Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: Ukrainian border guards enhance ability to detect forged documents on OSCE study tour to the Netherlands
Participants in a site visit on an OSCE study tour to the Netherlands enhancing border guards’ ability to detect forged documents, 9 April 2025. (OSCE) Photo details
Senior officers from Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service (SBGS) strengthened their document fraud detection capability and explored ways to enhance border control operations at airports and maritime ports during a study tour to the Netherlands organized by the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department, in collaboration with the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, from 7 to 10 April.
The participants worked with experts at the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee’s Identity Fraud and Documents Centre of Expertise (ECID) to learn about emerging trends in document forgeries, advanced forensic examination techniques and the development of training programmes with forensic document experts. Since ECID experts also provide training to first-line border guards, these exchanges will directly support Ukraine’s Main Forensic Center in developing new training programmes, modelled after ECID’s training structure, and enabling them to deploy trainers previously prepared through the OSCE’s training-of-trainers courses for SBGS.
During a site visit at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, the officials learned about the integration of modern screening technologies such as automated border control e-gates (ABC e-gates). This supports the intensified efforts by Ukrainian authorities to reopen Ukraine’s civilian airports upon the cessation of hostilities and to deepen the understanding of these technologies toward supporting the country in updating its legislation for implementing ABC e-gates.
Given the role of Ukraine’s maritime ports in its grain exports, the SBGS officials also benefitted from a site visit at Rotterdam Port, one of the world’s busiest ports, to explore its modernized operations, including the implementation of automation procedures and cargo container screening processes.
A visit to Keesing Technologies, an identification technologies company, in Amsterdam was an opportunity for participants to learn more about the role of public-private engagement for ensuring document experts are up to date on the latest advances in passport security, including passport features that are the intellectual property of commercial companies.
The study visit was part of an ongoing project supporting the OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation in reducing illegal border crossings with a fake or stolen identity, which is funded by the United States of America.
Reacting to news that parliament is to be recalled on Saturday 12th April to discuss the future of British Steel, Green MP Ellie Chowns said:
“The Green party will be backing nationalisation of British Steel – which is now clearly the only sure way to secure this strategically important sector so vital to national security and British jobs. Public ownership of key sectors such as water and transport has always been Green party policy, and where it is in the public interest to have public ownership of a key strategic industry, which appears to be the case with Scunthorpe Steelworks, Greens are in full support.
“Taking British Steel into public ownership provides the opportunity to help drive the green industrial revolution, supporting Scunthorpe Steelworks to make the transition from blast furnaces to electric arcs, which are cheaper and far better for the environment to run. Supporting decarbonisation of steel will further enable the UK to produce the green steel necessary to transition to a green economy, such as wind turbines and trains.
“We must not leave the future of steel communities to the whims of multinational companies or unhinged American presidents. These communities deserve better and green steel in public ownership is the way to ensure these communities not only survive but thrive into the future.”
Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
Commenting after being told by the Assembly Commission that a “confidential settlement” had been reached between contractors and the Assembly Commission which means taxpayers won’t be told how much they are paying of the multimillion-pound bill Timothy Gaston said:
“This is a ridiculous situation. We are talking about public money here – potentially a huge sum – yet the public, whose money after all it is, is not permitted to know how much if any is involved in this settlement.
“The most basic duty of any public representative is the prudent use of public money. Yet here we have a situation where the Assembly Commission – on which Sinn Fein, the DUP, Alliance, UUP and SDLP all sit – has reached a backroom court settlement which the public are not permitted to know about.
“It is an outrageous and intolerable state of affairs which involves all the Executive parties and also those who laughably call themselves the “constructive” opposition.
“Stormont never had any shine since its restoration as far as unionists were concerned given that it only came back because of broken promises. However, I detect a growing sense across people from all political backgrounds and none that the Stormont establishment is a racket which while shouting about an alleged lack of funds from Westminster waste vast amounts of money within its power.
“Stormont has a moral duty to tell the people of Northern Ireland the detail about this case. The public deserves nothing less”.
Note to editors
Mr Gaston’s question and the answer received are as follows:
To ask the Assembly Commission, pursuant to AQW 25556/22-27, (i) whether the settlement covered the full costs of the roof repairs, including all expenses on experts; and (ii) whether the Assembly Commission’s outlays and legal costs were fully covered by the settlement.
The proceedings issued by the Assembly Commission in respect of defects in work carried out to the roof of Parliament Buildings were settled on confidential terms following a judge led mediation in January 2025. An agreement on costs formed part of the settlement agreement. The settlement agreement has been filed with the High Court. While the Assembly Commission is pleased to have concluded this matter the terms of the settlement do not allow any further detail to be provided.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Sarah Newton Reappointed as Chair of the Health and Safety Executive.
The Department for Work and Pensions has reappointed Sarah Newton as Chair of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Board.
The Health and Safety Executive is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety and advises the DWP.
Sarah Newton “delighted” to continue her work on delivering on its 10-year strategy.
The Department for Work and Pensions has reappointed Sarah Newton as Chair of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Board.
The reappointment will last for two years starting from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2027.
Sarah Newton has led HSE since 2020, overseeing its important role in ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of workers across Great Britain.
During her tenure, she has driven strategic improvements, strengthened regulatory frameworks, and championed HSE’s mission to protect people and places.
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, said:
I congratulate Sarah on her reappointment as HSE chair, and I look forward to continuing to work with her over the next few years.
As we overhaul our employment support system and give workers the skills and support they need to succeed in their careers, the role of HSE will be vital to ensure workplaces are safe environments for them to flourish in.
Chair of the HSE Board, Sarah Newton, said:
I am delighted to be reappointed as the Chair of the HSE to deliver our ten-year strategy, Protecting People and Places, while supporting the Government’s aim to improve the productivity of and growth in the UK economy.
HSE does this by supporting business-led innovation and employers in their duty to prevent work related fatalities, ill health and injuries.
Over the past five years, HSE has significantly expanded the scope of our work, taking on the responsibility of regulating chemicals in Great Britain and setting up the Building Safety Regulator for England.
Throughout this journey, it has been a privilege to work with the non-executive and executive leadership team and many dedicated HSE employees. I look forward to tackling the challenges ahead.
