart of the day will be a showcase of local net zero initiatives, highlighting the bold ideas driving Lambeth's path towards a greener future. Repair Café Lambeth will run a hands-on repair session, where residents can bring broken items and team up with experienced volunteer fixers to get them working again - giving new life to their items and picking up some new skills in the process. "Lambeth Climate Day is a chance to see what's possible when a community pulls together - sharing skills and ideas, reducing waste and backing the people already doing the work," said Olga Osuch, Manager of Repair Café Lambeth. "In 2025 we gathered 450 people, and the Driving Net Zero Innovation pitch competition was won by a local charity, Solve the School Run." She added, "Whether you come to fix something, learn something or simply meet your neighbours, you'll leave with a real sense of what's achievable here in Lambeth. "Join us for a day of inspiration, learning and collaboration as we highlight the critical work being done to tackle the climate emergency." For more information, please visit www.repaircafe-lambeth.org .
West Midlands Social Landlord whg Invests in Bespoke Damp & Mold Training to Keep Tenants Safe This Winter
Thu, Sep 24, 2026 06:56 EDT
One of the West Midland's largest social housing landlords has invested in bespoke damp and mould training for its surveying teams ahead of the winter months. whg, which manages 22,000 homes across the region, partnered with the Federation of Damp to train its surveyors to identify damp and mould issues earlier, diagnose their root causes, and act quickly to fix them. The training investment comes ahead of the 30 th November rollout of phase two of Awaab's Law. The legislation was introduced following the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak from prolonged exposure to mould in his family's rented home in Rochdale. When the child's parents complained to Rochdale Boroughwide Housing about the mould, they were told to paint over it - and no action was taken. Now, the law named after him sets strict legal timescales for landlords to investigate and fix hazards, including damp and mould. Sam Fitzgerald, founder of the Federation of Damp, said, "Children, elderly residents and people with existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of damp and mould. Training like this gives surveying teams the confidence to spot problems early and respond properly, rather than guessing or papering over the cracks." The UK Health Security Agency estimates [1] that around 2 million people in England are currently living in homes with significant damp and/or mould problems. Left untreated that damp or mould can lead to the development or worsening of several respiratory diseases and other conditions. Toby Deakin, Director of People at whg said keeping tenant wellbeing across the West Midlands was central to the partnership. "Keeping our customers safe and well in their homes is a priority for whg, and investing in the skills of our colleagues is an important part of that. "Working with the Federation of Damp has enabled us to develop bespoke, practical training for our surveyors, giving them the knowledge and tools to identify issues early, understand the cause and make sure the right action is taken. "For customers, that means a more consistent and informed service, clearer advice and greater confidence that concerns will be assessed properly and responded to effectively. It also helps us stay ahead of new requirements such as Awaab's Law and continue raising professional standards across our service." The Federation of Damp is an independent trade body working with housing providers, local authorities and contractors across the UK to strengthen internal understanding of damp and mould management at scale. For more information, please visit federationofdamp.co.uk . [1] Source: https://research.ukhsa.gov.uk/our-research/damp-and-mould/
SGS offers free webinar on pollution, hair health and anti-pollution efficacy testing
Thu, Sep 24, 2026 03:43 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, will host a complimentary webinar, 'Pollution and Hair Health: Understanding Invisible Environmental Exposure and Its Effects', on October 8, 2026. Hair is continuously exposed to a range of environmental stressors, including airborne particulate matter, pollen, UV radiation, cigarette smoke and heavy metals. These contaminants can interact with the hair fiber and scalp, potentially affecting appearance, condition, manageability and overall hair quality. As awareness of these effects increases, demand continues to grow for products that help protect, cleanse and repair pollution-exposed hair. For manufacturers, understanding the impact of environmental aggressors is becoming increasingly important in hair care product development. Reliable scientific data is essential for evaluating product performance, supporting innovation and substantiating anti-pollution efficacy claims. Robust testing methodologies can provide objective evidence of product effectiveness and support informed development and marketing decisions. In this webinar, SGS expert Ines Sellami will explore the relationship between