St. Petersburg College marks America's 250th anniversary with yearlong civic engagement
Tue, May 12, 2026 18:09 EDT
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in July 2026, St. Petersburg College (SPC) is marking the historic milestone with a yearlong semiquincentennial celebration that blends civic education, community engagement and reflection on the nation's founding ideals. Through its Center for Civic Learning & Community Engagement, SPC is reinforcing a principle it has demonstrated for nearly a century: civic participation is strongest when education and community involvement go hand in hand. A yearlong commitment to civic learning The College amplifies civic learning by honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence through a wide range of academic and co-curricular programming. Faculty across disciplines have integrated discussions of the nation's founding principles into coursework, fostering dialogue on democracy, rights and civic responsibility. As part of its broader engagement, SPC also participated in the Sunshine Debate, a statewide initiative encouraging civil discourse and student dialogue across Florida's colleges. Events and activities Students have engaged in experiences that bring the nation's founding ideals to life, including: Student Government Association trip to Florida's Capitol in Tallahassee, featuring a lecture on representative democracy A League of Women Voters lecture exploring 250 years of voting rights A collegewide "Did You Know?" campaign with facts about the Declaration of Independence Concerts and patriotic programming at The Palladium Theater at SPC "We Declare" public readings and student-led discussions A virtual exhibit on the Framers of the Constitution presented by the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art Flag ceremonies, moderated dialogues and interactive "signing walls" A finale event, America: Together in Harmony , at The Palladium A student's turning point Beyond its 250th-anniversary programming, SPC embeds civic learning throughout academic and student life, a commitment that has earned the College national recognition as a 2024 Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting and a 2025 Voter-Friendly Campus. Student leader Melanie Williams said civic participation transformed her understanding of democracy in action. After enrolling in SPC's American Government course, she became active in campus initiatives and later served as Student Government Association President from February 2023 through October 2025. As a Democracy Fellow, she helped lead voter education and outreach efforts. "I've helped plan events, work voter information tables and connect students with resources so they understand how and where to vote," said Williams. "These experiences showed me that civic participation isn't passive, it's something you practice." Now pursuing a bachelor's degree in Public Policy and Administration, Williams credits SPC's civic engagement programs - and this historic anniversary year - with reshaping her goals and deepening her commitment to public service. Looking ahead to the next 250 years College leaders say the 250th anniversary is both a celebration and a call to action. "St. Petersburg College is proud to celebrate our country's 250th anniversary," said Tara Newsom, Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Founding Director of the Center for Civic Learning & Community Engagement. "For nearly 100 years, we've honored those founding ideals by connecting education with service. As we reflect on 250 years of the Declaration of Independence, we're preparing students to lead, serve and strengthen our democracy for the next 250." Through its semiquincentennial programming, SPC is ensuring the 250th anniversary is not only a reflection on the nation's founding but a renewed commitment to educating informed, engaged citizens for generations to come.
First-of-Its-Kind College Business Credit Partnership Created by SPC and Junior Achievement
Tue, May 12, 2026 18:09 EDT
St. Petersburg College (SPC) has launched a first-of-its-kind partnership with Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay that will give students in the 3DE by Junior Achievement program a new pathway to college credit and career opportunities. Announced April 7 at SPC's St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus, the new articulation agreement allows students who complete the 3DE program to earn up to 12 college credit hours toward an Associate in Science in Business Administration at SPC. The agreement is the first in the nation to award college credit for completion of the 3DE instructional model and creates new opportunities not only for students in Tampa Bay, but also for students participating in 3DE programs across the country. Recognizing Real-World Learning Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay serves 12 counties and develops programs focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship and career readiness. Its 3DE by Junior Achievement model is a career-connected learning experience that integrates business case methodology, entrepreneurship and leadership development into the high school curriculum. Originally launched in Atlanta in 2015, the 3DE model was introduced in Tampa Bay in 2020 and has continued to grow across the region. By fall 2026, it is expected to be implemented in 17 high schools across five west Florida districts. Nationally, the program is now available in 80 schools across 13 states. The model is designed as a four-year high school experience. Students work on real-world business challenges, collaborate with professionals, build problem-solving and public speaking skills, and deepen their understanding of career pathways and workplace expectations. SPC's new agreement formally recognizes the rigor of that experience and the college-level skills students gain throughout the program. "This isn't about adding more classes, it's about recognizing rigor, relevance and real mastery," said Christina Roberts, chief development officer for Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay. "That work led us to today's announcement: an articulation agreement awarding 12 college credits toward an Associate of Science degree in business for approved 3DE graduates." A Partnership Built Through Collaboration The partnership was years in the making and grew out of SPC's deeper involvement with the 3DE program. During the 2023-24 school year, Dean Emmanuel Hernández-Agosto and the SPC College of Business team served as consultancy partners for 3DE seniors at St. Petersburg High School, helping students work through a real-world challenge focused on increasing SPC enrollment through international student recruitment. At the same time, SPC conducted a comprehensive review of the 3DE curriculum across grades 9 through 12, ultimately determining that students who complete the program demonstrate the equivalent of college-level learning in key business areas. "By formalizing this articulation, the College of Business has moved beyond traditional academic boundaries to validate the high-level, real-world consultancy work these students have already mastered," said Hernández-Agosto, Dean of SPC's College of Business. "This agreement creates an accelerated, digital-first highway for the next generation of business leaders to move seamlessly from the classroom to the boardroom." Creating More Equitable Pathways to College For many students, traditional dual enrollment or advanced academic pathways may not always be accessible. Leaders say the 3DE model helps close that gap by engaging students who may not begin high school already connected to a magnet, IB or career-specific track. "While the district offers strong dual-enrollment opportunities and is already a valued partner with SPC, this pathway is not always accessible to all 3DE students," said Lindsay Pena, chief academic officer at Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay. "The strategic partnership with St. Petersburg College reinforces the college's mission to empower its students and community to achieve success and economic mobility through academic excellence and engagement." That alignment is part of what makes the agreement especially meaningful for SPC. As a college committed to access, innovation and workforce development, SPC continues to expand opportunities that help students save time, reduce costs and move more confidently into college and career pathways. Supporting Student Success and Workforce Readiness Leaders across education and industry say the partnership also reflects a broader investment in the future workforce. "The hallmark of 3DE is developing core competencies that apply to any industry," said Kevin Hendrick, superintendent of Pinellas County Schools. "3DE exposes students to universal skills, such as public speaking and problem solving, that are important in both their personal and professional lives." The program's success is also supported by strong collaboration with the business community. More than 57 local business and industry organizations are embedded in the 3DE curriculum through volunteerism, mentorship and real-world case engagement. Among them is Raymond James, an early supporter of 3DE in Tampa Bay and a current funder of operations in Pinellas County and the broader region. "As a large employer within the community, these metrics are important to us as we think about the future workforce," said Andrea Masterson, vice president of community impact at Raymond James. "Maybe [these students will] become part of our workforce programs, maybe they'll become a valued member of our team, or maybe they'll just become a stronger member of the community." A National Model with Local Impact For SPC, the partnership reflects more than a new transfer pathway - it represents a new model for how colleges can recognize high-quality, career-connected learning and create more direct routes to student success. By becoming the first institution in the nation to award college credit through 3DE, SPC is helping set a precedent for how postsecondary institutions can support both academic mobility and workforce readiness. The agreement also strengthens the College's role as a leader in the region, connecting education, business and community partners to create meaningful opportunities for students and support long-term economic growth. As Tampa Bay continues to expand its workforce and educational pipeline, SPC's partnership with Junior Achievement helps ensure students are not only career-aware but college-ready - with a head start already in hand.
