Kinetic Insurance Retires Reflex Wearables for Workers' Comp Policyholders
Wed, Sep 30, 2026 11:00 EDT
Growing MGA sharpens focus on end-to-end claims management to lower claim costs for employers in frontline industries Kinetic Insurance, the tech-first workers' compensation MGA, today announced the retirement of Reflex wearable devices from its workers' compensation program. Reflex is no longer available to new policyholders and will be fully retired for existing policyholders by October 1, 2027. Coverage, claims service, and dividend eligibility are unaffected. The change lets Kinetic concentrate on real-time claims intelligence and the expert teams that guide every claim from injury through closure. "Reflex showed us what data can do for frontline safety. When part of the daily routine, we saw that Reflex drove consistent reductions in sprains and strains," said Adam Price, CEO of Kinetic Insurance. "But prevention technology demands a lot from busy frontline operations. When we listened to our customers, the biggest pain point was the claim itself. They told us: 'Tell me what to do next, fight for me when a claim happens, and show me where things stand.' Claims intelligence lets us do exactly that, and the results show up in real dollars. That's been our focus for the past few years, and we're deepening our investment in it." Turning claims data into next steps with technology and people For most frontline employers in parcel delivery, transportation, warehousing, and hospitality, workers' compensation is a fixed line item, and stalled claims feel like a cost of doing business. Kinetic sees it differently. Every claim generates data that mostly goes unused. Kinetic combines that data into clear insights, so employers and Kinetic's expert teams know the next step on every claim. The goal is employers who take an active part in their claims, working alongside Kinetic and their broker. Employers who actively engage with the program see 34% lower loss ratios. Every Kinetic workers' compensation program includes the Kinetic Dashboard at no additional cost. It brings policy data, near-real-time claims data, and return-to-work status into a single view. Behind it, AI trained on Kinetic's proprietary data monitors 80 data points per claim and surfaces the next best action, giving brokers and employers the equivalent of a senior adjuster in their pocket. Newly appointed VP of Product Matt Crum is leading the next phase of platform development, expanding Kinetic's claims management capabilities for mid-market and large commercial accounts. Technology is only half the equation. Kinetic pairs the platform with an expert team: Claims managers, led by Bonnie McCaig, Director of Claims, named 2026 Claims Leader of the Year by PC360 Insurance Luminaries, actively manage every claim to prevent fraud and litigation, secure reserve reductions, and keep claims from running to their maximum. Policyholder success managers work hand-in-hand with employers throughout their policy so they know what to do next. Loss control teams build custom safety plans for the specific risks each business faces, so injury prevention stays part of every program, no devices required. Employers who actively engage with the program see 34% lower loss ratios. Transition for current Reflex users Policyholders currently using Reflex will continue to receive support through October 1, 2027. Current policyholders and their broker partners have already been notified of the change. Organizations that access Reflex outside of a workers' compensation policy are not affected by this change.
American Marketing Association Announces Finalists for Awards Celebrated at the 2026 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education
Wed, Sep 30, 2026 09:53 EDT
American Marketing Association Announces Finalists for Awards Celebrated at the 2026 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education November 8-11, 2026 in Greater Denver, CO Area Chicago, IL - The American Marketing Association (AMA) has officially announced the finalists for the awards celebrated at the 2026 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education. Celebrating extraordinary leadership, innovation, and creative excellence across higher education, these awards recognize the marketers and institutions shaping the future of strategic engagement in the academic sector. The winners will be honored and announced live at the upcoming event in Greater Denver, CO. "Today's higher education marketing requires an unparalleled mix of empathy, agility, and strategic foresight," said AMA CEO Bennie F. Johnson. "This year's finalists represent the absolute gold standard of our field, demonstrating how visionary storytelling and data-driven strategy can transform institutional reach and impact." 2026 Award Categories and Finalists AMA Foundation Higher Education Marketer of the Year (Individual) Recognizes an individual higher education marketing leader who has demonstrated exceptional vision, transformed their institution's market position, and advanced the overall field through strategic excellence. Christie Harper, University of Arizona Anne Peters, University of South Carolina (formerly at UT San Antonio) Carrie Phillips, University of Arkansas at Little Rock AMA Foundation Higher Education Marketer of the Year (Team) Honors a high-performing marketing team or department whose collaborative work, campaign performance, and problem-solving have set new standards for institutional impact. Montclair State University University of Arkansas Little Rock University of Oregon AMA Emerging Marketer in Higher Education Award Recognizes an up-and-coming professional with 10 years or less of experience in higher education marketing who has demonstrated outstanding creativity, innovation, and promise over the past academic year. Tim Grassley, University of Colorado Boulder, College of Arts and Sciences Nele Aline Langhof, University of Georgia Alan Rose, Southern Methodist University Best Branded Merch in a University Marketing Campaign Sponsored by Promotional Products Work Celebrates the strategic and creative integration of custom merchandise within higher education campaigns, proving how physical touchpoints drive meaningful engagement and brand affinity. DePaul University Mercy University Pacific Lutheran University University of Illinois For more information about the AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education or to register for the event, visit ama.org . ###
Mine Clearance Experts Receive UK Humanitarian Medal for Lifesaving Work in Gaza
Wed, Sep 30, 2026 06:23 EDT
