Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI: Columbia Forest Products Streamlines M&A Pipeline with Midaxo

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON and GREENSBORO, N.C., July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Columbia Forest Products, the largest manufacturer of hardwood veneer and hardwood plywood in the U.S., has transformed its M&A operations with Midaxo’s purpose-built deal management platform, complete with seamless Microsoft Outlook integration. The result: a smarter, faster, and more connected pipeline that helps the company scale with both purpose and precision.

    “Our M&A strategy is rooted in values. We’re not just acquiring businesses—we’re giving them a lasting home where employees become part-owners, not just staff,” said Rick Brewer, Vice President of Corporate Development at Columbia Forest Products. “To do that well, we needed smarter tools that fit the way we work. Midaxo’s Outlook Plug-in brought instant visibility and clarity to our pipeline. Now we always know where every deal stands—and what comes next.”

    Previously reliant on spreadsheets and manual processes, Columbia’s M&A team sought a scalable solution to manage growing deal flow while maintaining their people-first approach. With Midaxo, they now have a centralized, real-time view of every conversation, document, and task—embedded directly within their email workflow.

    “We’re proud to support Columbia Forest Products as they scale with purpose,” said Jude McColgan, CEO of Midaxo. “Our platform is designed for teams that want speed without sacrificing control. With powerful real-time analytics, integrated VDR, and seamless Outlook integration, we’re helping Columbia close more of the right deals, faster.”

    The move to Midaxo isn’t just a digital upgrade—it’s a strategic shift. By aligning intuitive technology with their mission-driven approach, Columbia is accelerating deal execution, strengthening transparency, and staying true to what matters most: people.

    About Columbia Forest Products
    Columbia Forest Products is North America’s leading manufacturer of hardwood plywood and hardwood veneer products. Known for its environmental leadership and innovation, Columbia was the first in its industry to eliminate added urea formaldehyde from its panels using its proprietary PureBond® technology. The company supplies a wide range of sustainable wood solutions to cabinet, furniture, and millwork manufacturers, as well as DIYers across the U.S. and Canada. Headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, Columbia is 100% employee-owned and operates with a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer success.

    About Midaxo
    Midaxo provides the most widely used work management solution for corporate development. Digitally transforming the transaction process, Midaxo Cloud leverages automation, AI, and machine learning to deliver accelerated inorganic growth while decreasing deal risk. The platform can be customized to fit the needs of each company to enable corporate development and M&A leaders to find, evaluate, and deliver inorganic growth with unprecedented speed and accuracy. Users of the M&A capabilities report identifying and managing 5x more targets, reducing diligence time by 50%, and accelerating time to value realization up to 40%. More than 500 Midaxo customers, including Banner Health, Daimler AG, Professional Services Co., and United Site Services, have closed over 5,000 transactions valued in excess of $1 trillion.

    Contact:
    Hanna Brenner
    Midaxo
    Hanna.Brenner@midaxo.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Greenpeace welcomes new global initiative to advance tax reform on the super-rich

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Sevilla, Spain – Spain,  Brazil and South Africa today launched a coalition to advance work on taxing the super-rich at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla. The coalition reaffirmed political commitments to pursue effective taxation of the super-rich. They also signalled growing support for international tax negotiations at the UN that are gaining momentum.

    In response, Fred Njehu, Global Political Lead for Greenpeace’s Fair Share campaign, said[1]: “Financing is urgently needed for climate action and public services, not for polluting space travel and luxury weddings. This new coalition of governments working to tax the super-rich adds to the growing global momentum to make the world’s wealthiest pay their fair share. People are fed up with billionaires’ greed eroding the environment and communities we depend on. It’s time for world leaders to listen and act.”

    Last week Greenpeace Italy together with UK Action group Everyone hates Elon unfolded a banner reading ‘If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more tax’ on Piazza San Marco, ahead of Jeff Bezos’s reportedly multi-million dollar wedding in Venice.

    In a survey commissioned by Greenpeace International and Oxfam International across 13 countries, 86% of respondents want governments to close tax loopholes that benefit the super-rich and international corporations, and to use the increased revenue for public services.[2] 

    “Ultimately, we urge world leaders to support the on-going UN Tax Convention process as a global multilateral platform that will shape and determine the future of taxation, one rooted in equity and justice,” added Njehu.

    ENDS

    Notes:

    [1] Fred Njehu is with Greenpeace Africa, based in Nairobi, Kenya.

    [2] The research was conducted by first-party data company Dynata in May-June, 2025, in Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Kenya, Italy, India, Mexico, the Philippines, South Africa, Spain, the UK and the US, with approximately 1200 respondents in each country and a theoretical margin of error of approximately 2.83%. Together, these countries represent close to half the world’s population. Greenpeace / Oxfam – PPP survey results

    Contacts:

    Tal Harris, Global Media Lead – Stop Drilling Start Paying campaign, Greenpeace International. +41-782530550, [email protected]  

    Lee Kuen, Global Comms Lead – Fair Share campaign, Greenpeace International. +601112527489, [email protected]

    Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI: VelocityEHS Launches New “PSIF” AI to Identify the Next Serious Injury or Fatality Before It Happens

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VelocityEHS, the global leader in EHS solutions and the pioneer in applying practical AI to workplace safety, today announced the release of AI PSIF Insights, a new feature within the company’s award-winning Incident Management solution on the VelocityEHS Accelerate® Platform. The feature leverages machine learning (ML) to uncover high risks companies carry forward hidden in “near miss” and other “minor” events, also known as Potential Serious Injuries and Fatalities (PSIFs) before they lead to life-altering harm.

    “EHS professionals have a professional and ethical responsibility to use AI and machine learning to reduce the risk of serious injuries and fatalities,” said Dr. Julia Penfield, Vice President of Research & Machine Learning at VelocityEHS.

    “AI PSIF Insights is built to put advanced risk detection into the hands of safety teams, regardless of their size or digital maturity. It helps them identify the most critical risks earlier, so they can act before harm occurs,” added Penfield.

    By analyzing incident and near miss reports, AI PSIF Insights identifies the potential for temporary and permanent disabilities, amputations, fatalities, and other severe outcomes without requiring any changes to workflows or additional forms. It automatically flags PSIF incidents and provides clear reasoning. Safety teams stay in control through human-in-the-loop validation, ensuring trust, transparency, and compliance.

    A Smarter, Faster Way to Surface Serious Risk

    Serious incidents seem to happen without warning, but the signs are often buried in incident or near miss reports when the underlying root causes are not identified or addressed. AI PSIF Insights surfaces those signals by:

    • Evaluating the quality of incident descriptions and offering instant, tailored suggestions to enhance the completeness, clarity, and actionable details of your documentation
    • Automatically analyzing incident reports to identify those with high potential for serious outcomes and send out automated notifications
    • Standardizing detection across sites and teams, improving safety performance and reporting accuracy
    • Enabling companies to focus their resources and investigations on risks hidden in minor incidents and near-misses with the highest potential for serious harm
    • Reducing manual triage time by 30–50% and freeing safety teams to focus on prevention instead of paperwork

    “This is not just a new release, it’s a shift in how safety gets done: helping EHS professionals get ahead of risk and act earlier, before harm happens,” said Matt Airhart, CEO of VelocityEHS. “Too often, serious injuries happen while safety teams are still trying to uncover hidden risks. AI PSIF Insights surfaces those risks sooner—no hoops to jump through, no new processes to learn, no additional set up, and no added cost.”

    No Extra Cost. No Extra Burden. No Excuses.

    AI PSIF Insights is especially valuable for mid-sized enterprise organizations in safety-critical industries, such as manufacturing, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals where near misses are common and consequences can be severe. The feature is available to all current and new Incident Management customers on the Accelerate Platform as part of their existing agreement.

    AI PSIF Insights is part of a broader VelocityEHS initiative to bring the power of machine learning and artificial intelligence to frontline EHS workflows.

    Other Velocity Features with Embedded ML/AI Include:

    • 3D Motion Capture (Industrial Ergonomics)
    • Ingredient Indexing (Chemical Management)
    • Automated review of Certificates of Insurance and OSHA Logs (Contractor Safety)

    Groundbreaking AI-Embedded Feature Launches Coming in 2025 Include:

    • Ergonomics Assessments for Hands (Industrial Ergonomics)
    • Job Safety Analysis Hazard and Control Recommendations (Operational Risk)
    • Hazard Type, Root Causes & Corrective Action Recommendations (Safety)

    Collectively, these tools empower organizations to improve regulatory compliance and enhance safety culture across every level of their business.

    For more information about the AI PSIF Insights feature and how it fits into the company’s broader AI strategy, visit https://www.ehs.com/solutions/safety/incident-management/.

    About VelocityEHS

    Relied on by over 10 million users worldwide, VelocityEHS is the global leader in true SaaS enterprise EHS & Sustainability technology. The VelocityEHS Accelerate® Platform delivers best-in-class software solutions for Safety, Ergonomics, Chemical Management, and Operational Risk, along with advanced applications for Contractor Safety, Permit to Work, Environmental Compliance, and GHG Reporting.

    The VelocityEHS team includes more certified professionals in health, safety, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, sustainability, and applied AI than any other EHS software provider. Recognized as a Leader in the Verdantix 2025 Green Quadrant, VelocityEHS is committed to driving innovation and industry leadership. The company maintains SOC 2 Type II attestation for top-tier data security and privacy.

    Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, VelocityEHS operates offices in Ann Arbor, MI; Tampa, FL; Oakville, ON; London, UK; Perth, AUS; and Cork, IRL. For more information, visit www.EHS.com.

    Media Contact

    Jennifer Sinkwitts
    jsinkwitts@ehs.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund Announces Distribution of $0.08 Per Share for July 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) announced today a monthly distribution of $0.08 per share for July 2025. This distribution is payable to common stockholders on July 31, 2025 (as outlined in the table below).

    The Company declares distributions on a monthly basis, with its next distribution expected to be declared in early August. Payment of future distributions is subject to the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors, as well as meeting the covenants on the Company’s debt agreements and the terms of its preferred stock.

    Record Date / Ex-Date Payment Date Distribution Amount Return of Capital Estimate
    7/15/25 7/31/25 $0.08 50%(1)

    (1)   This estimate is based on the Company’s anticipated earnings and profits. The final determination of the tax character of distributions will not be determinable until after the end of fiscal 2025 and may differ substantially from this preliminary information.

    Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (NYSE: KYN) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, whose common stock is traded on the NYSE. The Company’s investment objective is to provide a high after-tax total return with an emphasis on making cash distributions to stockholders. KYN intends to achieve this objective by investing at least 80% of its total assets in securities of Energy Infrastructure Companies. See Glossary of Key Terms in the Company’s most recent quarterly report for a description of these investment categories and the meaning of capitalized terms.

    The Company pays cash distributions to common stockholders at a rate that may be adjusted from time to time. Distribution amounts are not guaranteed and may vary depending on a number of factors, including changes in portfolio holdings and market conditions.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer or sale is not permitted. Nothing contained in this press release is intended to recommend any investment policy or investment strategy or consider any investor’s specific objectives or circumstances. Before investing, please consult with your investment, tax, or legal adviser regarding your individual circumstances.

    CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This communication contains statements reflecting assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions, or beliefs about future events. These and other statements not relating strictly to historical or current facts constitute forward-looking statements as defined under the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties. These risks include but are not limited to changes in economic and political conditions; regulatory and legal changes; energy industry risk; leverage risk; valuation risk; interest rate risk; tax risk; and other risks discussed in detail in the Company’s filings with the SEC, available at www.kaynefunds.com or www.sec.gov. Actual events could differ materially from these statements or our present expectations or projections. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Kayne Anderson undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein. There is no assurance that the Company’s investment objectives will be attained.

    Contact investor relations at 877-657-3863 or cef@kayneanderson.com.

    The MIL Network

  • Cabinet clears ₹1 lakh crore RDI Scheme to boost private sector-led innovation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a move aimed at strengthening India’s research and innovation ecosystem, the Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, with a total outlay of ₹1 lakh crore. The scheme is designed to encourage greater private sector participation in research and innovation, particularly in strategic and sunrise sectors.

    The RDI Scheme seeks to provide long-term financing or refinancing to private companies at low or nil interest rates. Officials said the scheme addresses the persistent funding constraints faced by the private sector in taking up research projects, and aims to provide growth and risk capital for critical and emerging technologies. The government hopes this will promote technological adoption, enhance global competitiveness, and contribute to economic security and self-reliance.

    Under the scheme, projects at higher levels of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) will receive funding, and support will also be extended for the acquisition of critical or strategically important technologies. The scheme will also facilitate the creation of a Deep-Tech Fund of Funds to back technology-focused ventures.

    The Research Development and Innovation Scheme will operate through a two-tier funding structure. At the first level, a Special Purpose Fund (SPF) will be set up within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which will act as the custodian of the corpus. Funds from the SPF will then be allocated to various second-level fund managers, which will provide long-term concessional loans or, in some cases, equity funding—particularly for startups.