Mandelbaum Barrett CEO William Barrett Authors Just-Released Book Authentic
Tue, May 12, 2026 10:37 EDT
Barrett Honors his Father's Wisdom, Reveals an 'Old-School' Approach to Business Success Through Real Relationships and Building a Full Life William S. Barrett , CEO of Mandelbaum Barrett PC, has just published Authentic: An Old-School Approach to Building a Full Life, Successful Business, and Real Relationships , a new book in which he shares insights on leadership, purpose and the entrepreneurial journey. In Authentic , Barrett focuses on what is lacking in business today -- an "old school" approach to business and personal relationships based on the lessons and wisdom he gained from his father. "Our current world is obsessed with hacks and overnight success," Barrett says. "People don't work or meet in person like we used to, and we have lost that personal connection to one another in both our business and in our personal lives, due in part to the digital economy and remote work. But ultimately, hard work, integrity, resilience and genuine relationships are still foundational to business success and genuine accomplishment in life, more generally." Barrett, a corporate attorney and head of one on New Jersey's largest law firms, has devoted his career to guiding hundreds of entrepreneurs and businesses through some of their most important business decisions. A best-selling author of two additional books and host of the podcast Fingerprints on Success, he believes that the lessons his father passed on to him have been pivotal to his own journey from working-class roots to the successful legal career and full life he lives today. Specifically, in Authentic , Barrett distills ten old-school principles that have shaped his career, as well as those of generations of successful entrepreneurs and leaders. They include: Outwork everyone without losing what matters most Turn setbacks into defining opportunities Bet on yourself, even when the risk feels real Build trust by making business personal Lead from abundance instead of scarcity Invest your time where it truly counts Be fully present in a distracted world Play the long game with people and purpose Create success that extends beyond you Leave fingerprints on the lives and success of others "I have always strived to move the needle in myriad ways. Helping other people is what drives me - whether it is about advancing their business goals, their careers or life more generally. Ultimately, success isn't about what you achieve; rather, it is about who you help become successful along the way," notes Barrett. Authentic is available on Amazon. Amazon.com: Authentic: An Old-School Approach to Building a Full Life, a Successful Business, and Real Relationships eBook : Barrett, William S.: Kindle Store . About William S. Barrett A corporate attorney, William S. Barrett provides strategic advice to companies and organizations of all sizes, from formation to dissolution and every stage in between. With more than 20 years of experience representing a wide range of businesses and a unique focus on mergers and acquisitions, Barrett is widely regarded as a creative dealmaker and for the personal attention that he brings to his clients' matters and the energy he brings to every deal. He often serves the role as outside general corporate counsel to his clients and advises them on issues concerning contracts, employment law compliance, developing policies, executive compensation programs and agreements, as well as business succession and related tax planning. Representative clients include commercial organizations and entrepreneurs in the areas of manufacturing, industry, service, banking, finance, insurance, construction, real estate development, as well as healthcare professionals of varying disciplines and organizations. Throughout his career, Barrett has successfully managed the purchase or sale of hundreds of businesses, professional practices and facilities. Barrett has been recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America. He earned a J.D. from University of Virginia School of Law and a B.A. from Boston College. About Mandelbaum Barrett PC Mandelbaum Barrett PC is a full-service law firm serving both personal and business clients. Recognized as one of the Northeast region's premiere full-service law firms by U.S. News & World Report , with more than 30 practice areas and over 140 attorneys, the firm and its attorneys provide a 360-degree approach to legal services. Mandelbaum Barrett PC is headquartered in Roseland, N.J., with offices in Bayonne, Edison, Eatontown and Elizabeth, New Jersey, as well as New York City, Connecticut, Denver, and Boca Raton, Florida. For more information, visit www.mblawfirm.com.
Preparing for Rapid Retail Expansion: Considerations for Scaling, Growing Retail Spaces
Tue, May 12, 2026 10:20 EDT
ST. LOUIS (May 12, 2026) When retail brands experience rapid success, scaling regionally or nationally is a logical next step. The challenge is ensuring that the qualities that made the brand successful don't get lost when replicated repeatedly, but are still flexible enough to adjust and tailor as needed. For brands and companies of all sizes, there are several key factors to consider when undergoing a rapid retail expansion, according to the retail design experts at Lawrence Group: How does a company stay true to or evolve its brand while keeping costs in check? How do you bring a brand to life across many locations in a myriad of different configurations? How do you navigate each store's unique building codes and specific limitations? How do you efficiently manage multiple projects at a time in a variety of phases? Brands may find these questions and others overwhelming. With extensive experience helping some of the country's most recognizable brands rapidly scale into new retail spaces, such as Edward Jones, H&R Block, and America's Best Contacts and Eyeglasses, Lawrence Group works with clients to more seamlessly expand their retail presence while retaining the level of excellence their clients expect. "We understand the many concerns and challenges our clients have when expanding a retail presence," said Joe Meyer, Principal of Lawrence Group's retail team. "Through our experience with rapid expansion, we've developed an approach and resources to efficiently identify and consider the important variables that will impact a brand's retail and future growth, whether they are looking at expanding to only a few locations or many." When expanding in retail, foresight into the future and the needs of many entities involved is valuable. Lawrence Group, for example, has often started with a client who initially only wants one or two new locations, which ultimately turns into hundreds. Initial retail decisions can significantly impact the future, and prioritizing goals and key needs from the start can help save time and resources. Edward Jones, for example, was initially looking for a new branch office design for its individual financial advisors when Lawrence Group began working with a commercial real estate specialist to support the brand. "We began with a sketch of the intention for the design and added the appropriate details," Meyer said. "The client was very happy with how quickly it was turned around, the considerations that were incorporated, and how clearly everything was laid out, enabling the design to be effectively and efficiently built by multiple contractors. It was an easy process, so he asked if we could do another one." The relationship with Edward Jones and its contractors has continued for decades, and Lawrence Group has designed thousands of branch offices for the company across the country, ensuring brand consistency throughout each location. "We evolved as they evolved," said Meyers. "Lawrence group has been engaged on several occasions to forget everything we know about Edward Jones and to 'reinvent the wheel,' to see what we can do differently and how we can enhance the brand and make it work for customers." Often the biggest challenge in this type of expansion is navigating the bureaucracy of each municipality's building department to meet its needs, as no two are the same, and the codes vary from city to city and region to region. Working through this process continuously across every state gives Lawrence Group's team an advantage and makes the process less painful for the client. To help save time and frustration, it's important to evaluate an architectural firm's experience with