Seven Humanity & Inclusion staff have been awarded the Humanitarian Medal, approved by HM The King, for their lifesaving work in Gaza. They are the first Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to receive the award. "They are the best of us and we celebrate them today" Kirsty McNeill, the UK Minister of State for International Development said: "My heartfelt congratulations to these remarkable recipients of the UK's Humanitarian Medal, which recognises the incredible dedication and selfless service of individuals on the frontline of the UK's responses to some of the world's most devastating crises. "Every day, humanitarian workers put themselves in harm's way to bring food, healthcare, shelter and protection to communities facing crisis. Yet the challenges they face have rarely been greater: more than 250 million people are expected to need humanitarian assistance this year alone. Despite the scale of the problems, these extraordinary people are determined to be part of the solution. They are the best of us and we celebrate them today." Humanity & Inclusion works alongside disabled and vulnerable people affected by poverty, conflict and disaster around the world, and specialises in activities including humanitarian mine clearance and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). First EOD team to receive the Humanitarian Medal. The seven colleagues (Glenn Cripps, Simon Elmont, David Hilton, John Montgomery, Rhiain Moses, Gary Toombs and Daniel Young) who worked on Humanity & Inclusion's emergency response protecting civilians in Gaza are among some of the first recipients of the prestigious new medal - and the very first mine clearance team to be honoured. The seven colleagues attended a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May and their medals have now been received. Saving lives and enabling humanitarian access in Gaza The risks associated with unexploded ordnance in Gaza are huge: it is estimated that around 70,000 tonnes of explosives have hit the Gaza Strip since the start of the conflict. The layers of rubble are considerable, in an extremely dense and confined environment. Unexploded ordnance (UXO) is everywhere - on the ground, in the rubble, and under the ground. From October 2023 to February 2026, Humanity & Inclusion's team provided valuable EOD expertise to help protect civilians and aid workers in Gaza. Their activities included conducting 186 explosive hazard assessments of humanitarian sites to assess whether they were free from explosive ordnance and therefore able to be used for humanitarian purposes, this included hospitals, shelters, and spaces for internally displaced people. Another role was escorting humanitarian convoys delivering aid supplies, ensuring that they could navigate the Gaza Strip safely, mitigating the threat from unexploded ordnance. Humanity & Inclusion's team in Gaza also conducted 57,000 sessions of Explosive Ordnance Risk Education, reaching over 700,000 individuals, including over 700 humanitarian staff. Educating communities on the danger of UXO is vital as people are now living with the lethal threat of UXO and will be for a very long time. An honour celebrating extraordinary humanitarian commitment Gary Toombs, Global Land Release & EOD Technical Operations Director at Humanity & Inclusion said: "I am deeply honoured, alongside members of my team, to have been recognised as a recipient of the UK Humanitarian Medal for our work supporting humanitarian operations relating to Gaza. For me, this represents far more than an individual achievement. It reflects the extraordinary commitment of colleagues, partners and humanitarian professionals working in some of the most difficult and dangerous circumstances imaginable. Our work is ultimately about protecting civilians, reducing the risks posed by explosive ordnance, enabling safer humanitarian access and helping communities affected by conflict. I accept this recognition with enormous pride, but also with humility and with particular respect for our colleagues working on the ground, whose professionalism, courage and commitment to humanitarian principles make this work possible every day." Simon Elmont, Global Land Release Technical Specialist for Humanity & Inclusion said: "I am deeply honoured to have received this award in recognition of work carried out in Gaza. I am very much part of a larger team and so accept this on behalf of all those people who work hard every day to aid the response of Humanity & Inclusion in Gaza." Tom Shelton, Chief Executive of Humanity & Inclusion UK said: "This is an incredibly well-deserved recognition of the expertise, courage and dedication of our Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams and the local colleagues in Gaza working alongside them. For Humanity & Inclusion's EOD team to be the first of its kind to receive this honour is a real landmark and a testament to the professionalism and commitment of everyone involved." "Over the past two and a half years, I have watched with enormous admiration and respect as my colleagues have responded to challenge after challenge, continuing their vital work in the most unimaginable conditions. The impact of this lifesaving work cannot be overstated, and I am incredibly proud of what our teams have achieved." Notes Spokespersons Gary Toombs, Simon Elmont and Tom Shelton are available for interview Pictures Pictures of the team at the Buckingham Palace event available as well as pictures of the medal and Gary Toombs holding it. For more info on the Humanitarian Medal see: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-humanitarian-medal
Ongoing Middle East Disruption Adds a Layer of Unpredictability for Logistics
Wed, Sep 30, 2026 05:47 EDT
Ongoing conflict in the Middle East is adding to the pressures facing UK businesses moving goods, with continued disruption highlighted as one of several factors making the logistics environment increasingly difficult, according to Logistics UK's Logistics Report 2026. While this kind of international disruption is well outside any individual business's control, it adds yet another layer of unpredictability on top of the domestic pressures many smaller e-commerce operators are already managing. For online retailers and fulfilment businesses, international disruption will show up as delayed shipments, unpredictable stock arrivals, or sudden changes to sourcing plans, often with very little warning. This kind of uncertainty makes it more important, not less, that everything within a business's own operation is working as reliably as possible, since there's already enough happening elsewhere in the chain that nobody can plan around with any confidence. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Trucks UK, said, "It's easy to read something like ongoing Middle East disruption as a big, distant issue that doesn't really touch a smaller online business day to day, but in practice, it often does, just indirectly. Stock arrives later than expected, or in less predictable batches, and suddenly a business is trying to catch up on lost time. "We keep coming back to the same point with customers dealing with this kind of pressure. You can't do much about disruption happening on the other side of the world, but you can make absolutely sure your own equipment isn't adding to the problem. Unreliable pallet trucks , stackers and lift tables can turn an external problem into an internal one. "For smaller e-commerce businesses especially, there's often less slack in the system to absorb delays than a larger operation might have. That makes reliable, well-maintained handling equipment less of a nice-to-have and more of a genuine buffer against disruption that's completely outside your control. "It's a good reminder that resilience isn't just about international sourcing decisions: lot of it comes down to whether the basics on your own warehouse floor are solid enough to cope when things elsewhere don't go to plan." For more information, please visit: www.pallettrucksuk.co.uk .