    The overarching strategic direction of the scheme will be provided by the Governing Board of the ANRF, chaired by the Prime Minister. The Executive Council of the ANRF will be responsible for approving guidelines and identifying second-level fund managers and projects in sunrise sectors. An Empowered Group of Secretaries, headed by the Cabinet Secretary, will oversee the scheme’s implementation, review its performance, and make decisions on sectors, project types, and fund managers. The Department of Science and Technology will serve as the nodal department for executing the scheme.

     

  • Cabinet clears ₹1 lakh crore RDI Scheme to boost private sector-led innovation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a move aimed at strengthening India’s research and innovation ecosystem, the Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, with a total outlay of ₹1 lakh crore. The scheme is designed to encourage greater private sector participation in research and innovation, particularly in strategic and sunrise sectors.

    The RDI Scheme seeks to provide long-term financing or refinancing to private companies at low or nil interest rates. Officials said the scheme addresses the persistent funding constraints faced by the private sector in taking up research projects, and aims to provide growth and risk capital for critical and emerging technologies. The government hopes this will promote technological adoption, enhance global competitiveness, and contribute to economic security and self-reliance.

    Under the scheme, projects at higher levels of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) will receive funding, and support will also be extended for the acquisition of critical or strategically important technologies. The scheme will also facilitate the creation of a Deep-Tech Fund of Funds to back technology-focused ventures.

    The Research Development and Innovation Scheme will operate through a two-tier funding structure. At the first level, a Special Purpose Fund (SPF) will be set up within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which will act as the custodian of the corpus. Funds from the SPF will then be allocated to various second-level fund managers, which will provide long-term concessional loans or, in some cases, equity funding—particularly for startups.

    The overarching strategic direction of the scheme will be provided by the Governing Board of the ANRF, chaired by the Prime Minister. The Executive Council of the ANRF will be responsible for approving guidelines and identifying second-level fund managers and projects in sunrise sectors. An Empowered Group of Secretaries, headed by the Cabinet Secretary, will oversee the scheme’s implementation, review its performance, and make decisions on sectors, project types, and fund managers. The Department of Science and Technology will serve as the nodal department for executing the scheme.

     

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Roadmap unveiled to boost rights for half of all UK workers and provide certainty to employers

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Roadmap unveiled to boost rights for half of all UK workers and provide certainty to employers

    Government publishes the Employment Rights Bill Implementation Roadmap, setting out timelines for measures in the Bill coming into effect.

    ·       Comprehensive roadmap for Employment Rights Bill to raise living standards across the country whilst giving employers and workers the time to adapt.    

    ·       Sets out timelines for new landmark rights with 15 million, or half of all, workers set to start benefitting from later this year.  

    ·       Government will continue to consult with employers, workers and trade unions to ensure the best deal for growth and boosting living standards in line with the Plan for Change.     

    The Government has today (Tuesday 1 July) unveiled its comprehensive roadmap setting out how it will deliver its new package of workers’ rights through the plan to Make Work Pay.    

    Landmark changes delivered through the Employment Rights Bill including sick pay for 1.3 million of the lowest earners and day one rights to parental and paternity leave will be introduced for the first time from early next year, demonstrating the government’s determination to boost living standards and protections for millions, whilst giving employers the certainty they need to plan for future changes.  

    It also announces that the new Fair Work Agency will launch from early next year, creating a level-playing field so rogue employers cannot undercut good businesses who comply with the law.  

    Informed by more than 190 pieces of engagement with businesses and other crucial stakeholders over the last 12 months, a phased approach was taken to give workers clarity and employers time to prepare. Key measures in the Bill will come into effect in 2026 and 2027, whilst further consultations are planned from this year into next.  

    The reforms are a key part of the Government’s Plan for Change – the mission to make the country fit for the future by kick-starting economic growth and boosting productivity.    

    Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:     

    We’re working fast to deliver our promise of better living standards and more money in the pockets of working people as part of our Plan for Change.  

    These landmark reforms will kick in within months, demonstrating our commitment to making work pay for millions of workers across the country and delivering real change.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:     

    The Employment Rights Bill is a core part of the Plan for Change, directly benefiting half of all workers and boosting living standards across the country.     

     Since the beginning, we have been working with businesses big and small to ensure this Bill works for them, and this roadmap will now give them the clarity and certainty they need to plan, invest and grow.      

     By phasing implementation, our collaborative approach balances meaningful worker protections with the practical realities of running a successful business, creating more productive workplaces where both employees and employers can thrive. 

    Whether you’re a worker, an employer in the public or private sector, a trade union, a representative organisation, or from civil society, a wide range of voices have helped shape this Bill.     

    Delivering change that works for everyone remains a priority, which is why the Government will continue to consult with business groups, employers, workers and trade unions in phases on the detail of the measures, beginning this summer and continuing into the new year.      

    The rollout of all measures will follow a structured timeline, so that stakeholders can plan their time and resources to make sure they are ready when the changes come into effect. Highlights of the roadmap include:     

    After the bill is passed: 

    • Immediate repeal of the strikes (minimum service levels) act 2023 and the majority of the trade union act 2016 to create a better relationship with unions that will prevent the need for strikes. 

    • Protections against dismissal for taking industrial action to ensure workers can defend their rights without fear of losing their jobs. 

    April 2026: 

    • Collective redundancy protective award – doubling the maximum period of the protective award to provide stronger financial security for workers facing mass redundancies. 

    • ‘Day one’ paternity leave and unpaid parental leave to support working families from the very start of employment. 

    • Whistleblowing protections to encourage reporting of wrongdoing without fear of retaliation. 

    • Fair work agency established to enforce labour rights and promote fairness in the workplace. 

    • Statutory sick pay – removing the lower earnings limit and waiting period to ensure all workers can afford to recover from illness without financial hardship. 

    • A package of trade union measures including simplifying trade union recognition process and electronic and workplace balloting to strengthen democracy and participation in the workplace. 

    October 2026: 

    • Ending unscrupulous fire and rehire practices to protect workers from being forced into worse terms under threat of dismissal. 

    • Regulations to establish the fair pay agreement adult social care negotiating body in England to raise standards and pay in the social care sector.  

    • Tightening tipping law – strengthen the law on tipping by mandating consultation with workers to ensure fairer tip allocation. 

    • Requiring employers to take “all reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment of their employees to create safer, more respectful workplaces. 

    • Introducing an obligation on employers not to permit the harassment of their employees by third parties to extend protections to all work environments, including public-facing roles. 

    • A package of trade union measures including new rights and protections for trade union representatives, extending protections against detriments for taking industrial action and strengthening trade unions’ right of access. 

    2027: 

    • Gender pay gap and menopause action plans (introduced on a voluntary basis in April 2026) to promote gender equality and support women’s health in the workplace. 

    • Enhanced dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers to safeguard job security during pregnancy, maternity leave and a return-to-work period. 

    • Further harassment protections, specifying reasonable steps which will help determine whether an employer has taken all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment to provide clearer guidance and stronger enforcement against harassment. 

    • Creating a modern framework for industrial relations to build a fairer, more collaborative approach to workplace relations. 

    • Bereavement leave to give workers time to grieve with job security. 

    • Ending the exploitative use of zero hours contracts to provide workers with stable hours and predictable income. 

    • ‘Day 1’ right to protection from unfair dismissal to ensure all workers are treated fairly from the start of employment. 

    • Improving access to flexible working to help people balance work with family, health, and other responsibilities. 

    To ensure employers and workers are in the best possible position when these measures come into effect, the Government will produce clear and comprehensive guidance to help organisations navigate the changes. This guidance will be made available in advance of implementation deadlines to allow time for familiarisation and preparation.     

    The Government will also work closely with Acas which will play a crucial role in both implementation of the new measures and continuing to provide support to employers and workers moving forward.      

    By taking a phased and measured approach to implementation, the Government aims to create lasting positive change to employment rights in the UK that works for both workers and businesses.    

    Peter Cheese, chief executive of the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, commented:  

    We asked for a clear plan from the government, so we’re pleased to see this roadmap launched today, which will give employers some more clarity to prepare for the biggest set of workplace reforms in decades.   

    We’re pleased to see that the measures are being phased in gradually over many months. This will give more time for further consultation on key points of detail, and organisations more time to update their policies and practices.   

    It’s positive to see the recognition of the critical role for Acas in supporting employers to comply with the new measures. We will work with the government to help provide the guidance the HR profession and managers need to implement the upcoming changes. Small businesses in particular will need clear advice and guidance to help them comply.

    TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: 

    After the failed era of insecure work and squeezed living standards, the Employment Rights Bill is badly needed. Banning exploitative zero hours contracts, giving workers a stronger voice and ending fire and rehire are all common-sense and popular reforms. 

    It’s welcome that workers will start to benefit from these long overdue changes from later this year – but this timetable must be a backstop. We need to see these new rights in action as soon as possible. Decent employers don’t need to wait for the law to change. They should be working with staff and unions right now to introduce these changes as quickly as possible.  

    It’s time to level up Britain’s workplaces and end the scourge of insecure work.

    Co-op Group CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq said: 

    The Co-op is supportive of the Government’s ambitions to strengthen rights for workers through the Employment Rights Bill – as the world’s oldest and UK’s largest consumer co-operative, doing right by our 54,000 colleagues is core to our approach to doing good business. 

    We are convinced that treating employees well promotes productivity – it helps employers recruit, develop and retain the talent they need.  Working in partnership with Government we believe this Bill is a once in a generation opportunity to ensure all workers are treated fairly whoever their employer might be.

    Neil Carberry, Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) Chief Executive, said:  

    This clear timeline on the Employment Rights Bill gives room for full and frank consultation on how the new rules will be structured. It also gives businesses important time to plan.  

    Now we have the roadmap, ongoing and meaningful engagement will be critical to ensuring new regulations allow the flexibility workers and companies value to remain. That’s what gives workers freedom and choice, and helps businesses adjust in changeable markets. A clear process which addresses reasonable business concerns about the new rules is essential.  

    The Bill is a real opportunity to update workplace protections in a way that reflects how people work today, but getting the balance right will be crucial to supporting the government’s growth ambitions.

    Acas Chief Executive Niall Mackenzie said:   

    We welcome the publication of the Employment Relations Bill Roadmap, giving clarity to employers and workers on the timescale for these important changes to employment law. At Acas, we know that good workplace relations is at the heart of resilient, successful organisations and good business. It is encouraging to see the government place employment relations at the heart of its plan to grow the economy.  

    Acas will continue to work with the Department for Business and Trade, employers, trades unions and others to support employers and workers. We are proud to be the go-to organisation to help navigate changes to workplace relations through our expert Codes, guidance and freely available advice.

    Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said:  

    Clear and precise timelines on when aspects of this legislation, and the processes to deliver them, will come into force is essential, and it was important that the Government embark on providing clarity. 

    There are substantial changes for businesses in the Employment Rights Bill and it’s right that the Government is using the appropriate implementation periods for the most complex issues for hospitality, in order to get the details right for both businesses and workers.

    Prospect General Secretary Mike Clancy said:  

    With such an important and technical piece of legislation, there is always a balance to be struck between speed and precision, and this sensible timetable ensures that there is sufficient time to make sure the legislation is robust and works as intended.    

    The Bill rightly involves a significant rebalancing of workplace power in favour of employees, and this must lead to improved industrial relations based on constructive working between unions and employers.  

    Ultimately, the big change we need in the labour market is an increase in trade union membership and density in the private sector, and it is welcome that next year will see the lifting of many of the restrictions that have constrained the growth of unions and our ability to represent workers across the economy.

    Community Assistant General Secretary Alasdair McDiarmid said:  

    It’s great that we now have a comprehensive roadmap in place for the Employment Rights Bill.  

    The government has engaged diligently with unions and businesses during the development of the bill, and we are proud to have played a role in shaping what we believe will be a transformative piece of legislation for working people across the UK.  

    We will continue to work closely with the Department for Business and Trade to ensure that the bill is successful, and we would encourage other stakeholders to do the same.

    Gary Smith, GMB General Secretary, said:  

    It is good to see that this Government is matching words with action on trade union rights. There’s always more that can be done, but the Employment Rights Bill represents the biggest improvement in workers’ rights for a generation.  

    GMB members now know when these much-needed improvements will happen – we urge good employers not to wait; do the right thing and make these changes a reality today.

    Notes to editors:     

    ·       Full details of the implementation roadmap are available here.    

    ·       Employment Rights Bill to be implemented in phases, giving employers the time and certainty they need to adapt.    

    ·       Roadmap outlines timelines for delivery, ranging from soon after the Bill is passed to April 2026, October 2026 and 2027.      

    ·       Government will continue to consult with employers, workers and trade unions to ensure the best deal for growth and boosting living standards in line with the Plan for Change.     