The Health and Safety Executive is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. It is dedicated to protecting people and places and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.
The HSE Board oversees the activities of HSE, ensuring that high standards of corporate governance and ways of working are maintained.
The HSE 10-year strategy sets out clear objectives and core themes to ensure people are protected in the workplace. The strategy prioritises on delivering a reduction in occupational ill health, specifically focusing on work-related stress and mental health.
Additional Information
About Sarah Newton
Sarah has 30 years’ experience of strategic planning, leadership and change management, dealing with complex issues across the business, voluntary and governmental sectors. She has considerable experience of building partnerships between diverse people and organisations to deliver shared aims. She has served on a wide range of boards and is currently a Non-Executive Director of the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust.
Between 2010 and 2019 she was an MP and served for 3 years as a Member of the Science and Technology Select Committee before becoming a Minister in the Home Office and latterly at the Department of Work and Pensions, where she had the honour of working with the HSE and leading the Health and Work unit. Amongst other responsibilities while at the Home Office she led work on tackling modern slavery, human trafficking and human exploitation.
Before entering the House of Commons, she was Director of the International Longevity Centre – UK, Age Concern England and American Express Europe. She also served as a Councillor in the London Borough of Merton.
Sarah was educated at Falmouth Comprehensive School and Kings College London. Sarah won a Rotary International postgraduate scholarship in the USA.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Scientists comment on the British Steel factory situation.
Dr Julian Steer, a Research Fellow from Cardiff University’s School of Engineering, said:
How hot do the blast furnaces get? How do the blast furnaces work? And why do we need these certain ores/materials to keep them running?
“The hottest part of the furnace can get to temperatures of up to 2200°C; the blast furnace converts Iron Oxide, supplied as Iron ore, to Iron by a counter current chemical reduction reaction where raw materials descend through the furnace as hot gases rise up through the furnace. The blast furnace is a very well optimized process that requires the reactions to occur at an even rate throughout the process. To do this, raw materials are selected based on the properties needed to produce iron continuously and efficiently.”
Why are the blast furnaces so difficult to switch back on if they turn off?
“The size, dimensions, and complex reactions in the blast furnace mean that heat distribution and heat transfer through the furnace are absolutely critical to stable iron production. Raw materials are continuously added to the top of the furnace as hot molten iron is continuously tapped from the bottom, the shear scale of this process means that the distribution of the heat through the furnace is critical at all times.”
Why is it crucial that they need to mobilise these supplies of fuel etc.?
“The production efficiency and stability of the whole process of iron production requires careful raw material selection to maintain consistent, and uniform reactions through the furnace and process.”
What can the government do if these blast furnace turn cold?
“If the furnace goes cold, the molten materials inside become solid, blocking the furnace and making any form of restart very difficult, costly and potentially terminally damaging to the furnace.”
Dr Abigail K Ackerman, Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellow, Department of Materials, Imperial College London, said:
Blast Furnace Operation:
“A blast furnace is used to convert iron ore (hematite, Fe2O3) to pig iron (Fe) by mixing it with coke (carbon), limestone and hot air.
“Limestone is used to remove impurities, forming slag which is a waste material. The slag collects impurities, primarily silica, and is removed and used in construction materials like cement.
“The coke, which is a derivative of coal, reacts with the hot air, which is blown in at the bottom of the furnace at around 1000degC, and forms carbon monoxide (CO). The carbon monoxide reacts with the iron ore to produce molten iron and CO2, which is released as gas.
“The resultant molten liquid iron ore is tapped out at the bottom of the furnace, and is referred to as pig iron.”
Blast Furnace Temperatures:
“Blast furnaces have ‘heat zones’ in order to drive the different chemical reactions which occur within the furnaces. They are set up in a large chimney like structure and have 3 main zones:
“Top (throat) – 200degC to 600degC – Raw materials are poured in
“Middle (Stack) – 600degC to 1200degC – Iron ore starts to reduce forming gases (mainly CO) and the initial reduction of iron ore occurs. The initial reaction has the iron ore (Fe2O3) eventually reducing to FeO.
“Middle (Bosh) – 1200degC to 1600degC – The main chemical reaction occurs, where FeO reduced to Fe. The slag forms here, where limestone reacts with impurities.
“Bottom (Hearth) – up to 2000degC – Hot air (1000degC to 1200degC) is blown in at the bottom of the furnace, which causes the coke to combust and release heat and CO2.
“The molten iron and slag are collected. The slag is lighter that the molten iron so is floats on top of it and can be collected by tapping, or drilling a hole, above the molten iron and allowing the slag to flow out..
“The molten pig iron is removed by tapping, or drilling, a hole in the bottom of the furnace, and flows through guide channels to be collected and transferred to a basic oxygen furnace (BOF) to mix with carbon and make steel.
“Tap holes are made roughly every couple of hours, and then plugged back up with a clay mixture to contain the heat and molten materials in the furnace.
Essential Materials:
“Coking coal, iron ore and limestone are essential to keep the blast furnaces in Scunthorpe running, and these are the critical raw materials that are being sourced. Without these materials in the correct amounts, the chemical reaction will be disrupted and the furnace will cool as the chemical reaction absorbs heat, which is provided by the burning of coke.”
Why can’t you let it go cold?
“The high temperature of the blast furnace means the iron and slag are molten at the bottom, they are in liquid form at around 1500degC. If the furnace is allowed to cool, these materials solidify and can stick to the interior of the furnace. When the metal cools it contracts, which can cause the lining of the furnace to become damaged resulting in expensive repairs to the furnace interior before it can be heated up again.
“Additionally, blast furnaces have various inlets and outlets for pumping in hot air and extracting the molten material. When this solidifies, these can become blocked and are extremely difficult and costly to fix.
“The chemical reaction is disrupted when the furnace goes cold, and restarting this reaction can be complicated due to the heat required to melt the solicited materials, and the balance of gas and materials needed to obtain the correct chemical reaction.
