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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tickets selling fast for the magical Beauty and the Beast

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Tickets selling fast for the magical Beauty and the Beast

    13 February 2025

    Much Ado Stage School are preparing to take to the stage at the Alley Theatre for a spellbinding performance of Beauty and the Beast. 
    The local group will perform the timeless classic from 20th-22nd February. From the enchanted castle to the charming village, this magical production promises to transport audiences of all ages to a world filled with love, bravery, and enchantment.
    Beauty and the Beast tells the story of Belle, a young woman who finds herself trapped in an enchanted castle, and the Beast, a prince cursed to live in his monstrous form. Together, they embark on a journey that will change their lives forever. Featuring memorable songs, dazzling choreography, and a talented cast, Much Ado Stage School’s performance is a delightful experience for families, theatre lovers, and fans of the classic fairytale.
    Under the direction of Rois Kelly, Much Ado Stage School’s talented cast, featuring local performers, will bring to life this enchanting story with stunning costumes, set designs, and powerful performances. Playing ‘The Beast’ is Kevin Connor and playing the beautiful ‘Belle’ is Lucy Harper. 
    Rois explained: “We are really excited to see the months of work come together to produce a showstopper with such a stellar cast, with heart-warming moments, humorous twists, and spectacular musical numbers, Beauty and the Beast will certainly captivate audiences in Strabane”. 
    Beauty and the Beast is showing from Thursday 20th- Saturday 22nd February at 7.30pm each evening and a matinee performance on Saturday 22nd  February at 2.30pm.  Tickets are £15 each. Tickets are selling fast, with limited availability for some performances so make sure to get yours now at www.alley-theatre.com or call the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444.  
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council Leader reacts to new Government funding for new towns

    Source: City of Manchester

    Manchester has been allocated £1.5m by the Government to support the next phase of regeneration in Collyhurst in north Manchester – part of the major Victoria North regeneration programme.

    Leader of the Council Cllr Bev Craig said:

    “We welcome the news that the new Government wants to work with us to help us build more homes and create more jobs for Manchester residents.

    “Victoria North represents one of the most ambitious urban regeneration programmes in Europe and will see more than 15,000 homes built in the next decade, along with a range of employment, social, community, cultural and neighbourhood uses. Its delivery will transform 390 acres of brownfield and underutilised land in some of the most deprived wards of Manchester, creating a new town in Manchester, interconnected by quality green spaces which will open up and celebrate the River Irk.

    “Already, hundreds of homes have been built as part of the regeneration programme, including 130 new council homes in Collyhurst that will be available to residents very soon, alongside a new community park. 

    “This £1.5m Government funding will help to unlock a key element of the vision for Collyhurst by supporting the development of a business case for a new Metrolink stop at Sandhills, that will better connect the Collyhurst neighbourhood to the wider city and region, linking our residents to employment and other services and opportunities.

    “Investment in a new Metrolink stop in this community would be an important driver to deliver the ambitious next phase of the Collyhurst regeneration story, which looks build more than 2,500 new homes – including significant council and social housing – new shops, and further education and medical facilities.

    “We look forward to working closely with this Government in the coming months to realise the potential of Collyhurst, Victoria North and the wider area of North Manchester. Together with the news around the North Manchester General Hospital green light, this shows that Manchester is a priority for the new Government.”

    Find out more about the regeneration of Collyhurst

    Find out more about the Victoria North regeneration programme

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Next step for market proposal

    Source: City of Leicester

    A PROPOSAL to return Leicester Market to its original site and create a major new event space around it is to proceed to the next stage.

    City Mayor Peter Soulsby met with market trader representatives this morning (Thursday 13 February) to advise them that he intends to move forward with the scheme, creating a food-focused market next to the existing Food Hall, together with a versatile space that would become a focal point for outdoor events in the city.

    Final designs, new planning applications and detailed costs will now be drawn up, prior to a formal decision being taken. Subject to planning permission, work could start on site this summer – and market traders could be operating from the new market building by the end of 2026.

    “This proposal would give Leicester Market a fresh start and a sustainable future – and would give the traders what they wanted: a return to the site where they’ve stood for generations,” said the City Mayor.

    “But it’s also a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reopen the market place as a wonderful flexible space – as it was for hundreds of years.

    “The scale of the space, and the quality of the surrounding architecture, make it a very special site and my hope is that our investment in this scheme will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the wider area.”

    The proposal to create a new market building, housing 48 stalls that could be fully dismantled if necessary, and a new event space for Leicester was welcomed by most of those who took part in a formal consultation last year.

    More than 1,600 (1,667) people gave their views in the online consultation, which was launched in October and ran for six weeks.

    Of those responding, 60% (1,008) supported the proposal, 38% (639) did not, and a further 20 respondents (1%) did not express a preference.

    “I’m grateful to everyone who took part in the consultation, as their views showed there’s support for the proposal,” said the City Mayor.

    “My focus now is on progressing this scheme, ahead of a formal decision. Our project team will now be developing the designs and preparing the planning applications, with a view to getting this important site redeveloped and open for business as quickly as possible.”

    A planning application for the new square is due to be submitted next month (March), with plans for the new building expected to be submitted in July. 

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Great turn out for school apprenticeship show

    Source: City of Coventry

    As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2025, the Apprenticeship Team at Coventry City Council hosted more than 25 employers for a School Apprenticeship Show.

    The event held this week at Coventry Rugby Club brought together over 300 students.

    Severn Trent, Coventry University, BUUK infrastructure, Land Rover and West Midlands Police were just a few of the organisations promoting the wealth of apprenticeship opportunities available.

    The show provided an invaluable platform for young people to explore career pathways, engage with employers, and gain insights into how apprenticeships can be a direct route into skilled employment.

    Employers from sectors such as construction, healthcare, digital, engineering, and the public sector were on hand to share information, answer questions, and inspire the next generation of apprentices.

    Cllr Richard Brown, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources at the Council, said: “I’m really pleased that our own apprenticeship team is helping to bring together so many great organisations and so many young people.

    “Events like this are such a great way to highlight the different career options that apprenticeships can be the springboard to.”

    Zak Bhana, Apprenticeship and Career Pathways Advisor, at Coventry City Council, said: “The event was a real success. It was great to see so many Coventry-based employers getting involved and informing students about the different apprenticeship career pathways they have available.

    “Apprenticeships provide fantastic opportunities for young people to earn while they learn, and this event highlighted just how many options there are locally.”

    The Apprenticeship Show aligns with the Council’s commitment to supporting young people into meaningful careers and ensuring local businesses can connect with the talent they need.

    A huge thank you to all the employers, students, and schools who took part in making this event such a success. If you’d like to find out more about apprenticeships in Coventry, please visit our Apprenticeships Hub or contact the team at coventry.gov.uk/apprenticeships

    Thursday, 13th February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Preserve the house of William Blake as a national cultural centre

    Source: Mayor of London

    William Blake, author of ‘Jerusalem’, regarded as the unofficial national anthem, is internationally revered as a Poet, Artist, and Visionary.  He lived at 17 South Molton Street in London for 17 years in two humble rooms in which he produced his most famous and influential illustrated works.

    Today, the London Assembly has called for the site to become a cultural and educational hub and visitor centre, boosting the local and London economy.

    Marina Ahmad AM, who proposed the motion, said:

    “Preserving our heritage is vital to our cultural identity, well-being, and economic growth. William Blake—renowned poet, artist, and visionary—lived and created some of his most influential works at 17 South Molton Street. Yet, this historic home is at risk of being lost.

    “We have a unique opportunity to transform Blake’s last remaining London residence into a world-class cultural and educational hub, honouring his legacy while boosting the local economy. The homes of Mozart, Rembrandt, and Burns are thriving visitor attractions – let’s do the same with William Blake’s house.

    “I ask the mayor to meet with the William Blake Fellowship, engage with the Grosvenor Group, and rally key stakeholders to support this vision. If action is not taken now, we risk losing this opportunity forever. Let’s secure Blake’s legacy for generations to come.”

    The full text of the motion is:

    This Assembly recognises that preserving our heritage is important to the cultural, well-being and economic growth of our country.

    William Blake, author of ‘Jerusalem’, regarded as the unofficial national anthem and sung at the 2012 Olympics and by all main political parties, is internationally revered as a Poet, Artist and Visionary.

    Last year international Blake exhibitions in Los Angeles, the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge and in Europe attracted thousands of visitors. Blake is on the National Curriculum taught in UK Primary and Secondary schools.

    William Blake lived in 17 South Molton Street in London for 17 years in two humble rooms in which he produced his most famous and influential illustrated works, now in 56 galleries and private collections around the world.  The home is a Georgian townhouse similar to Handel House or Charles Dickens’ houses and has been cherished as The House of William Blake even when Blake still lived there in 1803, all the way up to present day.

    The building is listed with English Heritage as ‘more than of special interest’ to the nation and since the 1970’s has had a City of London blue plaque. Blake’s unique contribution to the arts and humanity should be proudly celebrated by his home city with this site becoming a cultural and educational hub and visitor centre which would boost the local and London economy.

    The William Blake Fellowship has been liaising for many months with the company who owns the property. The company’s plan is to renovate it as a private residence sold on the commercial market. It is instead now the time for this property to become a cultural hub, honouring and celebrating the life and works of William Blake.

    This would draw from the success of long standing historic houses in other European cities such as Mozart’s House in Vienna, Rembrandt’s House in Amsterdam, Dante’s House in Florence, nearby Handel House in London and Robert Burns’s House in Scotland, the legacy of which generates £200 million a year to the Scottish economy. The Fellowship has produced ample evidence of the social, cultural and economic value of this property being repurposed as a world class cultural visitor centre.

    The House of William Blake’s proposal is supported by the Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries Justine Simons OBE, Lord Vaizey of Didcot, Rachel Blake, MP for Cities of London and Westminster, Westminster Council, Dee Corsi, Chief Executive Officer of New West End Company, a business partnership of 600 UK and international retailers, Mayfair residents and English Heritage.

    The Fellowship has submitted an application for Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy funding and are soon meeting with Westminster Council to discuss its pre-app planning submission for the process of changing the use of the building from a private residence to a cultural centre.           

    However, the current owners of the building, although also supportive of the proposal in principle, are continuing with their planned renovation and marketing of Blake’s home as a private residence.

    The Fellowship retains the ambition to open a centre in 2027, which would mark both 200 years since Blake’s death and 270 years since his birth. If the property is continued to be developed as a luxury apartment, the opportunity to create a dedicated centre to William Blake at his last remaining London home will be lost for good.

    This Assembly resolves to:

    • Call on the Mayor to meet with the William Blake Fellowship to be updated on the current status of plans for the House of William Blake.
    • Convey the importance and need for this venture to the Grosvenor Group and board, as well as their Chair, the Duke of Westminster, and request the pausing of the ongoing commercial renovation work so that the House of William Blake proposal can continue to the next stages of development.
    • Call for Grosvenor Group to develop and work with the relevant public and private partnerships to enable the creation of the centre to go forward.
    • Call a meeting with key stakeholders (listed above) to discuss working together in the same way that the Government, councils and institutions of other major European cities have partnered to create the houses of Rembrandt, Mozart and Robert Burns as international cultural visitor attractions.
    • Write to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy MP, and the Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism, Sir Chris Bryant MP, to convey the importance of the House of William Blake being preserved as a national cultural centre.

    The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Assembly wants re-evaluation of increase in employer’s National Insurance contributions

    Source: Mayor of London

    The London Assembly has today called on the Mayor of London to lobby the Chancellor to re-evaluate the current increase in employer’s National Insurance contributions and the additional £7bn in costs on employers arising from the Government’s Budget.

    This follows concerns raised by industry bodies including the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as major retailers including Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Morrisons.

    Alessandro Georgiou AM, who proposed the motion, said:

    “The impact of the raise in employer’s National Insurance Contributions on Londoners could not be clearer in the threatened job-losses in the capital.

    “I am pleased that the Assembly has backed my motion calling on the Mayor to lobby the Chancellor to review this, and I hope that the Mayor will share in our concerns about the impact on businesses and Londoners by extension.

    “£7bn is a large bill for businesses to swallow – now is the time for the Mayor to come out and oppose it.”

    The full text of the motion is:

    This Assembly wishes to express its concern regarding the impact of the Government’s Autumn Budget, including the decision to increase employer’s National Insurance contributions. Decisions taken by this Government have let to economic uncertainty, market turmoil, additional business costs and higher borrowing costs.

    This Assembly regrets that costs have risen significantly for employers, and many have been forced to reduce their workforce as a result of the Budget, with Londoners bearing the brunt of redundancies and higher prices.

    This Assembly notes the concerns of industry bodies such as the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry who found only 1 in 4 business leaders are confident that the Government will deliver growth.

    This Assembly also notes recent job cuts announced by major retailers including: Sainsbury’s (3000 cuts), Tesco (400 cuts), Morrisons (200 cuts), WH Smith, River Island, Schuh, Currys and Next, as well as the comments made by Simon Roberts, Sainsbury’s Chief Executive, who just days after the Budget announcement said, “There will be difficult decisions to take as a result”.