    ·       The 15 million workers figure is based on analysis of the Labour Force Survey (October to December 2024) to avoid double counting, and includes workers that will benefit from Unfair Dismissal, Zero Hour Contracts, Statutory Sick Pay, Trade Union changes and Fair Pay Agreements.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Freight trains connect China’s Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area with Central Asia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) — A freight train carrying goods from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area departed from Zengcheng Railway Station in Guangzhou City, capital of south China’s Guangdong Province, on Thursday, and will cross the border at Horgos Port in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to Kazakhstan. The goods on board mainly include dishwashers, refrigerators and clothing, worth about 15.3 million yuan, the Guangzhou Daily reported, citing local customs information.

    In recent years, the pace of urbanization in Central Asian countries has accelerated, and local consumers’ demand for various goods has increased significantly. A wide range of goods produced in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, including household appliances, clothing and footwear, are popular in the Central Asian market.

    “The trains to Central Asian countries mainly carry consumer goods produced in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The return trains carry agricultural and food products from Central Asia,” said Li Siqiang, an official with the International Freight Train Management Company of Guangzhou Transport Investment Corporation.

    “China-Central Asia train services are highly efficient, low-cost and flexible. The transportation time is about 10-15 days, more than twice as fast as sea transportation. It is suitable for transporting goods such as electronic products and auto parts,” said Xiao Shuailun, a manager at a local supply chain company.

    Since May 2021, when China-Central Asia freight train services from Guangzhou were first launched, there have been 126 departures of such trains, carrying goods worth more than RMB 1.6 billion. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Jiangsu Province and Central Asia Welcome ‘Golden Period’ of Cooperation Together

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) — The roar of container ships in the port of Lianyungang (Jiasu Province, east China) and the hoot of China-Europe freight trains sound in unison. “Steel caravans” loaded with photovoltaic panels and precision instruments set off from the banks of the Yangtze River to the deserts of Central Asia. And on the shelves of Jiangsu stores, dried fruits from Central Asia look tempting, spreading a subtle aroma; cotton yarn from Central Asia dances briskly between the machines of textile factories, adding a special flavor to the “Made in Jiangsu” brand… According to the latest data from Nanjing Customs, in the first five months of 2025, Jiangsu Province’s export volume to five Central Asian countries amounted to 8.9 billion yuan, up 21.4 percent year on year.

    As part of the high-quality construction of the Belt and Road, Jiangsu and Central Asia are entering a “golden period” of cooperation together, local newspaper Xinhua Daily reported.

    Engineering projects are like a “steel frame”, trade flows are like “digital channels”, and high-level mutual visits and the implementation of policies and initiatives are “bridge pillars”, which are all involved in building the “Golden Bridge of the Silk Road” between Jiangsu and Central Asia. Despite the thousands of mountains and rivers separating them, thanks to the close industrial ties, Jiangsu and the Central Asian region have achieved deep integration. With unprecedented depth and breadth, the two sides continue to strengthen the foundation of mutually beneficial cooperation.

    Uzbekistan, the most populous country in Central Asia and a key hub on the ancient Silk Road, has been accelerating its industrialization in recent years and has been actively working with Jiangsu to develop practical cooperation.

    From the construction of a new district in Samarkand to the processing plant of the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Plant… The equipment of the Chinese engineering giant – Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group Co., Ltd. (XCMG) – has become the “standard equipment” for infrastructure construction for industrialization in Central Asia. “In Uzbekistan, XCMG equipment is present at almost all large construction sites,” said Sun Si, the responsible project manager of XCMG Corporation. Over the past three years, XCMG equipment exports to Uzbekistan have exceeded 2 billion yuan, and the current stock of such equipment in the country exceeds 8,000 units. Close partnerships have been formed with many local large construction companies, equipment rental companies and mining companies.

    As the e-commerce data and platform services of SOHO Holding intersect in the Central Asian digital space, the “Golden Bridge of the Silk Road” between Jiangsu and Central Asia will build more industrial highways. In January this year, SOHO Holding opened a representative office in Kazakhstan. This trading platform, located in the hinterland of Central Asia, will help enterprises in Jiangsu Province and other parts of the country to develop the Central Asian market.

    “We are creating not only a trading platform, but also a high-speed channel for industrial integration,” explained the project manager in charge. The main areas of cooperation were the creation of B2C e-commerce and car trade platforms, as well as the construction of foreign warehouses in Kazakhstan. According to the set goals, this cooperation will allow SOHO Holding to achieve a bilateral trade volume of USD 1 billion with Central Asia in 5 years.

    “Good products from Jiangsu” appear one after another on the market of Central Asian countries, and high-quality products from Central Asia continuously fill the shelves of stores in Jiangsu Province. “Last year, 14,800 tons of barley and 2,700 tons of feed wheat flour from Kazakhstan arrived in China on 11 China-Europe freight trains,” said a responsible executive of SUMEC International Technology Co., Ltd., which signed a framework agreement on cooperation in the field of agricultural products for 2024 with Kazakhstan’s Fort LLP worth about 500 million yuan. The company uses the direct purchase model from the manufacturer to reduce costs. In the future, it also plans to actively build a complete supply system for agricultural products within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, using Kazakhstan’s breadbasket.

    Crossing deserts and seas, linking the East and Central Asia, China-Europe freight trains, like racing “steel dragons,” carry hopes for cooperation and development opportunities. Since the launch of China-Europe freight train services, a total of more than 14,000 trains have been sent from Jiangsu to Central Asia with wagons loaded at 100 percent. Jiangsu Province has firmly held its position as the main transit corridor to Central Asia. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: FinWise Bancorp to Host Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call and Webcast on Thursday, July 24, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MURRAY, Utah, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FinWise Bancorp (NASDAQ: FINW) (“FinWise” or the “Company”), the parent company of FinWise Bank, today announced that it will report its second quarter 2025 results and host a conference call and webcast after the market close on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

    Conference Call Information

    The conference call will be held at 5:00 p.m. ET to discuss financial results for the second quarter of 2025. The dial-in number is 1-877-423-9813 (toll-free) or 1-201-689-8573 (international). The conference ID is 13754178. Please dial the number 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

    Webcast Information

    The webcast will be available on the Company’s website at FinWise Earnings Call Live Webcast and a replay of the call will be available at Investor Relations | FinWise Bancorp (gcs-web.com) for six months following the call.  

    Submission of Conference Call Questions

    In addition to questions asked live by analysts during the call, the Company will also accept for consideration questions submitted via email prior to 5:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Please email questions to investors@finwisebank.com.

    About FinWise Bancorp

    FinWise provides Banking and Payments solutions to fintech brands. Its existing Strategic Program Lending business, conducted through scalable API-driven infrastructure, powers deposit, lending and payments programs for leading fintech brands. As part of Strategic Program Lending, FinWise also provides a Credit Enhanced Balance Sheet Program, which addresses the challenges that lending and card programs face diversifying their funding sources and managing capital efficiency. In addition, FinWise manages other Lending programs such as SBA 7(a), Owner Occupied Commercial Real Estate, and Leasing, which provide flexibility for disciplined balance sheet growth. FinWise is also expanding and diversifying its business model by incorporating Payments (MoneyRails™) and BIN Sponsorship offerings. Through its compliance oversight and risk management-first culture, FinWise is well positioned to guide fintechs through a rigorous process to facilitate regulatory compliance.

    For more information on FinWise Bank, visit https://investors.finwisebancorp.com.

    Contacts:
    investors@finwisebank.com
    media@finwisebank.com        

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Automotive Tire Pressure Monitoring System Market Set to Hit USD 8.94 Billion in 2024, Accelerating Ahead with a Robust 12.91% CAGR Through 2032 | AnalystView Market Insights

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, USA, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Market Dynamics

    The Automotive Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) market was valued at US$ 8,940.29 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a robust CAGR of 12.91% from 2025 to 2032, reflecting increasing global emphasis on vehicle safety and performance. This impressive growth trajectory is fueled by a combination of regulatory mandates and consumer demand for enhanced driving safety. As underinflated tires contribute to poor fuel efficiency, tire wear, and accident risk, TPMS is becoming a crucial component in modern vehicles.

    Regulatory mandates across developed economies such as the United States, European Union, Japan, and China have made TPMS installation mandatory in all new vehicles. These regulations are significantly propelling market demand, particularly for Direct TPMS (DTPMS), which offers higher accuracy compared to Indirect TPMS (ITPMS). Furthermore, with the rise in global vehicle production and sales, especially in emerging markets where automotive demand is rapidly increasing, the adoption of Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) as a standard safety feature is becoming more widespread. In 2022, global motor vehicle production reached 85.4 million units, marking a 5.7% increase from 2021, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. Many countries have introduced regulatory mandates requiring TPMS installation to enhance road safety by providing drivers with real-time tire pressure information, thereby reducing the risk of accidents caused by underinflated tires.

    Unlock exclusive insights with our detailed sample report (Please enter your Corporate Email ID to get priority access@ https://www.analystviewmarketinsights.com/request_sample/AV4027

    Key Attributes:

    Report Attributes Details
    No. of Pages 269
    Forecast Period 2025 – 2032
    Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $8,940.29 Million
    Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 12.91%
    Regions Covered North America (U.S., and Canada)
    Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, Sweden, Russia, Poland, Rest of Europe)
    Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Rest of APAC)
    Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Rest of LATAM)
    The Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, Turkey, Algeria, Egypt, Rest of MEA)

    Key Drivers

    1. Stringent Safety Regulations:
      Government regulations worldwide mandating the use of TPMS in new vehicles are a major growth driver. For instance, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires TPMS in all passenger vehicles sold post-2007. Similarly, the European Union and countries like China, South Korea, and Japan have enforced comparable safety mandates, accelerating market adoption.
    2. Increasing Focus on Fuel Efficiency:
      Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which leads to better fuel efficiency. As consumers and fleet operators look to cut fuel costs, TPMS has become a vital tool. In commercial fleets, particularly, optimizing tire pressure can result in substantial savings on fuel and tire maintenance.
    3. Growing Vehicle Production:
      The post-pandemic recovery of the global automotive industry and the continued expansion of electric vehicle (EV) production contribute significantly to TPMS demand. EVs, often equipped with the latest safety tech, are more likely to include TPMS as a standard feature.
    4. Technological Advancements:
      The market is witnessing innovations such as battery-less TPMS, wireless sensors, and systems integrated with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These enhancements not only improve system reliability but also reduce maintenance requirements, making TPMS more appealing to OEMs and consumers alike.

    Restraints

    1. High Initial Costs:
      TPMS, especially direct systems with individual sensors on each tire, can increase the overall vehicle cost. This price sensitivity is a significant deterrent in cost-conscious markets, particularly in entry-level and budget vehicle segments.
    2. Maintenance and Repair Challenges:
      TPMS components are prone to damage during tire replacement or servicing. Additionally, battery-powered sensors have a limited lifespan, typically around 5-10 years, which may require costly replacements.
    3. Lack of Consumer Awareness in Developing Markets:
      In regions such as parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, awareness regarding the benefits of TPMS is relatively low. This hampers adoption, despite the system’s proven advantages in safety and efficiency.

    Opportunities

    1. Aftermarket Growth:
      The aftermarket TPMS segment presents vast potential, especially as older vehicles are retrofitted to meet safety standards or improve performance. Rising e-commerce penetration is also making it easier for consumers to purchase and install aftermarket solutions.
    2. Electric and Autonomous Vehicles:
      The rising trend of connected vehicles, EVs, and autonomous cars paves the way for more sophisticated tire pressure and health monitoring systems. Manufacturers are developing smart TPMS integrated with telematics and real-time data analytics, providing broader vehicle management capabilities.

    Market segmentation :

    GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM MARKET, BY PRODUCT TYPE- MARKET ANALYSIS, 2019 – 2032

    • Direct
    • Indirect

    GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM MARKET, BY VEHICLE TYPE- MARKET ANALYSIS, 2019 – 2032

    • Passenger Vehicles
    • Commercial Vehicles

    GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM MARKET, BY COMPONENT- MARKET ANALYSIS, 2019 – 2032

    • Sensors
    • Transmitters
    • Receivers
    • Display Units
    • Control Units

    GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM MARKET, BY SALES CHANNEL- MARKET ANALYSIS, 2019 – 2032

    • OEM
    • Aftermarket

    Regional Insights

    North America

    North America remains a leading market for TPMS, primarily driven by regulatory enforcement and high consumer awareness. The U.S. is the dominant player due to early legislation mandating TPMS and widespread OEM adoption. The region is also a hotspot for aftermarket sales, supported by a well-established automotive service ecosystem.

    Europe

    Europe follows closely, with countries like Germany, France, and the U.K. leading TPMS penetration. The region’s strong focus on vehicle safety and environmental concerns (such as CO2 emission reduction) has fostered widespread TPMS adoption. Moreover, the European Union’s General Safety Regulation (GSR) continues to enforce TPMS requirements across all new vehicle segments.

    Asia-Pacific

    The Asia-Pacific region, led by China, Japan, South Korea, and India, is emerging as the fastest-growing market. China’s TPMS mandate for new vehicles starting 2019 has significantly boosted local demand. Additionally, rising disposable incomes, rapid urbanization, and growing automotive manufacturing hubs in India and Southeast Asia offer enormous growth potential. However, aftermarket awareness and infrastructure still lag behind developed markets.