environmental exposure and hair health, examining how pollutants affect the hair fiber and scalp. The session will cover the effects of particulate matter, pollen, UV radiation and heavy metals, together with growing consumer expectations for anti-pollution hair care products. Attendees will also gain insights into scientific approaches for evaluating pollution-related hair damage and advanced methodologies for assessing anti-pollution efficacy. The webinar will demonstrate how objective testing can support product development and provide data to substantiate performance claims. Taking place on October 8, 2026, at 3:00 PM (CEST), the webinar is designed for professionals involved in the development, formulation, claim substantiation and marketing of hair care products. Stakeholders are encouraged to register now to secure their place at this complimentary webinar. For further information, please contact: Jennifer Buckley Senior Global Marketing Manager Health & Nutrition Tel: +1 973 461 1498
Confidence Is Down - but Compliance Doesn't Have to Be, Pallet Trucks UK Says
Thu, Sep 24, 2026 03:16 EDT
Economic uncertainty tops small business concerns, but equipment compliance is one thing businesses can still control. Nearly half of UK small businesses now name economic uncertainty as one of their three biggest challenges, according to Simply Business's 2026 SME Insights Report, up sharply from just 16% the year before. Pallet Trucks UK says that with so much genuinely outside a business's control right now, it's worth remembering that equipment compliance and manual handling standards remain firmly within reach, regardless of what's happening in the wider economy. The scale of the change is striking. A concern that barely registered for most small business owners a year ago has become one of the most cited challenges facing the sector. That kind of uncertainty can understandably make businesses cautious about spending decisions generally, including on equipment. But treating compliance and safety standards as optional or something to revisit "when things settle down" is a risk business can't really afford to take, however uncertain everything else feels. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Trucks UK, said, "It's a big jump in a short space of time, and it tells you something real about how businesses are feeling at the moment. When that many owners are worried about things they genuinely can't control, like interest rates, energy costs or wider economic direction, it's understandable that other decisions start to feel harder too. "What we'd say is that equipment compliance doesn't have to be one of those uncertain areas. Making sure pallet trucks , stackers and lift tables are properly maintained, correctly rated for the loads they're handling, and matched to current health and safety obligations is something a business can get right regardless of what's happening elsewhere. "If anything, this is exactly the kind of environment where getting the basics solidly right matters more, not less. A business dealing with genuine uncertainty doesn't need an avoidable injury claim or enforcement issue adding to the list of things going wrong. Nobody can promise certainty about the wider economy right now - but equipment compliance is one area where businesses can still be completely in control, and that's worth holding onto." For more information, please visit: www.pallettrucksuk.co.uk .
Local Catholic Ministries Have Until Nov. 1 to Register for #iGiveCatholic
Wed, Sep 23, 2026 16:54 EDT
NEW ORLEANS (Sept. 23, 2026) - Catholic parishes, schools, and ministries across the Archdiocese of New Orleans have until Nov. 1 to register for #iGiveCatholic on GivingTuesday, the U.S. Catholic Church's annual day of giving. To help organizations prepare, the New Orleans-based Catholic Community Foundation, which created #iGiveCatholic in 2015 and administers the local campaign, hosted its first "Prep Fest" on Thursday, Sept. 17. The free event drew more than 50 representatives from local nonprofit organizations across the Archdiocese. It featured presentations from Foundation leaders, a panel discussion, and time for attendees to compare notes on what worked in past campaigns. "In our experience, the organizations that do well on the giving day tend to be the ones that started planning early," said Cory J. Howat, executive director of the Catholic Community Foundation. "Prep Fest is our way of sharing what we have learned over the past decade, so that every parish, school, and ministry has the same head start." Now in its 12th year, #iGiveCatholic has grown from its New Orleans origins into a giving day that drew donors from every U.S. state and 27 countries in 2025. The Archdiocese where it began remains its largest source of donors: more people gave through #iGiveCatholic in the Archdiocese of New Orleans last year than in any other participating diocese. Locally, 5,364 donors gave $1,902,200 in support of 148 ministries. The campaign arrives as the Foundation marks its 50th anniversary, closing a year spent celebrating Catholic generosity across the Archdiocese. Organizations must be approved by the Foundation before registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 1, so those interested are encouraged to apply well ahead of the deadline. Advanced Giving opens Nov. 16, GivingTuesday falls on Dec. 1, and Extended Giving closes at the end of Dec. 8. To register, learn more about #iGiveCatholic New Orleans, or view participating organizations, visit igivecatholic.org/community/neworleans . ### Editor's Note: High-resolution photographs from "Prep Fest" and #iGiveCatholic logo files are available here . Captions, identifications, and photo credit are available on request. About #iGiveCatholic #iGiveCatholic is a bishop-led initiative in collaboration with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and dozens of individual dioceses to bring the Catholic community together to inspire and support generosity. #iGiveCatholic is an independent 501(c)(3) organization that hosts the annual U.S. Catholic Church's giving day, #iGiveCatholic on GivingTuesday, as well as the Nebraska Catholic Day of Giving in May and year-round online giving for hundreds of Catholic organizations. About the Catholic Community Foundation The Catholic Community Foundation, a separate 501(c)(3), is the charitable giving partner for faithful donors and a trusted resource for Catholic nonprofits across the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Since 1976, the Foundation has helped donors give wisely and faithfully, for today and for tomorrow, to the causes they care about most. Through donor-advised funds, endowments, legacy gifts, and other giving vehicles, the Foundation connects donors' generosity with the needs of Catholic parishes, schools, and ministries, guiding every gift by the teachings of the Catholic Church. In 2026, the Foundation celebrates a half-century of Catholic generosity. Learn more at ccfnola.org.
A New Chapter for Animals: Humane Canada Names Meg Krueger as Chief Executive Officer
Wed, Sep 23, 2026 15:58 EDT
Humane Canada, the national federation representing SPCAs, humane societies and rescue organizations across the country, is pleased to announce the appointment of Meg Krueger as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective October 26, 2026. Krueger's appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the organization as it builds on more than 15 years of leadership under Barbara Cartwright and advances its national role in strengthening animal welfare, supporting the human-animal bond, and bringing the sector together around shared action. Krueger joins Humane Canada with extensive experience in national federation leadership, strategic planning, organizational development, operations, business development and partnership growth. She will begin her role on October 26, with a transition and knowledge-transfer period before Cartwright's retirement at the end of the year. "On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am thrilled to welcome Meg to Humane Canada," said Liza Sunley, Chair of the Board of Directors. "Meg brings a proven track record of leading complex organizations, building strong partnerships and creating the conditions for long-term success. We are excited about the vision, experience and energy she will bring to Humane Canada and the animal welfare sector." Most recently, Krueger served as Chief Executive Officer of Equestrian Canada, where she led the national federation through a period of change and modernization. Her leadership focused on strategic planning and execution, strengthening governance and organizational effectiveness, fostering collaboration across provincial and sector partners, and expanding sponsorship, partnership and philanthropic capacity. Animal welfare has been an important focus throughout Krueger's career. At Equestrian Canada, she helped advance equine health and welfare through national policy, standards, education and evidence-based initiatives, including work that supported the recognition of horses as sentient beings. Her broader sector experience includes service on the Board of the National Farm Animal Care Council and contributions to agricultural organizations at both the local and national levels, giving her a strong understanding of the complex systems, partnerships and practical realities that shape animal welfare in Canada. "As a lifelong advocate for animal welfare, I am honoured to join Humane Canada at such an important moment in its history," said Krueger. "For decades, Humane Canada has played a vital role in bringing people and organizations together to advance animal welfare across the country. I look forward to working alongside the team, members, partners and supporters to build on that strong foundation and help shape the future of animal welfare in Canada." The Board extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to the recruitment process and to Barbara Cartwright for her extraordinary leadership and dedication. Their contributions have positioned Humane Canada for continued success as it begins this exciting new chapter. About Humane Canada Humane Canada is the federation of SPCAs, humane societies and rescue organizations working to end animal cruelty, improve animal welfare, promote the human-animal bond and build a more humane Canada.