“Finally, a large amount of fuel is required to restart a furnace, which is costly, and it can take anything from days to weeks to get the furnace back up to temperature and getting the correct chemical reaction to occur. It takes much more energy to melt the materials back down than to keep them at temperature. And, of course, there’s a loss of production which costs money.”
Why is it crucial to keep the Scunthorpe furnaces running?
“The Scunthorpe blast furnaces are the last remaining blast furnaces operating in the UK, and therefore the only method for the UK to produce ‘virgin’ steel, which is steel that has not been used in any other process. Other steel producers in the UK, such as TATA, have moved to using recycled steel and electric arc furnaces (EAF). Without the Scunthorpe plant, there will be an impact of the supply chain of steel to essential services such as construction, rail and defence. There will also be an impact on the Scunthorpe community, with a loss of work for the many steelworkers.”
What can the Government do if they turn cold?
“If the furnaces go cold, the options are to restart the furnaces, which will be more costly that obtaining the raw materials required to continue steel production due to the damage that will occur within the furnace from the solidification of the iron and slag, and the large amount of energy required to restart the furnaces.
“The government can choose to change the type of steel production to, for example, recycled steel using EAFs, like Port Talbot, however this will most likely result in job losses, economic impact on the people of Scunthorpe and the UK economy, and significant disruption to the UK supply chain. There is also not enough scrap steel to supply EAFs, so primary virgin steel will need to be sourced from elsewhere. The National Grid is also not set up to supply the energy required to fuel EAFs at this scale so it would be a timely and costly option.
“There is also the option to start producing green steel, which uses hydrogen as a reduction agent rather than coal based coke. However, this requires a large amount of hydrogen and the UK hydrogen economy is not set up for this scale of production currently. Nevertheless, this is the best option for long term CO2 goals.
“Finally, there is the option to close British Steel. This would again have a significant impact on the UK economy, supply chain and the local area. The loss of steel sovereignty could impact the supply chain in the long run as there would be an increased dependence on external steel suppliers, which is impacted by geopolitics.”
Prof Barbara Rossi, Associate Professor of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, said:
“Steel is the most commonly used metal in the world. Blast furnaces and electric arc furnaces are present everywhere, all over the world. There is worldwide 1.9 billion tonnes of crude steel produced per annum. UK in 2020 (then still a EU member state) was the 8th largest steel producer in the European union, which produced in total >150 million tonnes of steel in 2019, only 8% of the world total. Japan alone produced roughly 100 million tonnes, while the biggest steel producing country is currently China, which accounted for above 50% of world steel production in 2020. Globally, the steel industry emits 25% of all industrial greenhouse gases, which is more than any other industrial sector.
“The construction sector is the largest steel using sector and that is not likely to change. It accounts for more than 50% of the world steel demand, with the other major uses being the manufacture of vehicles, industrial equipment and final goods. The global population is forecast to increase to more than 9 billion people over the next 40 years. The population growth rate in Europe (and the UK) is only expected to start decreasing slightly by 2050. And, by then, about 75% will live in cities (~50% today). We still have to build the buildings and infrastructures for these cities and replace those that are damaged. When our country needs more and more new homes, new buildings, new infrastructure, we will have to go higher, more slender and leaner in dense populated areas and the need for ultra-strong and highly ductile materials like steel will become increasingly pressing.
“Steel is indefinitely recyclable, and, while it is recycled, it does not lose its performance which is an extraordinary ability inexplicably often ignored. It isn’t the case of most construction materials: other than steel, aluminium or stainless steel, you can only recycle glass indefinitely provided that you sort the type of glass appropriately. Steel is not just downcycled into a less noble material, just like an old jewel can be turned into a new one, steel can be melted over and over again.
“Recycled steel is one of the industry’s most important raw materials. We have accumulated almost 1 billion tonnes of steel only in the UK, all of which must be recycled, and, today, we generate about 10 million tonnes of scrap a year. Studies show that in the next 10-15 years, that availability of steel scrap will rise from 10 million to 20 million tonnes (global flow of steel scrap are likely to treble in the next 30 years) because all the steel made in the past will be recycled. In 2018, in Europe, this exceeded 110 million tonnes, showing that there is no scrap shortage. Despite its weak position in the scene of steel production, this is one of the advantages by which the UK could profit in the current global change of steel production.
“We have already produced the steel that we will need tomorrow. With increased availability of scrap and under our nation’s commitment to cut its domestic emissions by 2050, we can anticipate a global shift from blast furnace to electric arc furnace production. Roughly 2/3 of today’s liquid steel is made from iron ore, with the rest made from scrap, but at present >50% of the scrap originates from the manufacturing process, rather than from end-of-life recuperation. This is even though (1) on average, steel products have an approximate life horizon of 35-40 years, before being scrapped, and (2), apart from ~10% of steel that is buried (e.g., oil pipes or in building foundations), most end-of-life steel can be easily collected for recycling. Even if the total demand for steel production will increase, one can demonstrate that if most old steel is recycled, future requirements could be met entirely through increased production from scrap via electric arc furnaces. In America today, >50% of all domestic steel demand is already made by recycling domestic scrap. And since steel recycling causes significantly less greenhouse gas emissions than blast furnaces (topped by the fact that the UK already produces low emissions electricity grid, with high potential for further improvement, so recycling steel in the UK today leads to a reduction in emissions of > 2/3 compared to global average primary steel), UK need for steel recycling can be expected to grow significantly and rapidly. This will increase with more renewable generation capacity and will grow strategically important as global pressure to alleviate climate change increases.
“UK’s commitment to decarbonization need to address the emissions which are released from within UK borders. Although closing steel plants in the UK would lead to a reduction in the emissions, our future demand for steel may lead to higher global emissions if the emissions intensity in other countries is greater than that in the UK. Rather than providing extensive efforts in technologies allowing reduced emissions in primary production which require major capital investment, a more effective contribution to global mitigation would be to produce our domestic steel through electric arc furnaces combined with a massive decrease of their emissions which are directly linked to the emissions intensity of local electricity generation.