    Latin America & Middle East Africa

    These regions are in the nascent stages of TPMS adoption. While vehicle ownership is rising, the lack of strict safety norms and consumer education limits the market. Nonetheless, growing automotive imports and gradual economic development are creating long-term opportunities.

     Looking For a Detailed Full Report? Please review it here @ https://www.analystviewmarketinsights.com/reports/report-highlight-automotive-tire-pressure-monitoring-system-market

    Reasons to Invest in the TPMS Market

    1. Global Regulatory Support:
      With safety becoming non-negotiable, TPMS has become a compliance requirement in many parts of the world. Investors can bank on this long-term regulatory support driving consistent demand.
    2. EV Integration and Smart Mobility:
      As electric and smart vehicles become mainstream, integrated TPMS solutions are evolving. These systems go beyond just pressure monitoring—providing tire temperature, wear analysis, and real-time alerts through mobile apps or vehicle dashboards. The synergy with ADAS and IoT provides avenues for value-added services and recurring revenue.
    3. High Growth Potential in Aftermarket:
      Millions of vehicles worldwide still operate without TPMS. This opens a vast aftermarket potential, especially in regions where regulations have recently come into effect or are under proposal. Startups and component suppliers focusing on plug-and-play solutions can capitalize on this underserved segment.
    4. Rising OEM Collaborations and Strategic Partnerships:
      Tier-1 suppliers are collaborating with vehicle manufacturers to embed next-gen TPMS as part of their safety and telematics packages. This trend ensures steady B2B revenue streams and fosters innovation in customized solutions.
    5. Advancements in Sensor Technology:
      The evolution of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) and sensor miniaturization is reducing costs while improving performance. This technological edge is lowering entry barriers for new players and making TPMS feasible even for low-cost vehicles.
    6. Fleet Management Optimization:
      For commercial fleets, TPMS offers tangible benefits in maintenance planning, fuel efficiency, and downtime reduction. As logistics and transport companies digitize operations, TPMS becomes an integral component of their fleet health systems—driving up volume demand.

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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Development Bank Approves $474.6 Million Loan to support South Africa’s Infrastructure Governance and Green Growth

    The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $474.6 million loan for South Africa’s Infrastructure Governance and Green Growth Programme (IGGGP). This financing marks a significant milestone in the country’s transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon economy.

    This IGGGP is the second phase of the Bank’s strategic support for South Africa’s Just Energy Transition. It builds on the success of the $300 million Energy Governance and Climate Resilience Programme, approved in 2023, which delivered key reforms that bolstered financial stability and increased renewable energy capacity.

    Structured around three interconnected pillars: enhancing energy security through power sector restructuring, supporting a low-carbon and just transition, and improving transport efficiency – the IGGGP is designed to accelerate South Africa’s green transformation and promote inclusive, resilient growth. South Africa’s Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana,  described the Bank’s support as valuable. 

    “Our country faces the significant challenge of energy shortages, leading to loadshedding, as well as significant transport bottlenecks, which have been detrimental to growing our economy and achieving our developmental aspirations. With your partnership, our government has committed itself to stay the course and implement these critical reforms in the energy and transport sectors, while endeavoring to achieve our international commitments on climate change and our JET objectives,” he said.

    The IGGGP also places strong emphasis on green industrialization, skills development, and job creation, including support for electric vehicle manufacturing and green hydrogen production. Recent estimates from the IMF show that South Africa’s Just Energy Transition could boost the country’s GDP growth by 0.2 to 0.4 percentage points annually between 2025 and 2030.

    “This approval represents more than financing — it’s a blueprint for Africa’s energy future,” said Kennedy Mbekeani, African Development Bank Group’s Director General for Southern Africa. “South Africa’s success in building a just, green, and inclusive energy system demonstrates that sustainable development and economic growth can go hand in hand.”

    This financing includes targeted grant components to promote energy efficiency initiatives and advance rail sector reforms. Key priorities include accelerating vertical separation and establishing an investment framework to revitalize South Africa’s freight and logistics systems. These efforts are expected to strengthen competitiveness of the transport sector and contribute to regional integration and economic growth across the Southern African Development Community.

    As an advanced economy in Africa and a regional power hub, South Africa’s success in its energy transition could catalyze similar transformations across the continent. Its experience integrating renewable energy, modernizing its grid, and implementing just transition policies will provide valuable lessons for other African nations pursuing sustainable development goals.

    The initiative incorporates comprehensive environmental and social safeguards, with a particular focus on gender and youth empowerment. Women will constitute 70% of the beneficiaries of the expanded Social Employment Fund, and dedicated youth skills programmes will equip the next generation for emerging opportunities in the green economy.

    The success of the IGGGP will contribute to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9), and climate action (SDG 13).

    The African Development Bank’s support forms part of a historic $2.78 billion international financing package that includes $1.5 billion from the World Bank, €500 million from Germany’s KfW, up to $200 million from Japan’s JICA, and an expected $150 million from the OPEC Fund. This coordinated financing underscores the global significance of South Africa’s energy transition, particularly under its G20 presidency. The programme aligns with South Africa’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, which targets reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 398–510 million tons of CO₂ equivalent by 2025 and 350–420 million tons by 2030.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Additional Image: https://apo-opa.co/3G4EecH

    Media contact:
    Emeka Anuforo,
    Communication and External Relations Department,
    media@afdb.org

    About the African Development Bank Group:
    The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: GAIA AFRICA Appoints Mena Imasekha as General Manager

    GAIA AFRICA (https://GAIAAfricaClub.com ), the premier private business club for Africa’s most influential women leaders, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Mena Imasekha as General Manager, effective immediately. Since its founding in 2018, GAIA AFRICA has become a leading force in the empowerment of female decision-makers across Africa. The Club has facilitated over $10 million in member-to-member business value since 2021, reflecting the power of intentional community and strategic collaboration. 

    Mena joined GAIA AFRICA in June 2021 as Business Development & Operations Manager, where she played a pivotal role in the club’s growth, member engagement, and optimising operations across core business units. Her appointment reflects GAIA AFRICA’s ongoing commitment to excellence in leadership and community-building for women across the continent. 

    An accomplished strategist with a strong background in operations, Mena brings over 15 years of experience spanning wellness, e-commerce, non-profit, and financial services. Her multidisciplinary career has included leadership roles in online sales strategy, social impact fundraising, and executive wellness programming, all with a consistent focus on systems thinking and growth. 

    She previously served as Strategy & Communications Manager at the crowdfunding platform 234Give.com, where she led successful CSR campaigns in partnership with top corporates including FBN Capital, Stanbic IBTC, and Sterling Bank. She has also held advisory and executive positions at Women Impacting Nigeria and Mega Plaza. 

    Mena holds a BSc in Biology from Imperial College London, with further certifications in Integrative Health Coaching and CMAE’s Club Management MDP 1 & MDP 2. Her approach to leadership is rooted in a passion for strategic thinking, wellness and social transformation. 

    “Mena’s deep operational insight and commitment to GAIA’s vision of empowering and supporting female decision makers, make her the right leader for this next chapter,” said Olatowun Candide-Johnson, Founder and CEO of GAIA AFRICA. “She brings not only technical excellence but commitment and a powerful sensitivity to the evolving needs of our members.” 

    In her new role, Mena will oversee day-to-day operations, strategy, and strategic partnerships across GAIA AFRICA and its affiliated lifestyle brand, GABY Lagos. She will report to the CEO, who continues to lead on broader strategic initiatives and future growth for the company. 

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Gaia Africa.

    Media Contact: 
    GAIA AFRICA Communications 
    Email: bizops@gaiaafricaclub.com  
    Website: https://GAIAAfricaClub.com 

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Launch of new body to harness innovative tech for the UK’s Armed Forces

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Launch of new body to harness innovative tech for the UK’s Armed Forces

    Innovative technology will reach the hands of military personnel faster, as the work of the new UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) organisation kicks off today with its formal establishment.

    • UK Defence Innovation begins work today to streamline delivery of innovative technology to Armed Forces personnel.
    • £400 million annual budget will help create high-skilled jobs in the dual-use technology sector and turbocharge growth, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
    • UK Strategic Command will be renamed Cyber & Specialist Operations Command to reflect its evolved role and enhanced responsibilities following the SDR.

    UKDI will be the focal point for innovation within the Ministry of Defence, backed by a ringfenced annual budget of at least £400 million – supporting the government’s Plan for Change by driving defence as an engine for UK growth and creating high-skilled jobs in the dual-use technology sector.   

    It follows the government committing to the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War – hitting 2.6% by 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% in the next Parliament.  

    The new body will simplify and streamline the innovation system within MOD – as outlined in last month’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR). It will take a new approach by moving quickly and decisively, using different ways of contracting, to enable UK companies to scale up innovative prototypes rapidly, by setting out a clear pathway, working with the rest of government, from initial production to manufacturing at scale.     

    UKDI will make the UK a defence innovation leader, funding and supporting firms of all sizes to take state-of-the-art technology from the drawing board to the production line, and into the hands of our Armed Forces. It will ensure cutting-edge innovations get into the hands of our Armed Forces faster, enhancing military capability while driving economic growth.  

    This announcement comes alongside another significant development, with UK Strategic Command being renamed as the Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC). This change reflects the Command’s evolved role and enhanced responsibilities following the SDR, particularly its leadership of the cyber domain, which the SDR demanded a greater focus on across defence and government as a whole. It also follows the MOD having to protect UK military networks against more than 90,000 ‘sub-threshold’ attacks in the last two years.   

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:   

    Defence is only as strong as the industry that stands behind it and through UKDI we’re putting innovation at the heart of our approach.    

    This shift represents a crucial part of our commitment to change defence, backing the high-growth UK firms developing pioneering technology of the future to boost our national security and make defence an engine for growth – fundamental to our Plan for Change and delivering on the SDR.

    The new name firmly places leadership of this crucial domain for defence and the Armed Forces with the new Command. It also better represents CSOC’s ‘Lead Command’ responsibilities for those specialist capabilities critical to operational success, including Intelligence, Special Forces, deployed medical capabilities, and Command and Control through the Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ).    

    General Sir Jim Hockenhull, Commander, Cyber & Specialist Operations Command, said:

    The transition to Cyber & Specialist Operations Command is far more than a change in name – it is a clear statement of purpose. It reflects our leadership in the cyber domain, the integration of specialist capabilities, and our commitment to delivering effects across Defence. This new identity captures the essence of who we are: a community of experts, united by mission, operating at the forefront of modern warfare.

    The defence sector is a major contributor to the UK economy, with the industry supporting over 430,000 jobs nationwide – equivalent to one in every 60 UK jobs. 

    As part of UKDI’s launch, two key initiatives have been established:   

    • A new Rapid Innovation Team (RIT) enabling innovation at ‘wartime pace’ by utilising commercially available dual-use technology to address the most urgent operational problems.

    • Regional Engagement Teams across the UK to identify and support dual-use innovation from SMEs and academic spin-outs, delivering targeted outreach and business development support.

    The SDR highlighted the rapidly evolving threat landscape and the critical need for the UK to maintain its technological edge. UKDI will play a pivotal role in implementing the SDR’s recommendations by breaking down barriers between defence and commercial innovation, ensuring that game-changing technologies can be rapidly identified, developed, and deployed to the front line.   

    The organisation has been formally established today and will develop over the next 12 months, with further design, transition and implementation work, while determining the optimal workforce structure needed to achieve its long-term ambitions. UKDI will be fully operational by July 2026.   

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Part of the former industrial zone in Yuzhnoye Butovo will be reorganized under the KRT program

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Part of the former industrial zone Yuzhnoye Butovo, located in the South-West Administrative District of the capital, will be reorganized. This was announced by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “The city has signed an agreement with the company on the redevelopment of two sections of the former industrial zone Yuzhnoye Butovo with a total area of 30.7 hectares. The contract price was 109.6 million rubles. The developer intends to transform the former depressed site into a new comfortable urban space. The emphasis will be on creating a balanced development: along with housing, social, public and business, industrial and municipal infrastructure facilities will be built there. Investments in the development of the site are estimated at more than 106 billion rubles, and the annual budget effect will be at least 1.7 billion rubles. As a result of the project, more than four thousand jobs will be created,” said Vladimir Efimov.

    The only participant trades The Moscow company “Specialized developer “Grad Pekhotnaya”” won the right to conclude an agreement on the integrated development of the territory (IDT). Both sites, which it will redevelop, are located near the Butovo station of the second Moscow Central Diameter. One of them is adjacent to 2-nd Melitopolskaya Street, the other is located closer to Varshavskoe Shosse.