    This Assembly calls on the Mayor to lobby the Chancellor to re-evaluate the current increase in employer’s National Insurance contributions and the additional £7bn in costs on employers arising from the Budget, to better support Londoners and their job security.

     

    The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sidcup bypass speed limits need to be investigated

    Source: Mayor of London

    The London Assembly has called on the Mayor of London to launch an independent investigation into temporary speed limits put in place on the A20 at the Sidcup bypass between October 2023 and October 2024.

    In a motion agreed today, the Assembly noted campaign groups’ concerns that:

    • Signage was insufficient and followed the wrong chapter of the signage manual
    • The signage installed was potentially hazardous with the top of the mounting post not fully covered by the sign
    • There are allegations that the traffic order (0622) was not published on the Transport for London (TfL) website or in compliance with statutory instruments

    Thomas Turrell AM, who proposed the motion, said:

    “There are serious questions to be raised about whether TfL have followed due procedure, and for that reason they cannot be allowed to mark their own homework in investigating what has happened.

    “The Assembly has spoken clearly: the Mayor should call an independent investigation, so that we might learn lessons from this and avoid the mistakes made with the A20.

    “This has affected drivers who say that they couldn’t possibly have known they were breaking the rules, and we owe it to them to thoroughly investigate this issue.”

    The full text of the motion is:

    This Assembly calls on the Mayor of London to launch an independent investigation into the implementation of the temporary speed limits on the A20 at the Sidcup by-pass, which were in place between October 2023 and October 2024.

    This Assembly notes the concerns raised by campaign groups which include:

    • Allegations that the traffic order (0622) was not published on the Transport for London (TfL) website or in compliance with statutory instruments, and that the Officer named on the order does not appear on the Audit record, and concerns at the possibility that the wrong Officer signed off on the order altogether.
    • Signage being insufficient and following the wrong chapter of the signage manual.
    • Concerns that the signage installed was potentially hazardous with the top of the mounting post not fully covered by the sign.

    This Assembly believes that TfL cannot be allowed to mark their own homework on this issue and therefore calls on the Mayor to launch an independent investigation into these concerns so that lessons can be learnt and the mistakes seen with the A20 are not repeated.

    The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor of London urged not to use Green Belt to meet housing targets

    Source: Mayor of London

    The Mayor of London has been urged to work with the government to ensure that London’s Green Belt is not put at risk to meet the new housing targets.

    A London Assembly motion, agreed today, expresses concerns that the target of 87,992 new homes per year in the capital may not be achievable on brownfield sites alone, and notes that the Greater London Authority has said that Green Belt land release “appears unavoidable given the changes to national policy”.

    The motion also notes that the Government’s top-down targets do not take into account the type of housing Londoners need, especially family-sized homes in many areas, focusing instead on overall unit numbers.

    The Assembly has therefore called on Sir Sadiq Khan to lobby the Government to:

    • Ensure that London’s housing targets are deliverable on brownfield land
    • Replace blanket unit-based targets for each area with housing-type targets, such as habitable room targets
    • Bring forward measures to incentivise, and remove obstacles from, schemes with planning permission being built out in a timely manner.

    Thomas Turrell AM, who proposed the motion, said:

    “London’s lungs, our greenbelt, is at risk from the implications of the NPPF, despite us having a wealth of brownfield sites in the city to utilise to meet housing targets.

    “There are also concerns about meeting the need for family housing in our city, rather than just dozens of high-rise flats.

    “The Assembly has backed this motion now calling on the Mayor to lobby for an amended NPPF to reflect these concerns which we share.”

    The full text of the motion is:

    The Assembly notes the publication of the Government’s new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in December 2024, and the housing need figures published alongside it, including a total of 87,992 homes per year in London. The Assembly is concerned about the significant increases imposed on many London boroughs, and whether these are deliverable, in view of the availability of land, material and labour.

    The Assembly is concerned as to whether such high targets would be achievable on brownfield sites alone, and notes that the Greater London Authority (GLA) has already started contacting London boroughs about undertaking reviews of the Green Belt. Whereas the current and previous Mayors have been strongly supportive of protecting London’s Green Belt through the London Plan and in planning decisions, it is notable that in a recent submission to a planning inspector on a local plan, the GLA has said that Green Belt land release “appears unavoidable given the changes to national policy”.

    In addition, such top-down targets do not take into account the type of housing Londoners need, especially family-sized homes in many areas, focusing instead on overall unit numbers. The Assembly also notes that, according to the Planning London Datahub, there are over 800,000 homes in London with planning approval that have not yet been completed, including over 500,000 that have not yet been started.

    The Assembly therefore calls on the Mayor to lobby the Government to:

    • Ensure that London’s housing targets are deliverable on brownfield land and do not put the Green Belt at risk.
    • Replace blanket unit-based targets for each area with housing-type targets, such as habitable room targets.
    • Bring forward measures to incentivise, and remove obstacles from, schemes with planning permission being built out in a timely manner, including social, accessible and affordable housing schemes.

    The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Commonhold V Leasehold – Assembly wants pilot project

    Source: Mayor of London

    The London Assembly has called on the Mayor to introduce a commonhold pilot project on Greater London Authority (GLA) land, to help provide Londoners with an alternative to leasehold homes.

    In a motion agreed today, the Assembly also urged the Mayor to lobby the Government to introduce legislation to develop commonhold as an alternative to leasehold “as soon as possible”.

    The motion notes that commonhold is a better alternative to leasehold, with each unit-holder owning the freehold of their home, along with a share of the commonhold association which owns and manages the common parts of the property.

    Andrew Boff AM, who proposed the motion, said:

    “The Mayor’s manifesto commitments included support for commonhold as an alternative to leasehold, and now the Assembly has iterated that he should be lobbying for changes in the law to provide this.

    “This is the better alternative to leasehold, and would bring us into line with international standards – now the onus is on the Mayor to ensure this happens.”

    The full text of the motion is:

    The Assembly notes that London has the highest proportion of leaseholders in the country. In 2022/23, 36% of London’s homes were leasehold, more than double the proportion in the rest of England. 62% of London’s flats are leasehold, comprising just over 1.3 million. London leaseholders typically pay higher service charges, with the median annual service charge £1,450 in 2022/23, compared with £1,222 across England. In 2023, 20% of London leaseholders paid more than £4,000 per year in service charges.

    The Assembly notes that commonhold offers a better alternative to leasehold, with each unit-holder owning the freehold of their home, along with a share of the commonhold association which owns and manages the common parts of the property. Similar forms of flat ownership are used around the world, with England being one of the only countries still to use the leasehold system.

    The Assembly also notes that the Mayor’s 2021 and 2024 election manifestos both gave strong support for commonhold as an alternative to leasehold, with the Mayor pledging in 2021 to “pilot a commonhold scheme to show how this form of ownership can become the new national standard for new flats” and in 2024 to “continue to campaign for an end to the feudal leasehold system and its replacement with commonhold”.

    The Assembly resolves to strongly support the development of commonhold as an alternative tenure to leasehold, and calls on the Mayor to lobby the Government to legislate for this as soon as possible.

    The Assembly also calls on the Mayor to introduce a pilot commonhold project on Greater London Authority (GLA) Group land, to ensure that new flats developed for sale on GLA Group land are either commonhold or freehold, and to use GLA housing funds to promote commonhold or freehold schemes where possible, rather than leasehold.

    The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Head of Commercial Real Estate Investment Firm Pleads Guilty in $62.8M Investment Fraud Scheme

    Source: US State of Vermont

    A New York man pleaded guilty yesterday in the Northern District of Georgia for his role in a scheme to defraud investors in connection with two commercial real estate investments.

    According to court documents, Elchonon “Elie” Schwartz, 46, of New York City, engaged in a scheme to defraud investors who sought to invest in commercial real estate through the crowdfunding commercial real estate investing website CrowdStreet Marketplace (CrowdStreet). Beginning May 2022, Schwartz solicited investments through CrowdStreet for a large commercial real estate complex in Atlanta and ultimately raised approximately $54 million from about 654 investors. Beginning in November 2022, Schwartz solicited investments again through CrowdStreet in connection with a mixed-use building in Miami Beach, Florida, and ultimately raised approximately $8.8 million from about 167 investors. In total, Schwartz raised approximately $62.8 million from investors through CrowdStreet.

    As part of the investment solicitation process, Schwartz executed agreements that stated, in part, that the funds raised from CrowdStreet investors would be held in segregated bank accounts controlled by Schwartz. In the documentation provided to CrowdStreet investors, Schwartz represented that he would only use the investors’ money to fund the investment in each property and that he had a fiduciary duty to safeguard the funds and to prohibit commingling or use of the money that did not benefit each investment.

    Contrary to these representations, however, Schwartz misappropriated and converted the CrowdStreet investor funds for his own use. Schwartz directed substantially all the CrowdStreet investor money into his personal bank, personal brokerage account, and accounts for unrelated commercial real estate investments he controlled. For example, Schwartz used the CrowdStreet investor funds to purchase luxury watches, to invest in stocks and options in his brokerage account, and to pay for payroll expenses for his unrelated commercial real estate businesses. Ultimately, in mid-July 2023, the two corporate entities that Schwartz had formed to receive funds from CrowdStreet investors both filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

    Schwartz pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 19 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie Jr. for the Northern District of Georgia, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Atlanta Field Office investigated the case. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement provided valuable assistance in the investigation.

    Trial Attorney Matthew F. Sullivan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Connors for the Northern District of Georgia are prosecuting the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorneys David O’Neal and Christopher Huber for the Northern District of Georgia provided substantial assistance with the investigation and prosecution.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Winners of EU translation contest for secondary schools announced

    Source: European Union 2

    The 27 winners of ‘Juvenes Translatores’, the European Commission’s translation contest for secondary schools, have been announced. Some 3070 pupils tried their hand at translating a text between any two of the EU’s 24 official languages. There was one winner for each EU country.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Integration of Emerging Technologies for Military Drone Market Presenting a Significant Growth Opportunity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The surge in global defense budgets has had a significant impact on the Global Military Drone Market. As political tensions rise worldwide, nations are investing in cutting-edge unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to bolster their defense and security capabilities. Increased defense expenditure has allowed countries like the United States, China, and other NATO members to allocate substantial funds to advanced drone programs, enhancing surveillance, supporting combat missions, and improving autonomous drone features. A recent report from an industry expert said that: “The growing demand for real-time intelligence in dynamic, complex military environments has significantly increased the need for sophisticated drones equipped with advanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Military drones are now integrated with cutting-edge technologies such as high-resolution cameras, infrared sensors, and other advanced systems that enhance situational awareness for both tactical operations and comprehensive intelligence gathering. For instance, the Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk is capable of surveying over 40,000 square miles in a single day, providing extensive monitoring of large areas. This level of surveillance is invaluable for sustained military operations in regions like Ukraine and other conflict zones, where real-time intelligence is crucial for strategic decision-making and operational effectiveness.”   Active Companies in the markets today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV), Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX), Unusual Machines (NYSE: UMAC).

    The article continued: “The integration of emerging technologies into military drones presents a significant growth opportunity for the market. Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, autonomous navigation systems, and advanced sensors are revolutionizing the capabilities of military drones. AI-driven systems, for instance, can enable drones to analyze vast amounts of real-time data, enhancing decision-making and targeting accuracy. Autonomous navigation allows drones to operate with minimal human intervention, improving operational efficiency and reducing the risk to personnel. For example, the U.S. military has incorporated AI into its MQ-9 Reaper drones to enhance autonomous targeting and surveillance capabilities, allowing for more precise missions in complex environments.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) ZenaDrone Subsidiary Develops and Tests Proprietary Drone Communications System Enabling Secure and Reliable Communications for US Defense Applications – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, announces that its subsidiary ZenaDrone has developed and is currently testing a proprietary drone communications management system called “DroneNet” that enables direct and secure drone communications in situations without reliable internet, cellular or satellite communications. The internally developed system is specifically built for use with the Company’s ZenaDrone 1000 and IQ series of drone products. A drone communications system is a two-way link between a drone and its base station used to direct the drone and relay real-time drone video and sensor data.

    “We believe our proprietary DroneNet communications system will improve both the reliability and performance of our drones ensuring we are not dependent on third-party products with compatibility issues. This internal development ensures we gain more customization of our products, cost management, and control of our supply chain, all of which results in what we believe to be superior drone solutions. Once we’ve tested this initial version, our plan for future advancements includes developing and testing our own microchips with multilayer encryption suitable for NDAA-compliant use required for US Defense applications,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.

    Drones used by the military for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance applications require reliable communications systems for uninterrupted data transmission, mission effectiveness, and operational security. Drones must relay real-time video, sensor data, and telemetry to command centers, allowing defense operators to make time-sensitive decisions. This is especially critical for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, where drones operate over longer distances often in harsh or contested environments. Without secure and resilient communications links, drones risk losing control, can face signal jamming, or data latency, which can compromise mission success. Advanced proprietary communication solutions, using satellite and 4G help ensure connectivity in GPS-denied or high-interference environments and can safeguard data against jamming and cyber threats.