“There is nonetheless a technical limitation on the extent to which scrap can be substituted for iron ore: contaminants. Scrap composed of large pieces such as that from construction, have well controlled composition while scrap collecting from mixed waste streams have higher levels of contamination. The latter is usually sourced when scrap prices are high. As a consequence of contamination, the degree to which recycled steel can replace primary steel is capped by the inability of (a) imperfect control of metal composition in scrap steel collection and (b) today’s technologies to adjust the chemical composition of liquid steel produced with electric arc furnaces. Therefore, steel scrap supplies have to date been mostly absorbed by the lowest grade products (such as reinforcement bars).
“It is possible to vaporise unwanted metal contaminants from liquid steel by vacuum arc re-melting. This is already a commercial strength in the UK and used for making some of the highest quality steels for e.g., aerospace components. The innovation opportunity is to replicate this success at higher speed and lower cost. Other processes than vacuum arc re-melting have been tested in research laboratories but were abandoned due to lack of economic incentive. The UK, with its high volumes of scrap and its commitment to act on climate mitigation is well placed to lead the development of these technologies.
“We cannot replace steel, it’s ridiculously cheap, ultra-strong and highly ductile, and completely recyclable, fitting into any story about a circular economy. Not a single construction material taken alone can compete with steel today. But we can produce low carbon steel and build better structures, lasting longer, not harming our environment. If UK would recycle its own scrap to deliver high-quality steel satisfying its domestic demand in a closed loop it would lead to massive decrease of UK Iron and Steel emissions. This necessitates to (a) establish low-carbon steelmaking plants based on electric arc furnace, (b) develop technologies to make high quality steel from recycled scrap, i.e., examine and mitigate the causes of scrap contamination and develop the opportunities to control the chemical composition of liquid steel made via electric arc furnace, and (c) develop innovative business models to allow UK downstream steel supply-chains to prosper.”
Declared interests
Dr Julian Steer: in receipt of funding from British Steel to measure, and optimise, the performance and selection of their injection coals.
For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Government steps in to back British business in changing world
The Chancellor announces a multi-billion-pound increase in government-backed financing.
British businesses across the country have today been given further stability and certainty with access to new support through a multi-billion-pound increase in government-backed financing as the world enters a new era of global trade.
The new package will give UK Export Finance (UKEF) the power to expand financing support for British businesses by £20 billion, with small businesses also able to access loans of up to £2 million through the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme.
Thousands of companies are expected to benefit from the move, including those directly affected by tariffs – with iconic British brands like Rolls Royce through to local businesses like Alicat Workboats previously benefitting from similar programmes.
Today’s boost reaffirms government’s commitment to free and open trade, and means an £80 billion boost for businesses, meaning they can access government-backed finance and support to grow their presence both domestically and overseas, create new jobs and drive economic growth as part of the Plan for Change.
New measures come as prime minister goes further and faster to boost growth, working in partnership with business to deliver it.
This week alone has seen swift and decisive action from the government to protect UK businesses and workers by:
Taking action to keep British Steel operating, saving thousands of jobs
Increasing flexibility on the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate to help British carmakers
Cutting the red tape that slows down clinical trials in the life sciences sector
Investing up to £600 million in a new Health Data Research Service
Backing a £30 million package to support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport which is expected to support 5,000 jobs and boost the economy by £5 billion
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:
The world is changing, which is why it is more important than ever to back our world-leading businesses and support them to navigate the challenges ahead.
Today’s announcement will do that just, with thousands of businesses right across the country set to benefit.
We are going further and faster to boost growth, but we cannot do it alone. Only by working with businesses will we achieve our Plan for Change and put more money into people’s pockets.
Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds said:
Our message to British business is clear – we’ve got your back. This package, backed by the British Business Bank and UKEF, will be a crucial shot in the arm to exporters and small firms looking to trade around the world.
Within a changing world, we need to adapt, and as part of our Plan for Change, this Government is responding. These changes will help to boost growth support jobs and supercharge thousands of businesses across all four corners of the country.
UKEF will also offer businesses partial loan guarantees through more flexible uses of its Export Development Guarantee, helping to mitigate the impact of new tariffs and associated economic uncertainty. Of the £80 billion, up to £10 billion will be allocated to ensure that businesses significantly impacted in the short term by the current situation have access to the finance they need to grow.
The British Business Bank will also expand its Growth Guarantee Scheme by £500 million, which will provide vital finance for smaller businesses as they look to invest and grow. This scheme provides the lender with a 70% government-backed guarantee against loans or other types of finance, enabling lenders to support smaller businesses that would struggle to obtain financing through traditional means – and has so far enabled more than £2.1 billion of lending.
This comes on top of £1 billion of funding for British Business Bank programmes for this financial year, confirmed at Autumn Budget 2024. This includes additional support for smaller housebuilders through the ENABLE Build programme, funding for Start Up Loans and additional funding for three equity programmes supporting innovative high growth businesses
This week, the Chancellor and Business and Trade Secretary also took part in the 13th UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) in order to strengthen ties between the two countries. In addition to India, the UK is negotiating trade deals with partners including the Gulf Cooperation Council, South Korea and Switzerland, which will give businesses more opportunities than ever before to expand into new markets.
New Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee named, as three board members reappointed
A series of appointments and reappointments have been made to the Board of the Environment Agency.
Jon Watts has been appointed as a Non-Executive Board Member, as well as Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee. His appointment began on 1 April 2025 and will run for three years until 31 March 2028. The Committee provides essential scrutiny, challenge, and oversight of the Environment Agency’s risk controls and governance.
Furthermore, Stewart Davies, Lilli Matson, and Ines Faden da Silva have been reappointed as board members for second terms, all of which commenced on 1 February 2025 and will run for eighteen months until 1 July 2026. Ines Faden da Silva has also been appointed as the new Deputy Chair of the Board. All appointments have been made on merit and in accordance with the Ministerial Governance Code on Public Appointments.
The Environment Agency would like to thank Judith Batchelar, Robert Gould, and John Lelliott for their exemplary service and commitment as they step down from the Board.
Biographies
Jon Watts
Jon is a finance leader with a career spanning global businesses and the third sector. Jon is a trustee of the Eden Trust and chair of the Finance Audit and Risk Committee. He has held senior leadership roles, including regional Chief Financial Officer of Unilever Latin America, Director of Finance and Control at SABMiller, and as global Chief Financial Officer for Save the Children and for the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation. He currently advises foundations and NGOs on organisational capability and resilience.