SGS expands global network of CPSC-accredited bicycle laboratories across three continents
Wed, Sep 30, 2026 04:21 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has strengthened its support for bicycle and e-mobility manufacturers through the expansion of its global network of US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)-accredited bicycle testing laboratories. With new accreditations in Vietnam, Germany and the United States, manufacturers can now access testing and compliance services closer to where products are designed, manufactured and sold, helping improve efficiency and accelerate market access. The expansion reflects the growing need for flexible compliance solutions as supply chains become more geographically diverse and regulatory requirements continue to evolve. The newly accredited laboratories in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Waltrop, Germany; and Bentonville, Arkansas, USA, join existing CPSC-accredited facilities in Taiwan and China. Together, the five laboratories provide bicycle testing capabilities across Asia, Europe and North America. The expansion also comes as the CPSC advances electronic filing (e-Filing) requirements for certificates of compliance associated with regulated consumer products, increasing the importance of accredited laboratory data. Joe Chen, Global Head of Hardlines, SGS, said: "The bicycle industry continues to evolve as supply chains diversify and regulatory expectations increase. Manufacturers need trusted partners that can deliver accredited testing services wherever they operate. By expanding our network of CPSC-accredited bicycle laboratories, we are helping customers access reliable compliance solutions closer to their operations while maintaining consistent quality standards and technical expertise across regions." With five strategically located laboratories, SGS is helping manufacturers navigate evolving requirements and bring bicycle and e-mobility products to market with confidence. Stakeholders can learn more about SGS's comprehensive portfolio of specialist services for bikes on SGS.com . For further information, please contact: Jochen Kurzke (EU) International Sales Manager Connectivity & Products +49 1749765521 Michael Baker (US/Canada) Sales Executive Connectivity & Products +1-562-510-1776 Vanessa Lin Global Ebike Product Manager Connectivity & Products +886 2 2299 3279 #3507
Senior Care Authority Expands with New Franchise Location Serving Kentuckiana
Tue, Sep 29, 2026 08:17 EDT
Patrick Lynch Opens Senior Care Authority Location Serving Southern Indiana and Greater Louisville Area Senior Care Authority , a nationally recognized leader in eldercare consulting and senior placement services , is proud to announce the opening of its newest franchise location, serving Kentuckiana, including Southern Indiana and the Greater Louisville Area. The new location is led by Patrick Lynch, CSA, a certified senior advisor with more than 15 years of experience working with seniors and their families. Lynch will provide local families with personalized guidance as they navigate senior living, care, healthcare and aging-related decisions. After years of working with older adults and their loved ones, Lynch has seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate care decisions. That mission became even more personal when his own family faced the challenge of determining what came next when his mother-in-law could no longer safely live on her own. "I was drawn to Senior Care Authority because it gives me the opportunity to combine my professional experience with my passion for helping families," Lynch said. "So many often find themselves making important decisions during a stressful and emotional time. I want to provide them with trusted guidance, resources and support so they can better understand their options and determine the right next steps for their loved one." Senior Care Authority offers a comprehensive suite of services to support seniors and their families, including: Assisted Living and Memory Care Placement Services : Guidance in evaluating senior living and care options to help families find solutions that meet their loved one's individual needs. Eldercare Consulting : Personalized support to help families understand care choices and determine appropriate next steps. Healthcare Navigation and Advocacy : Helping patients and families communicate with healthcare providers, understand care recommendations, and advocate for their loved one. Discharge Planning Support : Assistance understanding discharge instructions, coordinating care, and navigating what comes next after a hospital stay. Beyond Driving with Dignity® : A Senior Care Authority exclusive program designed to help seniors and families address driving-related decisions while emphasizing safety and dignity. Lynch's goal is to serve as a trusted local resource during what can often be a complex and emotional time. Whether families are exploring assisted living or memory care, looking for resources to help a loved one remain safely at home, or simply trying to understand the options available, Lynch provides personalized guidance and support. "I am honored to come alongside families when they may feel overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next," Lynch said. "My goal is to take some of the stress and uncertainty out of the process, help families understand their options and give them the information and support they need to make informed decisions for their loved one. I want families throughout Kentuckiana to know they don't have to navigate this journey alone." Lynch and his wife, Cheryl, are proud to bring Senior Care Authority to the Kentuckiana region and look forward to building strong relationships with local families, senior living communities, healthcare providers and other professionals and organizations serving older adults. Senior Care Authority's placement services are provided at no cost to families, as fees are covered by partner communities, allowing families to receive objective guidance and expert support without out-of-pocket expense.
ETS's Praxis Program Partners with Washington Professional Educator Standards Board to Eliminate Entry Barriers to State's Paraeducator Workforce
Tue, Sep 29, 2026 08:00 EDT
ETS's Praxis program and the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) today announced a statewide partnership that integrates ParaPathways, an ETS Praxis solution, to eliminate barriers to entry into Washington's paraeducator workforce. "Paraeducators play an indispensable educational role daily for our P-12 students and families in Washington state," said Dr. Ron Jacobson, Interim Executive Director, PESB. "Ensuring that paraeducators have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to effectively support student learning continues to be a high priority for the Professional Educator Standards Board, as well as Washington state legislators. High-quality preparation is crucial, and removing barriers to such training is essential. Our partnership with ETS in the use of the ParaPathways program is a key element in paraeducator licensure and support. In addition, the vouchers offered by ETS for the assessment remove financial barriers, allowing our paraeducator workforce access to this important preparation component." A Model Built Around Three Stages of Development Praxis' ParaPathways assessment model supports paraeducators across three stages: preparation, licensure, and skill development. Rather than treating certification and classroom readiness as separate tracks, the model integrates them, helping ensure candidates meet state requirements while also building the practical competencies they need in schools. As part of this partnership, Washington's paraeducator workforce will have access to a full suite of core resources each year, including: Assessment Preparation: interactive practice tests, diagnostic score reports, and preparation ebooks that help candidates identify gaps early and get ready for entry into the field. ParaPathways Assessment: the assessment paraeducators need to meet Washington's minimum employment requirements, with vouchers available to remove cost as a barrier to taking it. ParaPathways Bridge: an alternative passing solution providing a quicker route to employment. Educator-Aligned Progression: A coordinated path that connects preparation, assessment, and entry into the profession, creating a more seamless journey for candidates from building the foundational knowledge and skills they need to demonstrating their qualifications and successfully entering the education workforce. "ETS is proud to support Washington's efforts to strengthen paraeducator recruitment," said Vince Dean, Associate Vice President of Praxis at ETS. "ParaPathways helps fill a real gap aligned with the state's employment requirements. It's a resource districts can lean on to recruit more paraeducators, and we're glad to help Washington lead the way in showing what a stronger entry point into the profession can look like." Building a Scalable Pipeline for the Future Paraeducators represent one of Washington's most promising pipelines for growing a diverse, locally rooted educator workforce. By pairing ParaPathways' preparation resources directly with PESB's minimum employment requirements - which call for paraeducators to hold a high school diploma or equivalent and meet one of several qualifying pathways, including a passing score on a board-approved assessment such as ETS Praxis' ParaPro test - the partnership gives districts a consistent, statewide standard for who is ready to step into a paraeducator role. PESB and ETS see this integrated approach as a foundation other states can look to as they work to recruit, prepare, and retain paraeducators as part of a broader educator workforce ecosystem. About Praxis Building on ETS's 78-year legacy of research and innovation, the Praxis® program delivers a comprehensive suite of solutions that support educators from their first steps toward teaching through continued growth in their careers. Best known for the Praxis licensure assessments that help aspiring teachers demonstrate their readiness to teach, the program also includes ParaPathways™, Praxis Bridge™, Praxis Steps™, and ProEthica® - offering access, flexibility and support for educators while helping schools bring more qualified teachers into classrooms. Learn more at praxis.ets.org.