    The ZenaDrone 1000 is an autonomous drone, in a VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) quadcopter design with eight rotors; it is considered a medium-sized drone measuring 12X7 feet in size. It is designed for stable flight, maneuverability, heavy lift capabilities up to 40 kilos, incorporating innovative software technology, AI, sensors, and purpose-built attachments, along with compact and rugged hardware engineered for industrial and defense use.   Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    Other recent developments in the markets include:

    AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV), through its wholly owned subsidiary Arcturus UAV, has recently been awarded a contract by the Danish Defense Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO) with a contract ceiling value of $181 million to deliver the JUMP® 20 medium uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) to the Danish Armed Forces. This 10-year program of record will equip the Danish Army with JUMP 20 systems to enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, reinforcing AV’s position as a global leader in advanced autonomous solutions.

    JUMP 20 is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), fixed-wing UAS with 13+ hours of endurance and an operational range of 185 km (115 mi). Runway independent, the system is easily storable and transportable, and can autonomously launch and land at speed without personnel intervention, making it ideal for on-the-move operations.

    Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a Technology Company in Defense, National Security and Global Markets, recently announced a $34,856,449 award modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract from the U.S. Marine Corps. The expanded scope is to support the XQ-58A Unmanned Aerial Systems mission systems and subsystems integration for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Unmanned Aerial System Expeditionary (MUX) Tactical Aircraft (TACAIR).

    Since 2022, Kratos and its industry partner, Northrop Grumman, have been working with the U.S. Marine Corps to define operational requirements for the MQ-58 Valkyrie variant. The team recently demonstrated advanced collaborative capabilities during the Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer Portfolio (PAACK-P) program, which is transitioning to MUX TACAIR in 2025. The modification contract provides the additional non-recurring engineering and material to support the planned spiral developmental efforts, as well as additional flight tests for the continuing capability enhancement of the Valkyrie system.

    L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) has recently introduced AMORPHOUS™, its new software that features a single user interface to operate thousands of autonomous assets simultaneously. Designed with an open architecture, this software enables the United States and allied militaries to control a mix of uncrewed platforms, payloads and systems, even if another manufacturer produces them.

    AMORPHOUS, which stands for Autonomous Multi-domain Operations Resiliency Platform for Heterogeneous Unmanned Swarms, includes an intuitive and distributed command-and-control interface to give operators the flexibility to conduct a wider array of intricate military missions. This collaborative autonomy at scale will provide warfighters with a decisive overmatch capability.

    Unusual Machines (NYSE: UMAC) has recently announced the signing of a binding agreement to acquire of Aloft Technologies, Inc. (https://www.aloft.ai/), the leading FAA-approved provider of unmanned aerial system (UAS) services to enterprise, public safety, and government customers. The acquisition is almost all in stock, valued at $14.5M.

    The proposed acquisition brings together companies that share commitment to strengthening the U.S. drone industry. Aloft Technologies has long been recognized as the leader in the drone fleet and airspace management sector, powering more than 70% of all FAA-approved Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) airspace authorizations in the United States. Aloft has provided more than more than 1.6 million authorizations in total, with 400,000 authorizations provided in 2024.

    Aloft has been able to leverage the data collected through millions of safe flights and airspace interactions to launch Air Boss, their new real-time UAS air traffic management (UTM) software. With the FAA forecasting more than 3 million drones in the airspace by 2028, outnumbering traditional aircraft more than 10-to-1, the coordination and integration of all aircraft is critical to national security and the national economy.

    About FN Media Group:

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    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Successful community event builds futures for young people in Normanton

    Source: City of Derby

    An “inspiring” community event took place at Akaal Primary School recently which brought together key local partners to support young people and families to identify employment and education options for young people.

    Led by Derby City Council’s Neighbourhood Team, this initiative was a direct response to ideas raised at the recent Normanton Partnership; a collaboration of residents, community groups, schools and councillors.

    The event gave residents the opportunity to ask local organisations about the work taking place in their neighbourhood, and also gave young people and their families the chance to talk about apprenticeship and educational opportunities available to them.

    With the involvement of organisations such as Aspire2Succeed, Derby College, DWP Job Centre, Derbyshire Constabulary, Supporting Communities and many others, the event provided a vital space for engagement, support, and collaboration. Over 60 residents attended, highlighting the community’s desire for accessible, local support.

    A key takeaway from the evening was that young people expressed the importance of having a dedicated space within their community where they feel safe, valued, and represented. The success of this event has laid the foundation for further events in the future at other locations around Derby, so residents learn more about their neighbourhood team and education and employment opportunities available to them.

    Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:

    It was truly inspiring to see people of all ages, along with their families, come together to discuss their futures and explore the opportunities available to them. I would encourage any young people who would like more information about what opportunities are available to get in touch with the Derby City Council Employment and Skills team who will be able to let you know about all the latest employment opportunities in Derby.

    A huge thank you to all the incredible organisations that played a role in making this happen. Your collaboration and commitment to supporting our young people and communities is what makes events like this so impactful.”

    This event is one of many employment and skills events that have been put on by The Employment Hub. The Hub has been created to help you gain the confidence, support and skills to move into employment. The Hub, is based at the Council House and is open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday. You can find one to one employment and careers advice as well as opportunities to get in touch with local employers. If you can’t make it into the council house, you can email employmentandskills@derby.gov.uk or telephone: 01332 956989 for a discussion.

    More information about local opportunities is also available in Derby Jobs Weekly. This free newsletter features all of the latest employment opportunities as well as information about apprenticeships, upskilling courses, and training into employment opportunities.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: AI in Science: Research and Development

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Print version

    The Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, based on statistical data and a specialized survey called “Making Science in Russia,” analyzes the prevalence of practices in scientific organizations and universities in the country that use AI solutions to carry out research and development.

    Reference: The “Doing Science in Russia” study is a continuation of the Doing Science project (the first two waves were conducted in 2017 and 2022). As part of the third wave (October-November 2024), representatives of 719 scientific organizations and universities (heads or their deputies for research activities) were asked to rate on a five-point scale the level of provision with AI systems for research and development.

    This issue of the series “Artificial Intelligence” was prepared within the framework of the project “Monitoring scientific support for measures to achieve technological leadership of the Russian Federation” of the thematic plan of research work provided for by the State assignment of the National Research University Higher School of Economics.

    Modern AI-based technologies are changing the usual way of life in all areas of activity, and science is no exception. SurveyA 2023 Nature study found that more than a quarter of scientists already using AI in their research expect the technology to become an essential tool for their field in the next 10 years, with another 47% believing it will be very useful. Related study Oxford University Press shows that we won’t have to wait that long: 75% of surveyed scientists publishing in leading journals have already used various AI tools in 2024, including machine translation services (49%), chatbots (43%) and search engines (25%). According to respondents, AI-based solutions are useful at all stages of the research cycle and for a wide range of tasks: 41% of respondents used them to search for literature, about 35% – for its generalization and/or editing of text (e.g., an article manuscript), 25% – for idea generation, data collection and/or its analysis.

    According to statistics, the implementation of AI solutions in the field of science in Russia is only gaining momentum. In 2023, about 5% of scientific organizations and about 10% of universities used AI for their purposes, but these figures do not fully reflect the real scale of the use of this technology by scientists, since they characterize only the practices of the organizations themselves, and not their employees.

    In the future, we should expect the expansion of AI implementation in the field of science and higher education: every second organization sees prospects for further use of relevant tools in their activities here. In addition, almost 25% of scientific organizations and 38% of universities that are already using AI believe that such technologies will radically change internal processes in science in the coming years; many of them consider intelligent decision support technologies to be the most promising for these tasks (33%).

    It is obvious that the possibility of realizing these expectations largely depends on the level of development of the necessary digital infrastructure. As shown by a survey of 719 scientific organizations and universities conducted by the HSE ISSEK as part of the Doing Science in Russia project (October-November 2024), access to AI systems for research and development is still difficult. The surveyed executives rated the availability of such foreign-developed systems (ChatGPT, Trinka, Mendeley, Scite, Google Jax, etc.) at 2.71 points out of a possible five, and domestic systems (GigaChat, GitVerse, YaLM, SOVA, RAZUM AI, GOLEM, NeuroMark, AI BAUM PLATFORM, NNWizard, etc.) even lower, at 2.60 points. The situation is somewhat better in universities than in other organizations (Fig. 1).

    Against the background of restrained assessments of the current situation, forecasts for the next three years look more optimistic: organizations of all types expect a significant increase in the use of AI systems for research and development. Of course, to ensure such dynamics, it is necessary to remove barriers that hinder the spread of AI in science. Among the most significant of them, universities and scientific organizations note: a shortage of financial resources, a shortage of qualified personnel, an insufficiently developed ICT infrastructure, a shortage/low quality of big data for the implementation of AI. Half of the universities and about 40% of scientific organizations point to the influence of these restraining factors.

    Overcoming barriers to the spread of AI in Russian science could be facilitated by a special program that would provide for the development of research standards using AI; grants for young scientists and research teams studying and using AI in their work (with priority given to those areas of science where such technologies are rarely used); support for the development of AI applications for scientific tasks; compensation for the costs of universities and research organizations for the purchase of big data for the purposes of training and development of generative models.

    This HSE ISSEK material may be reproduced (copied) or distributed in full only with prior consent from HSE (please contact Issek@mse.ru). It is permitted to use parts (fragments) of the material provided that the source and an active link to the HSE ISSEK website are indicated (Issek.hse.ru), as well as the authors of the material. Use of the material beyond the permitted methods and in violation of the specified conditions will result in a violation of copyright.

    Suggested citation:

    Streltsova E. A., Popov E. V., Gershman M. A. (2025) Artificial Intelligence in Science. Moscow – ISSEK HSE. Access mode: https://issek.hse.ru/news/1015931860.html.

    Previous issue series “Artificial Intelligence”:“Big Data for AI”

     

    See also:

    Express information from ISSEK HSE

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Codere Online Granted Listing Extension by Nasdaq and to Release Q4-24 Earnings on February 20th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, February 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Codere Online Luxembourg, S.A. (Nasdaq: CDRO / CDROW) (the “Company” or “Codere Online”), a leading online gaming operator in Spain and Latin America, today announced that, by letter received on February 12, 2025, the Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Panel”) of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) has determined to grant the Company’s request to continue its listing on Nasdaq, subject to the Company filing its annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “2023 Annual Report”) on or before May 12, 2025.

    The Panel’s determination follows a hearing on January 16, 2025, at which the Panel considered the Company’s plan to regain compliance with Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) (the “Rule”). The Company has and continues to work diligently with its new auditor to complete and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) its 2023 Annual Report and expects to do so within the extension period granted by the Panel, thereby regaining compliance with the Rule.

    Following this positive development, the Company will release its fourth quarter 2024 results prior to 8:30AM US Eastern Time on Thursday, February 20, 2025. At 8:30AM US Eastern Time on the same day, Codere Online’s management will host a conference call to discuss the results and provide a business update.

    The Company’s earnings press release and presentation will be available on Codere Online’s website at www.codereonline.com. Dial-in details for the conference call as well as the audio webcast registration link are accessible on the Events & Presentations section of the website. A recording of the webcast will be available following the conference call.

    About Codere Online

    Codere Online refers, collectively, to Codere Online Luxembourg, S.A. and its subsidiaries. Codere Online, launched in 2014 as part of the renowned casino operator Codere Group, offers online sports betting and online casino through its state-of-the art website and mobile applications. Codere Online currently operates in its core markets of Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Panama and Argentina; this online business is complemented by Codere Group’s physical presence in Spain and throughout Latin America, forming the foundation of the leading omnichannel gaming and casino presence.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company or its management team’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future, including the Company’s expectations about the timing of completion and filing of the 2023 Annual Report, statements related to the Company’s plan, timing and actions taken to regain compliance with the Rule.

    These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this document and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s or its management team’s views as of any subsequent date, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

    As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, the Company’s actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that the Company does not presently know or that the Company currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning certain of these and other risk factors is contained in Codere Online’s filings with the SEC. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning Codere Online or other matters attributable to Codere Online or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above.

    Contacts:

    Investors and Media
    Guillermo Lancha
    Director, Investor Relations and Communications
    Guillermo.Lancha@codereonline.com
    (+34) 628.928.152

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Trillion Energy Announces SASB Field Operational Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Vancouver, B.C., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trillion Energy International Inc. (“Trillion” or the “Company”) (CSE: TCF) (OTCQB: TRLEF) (Frankfurt: Z62), is pleased to announce an operational update for the SASB offshore gas project, Turkey.

    During January 2025 the Company completed installation of new velocity string tubing in two wells located on tripods (Alapli-2 and Bayhanli-2) in an operation that took approximately two weeks’ time.

    Previously, the Company completed installation of new tubing in four wells on the Akcakoca platform during the fall of 2024. A total of 6 wells have now received the new smaller tubing size to mitigate water loading conditions.

    The tripod wells continue to receive nitrogen injections to stimulate production, however, operations have been delayed over the past few weeks due to stormy winter weather conditions. Both Alapli-2 and Bayhanli-2 initially responded positively to the ongoing operational efforts, however, stable long-term flow rates have yet to be sustained.