Stewart Davies
Stewart is Chair of OPRL Ltd, which serves over 900 companies across the packaging cycle, collaborating to drive circularity and a transformation in packaging resource efficiency. He is founding Chair of the Bradford Sustainable Development Partnership. Stewart’s prior career was as an executive in regulated industries, including petrochemicals, steel, cement and waste management. He has served as Chair of the Environmental Services Association and as a Non-Executive Director on the board of Innovate UK.
Lilli Matson
Lilli has worked for Transport for London since 2006, currently as Chief Officer of Safety, Health & Environment, where she leads initiatives to enhance safety and environmental performance across London’s transport network. Previously, Lilli was a member of the UK Government’s Commission for Integrated Transport and ran her own transport consultancy, leading major projects on sustainable transport for a range of clients.
Ines Faden da Silva
Ines Faden da Silva is a part-time consultant at Tideway London, the company delivering London’s super sewer. She is a Committee Member of the Transition Pathway Initiative and Member of the Expert Panel for Accounting for Sustainability. Prior to Tideway, Ines worked for Citigroup where she advised and arranged financing for infrastructure and energy projects and later managed a portfolio of structured assets.
Notes for Editors
The Environment Agency works to create better places for people and wildlife, and supports sustainable development. It is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.
The Environment Agency Board currently comprises a Chair and eight members.
A document which outlines how planners engage with residents, businesses, groups and stakeholders is being updated to help streamline the planning process and enable decision to be made quicker.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is currently in the process of updating its Statement of Community Involvement which formally sets out how it will engage with individuals and organisations when preparing local planning policy documents and in the planning application decision-making process.
The document – which was previously updated in 2021 – is being reviewed in line with legislation, national planning policy and best practice guidance.
As part of the review process, the council is now carrying out a public consultation and inviting people to have their say on the draft Stoke-on-Trent Statement of Community Involvement 2025.
Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing and planning at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “The review of our Statement of Community Involvement is something we have to do legally – all local planning authorities are required to review the document at least once every five years.
“This consultation process is essential to help improve understanding and openness of the planning process, which impacts everybody who lives in, works in or visit our city and ensure that we are effectively engaging on planning matters which affect our local communities.
“I would encourage as many people as possible to provide us with feedback through this consultation and help us shape this service for the future.”
Alternatively, for more information, email the planning policy team at planning.policy@stoke.gov.uk or call 01782 233905.
Following the consultation process, the Stoke-on-Trent Statement of Community Involvement 2025 will be finalised and published on the council’s website.
Portsmouth City Council has announced that First Bus Solent will operate the PR3 weekend service for the 2025 summer season, running from 7 June to 31 August. First Bus was appointed last year to manage the regular PR1 service for the next five years. The site and PR1 buses have recently been rebranded with a vibrant new look, and customers benefit from new signage at the site, which is conveniently located just off the M275.
The earlier start date of the PR3 will allow visitors from the LGBTQ+ community, along with their friends and supporters, to attend free daytime activities and the community-led parade for National Pride on 7 June – the first major summer event on Southsea Common. This earlier start date also means that more people can enjoy weekend trips to Southsea from the beginning of the summer season.
Portsmouth Park and Ride offers a low-cost, stress-free alternative to city driving, allowing passengers to avoid traffic and enjoy a smoother, more relaxing ride into the heart of Portsmouth, Southsea and seafront. By reducing traffic congestion, the park and ride service plays a crucial role in enhancing air quality while providing an affordable and efficient way to commute and explore the city.
Customers can look forward to swift, convenient journeys to Clarence Pier on the PR3 in just 16 minutes, with buses running every 30 minutes at the weekend. The first bus departs at 9.35 am, and the last bus returns from Clarence Pier to the park and ride site at 7.24 pm. Additionally, a special service will operate every 10 minutes on the weekend of 26 and 27 July to accommodate the large number of visitors expected for the colourful Portsmouth International Kite Festival.
Portsmouth Park and Ride offers excellent value for money – just £4 for up to five people to travel all day on either the PR1 or PR3 services. Customers are encouraged to car share, supporting Portsmouth’s vision of becoming a greener, healthier city.
New ticketing options have also been introduced in partnership with First Bus, making it easier for visitors and commuters to purchase tickets. Flexible fares can now be bought via the First Bus app, and day tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver, using cash, contactless, or card payments.
Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “I’m delighted that we’re able to revive this popular weekend service to Southsea and seafront for 2025. Our refreshed PR1 service has already been a huge hit with visitors and commuters, so it gives us great pleasure to open up the park and ride experience to a wider range of visitors this summer.”
James Eustace, Commercial Director, First Bus South, said: “It’s fantastic to be providing the PR3 Park & Ride service again for the summer, making it easier than ever for visitors and locals to travel directly to Southsea. It’s a stress-free, convenient, and perfect way to explore – leave the car behind and enjoy the ride.”
This year, the route has been adjusted to avoid road closure along Clarence Esplanade due to ongoing Southsea Coastal Scheme improvements. After stopping at Clarence Pier, the service will head back towards Clarence Parade, along Avenue De Caen towards The D-Day Story, and return to Clarence Parade via Clarence Esplanade.
For more information about Portsmouth Park and Ride, visit https://parkandride.portsmouth.gov.uk
The council has been granted £545,502 through West Midlands Combined Authority’s Net Zero Neighbourhood Fund for Graiseley Low Carbon Energy Accelerator Pilot (LEAP).
This phase is for data gathering within a small cluster of streets in Graiseley, while some eligible properties will be offered energy advice, retrofit assessments and supported with low cost energy saving improvements.
Following this stage, and subject to additional funding, further measures will be explored for a potential roll out of upgrades to properties from 2026 onwards.
The pilot neighbourhood includes Lime Street, Fisher Street, Bristol Street, Manlove Street, Cardiff Street and Bingley Street, and sections of Lea Road, Owen Road, Burleigh Road, Norfolk Road, and Merridale Street West.