A new free guide published today offers adult education 20 ready-to-use tools
Tue, Sep 29, 2026 07:26 EDT
A new free guide for adult education professionals, published today by the Erasmus+ Empower project - Lifelong Learning Skills for Educational Trainers in Europe - proposes a practical method for developing the skills that allow people to continue learning after formal education ends. The Lifelong Learning Facilitator's Guide is 70 pages long and is available in Spanish and English. It is based on Self-Determination Theory, which identifies three psychological needs - connection, competence, and control - that determine whether motivation can be sustained. The guide translates this foundation into a four-phase learning pathway and 20 facilitation tools, each with its own steps and timelines, a facilitation note, and a printable template. The tools cover three pillars: social-emotional skills, self-directed learning, and digital well-being. "The measure of a good session is not how much content has been covered," says Joan Urgell, a trainer at Learnlife and head of Empower. "It's about whether people leave with more connection, competence, and control than when they arrived, because that's what determines whether they'll go back and learn on their own." The digital wellbeing module addresses a change the partners observed in their own practice: the research cited in the guide places the average sustained attention span in front of a screen at around 47 seconds. Instead of restricting technology, the tools propose that each person analyse their own digital habits and design an environment that protects their concentration. The guide was developed over a year with professionals from Romania and Spain, through online workshops and a mobile training program with 18 facilitators in Barcelona. Their contributions are compiled in a bank of strategies for the ten executive functions. It can be downloaded for free at learnlife.com/empower-guia and used, shared, and reproduced for non-commercial educational purposes, citing the source.
Back to Routines, Back to Adventure: Toddler Sense Sutton Coldfield Welcomes Families This September
Tue, Sep 29, 2026 07:20 EDT
The school holidays may be over, but there is still plenty of room for adventure. As families across Sutton Coldfield settle back into their usual routines this autumn, Toddler Sense welcomes children back for another term of climbing, exploring, playing and discovering. For toddlers, returning to a familiar activity after the long summer break can bring its own excitement. Toddler Sense offers children the chance to burn off some energy while taking part in a different adventure each week, with multi-sensory activities and plenty of equipment to explore. The classes are run locally by Rebecca Higgins, who knows a thing or two about helping children learn through activity. Before taking on Toddler Sense Sutton Coldfield, Rebecca spent 19 years as a primary school teacher and also worked as a Water Babies teacher. However, it was attending Toddler Sense with her youngest child that eventually led her in a completely new direction. An opportunity to buy the franchise came up through the local classes, and Rebecca decided to take it. "I'd spent my whole career working in education, so I connected with Toddler Sense straight away," Rebecca said. "But seeing it as a parent was different too. I could see just how much the children loved it. There really is a wow factor when they walk into the adventure play area and see everything laid out for them to explore. "After the summer, it can be nice for families to have something familiar to come back to. Children have had weeks of holidays, different days out and different routines, so having somewhere they can come each week, play, move and have fun together can be a lovely part of getting back into the swing of things." Toddler Sense is designed for children from around 13 months to five years and combines structured activities with adventure play. Sessions encourage children to get moving, use their imagination and explore a wide range of sensory experiences. "I'm really looking forward to welcoming everyone back," Rebecca added. "The best part is seeing the children's faces when they arrive and realise what the adventure is going to be that week. They're ready to get stuck in straight away, and that enthusiasm is infectious." Rebecca also arranges birthday parties for Toddlers age 1- 4yrs and hosts Nursery workshops in the local area. For more information, please visit www.toddlersense.com/suttoncoldfield .
SGS hosts webinar on avoiding US FDA import alerts in shrimp and seafood supply chains
Tue, Sep 29, 2026 07:00 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, is delighted to host a complimentary webinar, 'Avoiding US FDA import alerts in shrimp and seafood supply chains' on October 26, 2026. Shrimp and seafood safety requirements from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue to evolve, placing pressure on suppliers and their supply chains to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Effective food safety systems, supplier oversight and fit-for-purpose testing programs can help identify and mitigate compliance risks. This webinar offers expert insights into strengthening these safeguards to support regulatory compliance while reducing the risk of market access disruption and related financial consequences. With seafood and shrimp products subject to regulatory scrutiny for issues such as drug residues, Salmonella contamination, labeling concerns and supplier control deficiencies, this webinar will help businesses understand how to strengthen food safety systems, manage compliance risks and support product quality. This event will interest shrimp producers and harvesters, shrimp processors and exporters, seafood importers, sourcing professionals, end-user buyers and other stakeholders across the farm-raised seafood supply chain serving the US market. It takes place on October 26, 2026, at 8:00 am (EDT). 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
AI Governance Is Becoming the Competitive Advantage No One Is Talking About, AI Consultancy Reveals
Tue, Sep 29, 2026 06:35 EDT
Most businesses still treat AI governance as an afterthought. The technology gets built or bought, tested, rolled out - and only once something goes wrong, or a regulator comes asking, do questions about oversight and accountability get any real attention. That's starting to change, out of necessity more than choice. ResearchCollab Technologies, an AI consultancy that helps organisations adopt and govern AI systems, argues that businesses are missing the commercial upside of getting governance right early. Being able to show how a system works, who's accountable for it, and where a human sits in the loop can decide whether a project gets the green light or stalls indefinitely. "Most businesses still treat AI governance as a defensive chore to keep auditors happy," said Imran Chughtai, Founder and CEO of ResearchCollab Technologies. "The reality is quite the opposite. Governance is the operational infrastructure that allows you to move fast without breaking things. When you build clear limits, human oversight and an unshakeable audit trail directly into your architecture, your teams can scale autonomous systems without hesitation." The stakes are rising because AI isn't just assisting anymore - it's analysing, recommending, triggering actions, sometimes making calls with real financial or legal weight behind them. So, the question gets harder to dodge: if an AI system gets something wrong, or oversteps what it was meant to do, who actually catches it? Who's got the authority to step in? And afterwards, can anyone in the organisation explain how the decision got made? Without answers to those, scaling gets difficult fast. "Governance should give organisations confidence, not slow them down," said Faheem Ullah. "If people understand the boundaries of a system and know when human intervention is required, they can use AI more effectively. The problems arise when organisations adopt powerful technology without putting the same thought into how it will be monitored and managed." ResearchCollab Technologies works through these questions directly with clients as part of the adoption process - defining who's responsible for what, setting up oversight, assessing risk, and building frameworks that let AI be truly used safely. "Organisations treating this solely as a compliance requirement are handing a massive advantage to their competitors," Chughtai said. "The businesses that can deploy AI with confidence, demonstrate accountability and adapt their systems as they grow will be in a much stronger position than those constantly trying to retrofit controls after the fact." For more information, visit researchcollabtech.com .