    The Company is currently preparing to stimulate the Akcakoca-3 and South Akcakoca-2 wells in the upcoming week using nitrogen, upon suitable weather conditions arriving.

    The Company has sourced a gas lift compressor system for the Akcakoca platform which will provide continuous gas lifting injection to certain wells to assist in production.

    Additionally, the Company plans to enhance production by installing:

    • A Progressive Cavity Pump (PCP) in a well
    • Two slim-hole Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs) attached to the new tubing in two wells

    These strategic interventions involving artificial lift are critical to sustaining long-term production rates and optimizing well performance and are expected to occur in the upcoming months.

    About the Company

    Trillion Energy International Inc is focused on oil and natural gas production for Europe and Türkiye with natural gas assets in Türkiye. The Company is 49% owner of the SASB natural gas field, a Black Sea natural gas development and a 19.6% (except three wells with 9.8%) interest in the Cendere oil field. More information may be found on www.sedar.com, and our website.

    Contact
    ‎Sean Stofer, Chairman
    Brian Park, VP of Finance
    1-778-819-1585
    E-mail: info@trillionenergy.com
    Website: www.trillionenergy.com

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release may contain certain forward-looking information and statements, including without limitation, statements pertaining to the Company’s ability to obtain regulatory approval of the executive officer and director appointments. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and such information involves various risks and uncertainties. Trillion does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

    These statements are no guarantee of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, delay, change of strategy, and assumptions that are difficult to predict and which may change over time. Accordingly, actual results and strategies could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. These factors include unforeseen securities regulatory challenges, COVID, oil and gas price fluctuations, operational and geological risks, changes in capital raising strategies, the ability of the Company to raise necessary funds for development; the outcome of commercial negotiations; changes in technical or operating conditions; the cost of extracting gas and oil may increase and be too costly so that it is uneconomic and not profitable to do so and other factors discussed from time to time in the Company’s filings on www.sedar.com, including the most recently filed Annual Report on Form 20-F and subsequent filings. For a full summary of our oil and gas reserves information for Turkey, please refer to our Forms F-1,2,3 51-101 filed on www.sedar.com, and or request a copy of our reserves report effective December 31, 2022 and updated January 31 2023.

    ‎

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Imperial Petroleum Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Twelve Months 2024 Financial and Operating Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATHENS, Greece, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC. (NASDAQ: IMPP, the “Company”), a ship-owning company providing petroleum products, crude oil and dry bulk seaborne transportation services, announced today its unaudited financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2024.

    OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

    • Fleet operational utilization of 86.0% in Q4 24’ versus 68.5% in Q4 23’.
    • Almost 180% increase in Q4 24’ time charter days compared to Q4 23’, as two of our product tankers and one newly acquired bulk carrier were under time charter (“TC”) employment for the whole period.
    • For the 12M 24’ period our operational utilization was 78.3%. 69% of our fleet calendar days were dedicated to spot activity, while 29% to time charter activity.
    • Delivery of the product tanker, Clean Imperial on January 10, 2025. With this vessel addition, our tanker fleet totals nine ships.
    • Revenues of $26.2 million in Q4 24’ compared to $29.9 million in Q4 23’, representing a 12.4% decline due primarily to decreased spot market rates.
    • Net income of $3.9 million in Q4 24’ compared to $6.5 million in Q4 23’. In Q4 24’ we incurred a $3.3 million foreign exchange loss.
    • Cash and cash equivalents including time deposits of $206.7 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $124.0 million as of December 31, 2023, representing a 66.7% increase.
    • For the 12M 24’ period our net income was $50.2 million, while our operating cash flow amounted to $77.7 million.
    • Recurring profitability and a debt-free capital structure facilitate robust cash flow generation and low breakeven points.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Results:

    • Revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2024 amounted to $26.2 million, a decrease of $3.7 million, or 12.4%, compared to revenues of $29.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to a decrease in the spot market rates.
    • Voyage expenses and vessels’ operating expenses fo        r the three months ended December 31, 2024 were $8.5 million and $6.7 million, respectively, compared to $13.8 million and $5.7 million, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The $5.3 million decrease in voyage expenses is mainly attributed to increased time charter activity leading to a decline of spot days by 10.3%. The decline in spot days along with the decrease in the Suez Canal transits compared to the same period of last year, led to decreased bunker consumption by 15.6% and lower port expenses by 44.9%. The $1.0 million increase in vessels’ operating expenses is primarily due to the increased size of our fleet by an average of 2.0 vessels between the two periods.
    • Drydocking costs for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $0.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively. This decrease is due to the fact that during the three months ended December 31, 2024, no vessel underwent drydocking and charges related only to a drydocking which took place at the end of the third quarter of 2024, while one of our suezmax tankers and one of our handysize dry vessels underwent drydocking in the fourth quarter of last year.
    • General and administrative costs for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $1.0 million and $1.2 million, respectively. This change is mainly attributed to the decrease in stock-based compensation costs.
    • Depreciation for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $4.5 million and $3.5 million, respectively. The change is attributable to the increase in the average number of vessels in our fleet.
    • Management fees for each of the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $0.4 million.
    • Interest and finance costs for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $0.3 million and $0.01 million, respectively. The $0.3 million of costs for the three months ended December 31, 2024 relate mainly to accrued interest expense – related party in connection with the $14.0 million, part of the acquisition price of our bulk carrier, Neptulus, which is payable by May 2025.
    • Interest income for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $2.3 million as compared to $2.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The $0.3 million increase is mainly attributed to a higher amount of funds placed under time deposits.
    • Foreign exchange gain/(loss) for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was a loss of $3.3 million as compared to a gain of $1.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The $3.3 million foreign exchange loss for the three months ended December 31, 2024, is mainly attributed to the decline in the euro/dollar exchange rate and to the higher amount of funds placed under time deposits in euro.
    •    As a result of the above, for the three months ended December 31, 2024, the Company reported net income of $3.9 million, compared to net income of $6.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Dividends paid on Series A Preferred Shares amounted to $0.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024. The weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding, basic, for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was 32.7 million. Earnings per share, basic and diluted, for the three months ended December 31, 2024 amounted to $0.10 and $0.10, respectively, compared to loss per share, basic and diluted, of $0.02 and $0.02, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2023.
    • Adjusted net income1 was $4.6 million corresponding to an Adjusted EPS1, basic of $0.12 for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to an Adjusted net income of $7.2 million corresponding to an Adjusted EPS, basic, of $0.01 for the same period of last year.
    • EBITDA1 for the three months ended December 31, 2024 amounted to $6.4 million, while Adjusted EBITDA1 for the three months ended December 31, 2024 amounted to $7.1 million.
    • An average of 11.0 vessels were owned by the Company during the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to 9.0 vessels for the same period of 2023.

    Twelve months 2024 Results:

    • Revenues for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 amounted to $147.5 million, representing a decrease of $36.2 million, or 19.7%, compared to revenues of $183.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to softer market spot rates. As of the end of 2024, daily spot market rates were about $22,000 for standard product tankers versus $33,000 as of the end of the same period of 2023 and $30,000 for standard suezmax tankers as opposed to $60,000 as of the end of the same period of 2023.
    • Voyage expenses and vessels’ operating expenses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 were $52.0 million and $26.4 million, respectively, compared to $62.5 million and $25.6 million, respectively, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. The $10.5 million decrease in voyage expenses is mainly attributed to a reduction in port expenses due to decreased transits through the Suez Canal and a decrease in voyage commissions resulting from lower market rates and consequently softer revenue generation. The $0.8 million increase in vessels’ operating expenses was primarily due to the increase in the average number of vessels.
    • Drydocking costs for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $1.7 million and $6.6 million, respectively. This decrease is due to the fact that during the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 two tanker vessels underwent drydocking, while in the same period of last year three of our product tankers, one of our suezmax tankers and two of our drybulk carriers underwent drydocking.
    • General and administrative costs for each of the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $4.9 million.
    • Depreciation for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was $17.0 million, a $1.4 million increase from $15.6 million for the same period of last year, mainly due to the depreciation of the vessels added in the fleet during 2024.
    • Management fees for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $1.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively. The increase of $0.1 million is attributable to the slight increase in the average number of vessels in our fleet.
    • Other operating income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was $1.9 million and related to the collection of a claim in connection with repairs undertaken in prior years.
    • Net loss on sale of vessel/ Net gain on sale of vessel – related party for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was a loss of $1.6 million and related to the sale of the Aframax tanker Gstaad Grace II to a third party whereas net gain on sale of vessel for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 was $8.2 million and related to the sale of the Aframax tanker Afrapearl II (ex. Stealth Berana) to C3is Inc., a related party.
    • Impairment loss for the twelve months period ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 stood at nil and $9.0 million, and related to the spin-off of two drybulk carriers to C3is Inc. in 2023. The decline of drybulk vessels’ fair values, at the time of the spin off, compared to one year before when these vessels were acquired resulted in the incurrence of impairment loss.
    •    Interest and finance costs for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $0.4 million and $1.8 million, respectively. The $0.4 million of costs for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 relate mainly to accrued interest expense – related party in connection with the $14.0 million, part of the acquisition price of our bulk carrier, Neptulus, which is payable by May 2025. The $1.8 million of costs for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 related mainly to $1.3 million of interest charges incurred up to the full repayment of all outstanding loans concluded in April 2023 along with the full amortization of $0.5 million of loan related charges following the repayment of the Company’s outstanding debt.
    • Interest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $8.3 million and $5.8 million, respectively. The increase is mainly attributed to the interest earned from the time deposits held by the Company as well as the interest income – related party for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 in connection with the $38.7 million of the sale price of the Aframax tanker Afrapearl II (ex. Stealth Berana) which was received in July 2024.
    • As a result of the above, the Company reported net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 of $50.2 million, compared to a net income of $71.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. The weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was 29.9 million. Earnings per share, basic and diluted, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 amounted to $1.54 and $1.40, respectively, compared to earnings per share, basic and diluted, of $3.22 and $2.93 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.
    • Adjusted Net Income was $55.1 million corresponding to an Adjusted EPS, basic of $1.70 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 compared to adjusted net income of $74.4 million, corresponding to an Adjusted EPS, basic of $3.39 for the same period of last year.
    • EBITDA for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 amounted to $59.2 million while Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 amounted to $64.2 million.
    • An average of 10.4 vessels were owned by the Company during the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 compared to 10.0 vessels for the same period of 2023.
    • As of December 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents including time deposits amounted to $206.7 million and total bank debt amounted to nil.

    1 EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS are non-GAAP measures. Refer to the reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable financial measure in accordance with GAAP set forth later in this release. Reconciliations of Adjusted Net Income, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income are set forth below.

    Fleet Employment Table

    As of February 13, 2025, the profile and deployment of our fleet is the following:

                             
    Name    Year
    Built    		   Country
    Built    		   Vessel Size
    (dwt)    		   Vessel
    Type    		   Employment
    Status    		   Expiration of
    Charter(1)
    Tankers                         
    Magic Wand    2008   Korea   47,000   MR product tanker   Spot    
    Clean Thrasher    2008   Korea   47,000   MR product tanker   Time Charter   May 2025
    Clean Sanctuary (ex. Falcon Maryam)    2009   Korea   46,000   MR product tanker   Spot    
    Clean Nirvana    2008   Korea   50,000   MR product tanker   Spot    
    Clean Justice    2011   Japan   46,000   MR product tanker   Time Charter   August 2027
    Aquadisiac   2008   Korea   51,000   MR product tanker   Spot    
    Clean Imperial   2009   Korea   40,000   MR product tanker   Time Charter   January 2026
    Suez Enchanted    2007   Korea   160,000   Suezmax tanker   Spot    
    Suez Protopia    2008   Korea   160,000   Suezmax tanker   Spot    
    Drybulk Carriers(2)                         
    Eco Wildfire    2013   Japan   33,000   Handysize drybulk   Time Charter   February 2025
    Glorieuse    2012   Japan   38,000   Handysize drybulk   Time Charter   February 2025
    Neptulus   2012   Japan   33,000   Handysize drybulk   Time Charter   March 2025
    Fleet Total                 751,000 dwt            
                             
    (1) Earliest date charters could expire.
    (2) We have contracted to acquire seven Japanese built drybulk carriers, aggregating approximately 443,000 dwt, which are expected to be delivered to us between February 2025 and May 2025.
       

    CEO Harry Vafias Commented

    For yet another year Imperial Petroleum demonstrated exceptional results; we continued to be consistent with profitability, cash flow generation and fleet growth across the quarters. Market conditions in 2024 were somewhat softer than 2023 when tanker rates oscillated around all time high levels. Nevertheless, our debt free fleet of eleven vessels managed to generate $50 million of profit and maintain an enviable cash base of $207 million. In the period ahead our key focus is to materialize our already announced fleet growth plans, sustain our profitable momentum and as always, seek opportunities to enhance the value of our Company.

    Conference Call details:

    On February 13, 2025 at 10:00 am ET, the company’s management will host a conference call to discuss the results and the company’s operations and outlook.