MANNING FAMILY CHILDREN'S ACHIEVES NURSING MAGNET® REDESIGNATION
Wed, Sep 23, 2026 12:19 EDT
This month, Manning Family Children's attained Magnet recognition for the second time, a testament to the hospital's continued dedication to high-quality nursing practice. The American Nurses Credentialing Center's Magnet Recognition Program ® distinguishes health care organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence. This credential is the highest national honor for professional nursing practice. Receiving Magnet redesignation is an important achievement for Manning Family Children's, as it continues to proudly belong to the global Magnet community - a small, select group of domestic health care organizations and hospitals in the U.S. (approximately 10% of hospitals). "Magnet recognition is a tremendous honor and reflects our commitment to delivering the highest quality of care to the children and families of Louisiana, the Gulf South, and beyond," said Lucio A. Fragoso, President and CEO of Manning Family Children's. "Our redesignation of this distinguished credential underscores the foundation of excellence and values that drive our team to work harder each day, and with an unwavering commitment to best serve the specialized health needs of all children." Research demonstrates that Magnet recognition provides specific benefits to health care organizations and their communities, including: Higher patient satisfaction with nurse communication, availability of help and receipt of discharge information. Lower risk of 30-day mortality and lower failure to rescue rates. Higher job satisfaction among nurses. Lower nurse reports of intentions to leave their positions. Magnet recognition is the gold standard for nursing excellence and is a factor when the public judges health care organizations . Additionally, U.S. News & World Report's annual showcase of "America's Best Hospitals" includes Magnet recognition in its ranking criteria for quality of inpatient care. As the #1 ranked children's hospital in Louisiana, Magnet redesignation is one more way that Manning Family Children's is working to ensure the highest level of pediatric care is available for children and families, close to home. The Magnet Model provides a framework for nursing practice, research, and measurement of outcomes. Through this framework, ANCC evaluates applicants across a number of components and dimensions to gauge an organization's nursing excellence. The foundation of this model comprises various elements deemed essential to delivering superior patient care. These include the quality of nursing leadership and coordination and collaboration across specialties, as well as processes for measuring and improving the quality and delivery of care. To achieve initial Magnet recognition, organizations must pass a rigorous and lengthy process that demands widespread participation from leadership and staff. This process includes an electronic application, written patient care documentation, an on-site visit, and a review by the Commission on Magnet Recognition. Health care organizations must reapply for Magnet recognition every four years based on adherence to Magnet concepts and demonstrated improvements in patient care and quality. An organization reapplying for Magnet recognition must provide documented evidence to demonstrate how staff members sustained and improved Magnet concepts, performance and quality over the four-year period since the organization received its initial recognition. "Magnet redesignation is something our team worked incredibly hard to achieve," said Lindsey Casey, RN, Chief Nursing Officer for Manning Family Children's. "For our team, Magnet is much more than a badge of honor. It is an affirmation of the culture we have built together-a culture of excellence, accountability, curiosity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality care for children". For more than 70 years, Manning Family Children's has proudly served as Louisiana's number one and only, freestanding, comprehensive children's hospital with more than 600 pediatric-trained providers and 3,000 employees solely dedicated to the care of kids. In addition to comprehensive services offered at its main campus in New Orleans, Children's operates a robust network of more than 30 satellite locations, pediatric affiliations across Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and robust and long-serving community programs designed to meet the health needs of the diverse communities it serves. At the heart of its mission, Manning Family Children's is committed to delivering expert care for every child, every time - regardless of a family's ability to pay.