As Skills Gap Widens, the Right Equipment Can Help Newer Staff Catch Up Faster
Tue, Sep 29, 2026 06:11 EDT
Logistics UK's Skills and Employment Report 2026, released at this year's Multimodal exhibition, warns that the sector's capability gap is continuing to widen, with businesses struggling to fill roles requiring experience as much as qualifications. Midland Pallet Trucks says that while closing a skills gap like this takes time, the equipment newer staff are handed on day one can make a real difference to how quickly they can become genuinely productive. The report's findings will be familiar to plenty of manufacturers and warehouse operators who have spent recent years managing a steady turnover of staff - without always having the time or resources to deliver in-depth training for every new starter. This is exactly the environment where equipment design can genuinely affect how quickly a site can get back up to full productivity after a period of change. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Midland Pallet Trucks, said, "A widening capability gap isn't something any one business can fix on its own, but it does change what businesses should be prioritising day to day. "If you can't always guarantee an experienced hire, or the time to train someone thoroughly before they're needed on the floor, then the equipment they're using needs to do some of that work for you. "We think about this a lot when we're specifying equipment for customers. A pallet truck , stacker truck or lift table that's intuitive to use safely, with clear controls and manageable handling, means a newer member of staff can be productive within days rather than weeks - and, just as importantly, safely as well as quickly. None of it is a substitute for proper training, and it never should be. But when the wider skills picture is genuinely stretched, as this report confirms it is, giving people equipment that doesn't work against them is how businesses can ensure new hires hit the ground running. Chesworth added, "Midlands manufacturers know this pressure better than most. Anything that shortens the gap between someone starting and someone being genuinely useful on the floor is worth taking seriously." For more information, visit https://www.midlandpallettrucks.com .
Vantos Markets Selects Acuity's Event and Trade Intelligence Tools to Support Trader Research and Preparation
Tue, Sep 29, 2026 04:31 EDT
Agreement brings analyst produced technical research, automated pattern identification and economic calendar data to the UK-focused broker's client offering. Acuity Trading Limited today announced that Vantos Markets has selected its Event and Trade Intelligence offering, incorporating Human Technical Analysis, automated Patterns tools and Economic Calendar data. The partnership supports the broker's focus on providing UK traders with research and analytical tools to inform their own trading decisions. The Human Technical Analysis research is provided by Acuity Research Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under firm reference number 787261. Acuity Trading Limited is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Vantos Markets (UK) Limited is a UK broker authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The company places clear communication about the realities and risks of trading at the centre of its approach. The agreement will support its aim of helping clients evaluate trading ideas, examine technical patterns and prepare for scheduled economic announcements. Through the partnership, Vantos Markets is integrating three distinct capabilities into its client offering: ● Human Technical Analysis will provide analyst-produced, non-personalised market research to help clients evaluate trade ideas and understand the analysis supporting them. ● Patterns will use automated technology to identify chart formations that clients can consider as one input in their own analysis. ● Economic Calendar data will highlight scheduled announcements that could affect market conditions, helping traders consider event risk alongside technical research. The tools provide general, non-personalised market analysis and information. They do not take account of an individual client's objectives, financial circumstances or needs and do not constitute investment advice or a personal recommendation. Together, the Event and Trade Intelligence capabilities will give clients additional information to support their research and preparation. Markets remain unpredictable, and access to research, data or analytical tools does not eliminate trading risk or guarantee any particular outcome. Robert Woolfe, Managing Director of Vantos Markets; "Being brutally honest about trading starts with acknowledging that markets are unpredictable and that losses are a real possibility. Our role is to give clients practical tools and information that can help them prepare, evaluate the available evidence and make their own decisions. "Our agreement with Acuity supports that approach. We want clients to be able to examine the reasoning behind a trade idea, review automatically identified technical patterns and recognise when an economic announcement could affect a position. These tools do not provide personal advice or certainty, but they can help traders challenge their assumptions and decide for themselves whether to act or step back." Andrew Lane, CEO of Acuity Trading and MarketReader; "Vantos Markets' emphasis on preparation and clear communication fits closely with our approach to trading intelligence. Research and analytical tools should provide useful context that traders can consider when evaluating an idea and the factors that may affect it. "By bringing together analyst-produced technical research, automated pattern identification and economic calendar data, Vantos will enable clients to examine trade ideas alongside scheduled event risk. The tools provide non-personalised market analysis rather than investment advice, supporting a more informed and considered approach to independent decision-making." For Vantos Markets, the partnership forms part of its focus on integrating tools that serve a practical purpose for clients. Acuity's Event and Trade Intelligence capabilities will support clients' preparation by helping them review technical research, examine automatically identified chart patterns and monitor scheduled economic announcements as part of their own analysis. For Acuity, the agreement extends its work with brokers seeking to incorporate research, market data and analytical tools into their client offering. Regulatory information Human Technical Analysis research is provided by Acuity Research Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under firm reference number 787261. Acuity Trading Limited is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The tools and information described in this release provide general, non-personalised market analysis and do not constitute investment advice, a personal recommendation or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument. Trading involves risk, and past performance or previous market patterns are not reliable indicators of future results.