    Online Registration:

    Conference call participants should pre-register using the below link to receive the dial-in numbers and a personal PIN, which are required to access the conference call.

    https://register.vevent.com/register/BI127dcd86b3bd4efc8d71152e3b8a8800

    Slides and audio webcast:

    There will also be a live and then archived webcast of the conference call, through the IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC. website (www.ImperialPetro.com). Participants to the live webcast should register on the website approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the webcast.

    About IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC.        

    IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC. is a ship-owning company providing petroleum products, crude oil and drybulk seaborne transportation services. The Company owns a total of twelve vessels on the water – seven M.R. product tankers, two suezmax tankers and three handysize drybulk carriers – with a total capacity of 751,000 deadweight tons (dwt), and has contracted to acquire an additional seven drybulk carriers of 443,000 dwt aggregate capacity. Following these deliveries, the Company’s fleet will count a total of 19 vessels. IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC.’s shares of common stock and 8.75% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and trade under the symbols “IMPP” and “IMPPP,” respectively.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Matters discussed in this release may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance and may include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC. believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC. cannot assure you that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections. Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the strength of world economies and currencies, geopolitical conditions, including any trade disruptions resulting from tariffs imposed by the United States or  other countries, general market conditions, including changes in charter hire rates and vessel values, charter counterparty performance, changes in demand that may affect attitudes of time charterers to scheduled and unscheduled drydockings, changes in IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC’s operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, ability to obtain financing and comply with covenants in our financing arrangements, actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, domestic and international political conditions, the conflict in Ukraine and related sanctions, the conflicts in the Middle East, potential disruption of shipping routes due to ongoing attacks by Houthis in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden or accidents and political events or acts by terrorists.

    Risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC. with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Fleet List and Fleet Deployment        
    For information on our fleet and further information:
    Visit our website at www.ImperialPetro.com

    Company Contact:
    Fenia Sakellaris
    IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC.
    E-mail: info@ImperialPetro.com

    Fleet Data:
    The following key indicators highlight the Company’s operating performance during the periods ended December 31, 2023 and 2024.

    FLEET DATA Q4 2023   Q4 2024   12M 2023   12M 2024  
    Average number of vessels (1) 9.00   11.00   10.00   10.39  
    Period end number of owned vessels in fleet 9   11   9   11  
    Total calendar days for fleet (2) 828   1,012   3,650   3,801  
    Total voyage days for fleet (3) 789   1,010   3,481   3,700  
    Fleet utilization (4) 95.3 % 99.8 % 95.4 % 97.3 %
    Total charter days for fleet (5) 160   446   1,058   1,092  
    Total spot market days for fleet (6) 629   564   2,423   2,608  
    Fleet operational utilization (7) 68.5 % 86.0 % 75.1 % 78.3 %
                     

    1) Average number of vessels is the number of owned vessels that constituted our fleet for the relevant period, as measured by the sum of the number of days each vessel was a part of our fleet during the period divided by the number of calendar days in that period.
    2) Total calendar days for fleet are the total days the vessels we operated were in our possession for the relevant period including off-hire days associated with major repairs, drydockings or special or intermediate surveys.
    3) Total voyage days for fleet reflect the total days the vessels we operated were in our possession for the relevant period net of off-hire days associated with major repairs, drydockings or special or intermediate surveys.
    4) Fleet utilization is the percentage of time that our vessels were available for revenue generating voyage days, and is determined by dividing voyage days by fleet calendar days for the relevant period.
    5) Total charter days for fleet are the number of voyage days the vessels operated on time or bareboat charters for the relevant period.
    6) Total spot market charter days for fleet are the number of voyage days the vessels operated on spot market charters for the relevant period.
    7) Fleet operational utilization is the percentage of time that our vessels generated revenue, and is determined by dividing voyage days excluding commercially idle days by fleet calendar days for the relevant period.

    Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS:

    Adjusted net income represents net income before impairment loss, net (gain)/loss on sale of vessel and share based compensation. EBITDA represents net income before interest and finance costs, interest income and depreciation. Adjusted EBITDA represents net income before interest and finance costs, interest income, depreciation, impairment loss, net (gain)/loss on sale of vessel and share based compensation.
    Adjusted EPS represents Adjusted net income attributable to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares. EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted EPS are not recognized measurements under U.S. GAAP. Our calculation of EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted EPS may not be comparable to that reported by other companies in the shipping or other industries. In evaluating Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income and Adjusted EPS, you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses that are the same as or similar to some of the adjustments in this presentation.

    EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted EPS are included herein because they are a basis, upon which we and our investors assess our financial performance. They allow us to present our performance from period to period on a comparable basis and provide investors with a means of better evaluating and understanding our operating performance.

    (Expressed in United States Dollars, except number of shares) Third Quarter Ended December 31st,   Twelve Months Period Ended December 31st,  
      2023   2024   2023   2024  
    Net Income – Adjusted Net Income                
    Net income 6,463,943   3,917,661   71,134,002   50,157,772  
    Less/Plus net (gain)/loss on sale of vessel —   —   (8,182,777 ) 1,589,702  
    Plus impairment loss —   —   8,996,023   —  
    Plus share based compensation 752,407   665,062   2,434,855   3,397,082  
    Adjusted Net Income 7,216,350   4,582,723   74,382,103   55,144,556  
                     
    Net income – EBITDA                
    Net income 6,463,943   3,917,661   71,134,002   50,157,772  
    Plus interest and finance costs 11,139   276,622   1,821,908   398,320  
    Less interest income (2,004,611 ) (2,268,975 ) (5,833,756 ) (8,305,517 )
    Plus depreciation 3,485,073   4,466,447   15,629,116   16,991,900  
    EBITDA 7,955,544   6,391,755   82,751,270   59,242,475  
                     
    Net income – Adjusted EBITDA                
    Net income 6,463,943   3,917,661   71,134,002   50,157,772  
    Less/Plus net (gain)/loss on sale of vessel —   —   (8,182,777 ) 1,589,702  
    Plus impairment loss —   —   8,996,023   —  
    Plus share based compensation 752,407   665,062   2,434,855   3,397,082  
    Plus interest and finance costs 11,139   276,622   1,821,908   398,320  
    Less interest income (2,004,611 ) (2,268,975 ) (5,833,756 ) (8,305,517 )
    Plus depreciation 3,485,073   4,466,447   15,629,116   16,991,900  
    Adjusted EBITDA 8,707,951   7,056,817   85,999,371   64,229,259  
                     
    EPS                
    Numerator                
    Net income 6,463,943   3,917,661   71,134,002   50,157,772  
    Less: Cumulative dividends on preferred shares (462,225 ) (435,246 ) (2,130,254 ) (1,740,983 )
    Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to non-vested shares —   (122,899 ) (2,508,399 ) (2,311,172 )
    Less: Deemed dividend from the conversion
    of the Series C Preferred Shares    		 (6,507,789 ) —   (6,507,789 ) —  
    Net (loss)/ income attributable to common shareholders, basic (506,071 ) 3,359,516   59,987,560   46,105,617  
    Denominator                
    Weighted average number of shares 23,566,153   32,729,505   18,601,539   29,933,920  
    EPS – Basic (0.02 ) 0.10   3.22   1.54  
                     
    Adjusted EPS                
    Numerator                
    Adjusted net income 7,216,350   4,582,723   74,382,103   55,144,556  
    Less: Cumulative dividends on preferred shares (462,225 ) (435,246 ) (2,130,254 ) (1,740,983 )
    Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to non-vested shares (12,908 ) (146,370 ) (2,638,768 ) (2,549,216 )
    Less: Deemed dividend from the conversion
    of the Series C Preferred Shares    		 (6,507,789 ) —   (6,507,789 ) —  
    Adjusted net income attributable to common shareholders, basic 233,428   4,001,107   63,105,292   50,854,357  
                     
    Denominator                
    Weighted average number of shares 23,566,153   32,729,505   18,601,539   29,933,920  
    Adjusted EPS, Basic 0.01   0.12   3.39   1.70  
                     

    Imperial Petroleum Inc.
    Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income
    (Expressed in United States Dollars, except for number of shares)

        Quarters Ended December 31,
    		     Twelve Month Periods Ended December 31,
    		  
        2023     2024     2023     2024  
                          
    Revenues                        
     Revenues   29,881,814     26,211,665     183,725,820     147,479,980  
                              
    Expenses                        
     Voyage expenses   13,470,678     8,122,190     60,276,962     50,168,529  
     Voyage expenses – related party   348,535     338,262     2,253,979     1,856,361  
     Vessels’ operating expenses   5,541,258     6,561,878     25,295,851     26,044,734  
     Vessels’ operating expenses – related party 117,500     89,500     346,583     328,000  
     Drydocking costs   2,454,960     195,418     6,551,534     1,691,361  
     Management fees – related party   364,320     445,280     1,606,440     1,672,440  
     General and administrative expenses   1,173,120     994,777     4,934,468     4,894,070  
     Depreciation   3,485,073     4,466,447     15,629,116     16,991,900  
     Other operating income   —     —     —     (1,900,000 )
     Impairment loss   —     —     8,996,023     —  
     Net gain on sale of vessel – related party   —     —     (8,182,777 )   —  
     Net loss on sale of vessel   —     —     —     1,589,702  
    Total expenses   26,955,444     21,213,752     117,708,179     103,337,097  
                              
    Income from operations   2,926,370     4,997,913     66,017,641     44,142,883  
                              
    Other (expenses)/income                        
     Interest and finance costs   (11,139 )   (3,508 )   (1,821,908 )   (16,269 )
     Interest expense – related party   —     (273,114 )   —     (382,051 )
     Interest income   1,260,971     2,268,975     4,470,396     6,668,877  
     Interest income – related party   743,640     —     1,363,360     1,636,640  
     Dividend income from related party   191,667     191,667     404,167     762,500  
     Foreign exchange gain/(loss)   1,352,434     (3,264,272 )   700,346     (2,654,808 )
    Other income/(expenses), net   3,537,573     (1,080,252 )   5,116,361     6,014,889  
                             
    Net Income   6,463,943     3,917,661     71,134,002     50,157,772  
                             
    Earnings per share                        
    – Basic   (0.02 )   0.10     3.22     1.54  
    – Diluted   (0.02 )   0.10     2.93     1.40  
                             
    Weighted average number of shares                      
    -Basic   23,566,153     32,729,505     18,601,539     29,933,920  
    -Diluted   23,566,153     34,704,542     22,933,671     33,008,816  
                             

    Imperial Petroleum Inc.
    Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Expressed in United States Dollars)

      December 31,     December 31,  
      2023     2024  
               
    Assets          
    Current assets          
     Cash and cash equivalents 91,927,512     79,783,531  
     Time deposits 32,099,810     126,948,481  
     Receivables from related parties 37,906,821     —  
     Trade and other receivables 13,498,813     13,456,083  
     Other current assets 302,773     652,769  
     Inventories 7,291,123     7,306,356  
     Advances and prepayments 161,937     250,562  
    Total current assets 183,188,789     228,397,782  
                 
    Non current assets          
     Operating lease right-of-use asset —     78,761  
     Vessels, net 180,847,252     208,230,018  
     Investment in related party 12,798,500     12,798,500  
    Total non current assets 193,645,752     221,107,279  
    Total assets
         		 376,834,541     449,505,061  
                 
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity          
    Current liabilities          
     Trade accounts payable 8,277,118     5,243,872  
     Payable to related parties 2,324,334     18,725,514  
     Accrued liabilities 3,008,500     3,370,020  
     Operating lease liability, current portion —     78,761  
     Deferred income 919,116     1,419,226  
    Total current liabilities 14,529,068     28,837,393  
                 
    Total liabilities 14,529,068     28,837,393  
                 
    Commitments and contingencies          
                 
    Stockholders’ equity          
     Common stock 332,573     382,755  
     Preferred Stock, Series A 7,959     7,959  
     Preferred Stock, Series B 160     160  
     Treasury stock (5,885,727 )   (8,390,225 )
     Additional paid-in capital 270,242,635     282,642,357  
     Retained earnings 97,607,873     146,024,662  
    Total stockholders’ equity 362,305,473     420,667,668  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 376,834,541     449,505,061  
               

    Imperial Petroleum Inc.
    Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (Expressed in United States Dollars

      Twelve Month Periods Ended December 31,
    		  
      2023     2024  
           
    Cash flows from operating activities          
    Net income for the year 71,134,002     50,157,772  
               
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash          
    provided by operating activities:          
    Depreciation 15,629,116     16,991,900  
    Amortization of deferred finance charges 474,039     —  
    Non – cash lease expense 62,609     71,237  
    Share based compensation 2,434,855     3,397,082  
    Impairment loss 8,996,023     —  
    Net gain on sale of vessel – related party (8,182,777 )   —  
    Net loss on sale of vessel —     1,589,702  
    Unrealized foreign exchange (gain)/loss on time deposits (426,040 )   1,983,810  
    Dividend income from related party (404,167 )   —  
               