It will involve working with residents and businesses to investigate how measures such as home energy improvements, smart energy systems, active travel, community events and better green spaces can improve lives.
A series of public events will be held for people within the neighbourhood to get involved, which will be advertised in the coming weeks.
The findings of the pilot will lead to a model that can benefit the whole city – helping cut energy bills, make energy supplies more resilient and create green jobs.
Councillor Qaiser Azeem, Cabinet Member for Transport and Green City at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “I am delighted we have secured this funding and am excited to see the opportunities and benefits it can bring, and the lessons we can learn as part of our collaborative, city-wide Our Net Zero City 2041 efforts with communities and technical advisors.
“We want residents and businesses to be well informed and empowered to take climate action that can make a positive difference to their lives, and they will be at the centre of making this project a success.”
City of Wolverhampton Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing, Councillor Steve Evans, said: “Helping create neighbourhoods with more energy efficient homes, reducing fuel poverty for vulnerable residents is very important to us.
“The data gathering phase of this trailblazing project will allow us to see how measures such as better insulation or rooftop solar panels and heat pumps could make a big difference to lives.”
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Looking at how we can make improvements to create better insulated, warmer properties that are cheaper to heat can have a positive effect on health reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses.
“Creating greener more welcoming spaces through more tree planting and pocket parks is also known to boost wellbeing and happiness.”
Anyone struggling in the cost of living crisis can find advice via Cost of Living Support.
Data analysed by The Sunday Times from Ofsted’s Parent View survey found that an incredible 99% of parents and carers reported that their child is happy at Highfields School in Penn, the joint highest score in England.
Meanwhile, 98% of Colton Hills Community School parents said their child is happy – putting both schools among the top 10 non-selective schools nationally.
Highfields headteacher Graham Tate said: “This outstanding achievement is a reflection of our hardworking staff, dedicated students, and the unwavering support of parents and carers.
“At Highfields, we are committed to not only delivering academic success but also fostering a school community where every student feels happy, healthy, and valued.
“Seeing these results is a testament to the positive and supportive environment the school strives to create every day and only strengthens our motivation to continue developing a thriving and happy Highfields community. Thank you to everyone who makes our school such a fantastic place to learn and grow!”
Colton Hills Headteacher Julie Hunter added: “We are over the moon with the findings from The Sunday Times and the positive parents’ feedback from our own survey, helping us to create a happy, healthy, high performing school.
“As a growing school that has been serving the community for the last 50 years, we are delighted with this affirmation as we continue to strive for the best outcomes for our students and ensure that there are no barriers to high achievement and success.”
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “It’s really important that children are happy at school, as it positively impacts their learning, wellbeing, and social emotional development, ultimately leading to greater academic success and a more fulfilling life – and so it is fabulous to see that children at Highfields and Colton Hills enjoy their schools so much.”
The data draws on results from secondary schools with at least 500 pupils and 100 parent submissions and uses data from the year with the most responses between 2020 and 2025.
NHS Health Checks are available to eligible 40 to 74 year olds – those without pre-existing conditions – once every 5 years. They assess the individual’s health and identify relatively simple lifestyle changes they could make to lower their risk of developing serious but preventable conditions such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers and dementia.
The Health Check also includes referral to relevant local lifestyle and behaviour changes services such as smoking cessation and weight management as required. For more information, please visit Health and wellbeing.
Figures show that 8,310 NHS Health Checks were delivered in Wolverhampton in 2024-25, an increase of 1,323 on the previous year.
Additionally, over the last 5 years, almost 90% of Wolverhampton’s eligible population have been invited for their NHS Health Check, putting Wolverhampton in the top 25% performing local authorities in England.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “It’s great that so many more people in Wolverhampton are coming forward for their NHS Health Check when it is due, and I would like to thank the excellent work of our city’s GP practices in helping us achieve improved uptake.
“The Health Check is free and will help you to take steps to maintain or improve your health. It only takes about 30 minutes and you’ll be asked some simple questions, such as family history and choices which may put your health at risk. Your height, weight and blood pressure will be recorded and there will also be a simple blood test to check your cholesterol level.
“You will be provided with your results and given advice on any steps you might need to take to reduce the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.”
She added: “Whilst there has been an increase in those taking up the offer of a health check, we continue to encourage more people to accept the offer of a health check if invited – and if you think your NHS Health Check is overdue, please speak to your GP practice.
“As always, if you are concerned about any aspect of your health, contact your GP practice to discuss these – don’t wait for an invitation for your NHS Health Check.”
At present, they can claim up to 15 hours per week at an approved provider, with September’s changes the latest planned step in the roll out of Government funded childcare. Eligible parents of children aged 3 and 4 can already claim 30 hours per week.
To qualify, each parent must earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at national minimum or living wage, and have an income of less than £100,000 per year. Applications must be made by 31 August, 2025 to access funded childcare from September.
People in receipt of certain benefits are also eligible for 15 hours of funded childcare for 2 year olds, known as Terrific for Twos in Wolverhampton.
Meanwhile, eligible working parents and carers with children aged 11 or under can get up to £2,000 per child each year towards their childcare costs, or up to £4,000 for children with a disability aged 16 or under, though the tax free childcare scheme.
To find out more, including how to apply for support with childcare costs, please visit the Childcare Choices website.
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Every year hundreds of families in Wolverhampton benefit from funded childcare schemes at participating nurseries, schools and childminders around the city.
“Accessing early education gives your child the chance to learn, play and make new friends and the opportunity to develop and master new skills. It supports them as they prepare for school by helping them to communicate, explore new experiences, be active and healthy – and of course, it also helps working parents juggle careers and childcare.
“I would encourage working parents to find out more about the various offers of support for childcare, and to sign up if they are eligible.”
Council receives analysis of Constitutional Change Engagement
14 April 2025
Derry City and Strabane District Council has published a detailed independent analysis of the engagement that was carried out in 2023 relating to the issue of Constitutional Change and its implications for the Council area and the North West.