The Historic New Orleans Collection's new exhibition will explore the complex legacy of New Orleans artist Bunny Matthews
Mon, Sep 28, 2026 17:00 EDT
This fall, the Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) will debut the limited-time exhibition "Bunny Matthews: His Life, Art, and Obsessions," the first-ever retrospective of the artist's work. Opening Friday, Sept. 18, the free exhibition offers a comprehensive look at the world of Will Bunn "Bunny" Matthews III, examining his extensive career as a cartoonist, music journalist and keen observer of New Orleans culture. Matthews was always in pursuit of authenticity. As a writer, he penned incendiary, entertaining music reviews and poetic observations on local culture. As a cartoonist, he skillfully caricatured the dialects and characters of New Orleans. The exhibition will explore the world of Matthews and his iconic characters, Vic and Nat'ly-crystallizations of "Yat" stereotypes who took The Times-Picayune by storm in 1982. It will also highlight Bunny's many obsessions-music, Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest-and delve into the controversy surrounding the artist throughout his career. "For nearly four decades, cartoonist and music writer Bunny Matthews shared his fascination and strong opinions about New Orleans life and culture," said HNOC Chief Curator Jason Wiese. "This exhibition provides a visual and auditory exploration of Bunny's work as he celebrated and poked fun at New Orleans music, food, accents, and customs, holding up a mirror that reflected both the good and not-so-good aspects of our complicated city." As stewards of the world's largest collection of materials related to the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South, HNOC has collected Matthews' work since 1979. Following the artist's death in 2021, HNOC acquired the Bunny Matthews Archive , an 800-plus-item collection of his original drawings, correspondence and ephemera. Complementing the exhibition is the HNOC publication "Bunny Matthews: His Life, Art, and Obsessions," the first biography and monograph of the artist. Written by music and culture writer Alison Fensterstock and comics historian Michael Tisserand, the book captures Matthews in all his messy glory, with galleries of the artist's work punctuating the narrative. Together, the book and exhibition will provide a sketch of the city in the latter half of the 20th century and the dawn of the 21st through Matthews' unique perspective. Preorders begin Aug. 1 at shophnoc.com . The book will launch alongside the exhibition's opening in September. To celebrate the debut of this exciting new exhibition and book, HNOC will host Bunny Day Saturday, Sept. 19. The day-long celebration will include an author talk and book signing hosted by music journalist Jordan Scott, a lecture on the iconic Yat accent and a Vic and Nat'ly costume contest hosted by Peggy Scott Laborde, along with plenty of lagniappe. Bunny Day is free and open to the public. "Bunny Matthews: His Life, Art, and Obsessions" is made possible thanks to the generous support of HNOC's Bienville Circle. The exhibition is free to the public and will remain on view from Sept. 18 through May 9, 2027. For more information or to plan your upcoming visit, go to hnoc.org .
Vaisala launches intrinsically safe dew point instrument DMP370
Mon, Sep 28, 2026 09:44 EDT
Designed for hydrogen, biomethane and industrial gas infrastructure, the DMP370 delivers continuous dew point monitoring in hazardous locations. Vaisala, a global leader in measurement instruments and intelligence, has launched the Vaisala DMP370 Intrinsically Safe Dew Point Instrument for hazardous locations. The new instrument extends Vaisala's proven DRYCAP® dew point technology into hazardous locations. Announced at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, the world's largest exhibition and conference for natural gas, LNG, low carbon solutions, and energy innovation, the DMP370 enables continuous, drift-compensated moisture measurement in hydrogen production, renewable and natural gas infrastructure, chemical processing and other industrial applications where combustible gases or dust may be present. Growing industrial gas markets increase the need for reliable moisture measurement According to the International Energy Agency's Global Hydrogen Review 2026 , global hydrogen demand surpassed 100 million tonnes already in 2025. Much of this demand comes from industrial processes where gas quality directly affects safety, equipment performance, and operational reliability. As hydrogen and biomethane production and other decarbonized gas applications expand, reliable moisture measurement is becoming increasingly important across both new and existing gas infrastructure. Moisture plays a critical role in many gas processes. Excess moisture can compromise fuel cell performance, reduce process efficiency, shorten equipment lifetime, and increase operational risks in gas infrastructure, electrolyzers, and industrial processing facilities. In many of these environments, only equipment certified for hazardous locations may be used. Existing measurement solutions often require compromises Measuring moisture in hazardous locations has traditionally involved trade-offs. Some solutions require additional protective enclosures or introduce installation constraints, depending on the protection concept and application. Other technologies periodically interrupt measurements during regeneration or heating cycles, creating gaps in monitoring data. The new DMP370 addresses these challenges by combining intrinsic safety with uninterrupted measurement. The solution is enabled by Vaisala's proven DRYCAP® dew point technology and an innovative drift-compensation solution. Bringing Vaisala's DRYCAP ® technology to hazardous locations for the first time The DMP370 combines Vaisala's DMP37X probe and HMT370EX transmitter into a single intrinsically safe solution. Intrinsic safety limits the instrument's electrical energy by design, preventing it from becoming an ignition source in explosive atmospheres. The DMP370 measures continuously, combining fast response with long-term stability, providing operators with uninterrupted gas-quality data without measurement gaps. " As hydrogen and renewable gas projects move from pilot installations to full-scale industrial operations, the need for reliable, continuous gas-quality monitoring is growing. Operators need measurement solutions that support both process performance and safety in hazardous locations ," said Antti Heikkilä , Product Line Manager of Industrial Decarbonization at Vaisala. " With the DMP370, we're bringing Vaisala's proven DRYCAP® measurement technology into hazardous locations, enabling continuous dew point measurement in applications where explosion safety is essential ," he added. Designed for emerging and established industrial applications The DMP370 supports gas quality measurement and gas purity monitoring across a wide range of hazardous industrial environments, including: Hydrogen: hydrogen production, storage, fuel cell, and electrolyzer output monitoring applications Natural gas and biomethane: biogas upgrading into biomethane, grid injection and monitoring of gas infrastructure, including natural gas pipelines Chemical and industrial processing: synthetic fuels including eSAF , methanol production, pharmaceuticals, electronics manufacturing, and oil and gas Battery manufacturing: dry-process applications where combustible carbon dust may be present Compressed air and nitrogen: inerting, purge gas and hazardous-location moisture monitoring Key facts Product: Vaisala DMP370 Intrinsically Safe Dew Point Instrument Configuration: Vaisala's DMP37X probe + HMT370EX transmitter, certified as a single intrinsically safe unit Technology: Vaisala DRYCAP® dew point sensor with an innovative drift-compensation solution Measurement range: -70°C ... +10°C Td/f Measurement accuracy: ±2°C Td/f (typical) Temperature range: -40...+60°C Pressure range: 0...40 bar (abs) Intrinsically safe (Ex i), for up to Zone 0 / 20 (ATEX, IECEx) FM approved for Class I, II, III, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, D, E, F and G, T4 (US and Canada) Traceable calibration (certificate included) Availability: First deliveries begin Q1 2027 Markets: Hydrogen, natural gas/biomethane, chemical and industrial processing, battery manufacturing, compressed air and nitrogen Media resources Product page Product Line Manager FAQ