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
    (Increase)/decrease in          
    Trade and other receivables (6,477,912 )   42,730  
    Other current assets (62,771 )   (349,996 )
    Inventories (1,908,513 )   (15,233 )
    Changes in operating lease liabilities (62,609 )   (71,237 )
    Advances and prepayments (181,990 )   (88,625 )
    Due from related parties (2,940,967 )   2,206,821  
    Increase/(decrease) in          
    Trade accounts payable 118,523     (2,173,926 )
    Due to related parties —     3,091,759  
    Accrued liabilities 1,383,841     361,520  
    Deferred income (54,903 )   500,110  
    Net cash provided by operating activities 79,530,359     77,695,426  
               
    Cash flows from investing activities          
    Dividends income received 241,667     —  
    Proceeds from sale of vessel, net 3,865,890     41,153,578  
    Acquisition and improvement of vessels (28,145,103 )   (74,672,266 )
    Increase in bank time deposits (167,501,480 )   (247,603,451 )
    Maturity of bank time deposits 203,827,710     150,770,970  
    Proceeds from seller financing —     35,700,000  
    Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities 12,288,684     (94,651,169 )
               
    Cash flows from financing activities          
    Proceeds from exercise of stock options —     475,000  
    Proceeds from equity offerings 29,070,586     —  
    Proceeds from warrants exercise —     8,600,000  
    Stock issuance costs (1,492,817 )   —  
    Issuance costs on warrants exercise —     (22,178 )
    Stock repurchase (5,885,727 )   (2,504,498 )
    Warrants repurchase (1,521,738 )   —  
    Dividends paid on preferred shares (2,130,254 )   (1,736,562 )
    Loan repayments (70,438,500 )   —  
    Cash retained by C3is Inc. at spin-off (5,000,000 )   —  
    Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities (57,398,450 )   4,811,762  
               
    Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 34,420,593     (12,143,981 )
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 57,506,919     91,927,512  
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 91,927,512     79,783,531  
    Cash breakdown          
    Cash and cash equivalents 91,927,512     79,783,531  
    Total cash and cash equivalents shown in the statements of cash flows 91,927,512     79,783,531  
               

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: American Rebel Light Beer Now Available Online in 40 US States

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nashville, TN, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) (“American Rebel” or the “Company”), creator of American Rebel Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) and a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded safes, personal security and self-defense products and apparel (americanrebel.com), is very excited to announce that customers across 40 US states can now order American Rebel Light Lager online at americanrebelbeer.com. American Rebel Beer has accomplished this milestone by contracting with Bevstack, a leading platform aiding adult beverage brands in expanding the brand’s e-commerce presence. A customer’s order at americanrebelbeer.com to one of the 40 compliant states is routed directly from americanrebelbeer.com to a network of over 1,300 retailers across the 40 participating states, enabling in-state shipping and timely delivery.

    “Customers now have the ability to enjoy America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem-Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer across 40 US states,” said American Rebel CEO Andy Ross. “As we grow our brick-and-mortar distribution network it’s really exciting for customers in states or areas our beer is not yet physically stocked in stores to be able to buy our beer.”

    “Another great benefit of being able to sell Rebel Light online is that potential investors can now try our beer,” said Andy Ross. “People love our brand and what we stand for, but they also want to love the taste of our beer. No matter how much I tell them they’re going to love it, there’s nothing like tasting it yourself.”

    American Rebel Light Beer orders at americanrebelbeer.com can be shipped to Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

    About American Rebel Light Beer

    Produced in partnership with AlcSource, American Rebel Light Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) is a premium domestic light lager celebrated for its exceptional quality and patriotic values. It stands out as America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem-Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.

    American Rebel Light is a Premium Domestic Light Lager Beer – All Natural, Crisp, Clean and Bold Taste with a Lighter Feel. With approximately 100 calories, 3.2 carbohydrates, and 4.3% alcoholic content per 12 oz serving, American Rebel Light Beer delivers a lighter option for those who love great beer but prefer a more balanced lifestyle. It’s all natural with no added supplements and importantly does not use corn, rice, or other sweeteners typically found in mass produced beers.

    About Bevstack

    Bevstack stands as the leading platform aiding adult beverage brands in expanding their e-commerce presence. With a three-tier compliant retail network, seamless technology, and unparalleled customer service, Bevstack is dedicated to fostering the growth and success of brands in the digital marketplace. Visit Bevstack.com for more info.

    About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Light Beer. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories. To learn more, visit www.americanrebel.com and www.americanrebelbeer.com. For investor information, visit www.americanrebel.com/investor-relations.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc.
    info@americanrebel.com

    American Rebel Beverages, LLC
    Todd Porter, President
    tporter@americanrebelbeer.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. American Rebel Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: AREB; AREBW) (the “Company,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include benefits of selling beer online, actual placement timing and availability of American Rebel Beer, success and availability of the promotional activities, our ability to effectively execute our business plan, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Company Contact:
    tporter@americanrebelbeer.com
    info@americanrebel.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Military Billion Dollar Drone Market Expecting Substantial Growth Opportunity as Usage Skyrockets

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The Military Drone Market is expected to see substantial growth in the coming years. A recent report from Straits Research. Said that the global military drone market size was valued at USD 21.81 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow from USD 24.25 billion in 2025 to reach USD 56.69 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 11.20% during the forecast period (2025-2033). The report said: “A military drone, also known as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), is a type of aircraft that operates without a human pilot on board. These drones are equipped with advanced technologies for surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and, in some cases, targeted strikes. Military drones are used extensively in modern warfare for a variety of roles, including combat, surveillance, logistical support, and search-and-rescue missions. The global market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by technological advancements and increasing global demand for enhanced surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance capabilities. As nations recognize the strategic advantages of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in military operations, drones are increasingly deployed in both combat and non-combat roles. This expansion is further supported by rising defense budgets, particularly in regions such as Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. Despite the promising growth, there are significant challenges facing the global market, including complex regulatory issues and ethical concerns surrounding the use of autonomous weapons. However, innovations in artificial intelligence (AI), miniaturization, and battery life are expected to open new growth opportunities, enabling more advanced, efficient, and versatile drone capabilities in the near future.” Active Companies in the markets today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH), Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL), The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA).

    Straits Research continued: “Geopolitical tensions, especially in regions like Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, are driving a significant demand for military drones. As nations seek to strengthen their surveillance, intelligence, and tactical capabilities, military drones have become integral to modern defense strategies. For example, the Indo-Pacific region increasingly views drones as vital for maintaining a strategic balance in contested areas. Similarly, Russia’s actions in Ukraine have highlighted the tactical advantages of drones, prompting Eastern European nations near the conflict zone to prioritize drone investments to enhance border security and ensure readiness in case of escalations.

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) ZenaDrone Subsidiary Develops and Tests Proprietary Drone Communications System Enabling Secure and Reliable Communications for US Defense Applications – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, announces that its subsidiary ZenaDrone has developed and is currently testing a proprietary drone communications management system called “DroneNet” that enables direct and secure drone communications in situations without reliable internet, cellular or satellite communications. The internally developed system is specifically built for use with the Company’s ZenaDrone 1000 and IQ series of drone products. A drone communications system is a two-way link between a drone and its base station used to direct the drone and relay real-time drone video and sensor data.

    “We believe our proprietary DroneNet communications system will improve both the reliability and performance of our drones ensuring we are not dependent on third-party products with compatibility issues. This internal development ensures we gain more customization of our products, cost management, and control of our supply chain, all of which results in what we believe to be superior drone solutions. Once we’ve tested this initial version, our plan for future advancements includes developing and testing our own microchips with multilayer encryption suitable for NDAA-compliant use required for US Defense applications,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.

    Drones used by the military for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance applications require reliable communications systems for uninterrupted data transmission, mission effectiveness, and operational security. Drones must relay real-time video, sensor data, and telemetry to command centers, allowing defense operators to make time-sensitive decisions. This is especially critical for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, where drones operate over longer distances often in harsh or contested environments. Without secure and resilient communications links, drones risk losing control, can face signal jamming, or data latency, which can compromise mission success. Advanced proprietary communication solutions, using satellite and 4G help ensure connectivity in GPS-denied or high-interference environments and can safeguard data against jamming and cyber threats.

    The ZenaDrone 1000 is an autonomous drone, in a VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) quadcopter design with eight rotors; it is considered a medium-sized drone measuring 12X7 feet in size. It is designed for stable flight, maneuverability, heavy lift capabilities up to 40 kilos, incorporating innovative software technology, AI, sensors, and purpose-built attachments, along with compact and rugged hardware engineered for industrial and defense use. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    Other recent developments in the markets include:

    AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS) recently announced it recently completed a successful demonstration of its eBee VISION Intelligence Safety and Reconnaissance (ISR) UAS platform for key officials of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).

    AgEagle CEO Bill Irby commented, “As we continue to expand our presence in the defense sector, this demonstration underscores AgEagle’s commitment to delivering innovative UAV solutions that meet the rigorous demands of diverse military applications. By providing enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, the eBee VISION ensures our defense customers have the operational efficiency and situational awareness information they require for mission success.”

    EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH) recently announced the launch of its Exhibition (Experience) Center in Shenzhen’s Luohu Sports and Leisure Park. It is the world’s first EH216-S takeoff and landing site featuring a fully automated vertical lift vertiport. It also marks a new smart infrastructure in Shenzhen dedicated to the commercial operations of the EH216-S pilotless passenger-carrying aerial vehicle, establishing a groundbreaking model for electric vertical takeoff and landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft operations in urban areas.

    The Luohu UAM Center, designed by EHang, boasts an automated three-dimensional vertical lift vertiport. This innovative facility reduces labor costs and optimizes space usage through its automated operations. The Luohu UAM Center, spanning approximately 753 square meters, has brought this advanced design to life. The first floor is dedicated to a hangar and boarding area, providing passengers with a seamless and comfortable experience. The integrated takeoff and landing pad with the hangar enables rapid charging, thereby streamlining flight operations. During the launch ceremony on January 21, an EH216-S aircraft was lifted from the first to the second floor by the vertical lift platform. It then took to the skies, completing a lap over the Luohu Sports and Leisure Park before landing smoothly, marking its first flight at the Luohu UAM Center. The demonstration received widespread acclaim from attendees.

    Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) has successfully completed the second stage of piloted thrustborne testing of its full scale VX4 prototype. The company is now preparing for a new chapter in its history, with the VX4 entering the penultimate phase of flight testing: wingborne flight. This phase will mark a defining moment in the VX4’s development, pushing beyond the limits of the secure airspace of Cotswold Airport’s airfield and into real-world operating conditions for the first time.

    During Phase 2, the aircraft completed over thirty piloted test flights. Flight tests included completing successful hover and low speed flight maneuvers, as well as executing handling and performance procedures including roll, yaw, and spot-turns.

    Shift5, the observability platform for onboard operational technology, and The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) have recently entered into a global strategic reseller partnership to offer Shift5’s Compliance Module to automate Aircraft Network Security Program (ANSP) compliance efforts for commercial and civil aviation operators. The partnership will drastically reduce the time and manual effort required by maintenance and security teams to identify and report anomalies in onboard data in e-enabled aircraft, allowing them to address credible cyber threats and potential safety issues to improve the safety and operations of fleets.

    Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) guidelines in Advisory Circular (AC) 119-1 and European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) guidelines in Common Requirements Regulation (EU) 2017/373 and the Single European Sky Framework require operators flying connected or e-enabled aircraft with advanced connectivity capabilities to create an ANSP to ensure their safety, integrity, and reliability are in alignment with regulatory standards.

    About FN Media Group:
    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty four hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:
    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: SecDef Pete Hegseth delivers opening remarks at the 26th UDCG meeting in Brussels, Feb. 12, 2025

    Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)

    Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth delivers opening remarks at the 26th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Brussels, Feb. 12, 2025
    —————
    Your military is an all-volunteer force that serves to protect our security and way of life, but Service members are more than a fighting force. They are leaders, humanitarians and your fellow Americans. Get to know more about the men and women who serve, who they are, what they do, and why they do it.

    For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
    —————
    Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!

    Like the DoD on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Instagram: http://instagram.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/DeptofDefense

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hadw9YOCBrk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Extramural Studies Placement 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Opportunity for veterinary students to apply to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2025.

    The VMD invites veterinary students who are in their clinical years of study to apply to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2025, at the VMD’s offices in Addlestone, Surrey. 

    The placement is an exciting opportunity to discover how veterinary medicines and vaccines are authorised.  Students will also explore other important aspects of the VMD’s work and will learn about a range of career opportunities in the veterinary profession.

    The placement will be run from 7 to 11 July 2025.  The week will be structured with lectures and workshops.  Some of the topics that will be covered include:

    • Medicine use in clinical practice
    • Assessing new medicine applications, including Quality, Safety and Efficacy of medicines
    • Generic medicines; bioequivalence and biowaivers
    • Pharmacovigilance and the importance of reporting adverse events
    • Novel and emerging therapies
    • VMD international activities
    • Antimicrobial and anthelmintic resistance
    • Veterinary medicine legislation

    To apply

    Please complete the EMS Application form (MS Word Document, 44.9 KB) and email to ems@vmd.gov.uk.

    Applications will close on 14 March.  All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by 21 March.

    Please note, students will be responsible for their own accommodation and travel costs. 