    “As part of the project, about 27 thousand square meters of housing will be built to implement the renovation program. An educational complex will be built next to the new buildings. It will include a school for 900 students and a kindergarten for 200 children. The investor will also build a sports center with a swimming pool, a multifunctional public complex with a hotel, facilities for two court areas and other real estate on the territory. Improvement and landscaping work will be carried out in the new city block. Thus, part of the former industrial zone will turn into a self-sufficient, attractive residential area,” said the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy

    Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    According to the KRT program, multifunctional city blocks are being created, where roads, comfortable housing and all the necessary infrastructure are being designed on the sites of former industrial zones and inefficiently used areas. Currently, 302 projects for the integrated development of territories with a total area of about 4.2 thousand hectares are at various stages of development and implementation in Moscow. This work is being carried out on behalf of Mayor of Moscow.

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin ordered an increase implementation rates renovation programs twice as much.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/156051073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • Sensex, Nifty end with slight gains as investors remain cautious

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian stock markets ended flat with a slight positive bias on Tuesday, as investors stayed cautious ahead of the US reciprocal tariff deadline on July 8.

    The focus remained on trade negotiations between India and the United States, with a potential trade deal expected this week.

    After touching an intraday high of 83,874.29, the Sensex finally closed at 83,697.29, gaining 90.83 points or 0.11 per cent.

    Similarly, the Nifty added 24.75 points, or 0.1 per cent, to settle at 25,541.8.

    Among the 30-share index, BEL emerged as the top gainer, closing 2.51 per cent higher. Other notable gainers included Asian Paints, Kotak Mahindra Bank, HDFC Bank, Infosys, Titan, and Bharti Airtel.

    On the flip side, Axis Bank, Trent, Eternal (formerly Zomato), Tech Mahindra, ICICI Bank, and TCS were among the top losers.

    The broader market showed mixed signals. The Nifty Midcap100 index ended flat, while the Nifty Smallcap100 slipped slightly, down 0.10 per cent.

    Among sectoral indices, Nifty PSU Bank, Metal, Oil & Gas, Consumer Durables, Healthcare, and Pharma closed in the green. However, sectors like Auto, IT, Energy, FMCG, Media, and Realty declined.

    The total market capitalisation of all listed companies on the NSE stood at Rs 5.36 trillion.

    On the volatility front, the India VIX — which measures market uncertainty — dropped 2.01 per cent to close at 12.5, indicating reduced fear among investors.

    Gold traded positive as continued dollar weakness supported prices. Comex Gold surged by $30 to $3,345, while MCX Gold rose by Rs 1,200 to settle around Rs 97,300.

    “The sentiment remains buoyant this week, driven by expectations around key US economic data, particularly the Non-Farm Payrolls, unemployment figures, and ADP non-farm employment change,” said Jateen Trivedi of LKP Securities.

    Additionally, the rupee traded positive, gaining 0.28 per cent to close at 85.51, supported by a weaker Dollar Index trading below 97.00 and sustained weakness in crude oil prices.

    “Rupee is expected to trade in a range of 85.20 to 85.80,” Trivedi added.

    -IANS

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia’s new energy innovation venture Enscryb secures partner and first two customers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Nokia’s new energy innovation venture Enscryb secures partner and first two customers

    • Enscryb is partnering with NODES, a Norwegian technology company, and will be offering services to Nanuq, a charging infrastructure company, and Smartecon, a utility scale renewable energy construction / EPC company.
    • Enscryb is a platform that uses digital twins and stream processing technology to enable real-time distributed energy orchestration in an era of increasing market volatility, demand and renewable production.
    • Enscryb can simulate distributed energy systems of any size and complexity from grid, to meter, to connected assets.

    1 July 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced its latest venture, Enscryb, an energy innovation platform, is partnering with NODES, an energy trading company. In addition, Enscryb has also secured and onboarded two customers: Nanuq, a charging infrastructure company, and Smartecon, a renewable energy provider.

    Enscryb is an innovative digital toolbox that enables real-time distributed energy flexibility orchestration in an era of increasing market volatility, demand and renewable production by simulating electricity systems of any size and complexity. The Enscryb toolset also provides energy flexibility forecasting for battery energy storage systems and solar hybrid assets. By analyzing data from both markets and clients’ own infrastructures, Enscryb enables more accurate and bankable financial modeling for renewable energy projects.

    Based on technology from Nokia Bell Labs, Enscryb is the latest Nokia venture to engage external partners and customers. These collaborations stem from Nokia’s internal venture incubator dedicated to innovation and new commercialization paths for Nokia Bell Labs technology.

    By contributing to reducing energy expenses, increasing grid resiliency and transitioning toward Net Zero, Enscryb also emphasizes Nokia’s commitment to sustainable businesses.

    NODES facilitates the trading of flexibility resources and Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) between System Operators and Flexibility Service Providers, aggregators and large Industrial and Commercial assets. This activity supports the sustainability sector and contributes to the development of emerging energy flexibility and congestion markets.

    Nanuq helps its industrial customers transition to electrified fleets. They plan investment and operation of fleets with local generation resources and charge points to ensure maximum efficiency by lowering energy operation expenses.

    Smartecon is a pan-Baltic EPC company specializing in utility-scale renewable energy projects. It helps developers and asset owners bring solar, battery, and hybrid power plants from concept to grid connection, with a strong focus on grid compliance, technical design, and hands-on project execution.

    Chris D. Jones, Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at Nokia, said: “Enscryb is the latest proof-point that our venture incubator is finding new ways to commercialize Nokia Bell Labs technology. Nokia is very proud of Enscryb and its first partner and customers. We are looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to a sustainable energy future by helping the energy industry transition through digitalization.”

    Svein Jørgen Sønning, Head of Technology at NODES, said: “This collaboration strengthens the foundation for a more resilient and dynamic flexibility market. Enscryb’s ability to optimize DERs investment decisions and operations by using real-time orchestration and advanced value stack strategies complement NODES’ market design. This synergy helps stakeholders unlock greater value from their energy assets.”

    Hannes Aus, Chief Development Officer and co-founder of Smartecon, said: ” At Smartecon, we don’t just build — we help clients make sense of complexity. Enscryb complements our approach by turning market and infrastructure data into actionable insights. With this partnership, we can deliver not only bankable energy systems but also smarter planning and better performance from day one.”

    Resources and additional information
    Web Page: Nokia Bell Labs
    Web Page: Nokia Ventures

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    About Enscryb
    Enscryb is an innovative new venture incubated within Nokia to provide simplicity in an increasingly complex energy system. It is a powerful digital engine that enables the creation of digital twin energy systems and deploys new steering mechanisms to maximize the value of energy flexibility for industrial and commercial consumers.
    Website: Enscryb
    LinkedIn: Enscryb

    About NODES
    Nodes is a service-minded company that works with our partners to develop a liquid marketplace for trading flexibility. We provide an innovative market design, which is helping unlock the value of flexibility and accelerating the energy transition. We continually strive to develop new products and services, which can be used to further the development of flexibility services.
    Website: NODES

    About Nanuq
    Nanuq develops holistic charging infrastructure concepts that combine technology, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. From data-driven planning to smart grid solutions and the integration of renewable energies – we are rethinking electrification and making it future-proof.
    Website: Nanuq

    About Smartecon
    Smartecon is a leading pan-Baltic utility scale renewable energy and construction company that has extensive experience in designing and constructing over 1,000 solar battery and hybrid power plants across five countries. It is a key player in the renewable energy sector and its partnership with Nokia further strengthens its commitment to innovation and sustainable energy solutions.
    Website: Smartecon

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia’s new energy innovation venture Enscryb secures partner and first two customers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Nokia’s new energy innovation venture Enscryb secures partner and first two customers

    • Enscryb is partnering with NODES, a Norwegian technology company, and will be offering services to Nanuq, a charging infrastructure company, and Smartecon, a utility scale renewable energy construction / EPC company.
    • Enscryb is a platform that uses digital twins and stream processing technology to enable real-time distributed energy orchestration in an era of increasing market volatility, demand and renewable production.
    • Enscryb can simulate distributed energy systems of any size and complexity from grid, to meter, to connected assets.

    1 July 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced its latest venture, Enscryb, an energy innovation platform, is partnering with NODES, an energy trading company. In addition, Enscryb has also secured and onboarded two customers: Nanuq, a charging infrastructure company, and Smartecon, a renewable energy provider.

    Enscryb is an innovative digital toolbox that enables real-time distributed energy flexibility orchestration in an era of increasing market volatility, demand and renewable production by simulating electricity systems of any size and complexity. The Enscryb toolset also provides energy flexibility forecasting for battery energy storage systems and solar hybrid assets. By analyzing data from both markets and clients’ own infrastructures, Enscryb enables more accurate and bankable financial modeling for renewable energy projects.

    Based on technology from Nokia Bell Labs, Enscryb is the latest Nokia venture to engage external partners and customers. These collaborations stem from Nokia’s internal venture incubator dedicated to innovation and new commercialization paths for Nokia Bell Labs technology.

    By contributing to reducing energy expenses, increasing grid resiliency and transitioning toward Net Zero, Enscryb also emphasizes Nokia’s commitment to sustainable businesses.

    NODES facilitates the trading of flexibility resources and Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) between System Operators and Flexibility Service Providers, aggregators and large Industrial and Commercial assets. This activity supports the sustainability sector and contributes to the development of emerging energy flexibility and congestion markets.

    Nanuq helps its industrial customers transition to electrified fleets. They plan investment and operation of fleets with local generation resources and charge points to ensure maximum efficiency by lowering energy operation expenses.

    Smartecon is a pan-Baltic EPC company specializing in utility-scale renewable energy projects. It helps developers and asset owners bring solar, battery, and hybrid power plants from concept to grid connection, with a strong focus on grid compliance, technical design, and hands-on project execution.

    Chris D. Jones, Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at Nokia, said: “Enscryb is the latest proof-point that our venture incubator is finding new ways to commercialize Nokia Bell Labs technology. Nokia is very proud of Enscryb and its first partner and customers. We are looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to a sustainable energy future by helping the energy industry transition through digitalization.”

    Svein Jørgen Sønning, Head of Technology at NODES, said: “This collaboration strengthens the foundation for a more resilient and dynamic flexibility market. Enscryb’s ability to optimize DERs investment decisions and operations by using real-time orchestration and advanced value stack strategies complement NODES’ market design. This synergy helps stakeholders unlock greater value from their energy assets.”

    Hannes Aus, Chief Development Officer and co-founder of Smartecon, said: ” At Smartecon, we don’t just build — we help clients make sense of complexity. Enscryb complements our approach by turning market and infrastructure data into actionable insights. With this partnership, we can deliver not only bankable energy systems but also smarter planning and better performance from day one.”

    Resources and additional information
    Web Page: Nokia Bell Labs
    Web Page: Nokia Ventures

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    About Enscryb
    Enscryb is an innovative new venture incubated within Nokia to provide simplicity in an increasingly complex energy system. It is a powerful digital engine that enables the creation of digital twin energy systems and deploys new steering mechanisms to maximize the value of energy flexibility for industrial and commercial consumers.
    Website: Enscryb
    LinkedIn: Enscryb

    About NODES
    Nodes is a service-minded company that works with our partners to develop a liquid marketplace for trading flexibility. We provide an innovative market design, which is helping unlock the value of flexibility and accelerating the energy transition. We continually strive to develop new products and services, which can be used to further the development of flexibility services.
    Website: NODES

    About Nanuq
    Nanuq develops holistic charging infrastructure concepts that combine technology, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. From data-driven planning to smart grid solutions and the integration of renewable energies – we are rethinking electrification and making it future-proof.
    Website: Nanuq

    About Smartecon
    Smartecon is a leading pan-Baltic utility scale renewable energy and construction company that has extensive experience in designing and constructing over 1,000 solar battery and hybrid power plants across five countries. It is a key player in the renewable energy sector and its partnership with Nokia further strengthens its commitment to innovation and sustainable energy solutions.
    Website: Smartecon

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Banzai Secures New Debt Financing of up to $11.0 Million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Initial Financing Tranche of $2.2 Million Provides Additional Operating Liquidity and Financial Flexibility to Support Acquisitions and Growth

    SEATTLE, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Banzai International, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNZI) (“Banzai” or the “Company”), a leading marketing technology company that provides essential marketing and sales solutions, today announced the completion of an $11.0 million dollar debt facility with an institutional investor to support acquisitions and ongoing operations.

    The financing includes an initial tranche of $2.2 million (the “Note”), which matures on June 30, 2026, bears interest at 10% per annum, and is secured by the Company’s assets. The principal amount of the Note is payable in cash or convertible in whole or in part into common shares at the holder’s discretion at 115% of the price of the common stock immediately preceding the Closing Date. The company has the right to draw subsequent tranches, provided that certain conditions are met or waived.

    Banzai intends to use the net proceeds from the facility for working capital, acquisitions, and general corporate purposes to support its future growth.

    Rodman & Renshaw LLC acted as Exclusive Financial Advisor to Banzai.