Junior League of New Orleans to host 18th annual Get on Board nonprofit leadership training Oct. 3
Wed, Sep 23, 2026 12:19 EDT
New Orleans' premier board training workshop, Get on Board, returns Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO). Presented by Waters, Parkerson, & Co., LLC, this full-day training and networking event will prepare current and aspiring community leaders for meaningful nonprofit board service. Under the theme "Grounded in Service. Growing in Leadership.", Get on Board will provide participants with practical knowledge, leadership skills and connections to help them identify the right opportunities to serve and make a meaningful contribution once they take a seat at the table. "Strong nonprofit organizations depend on engaged, prepared and thoughtful leaders," said JLNO President, Shelby Wynne. "Get on Board reflects the Junior League of New Orleans' longstanding commitment to developing civic leaders and connecting people with opportunities to make a difference in our community." The program guides attendees from understanding their motivation and purpose for serving to building the governance, financial and leadership skills needed to serve effectively. The day concludes by helping participants identify where their individual skills and experiences can have the greatest impact and develop a clear next step toward service. Sessions will address key aspects of nonprofit leadership and board service, including finding the right board and mission; leading and influencing without positional authority; understanding nonprofit financial statements and financial oversight; and the core responsibilities of nonprofit boards, including governance, accountability and healthy board-staff relationships. Get on Board featured speakers include: Michelle Bidwell, Founder and CEO of Granted Advisors Ronnie Slone, Founder and President of The Slone Group Crystal Manning-Mitchell, CEO of River Oaks Hospital Elizabeth Hefler, New Orleans Regional President of Hancock Whitney Jessica Rury, Phase I ESA/NEPA Division Manager of Leaaf Environmental, LLC Connecting Leaders with Local Nonprofits Participants will take part in an interactive Board Service Action Plan workshop, where they will consider the causes that matter most to them, the skills and perspectives they can contribute and the type of organization and board culture that best fits their interests. The event will culminate with a Connection Hour where participating nonprofit organizations will be onsite to talk with attendees about their missions, board structures, committee opportunities and current leadership needs. The Connection Hour will also highlight committee service as an entry point for individuals who may be interested in getting involved but are not yet ready for fiduciary board service. Get on Board training will take place at JLNO Headquarters at 4319 Carondelet St. in New Orleans. Registration and breakfast begin at 8:30 a.m. and the event concludes at 4:30 p.m. The cost to attend is $150 per person and registration is live at jlno.org .
Informuta awarded NSF SBIR Phase II grant to advance predictive antibiotic resistance platform toward clinical deployment
Wed, Sep 23, 2026 11:54 EDT
Informuta , a predictive infection intelligence company developing technology to forecast antibiotic resistance before it emerges during treatment has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). The highly competitive grant - one of roughly 80 Phase II awards NSF makes annually nationwide - will support Informuta's transition from successful early validation into prospective clinical studies and real-world health system implementation of its antibiotic resistance forecasting platform. The $1.25 million grant builds on Informuta's successful NSF Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I award and represents an important next step in the development and validation of the company's technology. The Phase II program will support the next stage of Informuta's platform to patients: prospective validation using real clinical isolates, implementation of the platform within hospital microbiology and antimicrobial stewardship workflows, expansion of predictive models across priority bacterial pathogens and continued development of the laboratory and quality infrastructure required for clinical testing. Together, these efforts are designed to establish the clinical, operational and analytical evidence needed to move Informuta from research-stage validation toward routine clinical deployment. Informuta is conducting this work in partnership with University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Informuta's research institution partner since Phase I, and University of California, Irvine. Informuta is developing a potentially first-in-class capability in infectious disease care: predicting how antibiotic resistance is likely to evolve before it becomes clinically apparent. Today, antimicrobial susceptibility testing tells clinicians which antibiotics appear effective at the time a sample is tested. These static snapshots, however, cannot capture whether resistance is likely to emerge during treatment - a particularly consequential risk in high-acuity patients. Informuta combines whole-genome sequencing, proprietary predictive genomic biomarkers and artificial