    We look forward to receiving your applications.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Head of Commercial Real Estate Investment Firm Pleads Guilty in $62.8M Investment Fraud Scheme

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    A New York man pleaded guilty yesterday in the Northern District of Georgia for his role in a scheme to defraud investors in connection with two commercial real estate investments.

    According to court documents, Elchonon “Elie” Schwartz, 46, of New York City, engaged in a scheme to defraud investors who sought to invest in commercial real estate through the crowdfunding commercial real estate investing website CrowdStreet Marketplace (CrowdStreet). Beginning May 2022, Schwartz solicited investments through CrowdStreet for a large commercial real estate complex in Atlanta and ultimately raised approximately $54 million from about 654 investors. Beginning in November 2022, Schwartz solicited investments again through CrowdStreet in connection with a mixed-use building in Miami Beach, Florida, and ultimately raised approximately $8.8 million from about 167 investors. In total, Schwartz raised approximately $62.8 million from investors through CrowdStreet.

    As part of the investment solicitation process, Schwartz executed agreements that stated, in part, that the funds raised from CrowdStreet investors would be held in segregated bank accounts controlled by Schwartz. In the documentation provided to CrowdStreet investors, Schwartz represented that he would only use the investors’ money to fund the investment in each property and that he had a fiduciary duty to safeguard the funds and to prohibit commingling or use of the money that did not benefit each investment.

    Contrary to these representations, however, Schwartz misappropriated and converted the CrowdStreet investor funds for his own use. Schwartz directed substantially all the CrowdStreet investor money into his personal bank, personal brokerage account, and accounts for unrelated commercial real estate investments he controlled. For example, Schwartz used the CrowdStreet investor funds to purchase luxury watches, to invest in stocks and options in his brokerage account, and to pay for payroll expenses for his unrelated commercial real estate businesses. Ultimately, in mid-July 2023, the two corporate entities that Schwartz had formed to receive funds from CrowdStreet investors both filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

    Schwartz pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 19 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie Jr. for the Northern District of Georgia, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Atlanta Field Office investigated the case. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement provided valuable assistance in the investigation.

    Trial Attorney Matthew F. Sullivan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Connors for the Northern District of Georgia are prosecuting the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorneys David O’Neal and Christopher Huber for the Northern District of Georgia provided substantial assistance with the investigation and prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A822 North Bridge Street Resurfacing Works

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    Due to the nature of the works and available road space, these works will be carried out under a restricted hours road closure between 9.15am and 3pm Monday to Friday, with no weekend working planned, to minimise disruption. On street parking and loading will also be suspended in the works area.   

    During the road closure hours, the official diversion route will be via the A822, A85, A9, A823 and A822, and vice versa. The works area and official diversion route are both shown on the location plan (PDF, 1 MB).  

    Outside the closure hours, temporary traffic signals may be used to protect road users and the work site.  

    During the works, vehicle access to properties within the works area will be limited and immediate entry/exit cannot be guaranteed. Our contractor will grant access when it is safe to do so, however we would advise residents and motorists to expect some delays. Access for emergency services vehicles will be maintained throughout, and on waste collection days bins should be presented as normal. 

    Some changes to bus services during the working hours will be necessary – arrangements for these will be detailed on our Public Transport pages. 

    We apologise for any inconvenience these essential works may cause and would thank residents and motorists for their patience while the resurfacing is carried out.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Syria’s mass graves: Accounting for the dead and disappeared is crucial for the nation to heal

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Stefan Schmitt, Project Lead for International Technical Forensic Services Global Forensic Justice Center, Florida International University

    Shortly after the fall of Bashar Assad in Syria in December 2024, reports emerged of mass graves being uncovered in liberated areas.

    Grim as such discoveries are, they should come as little surprise. The scale of the regime’s torture and killings in its detention facilities became evident years earlier, when in January 2014 a forensic photographer defected and left the country with a cache of 55,000 photos of people who had been tortured and died in detention.

    As an expert in forensic anthropology and mass casualties in conflict, I was asked to evaluate what became known as the “Caesar photographs.” What was clear to me then, and is even more so now, is that those photos represented a systematic approach to torturing, killing and disappearing massive numbers of people by the Assad regime.

    With Assad now gone, the newly formed government of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has vowed to seek justice for the crimes Syrians suffered under Assad. Doing so will be difficult, even with the civil war in Syria being one of the better monitored conflicts in recent history. Yet it is a task that is imperative for the sake of pursuing justice in a shattered country and reducing the likelihood of violence returning to Syria.

    Holding perpetrators to account

    Since Syria erupted into violence in 2011, several groups have been collecting evidence of human rights violations. These include the Syrian Justice and Accountability Center, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the Syrian Emergency Task Force and the Commission for International Justice and Accountability. Internationally, the United Nations established an International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria in 2016 to assist any investigations and prosecutions of those responsible for serious violations of international law in Syria since March 2011.

    Estimates of those killed since the start of civil conflict in 2011 range anywhere from 100,000 to over 600,000, with civilian deaths accounting for at least 160,000.

    Many of these deaths have been at the hands of the Assad regime. But different armed groups, including the al-Nusra Front and Islamic State group, have also been accused of atrocities.

    From the perspective of holding perpetrators accountable, that could complicate matters. The leader of now ruling Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is the founder of the al-Nusra Front and might not be willing to hold his group or others accountable or acknowledge the crimes of that group.

    An uncovered mass grave believed to contain the remains of civilians killed by the ousted Assad regime in Daraa, Syria.
    Bekir Kasim/Anadolu via Getty Images

    Who investigates?

    There are three dimensions of accounting for the missing following conflict. First, there is the task of identifying and repatriating the remains of those in mass graves to allow family and friends to grieve. Second, the rights of victims to know the truth about what happened to their loved ones needs to be addressed. And finally, the process needs to provide justice, accountability and reconciliation, regardless of who was responsible.

    But before this can take place, the question of who is responsible for the accounting needs to be addressed.

    Countries coming out of civil conflict have turned to different mechanisms, from truth commissions to criminal tribunals. In the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, special U.N. courts were set up to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of grievous crimes. These tribunals were created as independent judicial bodies dedicated to investigating and prosecuting those most responsible for the crimes that had been committed during conflict.

    Guatemala, which emerged from a decades-long civil war in 1996, turned to national human rights and victim organizations to take the lead in a process of “transitional justice.” This included the Commission for Historical Clarification, which through its investigation concluded that an estimated 200,000 people had been killed.

    The nongovernmental Forensic Anthropology Foundation of Guatemala, or FAFG, has since 1993 formed a fundamental part of searching, identifying and repatriating the missing. FAFG collects personal information, DNA profiles and witness statements and is responsible for protecting the rights of victims’ families in Guatemala’s judicial system.

    Its work continues to this day.

    What crimes to include

    As to the Syrian civil war, a decision over the scope of any investigation into the disappeared and dead will likewise have to be made.

    Will it include all those missing and in mass graves in areas held by al-Nusra, the Islamic State group and other armed groups, as well as those killed by Assad? The fact that groups and individuals that now form the government could have been involved in human rights violations may risk future investigations being skewed toward just the victims of Assad.

    Even if the scope was narrowed to Assad’s crimes, it’s unclear how far back one should go. Assad rule in Syria began more than 50 years ago under Assad’s father, Hafez al Assad. And killings and disappearances date back to the elder’s time in power, including the 1982 massacre in the city of Hama in which an estimated 20,000 to 40,000 were killed.

    The role of the state

    Another fact-finding question concerns the sharing of information between civil society groups and the state.

    The information gathered on the war by various NGOs so far is technically held or “owned” by such groups, not the Syrian state. This is for a good reason, as victims trust these organizations to protect information from the perpetrators, some of whom might form part of the new government.

    The International Commission on Missing Persons, an NGO with its seat in the Netherlands, gained its reputation while identifying the dead from the conflict in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s and early 2000s. It has already collected and stored testimonies from over 76,200 Syrian relatives of more than 28,000 missing persons and has identified 66 mass grave locations. Other organizations have similar testimonies.

    But to what extent will these groups share their data and analysis with a future Syrian state led by a rebel group that itself is accused of human rights violations, such as arbitrary detentions and torture?

    At some point, the state of Syria will need to be involved in the process. Legally and in practice, the state issues a citizen’s “civil identity” through things such as a birth certificate that establish a person with rights and responsibilities. In the same manner, the state issues death certificates in which the manner of death determines any judicial reactions – such as a criminal investigation in cases where the death is due to homicide.

    The state is also important in resolving issues such as inheritance and widower status.

    Identifying the remains from the mass graves is therefore not just a “technical” issue dependent on cutting-edge DNA laboratories and missing-persons databases. It is also something that any future Syrian state should work toward, and then own and take responsibility for.

    Shifting responsibility away from the state to an international body would not really help Syria develop its own accountability mechanisms or hold the government to delivering justice for the victims and their families.

    In my view, empowering victims in this transitional justice process needs to be a priority for the Syrian state. This includes the establishment of a transparent forensic and investigative effort to address the concerns of families searching for loved ones.

    It should not, I believe, be outsourced. From my experience with similar processes elsewhere, it is important that Syrians become “experts” in all aspects of this process. No doubt, the task will take time and searching for the truth about what happened, and will involve perpetrators and victims alike.

    It might well be a painful and painstaking process. But it is a necessary one if postconflict Syrian is to hold to account those who attempted to “erase” the identity of victims by disappearing them, burying them in mass graves, or leaving them under the bombed rubble of their neighborhoods.

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

    – ref. Syria’s mass graves: Accounting for the dead and disappeared is crucial for the nation to heal – https://theconversation.com/syrias-mass-graves-accounting-for-the-dead-and-disappeared-is-crucial-for-the-nation-to-heal-246400

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Company offering fake hospitality packages to the British Grand Prix is shut down

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Foresea Limited is connected to three other hospitality package scams which were wound up by the Insolvency Service in the past six months.

    • Foresea Limited targeted businesses with hospitality tickets for the British Grand Prix  
    • The company is connected to three similar scam businesses shut down following Insolvency Service investigations.  
    • Foresea Ltd was wound-up at the High Court in Manchester on 12 February 2025. 

    A company which offered businesses British Grand Prix hospitality packages they never actually had has been shut down after customers failed to receive tickets they had paid for. 

    Foresea Limited – originally based in Kent but thought to have changed business address several times – claimed to be a large-scale provider of corporate hospitality, despite never having the tickets to sell.

    An Insolvency Service investigation found that clients would be contacted through cold calls and would then pay for the hospitality packages which were later cancelled by Foresea Limited with no refunds being paid.  

    The Insolvency Service understands that Foresea Limited is connected to at least three other scam hospitality businesses which have been shut down by the agency since August 2024: Informa Expo Ltd, Prive Global Sports Ltd and Darcella Ltd. 

    David Usher, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: 

    We have worked hard to root out these companies and attempt to end this cycle of scam hospitality packages.  

    Foresea Limited existed for the sole purpose of continuing to cause harm to unsuspecting members of the public, with the promise of tickets to high-profile sporting event. 

    Our investigations into these types of scams continue, and we will do all we can to put a stop to them.

    Warnings about the company were also published by the FIA, the governing body of motorsport. 

    Clients of Foresea Limited also made complaints to Action Fraud. 

    Foresea Ltd charged 20% VAT on each sale, collecting around £12,000 in tax, when it was not registered to do so. 

    Attempts to contact current and previous directors of Foresea Ltd were unsuccessful and the company failed to provide its books and records as it was required to do.  

    The Official Receiver has been appointed as liquidator of the company.  

    All enquiries concerning the affairs of the Foresea Ltd should be made to the Official Receiver of the Public Interest Unit: 16th Floor, 1 Westfield Avenue, Stratford, London, E20 1HZ. Email: piu.or@insolvency.gov.uk. 

    Information about the other companies related to this case can be found here:  

    Darcella Ltd: Corporate sports and music hospitality provider shut down after last-minute booking cancellations and failure to pay refunds – GOV.UK 

    Prive Global Sports Ltd: Scam company which claimed to sell hospitality packages to major sporting events is shut down – GOV.UK 

    Informa Expo Limited: Scam company which offered fake hospitality packages to British Grand Prix is shut down – GOV.UK 

    Further information  

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Legislation introduced to enable appointment of Lord High Commissioner of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release from the Cabinet Office published Thursday 13th February.

    Today (Thursday 13 February) the UK Government is introducing legislation to remove the legal barrier to Roman Catholics holding the office of Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

    The Lord High Commissioner is appointed to attend the proceedings on The King’s behalf as the Sovereign’s representative to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland – the governing body of the Church of Scotland, which meets each May in Edinburgh.

    The Lord High Commissioner makes opening and closing addresses and carries out a number of official functions. The Assembly meets annually to hear reports from the councils and committees, makes laws and sets the agenda for the Church of Scotland.

    Currently, Roman Catholics are legally restricted from holding the office of Lord High Commissioner due to historic legislation, including the Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829. The Government will introduce a short and narrowly-focused Bill – the Church of Scotland (Lord High Commissioner) Bill – to remove this restriction. Individuals of other faiths and none can currently hold the office. 