    Further details on the Note will be disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K that the Company intends to file with the SEC by July 3, 2025.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

    About Banzai

    Banzai is a marketing technology company that provides AI-enabled marketing and sales solutions for businesses of all sizes. On a mission to help their customers grow, Banzai enables companies of all sizes to target, engage, and measure both new and existing customers more effectively. Banzai had over 90,000 customers including RBC, Dell Technologies, New York Life, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Thinkific, and ActiveCampaign. Learn more at www.banzai.io. For investors, please visit https://ir.banzai.io.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements often use words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “target,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “propose,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “predict,” “potential,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar variations and expressions. Forward-looking statements are those that do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Examples of forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements regarding Banzai International, Inc.’s (the “Company’s”): future financial, business and operating performance and goals; annualized recurring revenue and customer retention; ongoing, future or ability to maintain or improve its financial position, cash flows, and liquidity and its expected financial needs; potential financing and ability to obtain financing; acquisition strategy and proposed acquisitions and, if completed, their potential success and financial contributions; strategy and strategic goals, including being able to capitalize on opportunities; expectations relating to the Company’s industry, outlook and market trends; total addressable market and serviceable addressable market and related projections; plans, strategies and expectations for retaining existing or acquiring new customers, increasing revenue and executing growth initiatives; and product areas of focus and additional products that may be sold in the future. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and development of the industry in which the Company operates may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Therefore, investors should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially include changes in the markets in which the Company operates, customer demand, the financial markets, economic, business and regulatory and other factors, such as the Company’s ability to execute on its strategy. More detailed information about risk factors can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q under the heading “Risk Factors,” and in other reports filed by the Company, including reports on Form 8-K. The Company does not undertake any duty to update forward-looking statements after the date of this press release.

    Investor Relations
    Chris Tyson
    Executive Vice President
    MZ Group – MZ North America
    949-491-8235
    BNZI@mzgroup.us
    www.mzgroup.us

    Media
    Nancy Norton
    Chief Legal Officer, Banzai
    media@banzai.io

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes AMAROQ MINERALS LTD. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced AMAROQ MINERALS LTD. (TSX-V: AMRQ; AIM: AMRQ; XICE: AMRQ; OTCQX: AMRQF), an independent mine development corporation, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. AMAROQ MINERALS LTD. upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink® market.

    AMAROQ MINERALS LTD. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “AMRQF.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    Upgrading to the OTCQX Market is an important step for companies seeking to provide transparent trading for their U.S. investors. For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

    Eldur Olafsson, Amaroq CEO, commented: 

    “We have enjoyed a strong level of support from U.S. investors to date, and we hope that with the increased visibility of a quotation on the OTCQX, this will continue to grow and expand our global reach, as we execute on our strategy of becoming the proxy for Greenland’s growing mining and infrastructure industries.”

    About AMAROQ MINERALS LTD.
    Amaroq’s principal business objectives are the identification, acquisition, exploration, and development of gold and strategic metal properties in South Greenland. The Company’s principal asset is a 100% interest in the Nalunaq Gold mine. The Company has a portfolio of gold and strategic metal assets in Southern Greenland covering the two known gold belts in the region as well as advanced exploration projects at Stendalen and the Sava Copper Belt exploring for Strategic metals such as Copper, Nickel, Rare Earths and other minerals. Amaroq Minerals is continued under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) and wholly owns Nalunaq A/S, incorporated under the Greenland Companies Act.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market, OTCID™ Basic Market and Pink Limited™ Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets. OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATS™ are each SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC. To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Bitfarms Announces Results of Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    This news release constitutes a “designated news release” for the purposes of the Company’s second amended and restated prospectus supplement dated December 17, 2024, to its short form base shelf prospectus dated November 10, 2023.

    TORONTO, Ontario, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitfarms Ltd. (Nasdaq/TSX: BITF) (the “Company”), a global vertically integrated Bitcoin data center company, today announces the results of its annual general and special meeting of shareholders (the “Meeting”), held virtually on June 30, 2025. A total of 224,085,154 common shares, representing 43.9% of the issued and outstanding common shares (“Common Shares”) of the Company, were represented at the Meeting in person or by proxy. All items of business set forth in the Management Information Circular dated May 23, 2025 (the “Circular”) were approved by shareholders at the Meeting.

    Based on the proxies received and the votes cast at the Meeting, six directors (the “Directors”) were elected for the ensuing year. The following is a tabulation of the votes submitted:

    Nominee Votes For Votes Withheld*
    Brian Howlett 151,857,664 6,458,730
    Andrew J. Chang 151,870,218 6,446,175
    Amy Freedman 151,872,656 6,443,738
    Ben Gagnon 151,064,598 7,251,797
    Edie Hofmeister 151,042,254 7,274,141
    Fanny Philip 149,617,634 8,698,761

    *Proxies representing a total of: (i) 85,768,759 Common Shares were not voted in respect of the elections of Benjamin Gagnon, Edith Hofmeister, and Fanny Philip as director; (ii) 85,768,760 Common Shares were not voted in respect of the elections of Brian Howlett and Amy Freedman as director; and (iii) 85,768,761 Common Shares were not voted in respect of the elections of Andrew J. Chang as director.

    Shareholders also voted in favor of reappointing PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors of the Company for the ensuing year and authorized the Directors to fix their remuneration, with votes “For” totaling 236,832,671 Common Shares and votes “Withheld” totaling 7,252,479 Common Shares.

    With votes “For” totaling 131,083,589 Common Shares and 27,232,799 “Against”, shareholders voted in favor of an ordinary resolution approving the Company’s new omnibus incentive plan and the unallocated entitlements thereunder for a period of three (3) years, as more particularly described in the Circular.

    With votes “For” totaling 202,494,926 common shares and 41,590,225 “Against”, shareholders voted in favor of a special resolution to approve a future consolidation of the Common Shares on the basis of one (1) post-consolidation Common Share for up to ten (10) pre-consolidation Common Shares, if, and at such time following the date of the Meeting up to and including June 30, 2027, as may be determined by the board of directors of the Company in its sole discretion, as more particularly described in the Circular.

    About Bitfarms Ltd.
    Founded in 2017, Bitfarms is a North American energy and compute infrastructure company that develops, owns, and operates vertically integrated data centers. Bitfarms currently operates 15 data centers situated in four countries, which currently mine Bitcoin: the United States, Canada, Argentina and Paraguay.

    To learn more about Bitfarms’ events, developments, and online communities:

    www.bitfarms.com
    https://www.facebook.com/bitfarms/
    http://x.com/Bitfarms_io
    https://www.instagram.com/bitfarms/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/bitfarms/

    Forward-Looking Statements  
    This news release contains certain “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) that are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release and are covered by safe harbors under Canadian and United States securities laws. The statements and information in this release regarding the results of the Meeting, adoption of the Company’s new omnibus incentive plan, the consolidation of the Company’s common shares, growth opportunities and prospects for the Company, and other statements regarding future growth, plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking information.

    Any statements that involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “prospects”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on assumptions and estimates of management of Bitfarms at the time they were made, and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Bitfarms to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors, risks and uncertainties include, among others: an inability to apply the Company’s data centers to HPC/AI opportunities on a profitable basis; a failure to secure long-term contracts associated with HPC/AI customers on terms which are economic or at all; the construction and operation of new facilities may not occur as currently planned, or at all; expansion of existing facilities may not materialize as currently anticipated, or at all; an inability to satisfy the Panther Creek location related milestones which are conditions to loan drawdowns under the Macquarie Group financing facility; an inability to deploy the proceeds of the Macquarie Group financing facility to generate positive returns at the Panther Creek location; the construction and operation of new facilities may not occur as currently planned, or at all; expansion of existing facilities may not materialize as currently anticipated, or at all; new miners may not perform up to expectations; revenue may not increase as currently anticipated, or at all; the ongoing ability to successfully mine digital currency is not assured; failure of the equipment upgrades to be installed and operated as planned; the availability of additional power may not occur as currently planned, or at all; expansion may not materialize as currently anticipated, or at all; the power purchase agreements and economics thereof may not be as advantageous as expected; potential environmental cost and regulatory penalties due to the operation of the former Stronghold plants which entail environmental risk and certain additional risk factors particular to the former business and operations of Stronghold including, land reclamation requirements may be burdensome and expensive, changes in tax credits related to coal refuse power generation could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations and future development efforts, competition in power markets may have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows and the market value of the assets, the business is subject to substantial energy regulation and may be adversely affected by legislative or regulatory changes, as well as liability under, or any future inability to comply with, existing or future energy regulations or requirements, the operations are subject to a number of risks arising out of the threat of climate change, and environmental laws, energy transitions policies and initiatives and regulations relating to emissions and coal residue management, which could result in increased operating and capital costs and reduce the extent of business activities, operation of power generation facilities involves significant risks and hazards customary to the power industry that could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and results of operations, and there may not have adequate insurance to cover these risks and hazards, employees, contractors, customers and the general public may be exposed to a risk of injury due to the nature of the operations, limited experience with carbon capture programs and initiatives and dependence on third-parties, including consultants, contractors and suppliers to develop and advance carbon capture programs and initiatives, and failure to properly manage these relationships, or the failure of these consultants, contractors and suppliers to perform as expected, could have a material adverse effect on the business, prospects or operations; the digital currency market; the ability to successfully mine digital currency; it may not be possible to profitably liquidate the current digital currency inventory, or at all; a decline in digital currency prices may have a significant negative impact on operations; an increase in network difficulty may have a significant negative impact on operations; the volatility of digital currency prices; the anticipated growth and sustainability of hydroelectricity for the purposes of cryptocurrency mining in the applicable jurisdictions; the inability to maintain reliable and economical sources of power to operate cryptocurrency mining assets; the risks of an increase in electricity costs, cost of natural gas, changes in currency exchange rates, energy curtailment or regulatory changes in the energy regimes in the jurisdictions in which Bitfarms operates and the potential adverse impact on profitability; future capital needs and the ability to complete current and future financings, including Bitfarms’ ability to utilize an at-the-market offering program ( “ATM Program”) and the prices at which securities may be sold in such ATM Program, as well as capital market conditions in general; share dilution resulting from an ATM Program and from other equity issuances; the risks of debt leverage and the ability to service and eventually repay the Macquarie Group financing facility; volatile securities markets impacting security pricing unrelated to operating performance; the risk that a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting could result in a misstatement of financial position that may lead to a material misstatement of the annual or interim consolidated financial statements if not prevented or detected on a timely basis; risks related to the Company ceasing to qualify as an “emerging growth company”; risks related to unsolicited investor interest, takeover proposals, shareholder activism or proxy contests relating to the election of directors; risks relating to lawsuits and other legal proceedings and challenges; historical prices of digital currencies and the ability to mine digital currencies that will be consistent with historical prices; and the adoption or expansion of any regulation or law that will prevent Bitfarms from operating its business, or make it more costly to do so. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to Bitfarms’ filings on www.sedarplus.ca (which are also available on the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC“) at www.sec.gov), including the Company’s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024, management’s discussion & analysis for the year-ended December 31, 2024 and the management’s discussion and analysis for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Although Bitfarms has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including factors that are currently unknown to or deemed immaterial by Bitfarms. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Bitfarms does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking information other than as required by law. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, or any other securities exchange or regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Laine Yonker
    lyonker@bitfarms.com

    Media Contact:
    Caroline Brady Baker
    cbaker@bitfarms.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Close-Up International Appoints Jim Barone as Executive Vice President of Business Solutions to Continue Launch into US Pharma CRM Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PRINCETON, N.J., July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Close-Up International, a global leading provider of CRM and data technology solutions for the life sciences industry is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Barone as Executive Vice President of Business Solutions. In this role, Jim will lead efforts to expand Close-Up’s footprint across the U.S. CRM market and drive strategic growth initiatives.

    Jim brings over 30 years of experience in the life sciences sector, with a strong background in pharmaceuticals, data, and emerging technologies. Throughout his career, Jim has been at the forefront of innovation in CRM strategy and advanced analytics solutions. Prior to joining Close-Up, Jim held key leadership roles which included Senior Director of Product Strategy at Veeva Systems and Area VP of Sales at Komodo Health, where he led strategic initiatives to align CRM product development with the needs of key accounts teams and the launch of a market access and claims integration platform tailored for emerging and mid-size pharmaceutical companies, respectively. He was also President and CEO of BusinessOne Technologies for 15+ years and successfully led teams to develop and implement data-driven CRM platforms, delivering scalable and impactful solutions to the pharmaceutical industry.

    “Jim’s proven record and deep industry expertise make him an invaluable addition to our executive team,” said Robert Thomas, CCO of Close-Up. “His vision and leadership will be key as we continue to grow our CRM presence in the United States and deliver market-leading solutions to pharmaceutical companies.” With the current Salesforce and Veeva CRM disruption, we have a tremendous opportunity to provide Pharma companies a proven AI CRM solution with over 245 active CRM clients in over 50 Counties.”