smaller, high-volume, and rapid-turnaround projects. Even firms with retail expertise don't necessarily specialize in or have the desire or bandwidth for these types of retail projects, said Meyer. "We can take a branch office and turn it around that same day if time allows and have it under review with the building department instead of spending months and months under the different design phases and owner approvals," Meyers said. "What's appealing to me is that these projects have many considerations and issues to solve. They still have all the challenges of a big project, but compacted into 1,500 square feet instead of 15,000 square feet." Lawrence Group is able to maintain the brand across numerous locations by implementing templated design packages that keep consistency while offering some room for each branch to make personal selections on finishes. Similarly, H&R Block has relied on Lawrence Group to roll out thousands of retail locations over the past 24 years. Driven by the tax season, each location houses anywhere from 7 to 20 tax advisers in a semi-private cubicle environment. Each location works as a brand kit of parts with H&R Block branding graphics and signage driven by the company's signature green logo. A massive challenge for H&R Block versus Edward Jones is the seasonal nature of its business. New or renovated offices must be completed within seven months to accommodate their busy season from January through April during tax season. This requires precision timing from the Lawrence Group team. "We start the design in March and go into construction documents by April, May, June and July. Everything needs to be under construction and we need to have all permits in hand by August and then build through September, October, November, and December to be open on January 1, the first day of tax season," Meyers says. In the Medtail space, Lawrence Group has worked with National Vision's 'America's Best Contacts and Eyeglasses' brand to roll out between 40-80 locations per year for the past 20 years. The process is a well-oiled machine with Lawrence Group receiving construction documents from National Vision and immediately issuing a permit set for them. The team also conducts due diligence with each jurisdiction to determine all the submittal requirements for permitting and submits building permit applications on behalf of the client. Working closely with National Vision and its commercial real estate partner, Lawrence Group navigates the building departments to seamlessly bring the America's Best brand to life in each new location. "As part of our working relationship with clients, we help them to evaluate and streamline their processes based on their retail expansion needs," said Stacey Steinfeld, Lawrence Group Design Professional and Senior Associate. "If we can help make our client's job easier, that in turn helps everyone's job in the process easier." Part of that process has included hosting training sessions with clients and designers to review standard codes that typically don't change between jurisdictions in order to develop best practices. The prospect of retail expansion can be both exciting and challenging for clients. Whether working with commercial real estate professionals, corporations, or brands directly, Lawrence Group's mission is to help them achieve their goals by anticipating needs and issues early and helping to make the process as smooth as possible.
TORONTO HUMANE SOCIETY URGES PET PARENTS TO PRIORITIZE PARASITE PREVENTION THIS SPRING
Tue, May 12, 2026 06:00 EDT
As spring arrives and people begin spending more time outdoors with their pets, Toronto Humane Society is sharing important tips to help keep animals healthy and protected from seasonal parasites. Warmer temperatures bring blooming flowers, longer walks, and more time in parks - but they also mark the return of fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other parasites that can pose serious health risks for pets. The good news is that prevention is highly effective. With the right veterinary guidance and routine care, pet parents can significantly reduce the risk of parasites and help ensure their pets enjoy a safe and healthy spring season. "Spring is a wonderful time to get outside with your pets, but it's also when we start to see an increase in parasites," said Lauralee Dorst, RVT, Director, Community Animal Welfare at Toronto Humane Society . "The best thing pet parents can do is focus on prevention. Regular wellness appointments allow veterinary teams to recommend the right parasite prevention plan for each individual pet." Parasites can cause a variety of health concerns. Fleas may lead to allergic skin reactions, intense itching, and tapeworm infections. Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. Heartworms, spread by mosquitoes, can damage a pet's heart and lungs and may become life-threatening if left untreated. Intestinal parasites, including roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms, can also affect pets and may cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. In some cases, pets may show few early signs of infection, making preventive care and routine veterinary checkups especially important. Along with veterinary care, pet parents can take simple steps at home to reduce parasite risks, including regularly grooming their pets, checking for ticks after outdoor activities, washing bedding frequently, and keeping living spaces clean. Toronto Humane Society offers wellness appointments through its Public Veterinary Services to help pet parents stay ahead of seasonal health concerns. These appointments include physical exams, parasite screening when needed, and guidance on appropriate flea, tick, heartworm, and deworming prevention based on a pet's lifestyle and risk factors. Learn more about parasite prevention, and book appointments at www.TorontoHumaneSociety.com This spring, as many as 1 in 5 pets are going without the essential veterinary care they need. Donations can help make a difference . Gifts made by May 31 to Toronto Humane Society will be matched up to $18,000 thanks to a generous matching gift from the Estate of Joyce Mary Setter.
The Morning Routine Shift: Why More People Are Rethinking Their First Drink of the Day
Tue, May 12, 2026 05:30 EDT
If asked what they drink in the morning to wake up, many will give the same predictable answer - coffee. But is it a matter of taste, or habit? Strong and immediate, coffee has traditionally set the tone for the day ahead - but for many, the first drink of the morning has long been a matter of habit rather than choice or, in fact, true love of the beverage itself. For each coffee lover drinking it straight as brewed, there are many others who add ingredients - such as milk, sugar or syrups - specifically to mask the taste. Personal taste aside, some are beginning to question whether a quick caffeine hit is always the best place to start. While coffee remains a staple, there is a growing interest in gentler alternatives that support energy in a steadier, more sustained way. Nutrient-rich drinks and herbal blends are becoming part of morning routines, offering a way to ease into the day rather than rush straight into it. The focus is on supporting the body, rather than overriding it. Irish Sea Moss has found its place within this evolving approach. Harvested from the cold waters of the Atlantic, it contains a broad range of naturally occurring nutrients, including B vitamins, magnesium and iodine, all of which contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism. Unlike stimulants that create a temporary spike, these nutrients work more gradually, supporting how the body produces and uses energy over time. Its versatility makes it particularly suited to mornings. Sea moss gel can be stirred into smoothies or simply taken on its own, while herbal teas infused with sea moss offer a warm alternative to coffee. Harry Morgan, founder of The Moss Way, sees this as part of a wider change in mindset. "People are starting to pay closer attention to how they feel, not just in the moment but across the whole day," he said. "That first drink can either push the body or support it. More and more, we are seeing people choose the second option. "As morning routines change, the idea of a 'proper cuppa' is also changing. It is no longer just habit, but a thoughtful decision to set up the day up in a way that feels sustainable, balanced and, above all, personal." For more information, visit www.themossway.co.uk .