    The Bill will facilitate the upcoming appointment of Lady Elish Angiolini as the Lord High Commissioner for 2025.  Lady Elish would be the first Roman Catholic to hold this office.

    Lady Elish Angiolini is a practising Roman Catholic and has a distinguished background in law and academia. Her appointment will be a significant gesture of unity, goodwill and collaboration between the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church in Scotland, following the St Margaret Declaration signed in 2022.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Labour ‘Knows the Price Of Everything but the Value of Nothing’

    Source: Party of Wales

    During First Minister’s Questions today (Tuesday 4th February 2025), Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS challenged the Labour Welsh Government for presiding over crises facing the education and culture sectors.

    Last week, Cardiff announced plans to cut 400 jobs to merge departments and axe courses – including music and nursing.

    This announcement came after months of warning from the Higher Education sector over possible job cuts.

    Wales’ cultural institutions are also struggling. Wales’ National Museum has closed temporarily due to safety concerns over the deteriorating condition of the building.

    Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said:

    “As each day goes by, institutions of cultural, educational and national importance are being dismantled one by one – proving that Labour knows the price of everything but the value of nothing.

    “Wales’ National Museum has closed temporarily and 400 jobs are on the line at Cardiff University.

    “We see cuts to Arts Council, and the loss of the National Theatre. Now a world renowned music department within Wales’ largest university is being closed – the land of song being silenced on Labour’s watch.

    “And at the height of an NHS nursing crisis – Labour’s message is that it doesn’t care about those who want to make a career out of caring for others.

    “After almost 26 years, Labour are lurching from one crisis to another and their lack of vision and ambition for Wales is plain for all to see. Only Plaid Cymru offers Wales the fresh start it desperately needs.”

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government’s first Collision and Casualty Reduction Plan published13 February 2025 The Government of Jersey has published its first ‘Collision and Casualty Reduction Plan’, which sets out plans to support a reduction in number of people seriously injured or killed on roads reduced.… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    13 February 2025

    The Government of Jersey has published its first ‘Collision and Casualty Reduction Plan’, which sets out plans to support a reduction in number of people seriously injured or killed on roads reduced. 

    View the plan here: States Assembly | Assembly Reports​ 

    This is the first time Jersey has adopted a plan focused on the reduction of collisions and casualties. It aligns Jesey with best practice from countries such as Sweden and the Netherlands who have successfully reduced road casualties through implementing the ‘Safe System Approach’. 

    Initial targets of the plan aim for a 50% reduction of people being seriously injured or killed on roads over the next decade, while working towards the long-term goal of ‘Vision Zero’ where no one is seriously injured or killed on roads. 

    The plan acknowledges that while human error is inevitable, the severity of collisions can be significantly reduced through forgiving road design, safer vehicles, appropriate speeds, better driver behaviour and effective post-collision care and response, and learning lessons from collisions to try and prevent similar collisions occurring in the future.

    The Minister for Infrastructure, Connétable Andy Jehan, said: “I am very pleased to see this plan, the first of its kind in Jersey, being published. Of course, no loss of life on our roads is acceptable and this plan is a commitment to every Islander that we are taking decisive, coordinated action to reduce road harm and protect our community. 

    “We all have a role to play in making our roads safer. Whether you drive a car, ride a bike, or walk, your decisions matter. Together, we can build a road system where safety is prioritised, and lives are saved.:​

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New report highlights key sources of air pollution in Oxford

    Source: City of Oxford

    A new report has been published by Oxford City Council, providing a breakdown of the key sources of air pollution in the city. 

    The Oxford Source Apportionment report, which was conducted by Ricardo Group, highlights that road transport remains the highest contributor to NOx emissions, while domestic wood burning is the largest contributor to particulate pollution (PM2.5) in the city. 

    The report examines the contributions of different sectors to air pollution in Oxford (transport, domestic combustion, point sources, other transport, and other emissions), focusing on nitrogen oxides (NOX – a combination of nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2)) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10).  

    The report is based on air pollution data measured in 2022, as well as modelling on the impact of the introduction of 159 electric buses in Oxford through the Government’s ZEBRA scheme. 

    The report found that while road transport remains the largest source of NOX pollution (32%), domestic combustion—particularly wood burning—is the leading cause of harmful PM2.5 emissions (24%). 

    Key findings of the report: 

    • Road transport remains the largest contributor to NOX pollution – accounting for 32% of total NOX emissions.
    • Domestic combustion accounts for 26% of total NOX emissions.
    • Point sources (emissions from sources at a known location that can be directly mapped such as industry or commercial buildings) contribute 20% of total NOX emissions.
    • Other road transport (including boats, and military aircraft) accounts for 9% of total NOX emissions.
    • Other emissions (including rail and aircrafts, non-road mobile machinery, industry, waste, solvents, agriculture, and production processes) accounts for 13% of total NOX emissions.
    • Domestic wood burning is the highest contributor to PM2.5 pollution, accounting for 24% of total PM2.5 emissions.
    • Buses contribute 4% to total NOX emissions, reflecting a significant (28%) reduction since the previous source apportionment study, due to Oxford’s transition to electric buses. 

    Road Transport 

    Road transport remains the largest single contributor to NOX pollution, with diesel vehicles dominating emissions: 

    • Cars (petrol and diesel) account for 48% of total NOX emissions.
    • Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) account for 19%.
    • Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs) account for 26%.
    • Buses contribute 4% to total NOX emissions, reflecting a significant (28%) reduction since the previous source apportionment study, due to Oxford’s transition to electric buses. 
    • Private hire and Hackney taxis account for 2%. 

    Since the previous Source Apportionment Study, road transport NOX emissions have dropped from 40% to 32%, primarily due to the introduction of electric buses under the government’s ZEBRA scheme. Buses now contribute to 4% to total NOX emissions in the city. 

    Since the previous Source Apportionment Study, road transport NOX emissions have dropped from 40% to 32%, primarily due to the introduction of electric buses under the government’s ZEBRA scheme. Buses now contribute to 4% to total NOX emissions in the city. 

    Hotspot Locations 

    In addition to transport emissions across the whole city, the report also looked at pollution in three ‘hotspot’ locations – St Clement’s, Botley road and Worcester Street – which have historically seen high levels of air pollution and are key roads for vehicles to travel into and across the city.  

    The findings show: 

    • Cars are the biggest contributors to NOX across all three locations.
    • LGVs and HGVs follow as the next most significant contributors.
    • Buses have seen a reduction in their contribution to NOX emissions, following the transition to electric in 2024.
    • Private hire taxis contribute more to NOX emissions than Hackney Carriages – with both sources combined accounting for 2% of NOX. 

    Domestic Combustion 

    The report highlights that the domestic combustion sector (which includes emissions from burning wood, coal, and gas to heat homes) is responsible for 35% of total PM2.5 emissions citywide – with wood burning alone accounting for 25%.  

    When looking at the specific sources of PM2.5 within the domestic combustion sector: 

    • Wood burning accounts for 70% of all PM2.5 emissions relating to domestic combustion.
    • Commercial heating (in businesses and institutions) contributes 15%.
    • Gas and coal (domestic others) burning contributes 14%.
    • Smokeless fuels account for just 1%.

    Other sources of emissions 

    Other sources of NOX emissions in Oxford includes: 

    • Point sources (such as industry and commercial buildings) contribute 20% of total NOX emissions.
    • Other road transport (including boats, and military aircraft) accounts for 9% of total NOX emissions.
    • Other emissions (including rail and aircrafts, non-road mobile machinery, industry, waste, solvents, agriculture, and production processes) account for 13% of total NOX emissions. 

    There is no safe level of air pollution  

    In Oxford, the main pollutant of concern is nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Over the past few years, Oxford’s air quality has improved significantly, and since the introduction of the city’s current Air Quality Action Plan in 2021, NO2 levels across Oxford have seen a 18% average reduction.  

    Oxford is currently in compliance with the UK’s legal limit for NO2 in all areas of ‘relevant exposure’ within the city (40 µg/m³). However, there is ultimately no safe level of NO2 exposure.  

    In September 2021 the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended a much ‘safer’ annual mean level of NO2 of 10 µg/m³. Under its current Air Quality Action Plan, which was established in January 2021, Oxford has set its own voluntary annual mean target for NO2 of 30 µg/m³) to be achieved across the city by 2025.  

    Next Steps 

    The report will inform the Council’s upcoming Air Quality Action Plan, which will be updated in 2026 following public consultation later this year.

    An Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) outlines the actions that the Council and its partners will take to improve air quality in Oxford within a certain period of time.The Council’s current Air Quality Action Plan can be read here. 

    For more information on air quality in Oxford, visit the Council’s Air Quality pages.  

    Comment 

    “This latest source apportionment study shows us to the key sources of toxic air pollution in Oxford, and what areas we need to focus on to improve air pollution across the city.  

    “We can see that there has been a significant reduction in the contribution of buses to NOX levels following the introduction of the 159 electric bus fleet. However, cars remain the largest contributor to this pollution.  

    “The report also highlights that we must address the growing issue of domestic wood burning, which is now the largest source of harmful PM2.5 pollution in Oxford. Many people may not realise that even modern wood stoves produce dangerous emissions. By reducing wood burning and supporting zero-emission transport, we can continue to improve Oxford’s air quality for everyone.” 

    Councillor Anna Railton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford, Oxford City Council

    “The modelled impact that the new fleet of electric buses is having on air quality in Oxford in such as short space of time is remarkable. We are incredibly proud to have put together the successful bid alongside the bus companies to bring them to the city, and this new report shows why it was such an important initiative in creating a cleaner, greener county.” 

    Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management

    “We’re proud of the massive step change in emissions buses have delivered in Oxford over the last decade to help provide radically cleaner air for the communities we serve. 

    “This has been sustained over several years with the move to ultra-low emission vehicles and more recently zero emission vehicles, following significant investment by both companies.  

    “However, overall Oxford’s air is not benefitting as much as it could be due to the steadily increasing proportion of car and van emissions. The data clearly demonstrates that it’s vital for Oxford’s health that suitable measures are introduced to help reduce the volume of private vehicles on the city’s roads to achieve even greater improvements in air quality.” 

    Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Three projects to boost local businesses awarded grants

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Three projects including an event to boost to city centre footfall, further targeting of the Love Local Card, and trips for cruise ship visitors including a seabird safari with potential dolphin spotting are to take place in the next few months.

    Aberdeen City Council’s Finance and Resources Committee yesterday agreed to spend £135,700 on the projects – Freebie Fortnight, Love Local Card, and the development of the travel trade tours offered by the Council’s Countryside Ranger Service.

    Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “The Council is committed to working with city centre businesses and others to drive up occupancy levels on Union Street and make our city centre an even better place to visit, work, shop, live , invest and do business.”

    Committee convener Councillor Alex McLellan said: Aberdeen City Council is continuing to support business in the city centre and increase footfall through these initiatives which have been developed in partnership with the business community.”

    A report to committee said £115,000 is to be allocated to Freebie Fortnight, which is aimed at strengthening local entrepreneurial ecosystems and supporting the development of SMEs.

    Freebie Fortnight proposal will be run in co-ordination with local retail and hospitality businesses to boost city centre footfall, visitor numbers, and local spend.

    The aim is to have about 20 local retailers participating in Freebie Fortnight. Each will be asked to select an in-store offering of value up to either £5 or £10, to be made available to a set number of customers per day over the period, for free. Customers will need to use a verbal code to access the offering. The funding from UKSPF would meet the cost of this offering, reimbursing each participating business.

    There will be a particular emphasis on targeting businesses adjacent to current city centre works and disruption on Union Street Central and the new market building. It is expected that funding will support about 20 businesses to take part, and criteria will be set around these being local SMEs with fewer than three stores, rather than national chains.

    The report said a total of £10,000 is to be spent on Love Local Card online development and promotion. There are more than 300 businesses in the city signed up to the Aberdeen Gift Card which is the most successful in the UK for the second year running.

    Aberdeen Gift Cards can be used in both local independents as well as national chains and offer the opportunity of aggregate spend, in person in the city, and not online. The Gift Card is therefore a major boost to the local economy, local spend and visitor numbers.

    To continue this momentum, a key area for growth for the Aberdeen Gift Card is corporate sales. Where organisations and businesses adopt the Gift Card for use as staff gifts, staff benefits and staff rewards, there is opportunity for increased spend and awareness of the Gift Card. The grant money will be used to support Aberdeen Inspired to target corporate sales growth of the Gift Card by developing and launching a webpage including video and case study content and increase engagement.

    The travel tour fairs by the Countryside Rangers Service was awarded £10,700. Last year, the service began working with the Council’s Tourism Officer to introduce new tours targeted at the travel trade, with cruise tourism being a catalyst for the activity. The initial offer is focused on a seabird safari with potential dolphin spotting, a minibeast safari looking at insects and woodland areas, and a night-time moth-spotting trail.

    The grant funds will be used to purchase equipment and kit to support the existing programme, expand the offer to include a wider area, and enhance the night-time tour with telescopes. The tours align to the Destination Strategy developed with VisitAberdeenshire which includes a focus on outdoor and adventure tourism experiences distinct to the region.

    The grants were from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund managed by Aberdeen City Council.

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