    “I’m excited to join Close-Up at such a transformative moment for our industry,” said Jim Barone. “Close-Up has an exceptional CRM platform and is the only 5-star peer reviewed pharma CRM solution on Gartner in 2025. I look forward to collaborating with the team to further enhance our solutions and support clients in achieving commercial excellence.” Jim’s appointment reflects Close-Up’s continued commitment to innovation, client success, and further expansion in the US pharma CRM technology landscape.

    About Close-Up Intl.,
    Close-Up International is a leading provider of AI-powered CRM, data analytics and business intelligence solutions for the global life sciences industry. With 55+ years in the market, we serve 650+ healthcare clients in over 50 countries with 47,000+ active CRM users and top 3 global pharma CRM providers. Our AI-powered CRM platform enhances engagement with healthcare professionals, identifies real-time opportunities and threats, while boosting overall productivity. Designed for seamless adoption, it offers an intuitive user interface, flexible data integration, and long-term cost benefits to pharmaceutical companies. For more information, visit www.closeupus.com or email us at info@closeupus.com
    Contact:
    Robert Thomas | Close-Up Intl,
    rthomas@closeupus.com
    closeupus.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Amalgamated Financial Corporation Welcomes Steven S. SaLoutos and Tony Wells to its Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amalgamated Financial Corp. (“Amalgamated” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: AMAL), today announced the addition of two new board members to their Board of Directors, Steven SaLoutos and Tony Wells. They will also serve on the Board of Directors of Amalgamated Bank.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Steven and Tony to our Board of Directors,” said Lynne Fox, Chair of the Board. “Our board has always included industry experts who know that profitability and social impact are not mutually exclusive. Steven and Tony have demonstrated this throughout their respective careers, and we know that they both will make valuable contributions to our board and future growth.”

    Mr. SaLoutos brings extensive expertise in the banking industry and a strong background in directorship. He is presently the Chief Financial Officer of ProSight Financial Association, following a distinguished 38-year career at U.S. Bank, N.A. His most recent position there was Executive Vice President and Midwest Regional Executive in Consumer and Business Banking.

    An active community supporter, Mr. SaLoutos is a member and former Chairperson of Wisconsin Women Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC), a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) focused on startup and early-stage business lending for and education of women and minority-owned businesses throughout Wisconsin. Mr. SaLoutos holds a BBA degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and an MBA, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

    Mr. Wells brings nearly four decades of executive leadership across highly regulated industries including banking, payment services, telecommunications, and energy. He currently serves as a Venture Partner at AZ-VC, Arizona’s largest venture capital fund, and sits on the boards of publicly traded Nexstar Media Group (NASDAQ: NXST), Yelp (NYSE: YELP) and private ad-tech company TripleLift.

    Previously, Mr. Wells served as Chief Media Officer at Verizon from 2021 to 2023, and as a senior marketing executive at USAA from 2017 to 2021, culminating in his role as Chief Brand Officer. While at USAA, he also chaired both the USAA Foundation and the USAA Education Foundation, advancing initiatives in financial literacy, diversity, and customer trust. A former Marine Corps infantry officer, Mr. Wells holds a B.S. from the United States Naval Academy and a Management Certificate from Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business.

    “Both men bring a wealth of expertise across multiple industries and disciplines, along with powerful strategic perspectives. Their insights will be invaluable as we continue to accelerate our growth and expand our impact.” said Priscilla Sims Brown, CEO of Amalgamated Bank

    “The passion and purpose they’ve demonstrated align with those of Amalgamated, and we are excited to welcome them as valued members of our board.”

    About Amalgamated Financial Corp:
    Amalgamated Financial Corp. is a Delaware public benefit corporation and a bank holding company engaged in commercial banking and financial services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Amalgamated Bank. Amalgamated Bank is a New York-based full-service commercial bank and a chartered trust company with a combined network of five branches across New York City, Washington D.C., and San Francisco, and a commercial office in Boston. Amalgamated Bank was formed in 1923 as Amalgamated Bank of New York by the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, one of the country’s oldest labor unions. Amalgamated Bank provides commercial banking and trust services nationally and offers a full range of products and services to both commercial and retail customers. Amalgamated Bank is a proud member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values and is a certified B Corporation®. As of March 31, 2025, our total assets were $8.3 billion, total net loans were $4.6 billion, and total deposits were $7.4 billion. Additionally, as of March 31, 2025, our trust business held $35.7 billion in assets under custody and $14.2 billion in assets under management.

    Investor Contact:
    Jamie Lillis
    Solebury Strategic Communications
    shareholderrelations@amalgamatedbank.com
    800-895-4172

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Prospect Capital Corporation Acquires QC Holdings, Inc.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Prospect Capital Corporation (“Prospect”) (NASDAQ: PSEC) has announced the closing of the acquisition of QC Holdings, Inc. (“QC Holdings”), a provider of consumer credit, by Prospect on June 30, 2025. In accordance with the previously announced definitive merger agreement, Prospect has acquired QC Holdings in an all-cash transaction for a total enterprise value of approximately $115 million.

    The common stock for QC Holdings is no longer listed on a stock exchange. QC Holdings, as a portfolio company of Prospect, will remain headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas. The QC Holdings management team members, led by Darrin Andersen, President and Chief Executive Officer, will continue to lead QC Holdings post-acquisition in their current roles.

    QC Holdings has been advised that stockholders of record on June 30, 2025 (i) with certificated shares will be mailed a letter of transmittal for submission of stock certificates within 3-5 business days and (ii) holding shares through direct registration with Computershare, the stock transfer agent for QC Holdings, should receive payment of the merger price per share held by each such stockholder from Computershare, as Paying Agent, within 3-5 business days. Investors holding shares through brokerage accounts should contact their broker regarding timing of receipt of payment.

    Blank Rome LLP served as legal advisor to Prospect. Stinson LLP served as legal advisor to QC Holdings.

    About Prospect Capital Corporation
    Prospect is a business development company lending to and investing in private businesses. Prospect’s investment objective is to generate both current income and long-term capital appreciation through debt and equity investments.

    Prospect has elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Prospect has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

    About QC Holdings, Inc.
    QC Holdings specializes in consumer-focused alternative financial services and credit solutions and, for more than 40 years, has been providing credit options for people underserved by traditional banking institutions. Its core products include a variety of short-term loans and financial services. In the United States, QC Holdings operates as “LendNation” through more than 325 retail locations in 12 states. In Canada, QC Holdings offers loans through 19 retail locations and online.

    For further information, contact:

    Grier Eliasek, President and Chief Operating Officer, Prospect Capital Corporation
    grier@prospectcap.com
    (212) 448-0702

    Darrin J. Andersen, President / Chief Executive Officer, QC Holdings, Inc.
    Darrin.andersen@qcholdings.com
    (913) 234-5122

    Joshua C. Ditmore, General Counsel, QC Holdings, Inc.
    Joshua.ditmore@qcholdings.com
    (913) 234-5174

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Marex completes acquisition of FX specialist Hamilton Court Group

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Marex Group plc (‘Marex’ or the ‘Group’; NASDAQ: MRX), the diversified global financial services platform, today announces that it has completed the acquisition of foreign exchange (FX) specialist Hamilton Court Group. The acquisition expands the Group’s FX offering, bringing new capabilities onto the platform, consistent with its strategy to diversify earnings.

    The acquisition will bring around 170 employees across London, Milan, Madrid and Toronto to Marex.

    About Marex:
    Marex Group plc (NASDAQ: MRX) is a diversified global financial services platform providing essential liquidity, market access and infrastructure services to clients across energy, commodities and financial markets. The Group provides comprehensive breadth and depth of coverage across four services: Clearing, Agency and Execution, Market Making and Hedging and Investment Solutions. It has a leading franchise in many major metals, energy and agricultural products, with access to 60 exchanges. The Group provides access to the world’s major commodity markets, covering a broad range of clients that include some of the largest commodity producers, consumers and traders, banks, hedge funds and asset managers. With more than 40 offices worldwide, the Group has over 2,400 employees across Europe, Asia and the Americas. For more information visit www.marex.com.

    Enquiries please contact:

    Marex:
    Nicola Ratchford / Adam Strachan
    +44 778 654 8889 / +1 914 200 2508
    nratchford@marex.com/ astrachan@marex.com

    FTI Consulting US / UK
    +1 716 525 7239 / +44 797 687 0961
    marex@fticonsulting.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Marex completes acquisition of FX specialist Hamilton Court Group

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Marex Group plc (‘Marex’ or the ‘Group’; NASDAQ: MRX), the diversified global financial services platform, today announces that it has completed the acquisition of foreign exchange (FX) specialist Hamilton Court Group. The acquisition expands the Group’s FX offering, bringing new capabilities onto the platform, consistent with its strategy to diversify earnings.

    The acquisition will bring around 170 employees across London, Milan, Madrid and Toronto to Marex.

    About Marex:
    Marex Group plc (NASDAQ: MRX) is a diversified global financial services platform providing essential liquidity, market access and infrastructure services to clients across energy, commodities and financial markets. The Group provides comprehensive breadth and depth of coverage across four services: Clearing, Agency and Execution, Market Making and Hedging and Investment Solutions. It has a leading franchise in many major metals, energy and agricultural products, with access to 60 exchanges. The Group provides access to the world’s major commodity markets, covering a broad range of clients that include some of the largest commodity producers, consumers and traders, banks, hedge funds and asset managers. With more than 40 offices worldwide, the Group has over 2,400 employees across Europe, Asia and the Americas. For more information visit www.marex.com.

    Enquiries please contact:

    Marex:
    Nicola Ratchford / Adam Strachan
    +44 778 654 8889 / +1 914 200 2508
    nratchford@marex.com/ astrachan@marex.com

    FTI Consulting US / UK
    +1 716 525 7239 / +44 797 687 0961
    marex@fticonsulting.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement on behalf of the 14th Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Statement on behalf of the 14th Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board

    The fourteenth Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board met on 26th June 2025.

    The Secretary of State for Wales, Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, in her role as Chair of the Transition Board sought endorsement from the Board for the development of an £11.67 million Economic Growth and Investment Fund.  £6.67 million will be provided by UK Government and £5 million from Tata Steel UK. This joint funding is aimed to boost inward business investment in the region and to support longer-term growth by supporting businesses and helping to create new jobs. A period of engagement will take place to design the fund over the coming weeks, with the fund going live in the autumn.

    Today’s release of money marks the full allocation of the UK Government’s £80 million contribution from the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board fund. This funding has been delivered in just under a year, clearly demonstrating this Government’s commitment to the community impacted by Tata Steel UK’s transition to greener steelmaking. We are already seeing the positive impact of this investment to those impacted. The Board will continue to monitor the progress of the funds and ensure the right support continues to be administered to the region.

    The Board also received updates on:

    • Tata Steel UK’s decarbonisation programme;
    • The Department of Business and Trade’s plans for a steel strategy;
    • Mental health and well-being;
    • The Transition Board funds that have already been announced.

    Those in attendance included: Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, Secretary of State for Wales; Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy & Planning in the Welsh Government; Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for MHCLG; Cllr Steven Hunt, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council; Frances O’Brien, CEO of Neath Port Talbot Council; Rajesh Nair, CEO of Tata Steel UK; Chris Jaques, Chief HR Officer, Tata Steel UK; Stephen Kinnock, MP for Aberafan Maesteg; David Rees, MS for Aberavon; Tom Giffard, MS & Luke Fletcher MS for the region of South Wales West; Anne Jessopp CBE, Sarah Williams-Gardener & Katherine Bennett CBE, independent members of the Board; Alun Davies, National Officer for Steel & Metals, Community Union; Tom Hoyles, Politics, Press and Research Officer, GMB Wales & Jason Bartlett Regional Officer of Unite the Union Wales.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: The NHS plan to genetically test all newborns sounds smart – until it creates patients who aren’t sick

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Luca Stroppa, Postdoctoral fellow (“borsista di ricerca) at the University of Turin, former Postdoctoral Fellow on the project “Early Diagnosis – Handling Knowing”, University of St Andrews

    The current heel-prick test checks for nine rare genetic conditions, antibydni/Shutterstock

    By 2030, every baby born in England could have their entire genome sequenced under a new NHS initiative to “predict and prevent illness”. This would dramatically expand the current heel-prick test, which checks for nine rare genetic conditions, into a far more extensive screen of hundreds of potential risks.

    On the surface, the idea sounds like an obvious win for public health: spot problems early, intervene sooner and save lives. But genetic testing on this scale carries real risks, especially if the results are misunderstood or poorly communicated.

    The new plan builds on a recent NHS pilot study that sequenced the genomes of 100,000 newborns in England to identify more than 200 genetic conditions. However, these tests don’t provide clear cut answers. They don’t offer a diagnosis or certainty, just an estimate of risk.

    A genetic result might suggest a child has a higher (or lower) probability of developing a certain disease later in life. But risk is not prediction. If parents, or even clinicians, misinterpret that nuance, the consequences could be serious.

    Some families may come to see a child flagged as “at risk” as a patient-in-waiting. In extreme cases, they may treat a probability as a certainty; assuming, for instance, that a child “has the gene” and will inevitably become ill. That assumption could reshape how children are raised, how they’re treated and how they could see themselves.