The Return of Repairability: Why Simple Warehouse Equipment Is Enjoying a Resurgence
Tue, May 12, 2026 05:12 EDT
With warehouses facing increasing operational pressure, many businesses are rethinking what they need from their materials handling equipment. While advanced automation and connected systems continue to dominate industry conversation, there is growing appreciation for something far simpler: material handling equipment that can be repaired quickly, understood easily and kept working without specialist intervention. Warehouses increasingly depend on constant movement, and even relatively small interruptions can create knock-on delays across dispatch and fulfilment. According to Midland Pallet Trucks, more operators are placing value on practical reliability rather than complexity alone. This is contributing to renewed interest in straightforward mechanical equipment - such as pallet trucks , stacker trucks and lift tables - that can be maintained efficiently on-site. Rather than relying on specialist diagnostics or lengthy repair processes, many warehouse teams are counting on what has always been the true workhorse of UK warehouses - equipment that can be inspected, serviced and returned to operation quickly. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Midland Pallet Trucks, said the industry should cut through the noise surrounding automation and AI, and reassess the balance between sophistication and resilience. "There's definitely a growing appreciation for equipment that's practical and dependable," he explained. "A lot of operators are realising that when something goes wrong, they need to get moving again quickly. If a repair requires specialist software, long lead times or external support just to diagnose the issue, that can become a problem." The trend is particularly noticeable among SMEs and regional warehouse operators, where engineering support may be more limited and operational flexibility is essential. In these environments, equipment that can withstand heavy daily use while remaining straightforward to maintain a safer long-term investment. However, that simplicity should not be confused with outdated design. "Making sure technology supports resilience rather than complicating it is not rejecting innovation. Reliable mechanical equipment still evolves," Chesworth added. "Modern material handling equipment can offer smooth operation, strong performance and ergonomic benefits while still being easy to maintain. In an industry often focused on what's newest, the ability to keep things moving consistently is becoming just as important as adding new layers of technology." For more information, visit https://www.midlandpallettrucks.com .
SGS hosts webinar showcasing next‑generation integrated strategies for skin sensitization
Tue, May 12, 2026 04:28 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, will host a webinar, 'Next-Generation Integrated Strategies for Skin Sensitization in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products', on May 28, 2026. As regulatory restrictions on animal testing continue to expand, alongside increasing expectations for safety and transparency, cosmetics and personal care product manufacturers are under growing pressure to adopt alternative approaches to toxicological risk assessment. Skin sensitization remains a critical endpoint in ensuring consumer safety and regulatory acceptance across global markets. In this webinar, expert presenter Dr. Ashwani Sharma will provide an overview of the biological mechanisms underlying skin sensitization and explain how data from multiple non-animal sources can be integrated into robust, scientifically sound safety evaluations. He will look at next-generation integrated approaches, highlighting how in chemico, in vitro and in silico methods can be combined within integrated approaches to testing and assessment (IATA). The session will examine key alternative testing methodologies and weight-of-evidence strategies, demonstrating how these approaches can support hazard identification and risk assessment for both cosmetic ingredients and finished products. Regulatory perspectives and case examples are also discussed, illustrating how integrated strategies align with current expectations in the US, EU and Asian markets. By adopting next-generation integrated skin sensitization strategies, companies can improve decision-making, streamline product development and enhance regulatory readiness while supporting ethical, non-animal testing frameworks. SGS's expertise in cosmetic safety assessment helps businesses navigate evolving regulatory landscapes while maintaining high standards of consumer protection and product quality. Toxicologists, cosmetics and personal care manufacturers, quality control managers and regulatory specialists are invited to register now and gain practical insights into the next generation of skin sensitization safety assessment for global markets. For further information, please contact: Jennifer Buckley Senior Global Marketing Manager SGS, Health & Nutrition Tel: +1 9738669043 Media inquiries
Acuity Trading Invests in MarketReader to Build a More Complete AI Market Intelligence Offering
Tue, May 12, 2026 02:00 EDT
Growth investment strengthens Acuity's ability to combine market, event and trade intelligence with real-time market move attribution. Acuity Trading, a global provider of AI-driven market, event and trade intelligence solutions for brokers, platforms and financial institutions, today announced a growth investment in MarketReader, an AI-powered financial intelligence platform focused on explaining why markets move in real time. The investment marks a significant step in Acuity's long-term strategy to build a broader, more complete intelligence offering for financial institutions and their end users. It brings together Acuity's established market intelligence infrastructure, alternative data capabilities and global distribution with MarketReader's specialist market move attribution technology. MarketReader is designed to answer one of the most important questions facing professional market participants: why did this move? Its technology identifies abnormal price movements and connects those moves with relevant market, macro, news, sentiment and cross-asset data to provide timely, structured explanations of what may be driving market activity. For Acuity, the investment is a signal of confidence in MarketReader's technology, team and market opportunity. It supports the continued expansion of Acuity's intelligence ecosystem by adding a specialist explanation layer that helps users move beyond prices, headlines and data towards clearer market context. Together, Acuity and MarketReader are building a stronger workflow for professional market participants: helping users identify what is moving, understand why it is moving, validate the wider context and monitor what may matter next. MarketReader's technology uses a structured, rules-based framework supported by controlled AI workflows. Its approach is designed to provide consistent, explainable outputs for professional and institutional environments where transparency, supervision and reliability are critical. Andrew Lane, Co-Founder of Acuity Trading, said: "This investment reflects our confidence in MarketReader and in the future of market move attribution as an important part of financial intelligence. Acuity has always focused on helping clients make sense of markets through AI, data and research. MarketReader adds a powerful explanation layer to that ecosystem, helping users understand not just what has moved, but why it may have moved." The investment will support closer product, commercial and operational alignment between the two businesses, while enabling Acuity to bring MarketReader's capabilities into its wider suite of intelligence solutions for brokers, trading platforms, wealth firms and financial institutions. For Acuity's existing clients, the move creates an opportunity to access richer market context inside the workflows they already use. For institutional and advisory users, it supports faster, more defensible explanations of market activity. For compliance-sensitive environments, it provides a clearer, more structured approach to market explainability and human oversight. Jens Nordvig, Co-Founder of MarketReader and former Goldman Sachs currency strategist, said: "Acuity has built a strong global platform for delivering AI-driven market intelligence at scale. This investment gives MarketReader the opportunity to extend the reach of our real-time attribution technology and bring clearer market explanations to a wider professional audience. Together, we can help financial institutions provide a more complete understanding of what is driving markets." The move reflects a broader shift in financial markets towards explainable, context-rich intelligence. As market participants face rising volumes of data, headlines and price movement, the ability to understand the drivers behind market activity is becoming increasingly important. MarketReader's core audience includes institutional investment teams, RIAs, hedge funds, asset managers, family offices, research teams, wealth firms and enterprise platforms that need fast, credible explanations for market moves. Acuity brings established delivery capability across broker, platform and institutional workflows, supporting wider access to MarketReader's technology among professional users globally. The investment is not intended to replace human judgement or investment decision-making. Instead, it is designed to support professional users with clearer market context, structured explanations and more efficient access to relevant market intelligence. Disclaimer / risk warning MarketReader and Acuity Trading provide market intelligence, research tools and decision-support technology for informational and professional use only. Nothing in this announcement constitutes investment advice, financial advice, a personal recommendation, a financial promotion, or an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or hold any financial instrument. Financial markets involve risk. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. CFDs, spread betting, foreign exchange, margin trading, cryptoassets and other leveraged products are complex and high risk. Leverage can magnify losses as well as gains, and users should ensure they understand the risks involved before using these products. AI-supported outputs should not be relied upon in isolation and do not guarantee any outcome. They are intended to support human analysis, professional judgement and appropriate supervision, not to replace independent research, regulated advice or compliance review. About MarketReader MarketReader is an AI-powered financial intelligence platform focused on explaining why markets move in real time. By combining structured data, expert sources and controlled AI workflows, MarketReader delivers event-driven market move attribution for professional investors, financial institutions and enterprise platforms. MarketReader is positioned as a market explanation and attribution layer. It is not an investment signal provider, not a personal recommendation tool and not an autonomous trading decision system. About Acuity Acuity Trading, an Acuity Analytics company, brings together the strengths of PIA First and Signal Centre to deliver a broad suite of market intelligence, analytics and trader engagement tools for brokers, platforms and institutional partners worldwide. Since pioneering visual market insight and sentiment tools in 2013, Acuity Trading has continued to expand its capabilities through advanced analytics, alternative data, AI-driven insight and trading technology. By combining research expertise with scalable technology, Acuity supports brokers and trading platforms in delivering structured market context within their existing environments. Acuity's team of academics, scientists, market analysts and technology specialists is dedicated to developing high-impact data products designed to support traders. Solutions are available through flexible delivery options including APIs, MT4/MT5, plug-and-play widgets and third-party automation services. For further information or to request a demo, please visit www.acuitytrading.com or contact: Follow Acuity Trading on social: Twitter: @acuitytrading LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acuity-trading Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acuitytradingltd/
Acuity Trading and WNSTN Partner to Co-Integrate Trading Intelligence and Personalised AI Engagement
Tue, May 12, 2026 01:00 EDT
Acuity Trading and WNSTN Partner to Co-Integrate Trading Intelligence and Personalised AI Engagement Acuity Trading, the market intelligence company combining AI and analyst expertise for brokers and trading platforms, has partnered with WNSTN, a global leader offering AI engagement tools for financial institutions, to co-integrate their technologies and deliver a more connected trading experience. The partnership will combine Acuity's market, event and trade intelligence with WNSTN's conversational AI, data visualisation, real-time interaction capabilities and compliance monitoring tools. Together, the two companies aim to help brokers and financial platforms deliver timely market context, relevant content and more bespoke user journeys within their existing environments. Acuity's platform brings together Trade Intelligence, Market Intelligence and Event Intelligence in a white-labelled, multilingual environment built for broker growth, with delivery across MT4, MT5, cTrader, widgets and APIs. WNSTN provides a turnkey AI solution for investment platforms, including a multi-agent financial AI system, interactive chat, real-time analytics, bespoke branding and a proprietary compliance officer module trained on financial regulations. Under the partnership, brokers and platforms will be able to deliver Acuity's intelligence through WNSTN's engagement layer, while benefiting from WNSTN's personalisation and interaction capabilities alongside Acuity-powered content. The shared aim is to create a clearer, more joined-up user experience without adding unnecessary complexity for platform teams. Roy Michaeli, Co-Founder and CEO of WNSTN: "We believe AI in financial services must do more than generate answers. It needs to deliver relevant insights in a way that is secure, responsible and practical for regulated firms. By working with Acuity Trading, we are combining trusted market intelligence with a highly personalised engagement framework, giving brokers and platforms a stronger way to give users with timely, contextual and actionable information." Andrew Lane, CEO of Acuity Trading: "Brokers and platforms are looking for ways to give traders more clarity at the point decisions are made. This partnership combines Acuity's market intelligence with WNSTN's personalised engagement layer, helping firms deliver a more connected in-platform experience that is informative, scalable and designed with compliance in mind." The partnership reflects a shared focus on combining high-quality market intelligence with intuitive, compliant delivery. Acuity helps brokers keep traders confident, active and engaged by delivering clear trading intelligence directly inside their platforms, while WNSTN enables financial institutions to deploy AI experiences with speed, security and regulatory oversight built in. Together, the companies are creating a more practical and effective way for brokers and financial platforms to deliver trading-related content, market context and personalised user engagement. About WNSTN WNSTN is a global provider of compliant AI solutions for financial institutions, brokerages, and capital markets firms. Built with layered compliance controls, multi-agent financial intelligence, and enterprise-grade security, WNSTN enables institutions to deploy real-time AI safely across client engagement, service automation, and internal analytics workflows. WNSTN is headquartered in the U.S. with teams across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. About Acuity Acuity Trading revolutionised the online trading experience for millions of investors with the introduction of visual news and sentiment tools in 2013. Today, Acuity continues to lead the fintech market with advanced analytic tools, alternative data and highly engaging trading tools using the latest in AI research and technology. Acuity's team of academics, scientists, news and market professionals are dedicated to delivering highly effective data products that bring value to investors of all levels and experience. Flexible delivery options include APIs, MT4/5, plug and play widgets and third party automation services. Contact Us https://acuitytrading.com/
COOL-BINZ Recognized on Entrepreneur's 2026 Top New & Emerging Franchises List
Mon, May 11, 2026 14:58 EDT
Climate-controlled portable storage concept gains national recognition as demand rises for flexible, service-based business models and innovative storage solutions As entrepreneurs increasingly seek business models built around flexibility, recurring demand and practical innovation, emerging service concepts are drawing heightened attention across the franchising industry. One category gaining momentum is climate-controlled portable storage, and COOL-BINZ is emerging as an early innovator within the space. COOL-BINZ has been recognized on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2026 Top New & Emerging Franchises list, an annual ranking that highlights franchise brands demonstrating strong potential, industry relevance and growing interest among prospective business owners. For COOL-BINZ, the recognition underscores the brand's growing presence and innovative approach to portable storage solutions. Unlike traditional storage offerings, COOL-BINZ provides portable, climate-controlled storage units designed to serve a wide range of residential and commercial needs. The units plug into a standard 110v outlet and support a variety of applications, including temperature-sensitive storage, mobile office space, refrigeration and freezer use cases. As homeowners and businesses continue prioritizing convenience, mobility and flexible infrastructure, demand for adaptable service solutions has expanded across multiple industries. COOL-BINZ was developed to meet these evolving needs while also creating a scalable opportunity for entrepreneurs entering the service-based franchise sector. "Entrepreneurs today are looking closely at businesses that solve practical, everyday challenges while offering long-term adaptability," said Matt O'Rourke, EVP of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group. "COOL-BINZ stands out because it brings innovation to a traditional industry, creating solutions that appeal to both residential and commercial customers while opening the door to multiple revenue opportunities for franchise owners." Since joining the BELFOR Franchise Group portfolio, COOL-BINZ has continued expanding into new markets while introducing customers to a different type of storage experience, one centered around flexibility, accessibility and climate-controlled protection. With the support of BELFOR Franchise Group, COOL-BINZ franchise owners benefit from the operational support, training and infrastructure of a leading franchisor with proven experience helping entrepreneurs build resilient local businesses. The franchisor's brand portfolio spans a wide range of essential residential and commercial service industries, providing franchisees with access to established systems, ongoing coaching and collaborative brand support. For more information about COOL-BINZ, visit coolbinzfranchise.com . For more information about BELFOR Franchise Group, visit belforfranchisegroup.com . About BELFOR Franchise Group BELFOR Franchise Group is a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor. For decades, BELFOR Franchise Group has empowered entrepreneurs by offering strong business models, industry-leading training and continuous business coaching to help local owners succeed. BELFOR Franchise Group is the parent organization to a portfolio of service-based franchise opportunities in the home services, commercial cleaning and restoration industries. The franchise brands include 1-800-BOARDUP , 1-800 WATER DAMAGE , Blue Kangaroo Packoutz , Chem-Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning , Clear Pest Pros , COOL-BINZ , DUCTZ , Helpful Heroes , HOODZ , JUNKCO+ , N-Hance Wood Refinishing , The Patch Boys , redbox+ Dumpsters , WINMAR and Z PLUMBERZ . For more information, visit belforfranchisegroup.com .