The engagement was carried out following a notice of motion agreed by Council and members of the public, and other stakeholders were invited to inform themselves on the issue of constitutional change and give their views, experiences and research relating to Constitutional Change and the implications for the Derry and Strabane Council area. The engagement process was carried out over a four-month period and the results of the findings have been collated and independently analysed by Professor Mark Slevin of Ulster University, and are now available for the public to read via the Council website at – Unity-Thematic_Analysis-(1-1-2025).pdfUnity-Thematic_Analysis-(1-1-2025).pdf
A total of 242 responses were received as part of the public consultation exercise that were subsequently screened and categorised into subthemes with commentary used as supporting evidence to capture the diverse perspectives and to provide a comprehensive understanding of the overall exercise. The outcome of the analysis highlighted that while there is a wide range of perspectives on constitutional change, the majority of views expressed in the survey were positive.
Professor Slevin in his report said: “While most participants supported reunification as a means to promote equality, economic growth, and governance reform, other expressed concerns about economic stability, identity preservation and political instability.”
Professor Slevin said the findings emphasised the need for careful planning, inclusive dialogue and a transparent process such as a Citizens Assembly, to accurately address the aspirations and fears of everyone. He said participants in the engagement exercise stressed the need for lessons to be learned from the Brexit process and for all voices and views to be heard. He said participants were of the view that “to create a fair and stable transition process, detailed planning, economic analysis and social inclusion needed to be prioritised.”
The five themes identified in the analysis was – Support for Irish Unity; Economic and Infrastructural Development; Governance and Political Reform; Social Justice and Historical Grievances and Concerns and Opposition to Change.
Under the first theme of Support for Irish Unity many participants expressed support for Irish unity referencing potential economic, social and cultural benefits with many viewing it as an opportunity to address inequalities that some have seen to be caused by partition. Some participants viewed it as an opportunity to restore Ireland’s position within the European union and to create new and effective governance structures, with some saying it was a pathway towards fairness, equality and sovereignty, whilst highlighting the need for inclusivity and democratic planning to ensure a successful transition process.
The second theme of Economic and Infrastructural Development emerged as a very central theme in the engagement process with many participants arguing that Irish unity would go some way towards addressing economic deficiencies created by partition and the duplication of services and would improve current infrastructure and transport, attract international investment and streamline governance.
Many of the participants in the engagement process expressed their dissatisfaction with the political structure under Stormont and Westminster and were of the view that a united Ireland would provide better governance, accountability and policy-making under the third theme of Governance and Political Reform while under the Social Justice and Historical Grievances theme, the need for social justice and for historical grievances to be acknowledged, was highlighted. Many respondents cited systematic inequalities in education, access to employment and healthcare, as well as a legacy of discrimination as issues that could be addressed as part of Constitutional Change.
Under the theme of Concerns and Opposition to Change a few respondents expressed concerns about the impact on economic stability, identity preservation and political instability. Unionist perspectives were a recurring theme with some participants opposing change outright while others highlighting the need for inclusive planning and dialogue to address fears and opposition to any constitutional change.
Professor Slevin in his conclusion of the analysis report cautioned on the limitations of the engagement exercise saying that the sampling of those taking part was opportunistic and self-selecting and for that reason the views expressed could not be generalised to the wider population. He said: “The nature of the issued being explored may have impacted on who chose to engage with the survey, and how they answered. The study was qualitative in nature, and this means that themes can be identified but their overall significance and importance cannot be assessed.”
It was agreed at the March meeting of Full Council that the results of the Engagement would be made public for the public to access via the website at – https://www.derrystrabane.com/Constitutional-Change
It was also agreed at the meeting that representative organisations would be invited to attend further meetings of the Unity Working Group, that was set up for elected members to discuss this issue, and that a third tranche of engagement with the community would be considered, subject to a further report with details and costings.
Burns siblings to take on Strabane Lifford Half Marathon in memory of sister Oonagh’s selfless compa
14 April 2025
The brother and sister of a Strabane nurse who tragically lost her life in a car accident last year are continuing the selfless kindness and compassion she was renowned for by running the 2025 Strabane Lifford Half Marathon in her memory next month. Oonagh Burns dedicated her life to caring for family’s loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia at the Three Rivers Care Home in Omagh and her siblings want to continue her legacy by raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Society at the event on Sunday May 18th. It will be a first ever Half Marathon for both Teresa and Paddy Burns who have been preparing under the watchful eye of Lifford Strabane AC Coaches Brendan O’Donnell, Laurence Doherty and Eddie Breslin after joining the club’s Fit 4 Life program last Christmas. “Paddy wasn’t all that into running or fitness growing up – funny enough, our dad was even his PE teacher and he still ‘forgot’ his PE gear, which is still a running joke in the family,” laughed Teresa. “I’ve always been quite active myself, playing football from a young age with Sion Swifts and representing Northern Ireland in youth competitions but I’ve stepped back from it a bit over the past few years.
“We’re definitely not natural-born runners, but we’ve come to enjoy the challenge week by week, and thankfully it is getting easier.” This year’s Half Marathon is the event’s 10th edition and organisers Derry City and Strabane District Council are marking the milestone with a new route that will begin at the Alley Theatre and incorporate the Strabane Footbridge before the traditional finish on the Melvin Running Track. As natives of Clady, the siblings are delighted the out and back route through Lifford and Clady Village has been retained. “The Strabane Lifford Half Marathon felt like the perfect choice for us to run,” Teresa added. “We live in Strabane, and grew up in Clady. “It gives the whole thing a real personal, full-circle feel. “Running through the community that has given so much to our family, especially over the past year, and doing something meaningful in return, just felt right.”
With less than five weeks to go before race day, Teresa and Paddy are reaching the business end of their training but the vision of running at an event embedded in their community is spurring them on.
“The training has definitely pushed us,” she admitted. “It’s by far the biggest physical challenge either of us has taken on.
“The Fit 4 Life group in Lifford have been amazing – the way they support beginners and help you go at your own pace takes away the fear and brings a sense of enjoyment to it. “We’re really looking forward to race day – not just for the personal achievement but for the atmosphere and sense of community. “It’ll be such a proud moment for us both.” Paddy and Teresa set an initial target of raising £2,000 through their exploits but they have already trebled that figure with over 200 individuals donating. They have been overwhelmed by the public’s support and have drawn comfort from the fact that Oonagh’s legacy of helping families living with dementia continues following her untimely passing.