    Alarming language

    This isn’t speculation. Research shows that while some people understand risk scores accurately, many struggle with statistical information. Words like “high risk” or “likely” are interpreted differently by different people and often more seriously than intended. Even trained doctors can overestimate what a positive test result means. When it comes to genomics, the line between “you might get sick” and “you will get sick” can blur quickly.

    Policymakers haven’t helped this confusion. Government messaging refers to “diagnosis before symptoms even occur” and “leapfrogging disease.” But this language overpromises what genomic data can do and downplays its uncertainty.

    When testing is indiscriminate and communication unclear, the fallout can be wide ranging. Children identified as “high risk” may undergo years of monitoring, unnecessary medical appointments, or even treatment for diseases they never develop. In some cases, this leads to physical harms, from unnecessary medications to procedures with side effects. In others, the damage is psychological: shaping a child’s identity around an anticipated future of illness. These psychological effects can be lasting. Being told you’re likely to develop a condition like dementia may influence how a person plans their life, even if that illness never materialises.

    False positives

    There are also broader issues with applying this kind of screening to everyone. Risk based testing works best when it’s targeted; for example, among those with symptoms or a strong family history. But in the general population, where most people are healthy, false positives can far outnumber accurate results. Even well designed tests can produce misleading outcomes when applied at scale.

    This is a well-known statistical effect, discussed during the COVID pandemic. In populations where a disease is rare, even highly accurate tests produce more false positives than true ones. If DNA screening is rolled out universally, many families will be told their child is at risk when they are not. These false positives can lead to a cascade of further tests, stress and unnecessary clinical interventions; all of which consume time and resources and may cause real harm.

    This issue already affects adult testing. For example, Alzheimer’s tests that measure early changes in the brain work well in memory clinics, where patients already show symptoms. But when these same tests are used on the general population, where most people are healthy, they produce false positives in up to two-thirds of cases. If genetic screening in newborns is rolled out in the same way, it could lead to similar problems: mislabelling healthy children as sick, and causing unnecessary worry and follow-up tests.

    So what’s the solution? It’s not to abandon genetic testing altogether – far from it. When used carefully, genomic data can offer real benefits, particularly for patients with symptoms or in research settings. But if we’re going to roll this out to every newborn, the surrounding infrastructure needs to be robust.

    That includes:

    • Clear, consistent communication: Risk scores must be explained in ways that emphasise uncertainty, not oversold as definitive predictions.

    • Support for parents: For consent to be truly informed, parents need help understanding that a genetic flag is not a diagnosis – and that many people with elevated risk never go on to develop the condition.

    • Training for clinicians: Many doctors still lack the tools to interpret and explain genetic information accurately and responsibly.

    • A national network of genetic counsellors Genetic counsellors are essential for supporting families through testing and interpretation. But current numbers in the England fall far short of what universal newborn screening would require.

    Genomic data holds great promise. But using it as a blanket tool for all newborns demands caution, clarity, and investment in communication and care. Without these safeguards, we risk turning healthy babies into patients-in-waiting.

    Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that every baby born in the UK could have their genome sequenced under a new NHS initiative. In fact, the initiative applies to England only.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. The NHS plan to genetically test all newborns sounds smart – until it creates patients who aren’t sick – https://theconversation.com/the-nhs-plan-to-genetically-test-all-newborns-sounds-smart-until-it-creates-patients-who-arent-sick-259816

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Air quality isn’t just bad in cities – here’s why and how we’re tracking pollution from upland fires

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rebecca Brownlow, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science, Sheffield Hallam University

    Peatland burns over the reservoir in Langsett, a village in South Yorkshire. Wendy Birks, CC BY-NC-ND

    Early one October afternoon in 2023, thick grey smoke drifted across Sheffield’s western skyline. As much of the city became blanketed, residents turned to social media to complain about “bonfire smoke”, while others were forced to leave the city due to breathing difficulties.

    However, this smoke did not originate within the city. It was drifting in from the Peak District, more than nine miles away, where controlled heather burning was taking place on the moorlands. For around six hours, levels of fine particulate matter (known as PM2.5), tiny airborne pollutants known to harm human health, exceeded 40 micrograms per cubic metre of air (µg/m³) and peaked at 70µg/m³, well above the guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization.

    This single incident points to the wider and largely invisible problem of the routine burning of the UK’s uplands. This can be a serious source of air pollution, but because most official air pollution monitoring concentrates on urban areas, the effects are overlooked. This is why we have started monitoring upland fires and the pollution they cause.

    Prescribed burning is a longstanding land management practice often used to control vegetation for grouse shooting or livestock grazing. It happens across a range of upland landscapes. Many of the areas being burned sit on deep peat, an organic-rich soil made from layers of slowly decomposed plant material formed over thousands of years in waterlogged conditions.

    Peatlands are incredibly important. They are one of the most carbon-rich ecosystems on the planet. In the UK, they cover around 12% of the land area and store an estimated 3.2 billion tonnes of carbon. This is equivalent to all the forests of Germany, France and the UK combined. Most of the UK’s peat is found in Scotland, but notable areas in England include the Peak District and North York Moors. However, their value goes well beyond carbon.

    Around 70% of Britain’s drinking water comes from upland areas that are largely peatland, and healthy peatlands help reduce flooding by slowing the flow of water from hills to towns and cities. They also provide vital habitats for birds, insects and rare plants, forming the UK’s largest area of semi-natural habitat.




    Read more:
    Wildfire smoke can harm human health, even when the fire is burning hundreds of miles away – a toxicologist explains why


    Despite their ecological importance, more than 80% of English peatlands are classified as degraded, often through historic air pollution, draining, overgrazing and, importantly, repeated burning.

    One hidden consequence of that burning is air pollution. These burns are often viewed as isolated rural events, but their effect on regional air quality can be substantial. On that day in Sheffield, pollution levels briefly rivalled those seen across the city during bonfire night, a well-known peak in urban air pollution.

    In response to that October event, our research team launched a new pilot monitoring network across part of the Peak District national park. This FireUp project combines air quality sensors, satellite data and community observations to detect and measure pollution from upland fires.

    Planned burning event in the Peak District captured via Copernicus Sentinel-2 data (2024), retrieved from Copernicus SciHub and processed by European Space Agency.
    CC BY

    By using a mix of technologies and local reporting, we have documented spikes in PM2.5 pollution that would have otherwise been missed. Our system offers a clearer picture of when and where fires occur, and how far their smoke spreads, opening the door for better planning and stronger protections for public health. But the problem is not just a lack of data, it is also a failure of regulation. England’s current upland burning regulations are limited on four fronts.

    Heather and grass burning regulations introduced in 2021 prohibit burning only on peat deeper than 40cm inside designated sites. That means 60% of upland peat is excluded from these protections.

    With more than 95% of PM2.5 monitors located in urban areas, smoke from moorland fires in remote rural locations is rarely registered on official networks.

    The resources for organisations responsible for enforcing regulations have shrunk over the last decade. Natural England, one of the government’s statutory bodies responsible for environmental protection, has experienced a 4% decrease in funding for 2024-25 compared to the previous year.

    Prosecutions for illegal burning are exceptionally rare, with satellite analyses pointing to a higher level of unlicensed activity than official records suggest.

    In short, narrow legal scope, limited monitoring coverage and under-resourced enforcement leave many prescribed burns undetected and unaccounted for, along with the health and environmental risks they carry.

    Our FireUp system improves fire detections and helps quantify the effects of air pollution from these burns. As the UK government reviews regulations as part of the 2025 heather and grass burning consultation for England, and as upland fire risk increases, this kind of evidence is essential, not just to track what is happening, but to help shape a healthier and better future for the UK’s uplands.

    Our next step is to develop a citizen science app that makes it easier for people to report peatland fire incidents and upland burning to help improve regulation and log the effects of changes in air quality.


    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.


    James is a member of the Welsh Government Clean Air Advisory Panel, and Promoting Awareness of Air Quality Delivery Group. James also sits on the Scottish Government’s Air Quality Advisory Group.

    Maria Val Martin receives funding from UKRI and is a member of the DEFRA Air Quality Expert Group.

    Rebecca Brownlow does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. Air quality isn’t just bad in cities – here’s why and how we’re tracking pollution from upland fires – https://theconversation.com/air-quality-isnt-just-bad-in-cities-heres-why-and-how-were-tracking-pollution-from-upland-fires-258034

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: From sore muscles to smartwatches and stubborn belly fat: answers to six of the most common fitness questions

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Paul Hough, Lecturer Sport & Exercise Physiology , University of Westminster

    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    In a world flooded with fitness fads and “quick-fix” workout plans, solid evidence can often get drowned out. Yet the science is clear: jogging for just five to ten minutes a day can lower your risk of dying from heart disease and even reduce your overall risk of dying from any cause. This kind of research rarely gets the attention it deserves.

    As a sport and exercise scientist, I’ve been asked hundreds of fitness questions over the years by athletes, clients and on social media. Many of these questions are rooted in persistent myths or internet misinformation. Here are six of the most common ones, starting with one of the most popular:

    1. What exercise is best for fat loss?

    No specific exercise can reduce fat in one area, despite what ads or fitness influencers might promise.

    Instead, losing body fat comes down to maintaining a caloric deficit over time: burning more calories than you consume. If you eat more than you burn, even the most intense workouts won’t shift body fat.

    That said, exercise plays a key role in fat loss. Combining a healthy diet with physical activity is the most effective strategy for fat loss and long-term weight maintenance. Exercise helps by burning calories, improving sleep regulation, increasing confidence, and promoting metabolic adaptations like improved insulin sensitivity.

    Resistance training is especially important. It helps preserve muscle during calorie restriction, meaning the weight you lose is more likely to come from fat rather than lean tissue.




    Read more:
    Weight loss: why you don’t just lose fat when you’re on a diet


    2. Does fasting before exercise help you burn more fat?

    Fasted exercise (working out on an empty stomach, typically in the morning) increases fat oxidation, the metabolic process where fatty acids are broken down to produce energy due to low blood glucose and insulin levels, paired with elevated cortisol.

    But does it lead to greater fat loss overall? Not really.
    Studies comparing fasted versus fed exercise show no significant differences in long-term fat loss when total calories are matched. In short: fasted workouts might burn more fat during the session, but it doesn’t translate into greater weight loss over time.

    3. Why do my muscles feel sore two days after training?

    That ache you feel 24 to 48 hours after an intense or unfamiliar workout is called delayed onset muscle soreness (Doms). The delay in soreness is caused by inflammation, which takes time to fully develop. The inflammation is beneficial because it signals your body to rebuild stronger tissue by breaking down damaged proteins and building new ones. In response to the inflammation, the muscle and connective tissues release “protein messengers” that sensitise pain receptors in the connective tissues, which can make even basic movements feel uncomfortable.

    Doms often peaks two days after exercise. But the good news? Your body adapts quickly. Doms is a normal part of muscle adaptation that enables you to experience less soreness when you next perform the same activity.

    4. Should I train if my muscles are sore?

    If your muscles feel sore after exercise, they are temporarily weakened and it’s best to avoid high-intensity exercise.

    Mild Doms? Low-intensity, low impact activities like swimming or cycling can help improve blood flow and reduce stiffness, easing the sensation of soreness. However, light activity won’t necessarily speed up the recovery process. Another option is to train different muscle groups, such as the upper body if your legs are sore.

    5. Is running bad for your knees?

    This myth is surprisingly persistent but the evidence says otherwise. A 2023 study found no higher rates of knee osteoarthritis among runners compared to non-runners. In fact, running may even strengthen cartilage by stimulating collagen production.

    That said, certain risk factors, such as previous knee injury, excess body weight, or ramping up mileage too quickly, can raise your risk of knee pain or injury. But with smart training, including resistance work and gradual progression, running can be safe and beneficial for your knees.

    6. Do smartwatches accurately track calories burned?

    Not quite. While wearables can give a rough estimate of your energy expenditure, they’re not precise enough to rely on for dietary or fitness planning.

    A 2022 study found that smartwatches significantly miscalculated calories burned across different activities like walking, cycling and resistance training. These findings align with a wider systematic review that concluded most fitness trackers are inaccurate for energy expenditure.

    These devices can still be helpful for tracking heart rate trends, daily step counts and staying motivated but if you’re planning your diet or workouts around the calorie numbers they give you, it’s time to think again.




    Read more:
    Wearable fitness trackers can make you seven times more likely to stick to your workouts – new research


    When it comes to exercise and fat loss, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution – and no shortcut. The basics still matter: eat well, move often and listen to your body. And when in doubt, stick with exercise and nutrition advice supported by science – not what’s trending online.

    Paul Hough does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. From sore muscles to smartwatches and stubborn belly fat: answers to six of the most common fitness questions – https://theconversation.com/from-sore-muscles-to-smartwatches-and-stubborn-belly-fat-answers-to-six-of-the-most-common-fitness-questions-259305

    MIL OSI Analysis