New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies to Hold Business Meetings in the Bronx and Rochester
Mon, May 11, 2026 07:51 EDT
May 11, 2026 -- The New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies (NYSCCRR) will hold public business meetings on Friday, May 15, 2026 , at two locations: Walker Memorial Baptist Church in the Bronx and Lake Riley Lodge at Cobb's Hill Park in Rochester . The business meetings are open to the public, and community members are welcome to attend and observe the proceedings. The agenda will include updates on the Commission's ongoing work, communications strategy, community outreach efforts, and next steps in advancing reparative justice across New York State. Following the formal meeting, commissioners will be available for questions and conversation. EVENT DETAILS Who: Open to the public What: NYSCCRR Business Meeting - featuring updates on the Commission's ongoing work and next steps to advance reparative justice across New York State When: May 15, 2026 | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Where: Walker Memorial Baptist Church 120 E 169th Street Bronx, NY 10452 [ Click to get directions ] Lake Riley Lodge at Cobb's Hill Park 100 Norris Drive Rochester, NY 14610 [ Click to get directions ] The primary focus of business meetings is to address the internal business of the commission, including internal discussions, decision-making, planning by the commissioners and voting on resolutions as necessary. A quorum of at least five commissioners must be present to hold any votes. These meetings are open to the public; however, because they are devoted primarily to commission business, the time for receiving public comment may be limited to a short period at the end of the meeting. Business meetings will be live-streamed, and video recordings will be available on the commission's website for later viewing. The NYSCCRR continues its statewide work studying the economic, social and political impacts of slavery and systemic racism in New York State. Additional public hearings and business meetings are scheduled through spring 2026. HOW TO FOLLOW THE COMMISSION'S WORK Community members can learn more details at www.ny.gov/reparations . While these specific business meetings are centered on internal operations, those wishing to provide formal input may submit written or audio testimony via email to ReparationsCommission@reparations.ny.gov or leave a voicemail by calling 518-473-3997. To learn more about the Commission, access past hearing materials, or follow NYSCCRR updates, visit www.ny.gov/reparations Connect with NYSCCRR: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn
New service helps aspiring charity founders get through the complex registration process with confidence
Mon, May 11, 2026 07:05 EDT
Evolve Catalyst , a UK charity management consultancy, today launched its Charity Registration Support service, providing professional guidance for founders preparing Charity Commission applications. The service addresses a critical gap in the sector, where many promising charitable initiatives struggle with complex registration requirements, leading to delayed approvals, rejected applications, and unnecessary stress for founding teams. "Every year, hundreds of passionate founders start the charity registration process only to hit obstacles they didn't see coming," said Ghamdan Al-Areeky, Founder of Evolve Catalyst and Charity Mentor. "Drafting compliant charitable purposes, understanding public benefit requirements, getting governance documents right; these aren't intuitive tasks, and mistakes lead to months of delays or outright rejection. We created this service because founders should be spending their energy on their mission, not decoding Charity Commission guidance documents." The service provides professional drafting and review of core registration documents, including charitable purposes, public benefit statements, and governing documents. Founders also receive guidance on trustee eligibility, essential policies, and support throughout the registration period to handle Charity Commission queries efficiently. Charity registration in the UK has become increasingly complex, with stricter compliance requirements and more detailed scrutiny from the Charity Commission. Many founders, particularly those from underrepresented communities or without prior charity sector experience, face significant barriers to establishing their organisations. Poor-quality applications not only delay registration but can also create weak governance foundations that cause problems years later. This service helps founders establish strong legal and governance frameworks from day one, getting their applications right the first time. "The real impact of delayed or rejected applications goes beyond frustration," Al-Areeky continued. "Communities wait longer for the support they need. Founding teams lose momentum. Potential funders move on. Getting the registration process right from the start isn't just about compliance; it's about getting vital services to people faster and building charities that can thrive from their first day." About Evolve Catalyst Evolve Catalyst is a UK charity management consultancy supporting small and medium-sized charities through hands-on mentoring and strategic guidance. We work with charity founders, trustees, CEOs and senior managers on governance, systems, communications, fundraising, and strategic planning, helping them build strong foundations for sustainable growth and lasting community impact. How to Access Charity Registration Support Charity founders interested in professional registration support can learn more and book a consultation at https://www.evolvecatalyst.org/charity-registration/ .