intelligence to quantify that future risk. As Informuta moves toward prospective validation and clinical deployment, the company has also expanded its clinical and operational leadership. Ryan Shields, Pharm.D., M.S., BCIDP, has joined as Chief Medical Officer; Ayesha Khan, Ph.D., D (ABMM), M (ASCP), as Vice President of Clinical Microbiology; and Barbara Zehentner, Ph.D., M.B.A., HCLD as Lab Director. Together, they bring complementary expertise spanning infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship, clinical microbiology, regulatory strategy, quality systems and clinical laboratory operations - strengthening the infrastructure required to translate Informuta's predictive technology into real-world clinical use. "Phase I asked whether this biology could be turned into a predictive technology. Phase II asks the harder and more important question: can we make that prediction reliably inside real hospital workflows and ultimately use it to help clinicians make better treatment decisions?" said Kalen Hall, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of Informuta. "That is the transition Informuta is making now: from promising science to clinical infrastructure. This funding allows us to generate the prospective evidence, operational workflows and laboratory foundation required to bring predictive infection intelligence to patients. We're proud that this next stage of the company is being built here in New Orleans." The Phase II award also marks continued growth for Informuta in New Orleans. Founded in New Orleans and spun out of Tulane University in 2023, the company won the 2024 BioChallenge, NOBIC's national startup pitch competition, and operates its central laboratory and operations at NOBIC. Informuta has grown with support from Louisiana's investment ecosystem, including the New Orleans BioFund, NOBIC's affiliated investment fund, Tulane Ventures, 1834 Ventures, Boot64 Ventures, and the Flamingo Funders. "NSF Phase II awards go to companies that delivered on their Phase I work, and Kalen and her team delivered," said Kris Khalil, executive director of NOBIC. "Informuta won the BioChallenge, built its lab here at NOBIC and is now taking important steps toward CLIA certification and CAP accreditation - all milestones that move the company closer to commercial readiness. Our team has supported Informuta along that path, from lab infrastructure and technical resources to navigating the requirements that come with bringing a biotech product to market. With continued support from BioDistrict New Orleans and Louisiana Economic Development, we are expanding that hands-on commercialization support, including SBIR and STTR assistance, so more Louisiana companies can make that same jump from the bench to the market." Louisiana companies interested in SBIR and STTR funding support can learn more at neworleansbio.com . For more information on Informuta and its work, click here . For more about NOBIC, click here . ### . About Informuta: Informuta is building the predictive intelligence layer for infectious disease. The company combines novel predictive genomic biomarkers, longitudinal clinical-genomic data, and AI to forecast clinically important changes in infections before they become visible through conventional diagnostics. Its first application focuses on antibiotic resistance, helping health systems anticipate treatment-emergent resistance in high-risk patients. Every deployment expands Informuta's longitudinal data and strengthens a platform designed to make infectious disease management increasingly predictive rather than reactive. About America's Seed Fund: America's Seed Fund powered by NSF awards $200 million annually to startups and small businesses, transforming scientific discovery into products and services with commercial and societal impact. About NOBIC: The New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC) is a nonprofit business incubator focused on advancing life science entrepreneurship and technology commercialization in Louisiana. The mission of NOBIC is to create a successful biotech ecosystem by providing emerging companies with customized commercialization services, premier facilities, and a comprehensive support network. Through relationships with research institutions, economic development organizations, and industry stakeholders, NOBIC helps its clients de-risk novel technologies, attract funding, and improve global health outcomes. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No. 2604976. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
Genetic clues help reveal kids' cancer risk
Wed, Sep 23, 2026 11:52 EDT