4th Annual Inland Empire Black Parent Summit Brings Families, Educators and Community Together to Support Student Success
Sun, Sep 27, 2026 18:24 EDT
"Schools are stronger when educators, families, and the community come together to support students," says Dr. April Clay, LFMT. "More than ever, we need to stand together, united in our commitment to their success" SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.- On Saturday, October 17, the 4th Annual Inland Empire Black Parent Summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Santos Manuel Student Union at Cal State San Bernardino, 5500 University Pkwy. Registration is required. "Schools are stronger when educators, families and the community come together to support students. More than ever before, we need to stand together and make sure our families have the information, relationships and resources our children need to thrive," said Dr. April Clay, founder of the Clay Counseling Foundation. The Summit is a community gathering bringing together a host of nonprofit and community-based organizations, education networks, mental health professionals and education leaders. This year's focus includes mental health and resilience among Black scholars, helping parents navigate educational systems, increasing awareness of artificial intelligence and its future and connecting families with resources and professionals throughout the region. The full-day event will feature a regional superintendent panel facilitated by Dr. Judy D. White, Retired Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, along with breakout sessions led by university professors and researchers, K-12 and higher education administrators, mental health professionals and community thought leaders. Keynote speaker Dr. William A. Smith, Jon M. Huntsman Presidential Chair and Distinguished Professor at the University of Utah, is internationally recognized for developing the framework of Racial Battle Fatigue, which examines the mental, emotional and physical impact of repeated racial stress. Smith will lead families through a deeper conversation about mental health and resilience. As families also prepare children for a rapidly changing future, Donnell Layne, Moreno Valley College STEM Innovation Director, will address artificial intelligence, helping parents understand how AI is changing education and the workforce and what that means for their children. Presenters include Dr. Carolyn Murray, Dr. Talisa Sullivan, Dr. Brandon Gamble, Dr. Micki Grayson, Dr. Yvette Latunde, Mark Rogers, Dr. ShaKenya Edison, Tyrese Crawford, Lawrence Hardy, and Damon Alexander. "The Summit is about access," Clay said. "We want parents connected to educators, mental health providers, community partners and other parents. Our families should leave knowing where to go, who to call and that they do not have to navigate these systems alone." The Summit is supported by Cal State San Bernardino, San Bernardino and Riverside County Office of Education and a host of regional education and community partners. To RSVP for the event, see https://bit.ly/blackparentsummit For more information or to register for the Black Parent Summit, visit www.blackparentsummit.org To learn more about Clay Counseling Foundation, visit www.claycounseling.org About Clay Counseling Since 2015, the Clay Counseling Foundation has been a trusted provider of culturally responsive, evidence-based mental health services for underserved communities across San Bernardino County and Riverside County. Since its inception, the foundation has provided services, resources, and support, including community outreach, free training, donations, scholarships, community training events, parent workshops, and more. As the community's needs grow, the foundation's services and resources expand as we continue to support local families in any way we can.
City of Moreno Valley and Lighthouse Immersive Open Moreno Valley Museum & ArtSpace and Immersive Van Gogh
Fri, Sep 25, 2026 20:46 EDT
Featuring more than 140 masterpieces brought to life through breathtaking animation, surround sound, and large-scale projection, The New Immersive van Gogh: The Next Chapter invites audiences to step inside the mind of one of history's greatest artists at the Moreno Valley ArtSpace & Museum. The exhibit opens on September 25, 2026. The new Moreno Valley ArtSpace & Museum opens to the public on September 25 at the Moreno Valley Mall. The first exhibit is: The New Immersive van Gogh: The Next Chapter . The exhibition marks the first phase of the new Moreno Valley ArtSpace and Museum, developed in partnership between Lighthouse Immersive and the City of Moreno Valley. This reimagined production builds on the worldwide success of the original Immersive van Gogh , inviting audiences to embark on an extraordinary journey through the life and art of Vincent van Gogh. Using floor-to-ceiling projection and spatial storytelling techniques, this installation allows visitors to move through animated environments inspired by the work of legendary artists and creators. "Immersive van Gogh changes how people experience art , " says Corey Ross, CEO of Lighthouse Immersive. "After welcoming millions of visitors worldwide, we're thrilled to bring this transformative experience to Moreno Valley." Curated by Marco Generoso Realino, CEO of Visioni S.r.l., The New Immersive van Gogh: The Next Chapter continues the evolution of van Gogh's legacy through advanced visual storytelling. "This exhibition reveals the human essence behind van Gogh's art-his resilience, his emotional depth, and his pursuit of beauty even in struggle , " Realino explains. "Each projection becomes a window into his world, inviting the audience to see beyond the canvas." The Moreno Valley City Council initiated the partnership, seeing an opportunity to use immersive technology to expand how the community engages with art and history; it blends immersive art, local history, and community gathering spaces. The new Moreno Valley Museum & ArtSpace, a new cultural destination created by the City of Moreno Valley and Lighthouse Immersive, has transformed the former Sears store at Moreno Valley Mall into a vibrant two-story museum complex. Serving as both a museum and entertainment hub, the venue features immersive experiences, hands-on exhibits, additional galleries, curated retail, a cozy café, and ample free parking. The destination brings art, storytelling, and civic engagement together while celebrating Moreno Valley's heritage and creative energy. "We are extremely proud and excited to bring this cutting-edge approach to culture to the Inland Empire," says Mayor Ulises Cabrera. "This project is a defining moment for the City of Moreno Valley." The museum opens on September 25, 2026. Tickets are on sale now and start at $29.99. For tickets, go to MorenoValleyMuseum.com . Additional Images Museum Renderings: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AiEdQbwR2Cc-riHAM0IDGXKJ4t6XdBvt?usp=sharing The New Immersive Van Gogh: The Next Chapter: Production Images: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dOXtrayq5xQCIPACV8tnlzZ5r_T-P9pk?usp=sharing
The City of Moreno Valley and Lighthouse Immersive Open the Moreno Valley Museum & ArtSpace and The New Immersive Van Gogh: The Next Chapter!