Lindström expands in Poland with acquisition of protective workwear manufacturer ORK Poland
Mon, May 11, 2026 06:57 EDT
Lindström Oy has acquired the shares of ORK Poland sp. z o.o., one of the leading protective workwear manufacturers in Poland. The acquisition supports Lindström's strategy 2030 and strengthens its ability to serve existing and new customers with comprehensive, high‑quality workwear production capabilities. ORK Poland employs approximately 140 people at two locations in Końskie and Kielce and serves customers in a variety of industries across the Polish market. The company has built a strong reputation in the local market through its expertise, quality and skilled organisation. In addition to continuing to serve ORK Poland's customers, Lindström can further enhance service for our textile rental customers through strengthened in-house production capabilities. President and CEO of Lindström Group, Juha Laurio, comments: "ORK Poland adds complementary capabilities, local know-how and a skilled organisation to Lindström. The acquisition strengthens our production capabilities in Europe and supports our long-term growth strategy. We look forward to working together with the ORK Poland team and leveraging our combined strengths to support Lindström's future growth." "We are pleased that the business will continue as part of Lindström. We believe Lindström provides a strong and responsible platform for the future development of the company." Emanuel Drela, former CEO and majority owner of ORK Poland sp. z o.o. adds. More information: Juha Laurio President & CEO, Lindström Oy juha.laurio@lindstromgroup.com Media inquiries Lauri Hyppölä Manager, Communications Tel. +358 44 288 3920 lauri.hyppola@lindstromgroup.com Lindström is a family-owned textile service company with a business model rooted in circular economy principles. With over 5,100 employees, Lindström provides comprehensive textile solutions for various industries, including workwear, cleanroom textiles, mats, industrial wipers, washroom products, cleaning textiles, and textile services for hotels, restaurants and the healthcare sector. The service covers textile supply, washing, maintenance, replacements and delivery. Founded in 1848 and headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Lindström now operates in 24 countries across Europe and Asia, with a 2025 turnover of EUR 542 million. For further information, please visit lindstromgroup.com ORK Poland sp. z o.o. ORK Poland sp. z o.o. is a privately owned company based in Poland. The company operates in manufacturing and provision of protective workwear products and serves customers in various industries in the Polish market. ORK Poland sp. z o.o. has its headquarters in Kielce, Poland.
New Platform Launches to Reimagine Careers Education for the 21st Century
Mon, May 11, 2026 06:48 EDT
For all the talk of preparing young people for the future, most are still leaving school with little understanding of the working world they are about to enter. They are expected to choose subjects, courses, and career paths while knowing almost nothing about the industries around them, the jobs within those industries, or what those jobs entail in real life. A staggering 84% of young people still have no idea what they want to do when they leave education - and when they do make a choice, an eye-watering 96% will change jobs within three years. This needs to change, and a new platform called Working Eye is set to do just that with the launch of its £75,000 crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. Part AI platform, part video-driven discovery experience, Working Eye has been designed to give people something that career advice has struggled to provide for years: visibility. The company describes its mission as moving beyond traditional "careers advice" and into what it calls "career discovery". Instead of pushing students towards generic pathways based on broad assessments and outdated information, the platform helps users explore the reality of different careers through intelligent recommendations and immersive video content. AI helps users identify careers, industries and opportunities they may never otherwise have considered. Video then brings those roles to life, allowing users to hear directly from people inside those industries about what their work is really like - the routines, pressures, challenges, progression and realities that are rarely discussed in schools. The aim is not simply to tell people what jobs exist, but to help them understand where they may genuinely fit. For founder and CEO Peter Cayless, the current system has left generations of young people trying to make life-shaping decisions with only fragments of information. "We've normalised asking teenagers to make enormous choices about their future while showing them almost none of the world they're choosing from," he said. "Most still don't know the basics - what industries exist, what opportunities sit inside them, or what working life looks like from one role to the next. "That creates uncertainty, poor decisions and, ultimately, wasted potential. Working Eye changes that dynamic. AI helps people discover careers that may genuinely suit them, while video helps them understand those careers properly before making decisions. Together, that has the power to change forever the way people find work that fits who they are." The £75,000 campaign is intended to help bring the platform to market, expand its growing video library and support rollout into schools and homes. Education figures who have seen the platform early believe it could represent a major shift in how career education is approached. Clive Barnett, Former HM Inspector, Ofsted, said Working Eye is "the most innovative thing to happen in careers advice for years". "There's simply nothing else like it," he added. Mary Keeling, Partner at IBM Consulting, said, "This is the holy grail; it's the one we've been waiting for." Students who have used initial versions of the platform have responded strongly to hearing directly from people in different roles, particularly when those accounts challenge expectations or reveal aspects of a job rarely discussed. The campaign arrives at a time when concerns around job readiness and skills gaps are becoming harder to ignore. As careers become less linear and more subject to change, the need to revisit and rethink direction is only expected to grow. Working Eye is positioning itself not as a replacement for existing systems, but to strengthen them - starting with something simple: letting people see what they are choosing. The campaign is now live on Indiegogo: www.indiegogo.com/en/projects/working-eye/working-eye-reimagining-careers-education-for-the-21st-century-powered-by-ai
Consultation on BPA and Other Bisphenols in Food Contact Materials in Türkiye
Mon, May 11, 2026 04:32 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 056.26, reporting on Türkiye's notification to the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its draft regulations on bisphenol A (BPA) and other hazardous bisphenol derivatives in certain food contact materials (FCMs) and articles. Most commonly used to produce polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins to improve the durability of FCMs, these substances have been found to disrupt the endocrine system and are increasingly subject to strict legislative control worldwide. Two draft communiqués from Türkiye's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry were notified to the WTO on April 8, 2026, on FCMs and articles: Turkish Food Codex Draft Communiqué on the 'Restriction of the Use of Bisphenol A, other Hazardous Bisphenols and Bisphenol Derivatives in Certain Substances and Materials in Contact with Food' (Draft Communiqué 1), a communication largely harmonized with European Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 Draft Communiqué on 'Amendments to the Turkish Food Codex Communiqué on Plastic Substances and Materials in Contact with Food', a document complementing the requirements in Draft Communiqué 1 The communiqués include proposals for bans, strict content limits and conditions for permitted use across specific material categories. These would set significant restrictions on BPA and other hazardous bisphenols and would also establish testing and conformity requirements, along with rules on declarations of conformity and conditions of use. If accepted, the draft proposals will introduce new obligations for manufacturers, retailers, importers and distributors across the food contact supply chain. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 056.26 includes further information about the two draft communiqués, including key provisions and implementation timelines. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to SafeGuardS 056.26 for more details. SGS food contact material services SGS's technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS's food contact material services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Türkiye Consults on BPA and other Bisphenols in Food Contact Materials SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information, contact Media Inquiries or: Dr. HingWo Tsang Global Information and Innovation Manager Tel: +852 2774 7420 Ugur Yilmaz Certification and Regulatory Manager Tel: +90 (0)538 979 2056 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines Linkedin: SGS Connectivity & Products
Move Towards Inclusive Labeling for Cosmetic Products in Spain