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 18, 2026) - Every person is a collection of genetic puzzle pieces. On their own, those pieces can be hard to understand, but together, those pieces come together to form the picture that is you. Sometimes, one of those pieces doesn't fit as it should. In genetics, even a small change can affect the bigger picture. That is how inherited cancer risk can work: a change in a person's genetic code can increase the likelihood of a life-changing diagnosis. But what if you could predict your risk? Or know whether your child - and their children - would be affected by the same errant gene? Are there steps you could take to catch it early or even reduce the risk of getting cancer in the first place? Those are the questions that inspired Project Inherited Cancer Risk (PICR), an innovative clinical study out of the DanceBlue Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Clinic at Golisano Children's at UK . Advanced genetic testing identifies young patients with gene changes that increase their risk of cancer. With that knowledge, providers can formulate a personalized care plan for each patient, as well as determine if other family members carry a similar risk. Looking for genetic clues In 2018, shortly after he was named interim chief of pediatric oncology, John A. D'Orazio, M.D., Ph.D., noted an influx of inherited cancer referrals from Markey Cancer Center , UK HealthCare's NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center with its own robust cancer genetic testing program. "The children of patients at Markey had a gene finding - a variant, we call it - that put them at increased risk of cancer," said D'Orazio, now chief of pediatric oncology and the principal investigator of PICR. "Families got tested through what's called cascade testing, where you see who else in the family might be affected. And then, lo and behold, a child will have the same gene finding. And so that child then needs care." With dozens of cancer syndromes that each require specialized expertise, it can be too much for the child's general pediatrician to track through routine checkups. D'Orazio, along with Amanda Harrington, M.D., developed the Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult Inherited Cancer Predisposition Service to provide personalized care for those affected by an inherited cancer syndrome.. "We can miss about half of these patients that have an inherited cancer risk just by relying on clinical clues," said D'Orazio. "My idea was to start a clinical study and offer it to patients who have been impacted by pediatric and young adult cancers and look for whether or not they might have one of these cancer syndromes because that information can affect how we treat them. It also has very big implications to the rest of the family." "We have some good clinical clues; there are certain tumors that happen in children that we know are likely to be associated with an inherited trait, but that's not always the case," said Harrington, medical director of the Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult Inherited Cancer Predisposition Service. "And family history is only as good as what people can remember or are willing to share. The person who receives this information has control over their own medical history, and it helps them make more informed decisions going forward." A microscopic look at the family tree Project Inherited Cancer Risk looks for the answers to two questions in every patient tested: whether this cancer has a genetic component, and if other family members carry the same risk in their genes. About one in 10 children, adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer will have a genetic finding that puts them at risk for the disease. James Collard is the genetic counselor at the DanceBlue Clinic and helps families understand the genetic testing process and what to do with the information it reveals. "One thing we do is take a family tree and draw out what''s called a pedigree for the family," he said. Building from a detailed family history, a simple blood or saliva test can reveal risks lurking deep in a family's genetic code. One mutation in one gene can have a cascading effect across generations. The genetics teams at UK HealthCare can mail out saliva kits to extended family members following their own genetic counseling sessions to help fill out the genetic picture. Project Inherited Cancer Risk tests for a panel of genes, which Collard indicated is the most applicable option for many pediatric cancer patients. However, the DanceBlue Clinic also offers customized genetic testing that may be appropriate in more unique situations. "We can trace changes through a family by determining a change in one person and then testing for that same single letter change in a relative. And then contrasting that with the volume of testing the whole genome," Collard said. "So really the range of that is so incredible to think about." One important aspect Collard and Harrington stress to families is that having the genetic finding doesn't mean someone will get cancer. Instead, they help families develop a plan to incorporate lifestyle changes that may mitigate the risks, as well as guidance on when to implement early detection screenings such as colonoscopies and mammograms. Genetic testing hits close to home for Beau Lane. After his daughter Lauri died of the disease in 2012, he and his other two daughters underwent genetic testing. Testing showed that Beau carried a BRCA gene mutation that can increase the risk of breast cancer. One daughter's breast cancer was caught early and successfully treated; the other chose a prophylactic mastectomy to reduce her risk. Their experience inspired Beau, and his wife Gale, to be early supporters of PICR. "It is hard to explain the importance of this testing," said Lane. "It is a matter of life and death. My family carries the BRCA gene and of my generation, there is only one of four branches that escaped