Fri, Sep 25, 2026 12:51 EDT
Featuring more than 140 masterpieces brought to life through breathtaking animation, surround sound, and large-scale projection, The New Immersive van Gogh: The Next Chapter invites audiences to step inside the mind of one of history's greatest artists at the Moreno Valley ArtSpace & Museum. The exhibit opens on September 25, 2026. MORENO VALLEY, CA - The new Moreno Valley ArtSpace & Museum opens to the public on September 25 at the Moreno Valley Mall. The first exhibit is: The New Immersive van Gogh: The Next Chapter . The exhibition marks the first phase of the new Moreno Valley ArtSpace and Museum, developed in partnership between Lighthouse Immersive and the City of Moreno Valley. This reimagined production builds on the worldwide success of the original Immersive van Gogh , inviting audiences to embark on an extraordinary journey through the life and art of Vincent van Gogh. Using floor-to-ceiling projection and spatial storytelling techniques, this installation allows visitors to move through animated environments inspired by the work of legendary artists and creators. "Immersive van Gogh changes how people experience art , " says Corey Ross, CEO of Lighthouse Immersive. "After welcoming millions of visitors worldwide, we're thrilled to bring this transformative experience to Moreno Valley." Curated by Marco Generoso Realino, CEO of Visioni S.r.l., The New Immersive van Gogh: The Next Chapter continues the evolution of van Gogh's legacy through advanced visual storytelling. "This exhibition reveals the human essence behind van Gogh's art-his resilience, his emotional depth, and his pursuit of beauty even in struggle , " Realino explains. "Each projection becomes a window into his world, inviting the audience to see beyond the canvas." The Moreno Valley City Council initiated the partnership, seeing an opportunity to use immersive technology to expand how the community engages with art and history; it blends immersive art, local history, and community gathering spaces. The new Moreno Valley Museum & ArtSpace, a new cultural destination created by the City of Moreno Valley and Lighthouse Immersive, has transformed the former Sears store at Moreno Valley Mall into a vibrant two-story museum complex. Serving as both a museum and entertainment hub, the venue features immersive experiences, hands-on exhibits, additional galleries, curated retail, a cozy café, and ample free parking. The destination brings art, storytelling, and civic engagement together while celebrating Moreno Valley's heritage and creative energy. "We are extremely proud and excited to bring this cutting-edge approach to culture to the Inland Empire," says Mayor Ulises Cabrera. "This project is a defining moment for the City of Moreno Valley." The museum opens on September 25, 2026. Tickets are on sale now and start at $29.99. For tickets, go to MorenoValleyMuseum.com . Additional Images Museum Renderings: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AiEdQbwR2Cc-riHAM0IDGXKJ4t6XdBvt?usp=sharing The New Immersive Van Gogh: The Next Chapter: Production Images: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dOXtrayq5xQCIPACV8tnlzZ5r_T-P9pk?usp=sharing
Etac to deliver meaningful CPD and product launches at OT Show 2026
Fri, Sep 25, 2026 11:55 EDT
Etac, the respected assistive equipment manufacturer, will be providing elevated educational sessions, innovative product launches and evidence-based clinical guidance at the OT Show 2026. The Occupational Therapy Show, NEC Birmingham, 25-26th November, Stand G40. Open from 9:00am. Etac is a global specialist in patient handling, bathroom aids, mobility solutions and paediatric products for individuals with disabilities. Its product ranges are renowned for Scandinavian design excellence which delivers outstanding quality, ergonomics, aesthetics and performance. These inherent capabilities will be showcased once again across a diverse product portfolio at the NEC alongside the launch of two new solutions. The new Etac e-learning platform will also be unveiled, alongside live on-stand CPD demonstrations. Stand G40 will stage an exclusive, pre-launch preview of a product that will spearhead the mobile shower commode category and the latest Immedia 4wayGlide in-bed patient positioning system. In terms of education, the new Etac 'Open Learning' portal will be available to see for the first time and delegates will be able to gain CPD hours by attending the four on-stand educational sessions. These sessions will focus on improved bathroom safety and effective patient in-bed moving and handling. In addition to the express CPD sessions, the knowledgeable and friendly Etac team will be available to provide specialist guidance on how Etac solutions and services enhance everyday practice and client outcomes. There will be guests from Etac's International Education and Product Management departments who will be able to highlight new care approaches and strategies from a global perspective. Andrew King, Etac Sales Director, commented: "Our showcase at the OT Show 2026 promises more meaningful engagement than ever before. All delegates are welcome onto our stand to receive invaluable education, innovative product news and informed clinical advice on a one-to-one basis. As patient and user needs continue to evolve at pace, we remain ahead of the curve in terms of client and carer-centric design - all to be detailed at this year's event." www.etac.co.uk The Etac Group Etac is a world-leading developer of innovative assistive devices and patient handling equipment. Since 1973, we have been committed to improving quality of life for the individual, family members and caregivers. Through our specialised product brands, we offer state-of-the-art solutions for a wide range of daily needs and care settings, for people at all stages of life. Our products are designed to promote the individual's abilities and support caregivers in their daily work - through high quality, user-friendly functionality, and by delivering great value over time. For further information please contact: Jon Nock, Managing Director iDIS Creative Marketing Limited 6B (First Floor), The Courtyard Meadow Bank, Furlong Road Bourne End. Bucks. SL8 5AU. UK Mob: +44(0)7786 245896 Email: jon@idiscreativemarketing.co.uk www.idiscreativemarketing.co.uk Issued on behalf of: Etac UK Limited Unit 60 Hartlebury Trading Estate Hartlebury, Kiddermininster Worcestershire DY10 4JD. UK Tel. +44(0)121 561 2222 E-mail: enquiries.uk@etac.com www.etac.co.uk
SNIPEF Welcomes £8.8m Apprenticeship Investment and Calls for Greater Employer Support
Fri, Sep 25, 2026 06:31 EDT
"We welcome this additional investment in Scotland's Modern Apprenticeship programme. After several years in which the real value of apprenticeship funding has been steadily eroded, this 10% uplift is an important and much-needed step. "For SNIPEF Training Services, as an employer-led managing agent for the plumbing and heating profession, maintaining rigorous standards and providing high-quality support to employers and apprentices are fundamental to what we do. "We have worked closely with the Scottish Government over the past two years to demonstrate the resources required to deliver that service effectively, and this additional investment will help us continue to strengthen the quality and support we provide. "However, this cannot be the end of the conversation. A successful apprenticeship system depends not only on properly resourced delivery, but on employers having the confidence, capacity and support to create and sustain apprenticeship opportunities. "This is particularly important in safety-critical and delivery-critical professions such as plumbing and heating, where employers make a significant four-year commitment to developing the skilled professionals Scotland will need for decades to come. "We therefore welcome this investment as an important first step and look forward to continuing to work with the Scottish Government on how we also support the employers at the heart of Scotland's apprenticeship system."