Mon, May 11, 2026 04:25 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 049.26, summarizing Spain's draft Royal Decree that would mandate accessible labeling for cosmetics, food products and hazardous substances. This move is intended to better protect vulnerable consumers. A comprehensive framework is introduced in the draft, promoted by the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030, to ensure that consumer products sold in Spain can be understood and used safely by all consumers, particularly those with visual impairments. While covering a wide range of goods, the draft proposal does not apply to bulk products or those intended solely for industrial or professional use. The new accessibility standards require compliance across the entire supply chain, with manufacturers, importers and distributors subject to reporting obligations, including the reporting of any detected non-compliance. The requirements established in the proposed Royal Decree support Spain's commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and help harmonize national consumer protection rules with broader EU packaging and waste regulations. They include: Accessible physical labeling Clear Spanish-language text for all essential information Digital accessibility tools as a complement to physical labels Specific mandatory content on labels The draft decree is currently progressing through a revised approval process and is expected to advance in the second half of 2026, following a review by national authorities and the European Commission, with no final approval or implementation date currently set. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 049.26 includes further information about the proposed requirements and the approval process. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 049.26 for more details. SGS cosmetics and personal care product services Through a global network of state-of-the-art laboratories, SGS offers comprehensive testing and certification solutions for cosmetics, household care, absorbent hygiene and disinfectant products. Their experts verify safety and efficacy, simplifying market access while ensuring regulatory compliance. Learn more about SGS's cosmetic and hygiene product services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Spain Moves Toward Inclusive Labeling for Cosmetic Products SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information, contact Media Inquiries or: Lydia Abdel Rahman Designation Business Developer, Cosmetic and Personal Care Health and Nutrition Website: www.sgs.com/cosmetics LinkedIn: Cosmetics & Personal Care
CUBIG launches in UK with 'missing layer' approach to enterprise AI infrastructure
Sat, May 09, 2026 04:44 EDT
CUBIG , the company behind the AI-Ready Data OS, today announced its expansion into the UK, positioning itself at the centre of a growing debate in enterprise technology: why AI continues to underdeliver in real-world deployment. While investment in AI models and tools has accelerated rapidly, many organisations are finding it difficult to translate that progress into operational outcomes. The problem is rarely a shortage of data, more that most enterprise data simply exists in an unusable state. That data might be fragmented, inaccessible or unfit for AI use, and is emerging as a critical barrier, contributing to delays, failed pilots and challenges in moving AI from experimentation into production. As it enters the UK market, CUBIG is bringing a different perspective to the problem. Rather than focusing on models, the company is defining what it describes as the 'missing layer' in AI infrastructure: an operational layer designed to transform raw data into AI-ready, usable and reproducible assets before it is used by AI systems. "The industry has spent the last few years focused on what AI models can do, but far less attention has been paid to whether the data behind those models is actually usable," said Bae Ho, Founder and CEO of CUBIG. "In reality, many organisations aren't failing to deploy AI because of the models. They're struggling because their data isn't ready." The announcement follows recent international recognition for CUBIG's technology at the T Challenge 2026, a global telecom innovation competition co-hosted by Deutsche Telekom and T-Mobile US. CUBIG was named runner-up among 12 global finalists, becoming the first Korean company to achieve a top-tier finish in the competition. At the event, CUBIG showcased its AI execution layer powered by LLM Capsule, demonstrating how enterprises can securely connect large language models to operational data without exposing the original data, while maintaining governance, traceability and policy control. The recognition reflects growing demand for infrastructure that enables enterprises to operationalise AI reliably, particularly in regulated industries where data quality, governance and reproducibility are critical. Through its platform ecosystem, which includes SynTitan, DTS and LLM Capsule, CUBIG enables organisations to prepare data for AI use, apply policy-based data control architectures and maintain verifiable data states, allowing AI systems to operate more reliably in regulated and high-stakes environments. Founded in South Korea in 2021, CUBIG has developed its technology in response to the growing complexity of enterprise data environments, where issues such as data quality, accessibility and traceability can limit the effectiveness of AI. Its expansion into the UK follows CUBIG's recent Series A funding, and reflects increasing demand from sectors such as financial services, healthcare and the public sector, where organisations are under pressure to adopt AI while maintaining strict standards around governance, privacy and operational resilience. Use cases for CUBIG's approach include enabling AI systems to work with rare or siloed datasets in fraud detection, supporting regulation-friendly use of restricted healthcare data, and improving traceability and reproducibility in enterprise AI workflows. CUBIG's ecosystem includes work with enterprise and public sector organisations, alongside partnerships and certifications including AWS Marketplace, Gartner recognition, and ISO 27001 and ISO 42001. The company's UK expansion reflects what it sees as a wider shift in the market, as organisations move beyond experimentation and begin investing in the operational infrastructure required to deploy AI reliably at scale.
Standards and Specifications Updated for South Korea Food Contact Materials
Fri, May 08, 2026 10:33 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 055.26, reporting on South Korea's updated of food contact utensils, containers and packages standards. Notice No. 2026-24 was issued in March 2026, updating the country's 'Standards and Specifications for Utensils, Containers and Packages'. This notice replaces requirements and specifications detailed in the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)'s Notice No. 2024-29. Food contact utensils, containers and packages are regulated by Chapter 3 of the Food Sanitation Act, which directs the MFDS to establish standards and specifications for these products. Key revisions in Notice No. 2026-24 include the restructuring of the 'General Rules' and 'Common Standards and Specifications', the introduction of a new section defining multiple terms, updates to migration requirements for certain plasticizers and the expansion of permitted recycled materials from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to include polypropylene (PP) under specified conditions. Notice No. 2026-24 takes effect from March 27, 2026, with some exceptions for certain substances. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 055.26 includes a useful table highlighting the migration specifications for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) under the new standard. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 055.26 for more details. SGS food contact material services SGS's technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS's food contact material services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full South Korea Updates Standards and Specifications for Food Contact Materials SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information, contact Media Inquiries or: Dr. HingWo Tsang Global Information and Innovation Manager Tel: +852 2774 7420 SeungJae Lee Section Chief, Connectivity and Products Tel: +82 (0)31 460 8028 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
European EN 12221:2026 Requirements for Changing Units and Pads Revised
Fri, May 08, 2026 04:33 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 057.26, focusing on the European Committee for Standardization's (CEN) publication of revisions to EN 12221, the standard covering changing units, changing pads and related accessories intended for use alongside other items such as cots and dressers. Dated March 2026, the main change in EN 12221:2026 is the extension of its scope to include changing pads, regardless of whether they are supplied with the changing unit or provided separately. This is intended to close a previous regulatory gap, with a focus on products where the perception of safety created by raised sides may mask deficiencies in underlying real-world performance. Reproducible tests, dimensional criteria and measurable results are used to assess compliance, with new and updated requirements involving dimensional requirements and key mechanical and functional tests designed to objectively assess safety. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 057.26 includes further information about the scope of the revised standard and comparisons with the previous edition. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 057.26 for more details. SGS toy and juvenile product services SGS offers a wide range of services to ensure that products comply with relevant standards for childcare articles and children's equipment. They provide consulting, training, product development, testing, audit and inspection services to ensure that products comply with strict regulations worldwide, demonstrating the safety and quality of juvenile products being brought to the market. After all, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS's toy and juvenile product services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EN 12221:2026 Revises European Requirements for Changing Units and Pads SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information, contact Media Inquiries or: Catherine Follin-Arbelet Global Expert, Juvenile Products Tel: +33 (0)6 2850 2588 Website: www.sgs.com/juvenile-products-and-childcare-articles Linkedin: SGS Connectivity & Products Melody Zhang Technical Manager, Connectivity & Products Tel: +86 (0)21 6107 2702 Website: http://www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