it - including their children and grandchildren. Our support has helped fund genetic testing for children with cancer and made testing available for their entire family. There are several in my family who are alive today because of the technology and information they received." Knowledge is power D'Orazio, Harrington and Collard know that just having this information is not enough; families need to understand it - and turn that understanding into action. "The big misconception is when patients think that if the results come back positive, that they either have cancer or they're definitely going to get cancer," said Collard. "It's an increased risk, but it's not a guarantee that one will get cancer." "We''ve had cases where a child is diagnosed with a tumor, and they are the first in their family to develop this inherited cancer gene," said Harrington. "Neither parent has this genetic variant in them, but it''s important for that child as they grow up to know about the possibility of passing that on to their children." In other scenarios, the team can discover unexpected - and unrelated - cancer risks. While looking for the suspected genetic variant, testing can reveal an inherited cancer risk that may not explain the child's diagnosis but could carry important implications for other family members, such as a parent's risk for breast cancer. Following National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for each of the documented gene variants, the PICR team works with families on when they should undergo screenings and how often. Counseling, educational toolkits and other methods of patient support are tailored to each family, so they feel informed and supported every step of the way. "It really is personal medicine," said D'Orazio. "Dr. Harrington and James do a great job of making a plan that works. No two people have the same situation. Even if the same gene is found to be changed or mutated, there are characteristics of that individual that necessitate a personalized plan." Cures through collaboration Families like the Lanes want to help ensure that more families can learn about inherited cancer risk early. Support from donors and Kentucky's Pediatric Cancer Research Trust Fund help offset the cost of genetic sequencing which isn't covered by most families' insurance plans. The project expanded to include collaboration with Norton Children's Hospital in Louisville. In October 2025, Kentucky Children's Hospital joined the Golisano Children's Alliance and became Golisano Children's at UK. The alliance includes 21 other children's hospitals across the nation, bringing together experts to expand what's possible in pediatric care and research. One of Harrington's projects is the pediatric germline molecular tumor board, a multidisciplinary effort that brings together providers and researchers to present their inherited risk findings to a group of oncologists, researchers, sequencers, genetic counselors and ethicists for discussion and recommendations. "When we joined Golisano Children's Alliance, one of the first things I did was to reach out to my colleagues at those other children''s hospitals, let them know what we''re doing here at UK, and invite them to be a part of it," said D'Orazio. "Representatives from other children''s hospitals are interested in taking part in the tumor board, with the invitation to extend Project Inherited Cancer Risk to our sister institutions." It's one thing to have input from fellow physicians, researchers and genetic counselors, but, according to D'Orazio, some of the most vital feedback comes from the patients and families themselves. The fear of a cancer diagnosis lurks in the back of everyone's mind, but for those with a family history or a positive genetic finding, that anxiety is amplified. Based on interviews and surveys, the PICR team worked with pediatric psychologists Meghan L. Marsac, Ph.D. and Tanesha Johnson, Ph.D. to provide resources to address families' emotional needs. The team is also exploring creative ideas to help support families with genetic testing and subsequent surveillance and screening. At its heart, D'Orazio said this work is about giving children and families the knowledge they need to face cancer risk sooner, with clearer answers and more support. "It's exciting to hear what the cancer predisposition community could use, then actually have the resources and gumption to do it," D'Orazio said. "When I think about the future of our program, I think about our ability to respond to a need that has not been met in our community." That kind of support can help families move from uncertainty to action, giving them a clearer sense of what their risk means and what they can do next. "It is really empowering for families to know they carry this risk," said Harrington. "It doesn''t mean they are going to get cancer, but they have the choice of whether they want to participate in screening how they want to take care of their health and to catch any cancers at an early, more treatable stage. Does it come with some anxiety? Absolutely. But if we can be proactive and catch something as early as possible, all the better. It''s helpful to be able to make informed decisions about your health, your children''s health and your future."
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