“We are honestly over the moon,” said Teresa. “We originally set out to raise £2,000, and to have now tripled that is beyond anything we expected. “Supporting the Alzheimer’s Society means so much to us – and to see how many people have come together to help us do that, in memory of Oonagh, has been incredibly moving.
“She would be so proud of this, and we know she’s smiling down on it all. “It’s been such a comfort to us, our parents and sister Katherine, knowing her name and spirit continue to bring people together.”
Oonagh was employed at the Three Rivers Care Home in Omagh where she was loved by staff, patients and their families for her attentive, compassionate and selfless nursing style. Teresa agrees that her sister was born to be a nurse and it was much more than a job.
“Oonagh had such a special gift for helping and caring for people– it wasn’t just her job; it was her calling. “She had a way of making everyone around her feel seen, heard, and cared for – whether that was the patients she worked with or their families, or even her colleagues at the Three Rivers Care Home.
“In the time since her passing, we’ve heard so many stories from people whose lives she touched – the impact she had goes far beyond what we even realised. “She was truly one of a kind, and her compassion was at the heart of everything she did.”
Paddy and Teresa will run in custom made t shirts in remembrance of Oonagh on May 18th and know she will be with them along every step of the 13.1 mile course.
They admit that remembering her through taking part in the event and the public’s overwhelming response to their campaign has been a source of significant comfort during a challenging 12 months for the family. “Every single donation, big or small, has meant the world to us,” Teresa added. “You’ve helped turn something so painful into something hopeful and that’s a gift we’ll never forget.
“If anyone is thinking about donating – please know that every penny truly counts, and we are so grateful for the support in helping us honour Oonagh and support such an important cause.
“From the bottom of our hearts, we just want to say how thankful we are – to our community, to everyone who’s supported our journey, and to those who’ve shared their own stories with us along the way.
“It’s been a tough year, but this has brought light into our lives.
Leicester City Council is working with leading UK skatepark specialists Maverick Industries to create the new facility at St Margaret’s Pastures sports grounds, off St Margaret’s Way.
Construction of the new skatepark is now well underway and it is expected to open to the public from July.
The new skatepark – which will be completely free to use – will include flat bank ramps, grind rails and ledges, a stair set, a wheelie or ‘manny’ pad and an impressive quarter pipe that will run the full length of one end of the facility. Its specially laid surface will also feature a bold colourful design.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “The new skatepark is now taking shape and it will be fantastic to see it complete and in use this summer.
“St Margaret’s Pastures is already home to several well-used sports pitches and facilities and it made good sense to use a vacant part of the site to expand the range of outdoor activities on offer.
“Maverick are experts in their field and the design they have developed for this new skatepark is very impressive. They’ve listened very carefully to what skaters and other enthusiasts want from a new facility.”
As part of its initial design process, Maverick carried out an online survey and collected feedback from over 570 respondents ranging from beginner to expert skaters, as well as BMX and scooter riders.
Sam Reynolds, director at Maverick, said: “There’s a real sense of excitement for a new purpose-built skatepark in Leicester and we’re dedicated to creating a space that best serves the area.
“The enthusiastic response to our online survey – the largest we’ve seen in the UK – has been key in shaping a design the community can be passionate about. We are stoked to have the new skatepark ready for people to enjoy this summer.”
The new skatepark is being built on an area of council-owned land currently leased to Leicester Hockey Club, immediately next to its Olympic standard pitch.
Located close to the city centre, the new facility will be easily accessible by foot, bike or skateboard and is near to car parking and toilets.
The city council approved funding of £375,000 for the scheme in 2022, under cash set aside for people and neighbourhoods policy provision.
[Ends]
Top picture:(from left) Mohd Bin Jalil, Leicester City Council construction project manager; John Squires, Leicester City Council technical project manager; City Mayor Peter Soulsby; Dan Castle, Maverick Industries site foreman; Mark Clogg, Maverick Industries director and health and safety officer.
Bottom picture:Artist’s impression showing how the skatepark will look.
THERE’S lots going on in Leicester during the school holidays this Easter that’s completely free for children and families to enjoy.
At the Kingfisher Youth & Community Centre on the Saffron estate today (Monday 14 April), there’s a Safer Saffron Community Day, with everyone welcome to join free activities including sport, music and games between 12 noon and 4pm.
Booking is required at a free event atBraunstone librarytoday (Monday 14 April), when youngsters will be able to decorate wooden eggs, bunnies and Easter bonnets. Also today (Monday),there’s a drop-in session to make bunny hats and Easter wreaths atBeaumont Leys libraryfrom 2pm-3.30pm.
On Tuesday 15 April, there are Easter crafts at bothEvingtonandHighfieldslibraries (booking required), there’s Easter fun atKnightonandBraunstonelibraries (booking required), while Belgrave library invites those aged seven and over to use their STEM skills in a freeGangsta Granny activity(booking required).
At Newarke Houses Museum, also on Tuesday 15 April, youngsters can make their own bunny mask and follow the Easter trail. Tickets for theEaster Eggstravaganzaare £4 when booked online (£5 on the door).
The following day – Wednesday 16 April – there’s anEaster Fun Dayat the Guildhall, with arts and crafts and the chance to make a hatching chick and a mini Easter basket. Tickets are £4 when booked online (£5 on the door).
Belgrave Hall hosts itsHoppy Easterevent on Thursday 17 April, with bunny races on the lawn, face painting and lots of garden games. Tickets are £4 per child when booked online (£5 on the door).
Railway enthusiasts will be able to hop on board the train at Abbey Pumping Station on Tuesday 22 April, with a specialEaster Holiday Railway Day. Rides on the pumping station’s narrow gauge railway are just 50p and the fun runs from 11.30am to 4pm.
There’s the chance toplay with clay at Belgrave Hallon Wednesday 23 April, while the Guildhall hosts itsArty Play Fun Dayon Thursday 24 April, when children will be able to create a fun design on a t-shirt brought from home. For both events, tickets cost £4 per child when booked online (£5 on the door).
Those aged nine and over can help build the cardboard components needed for a stunning reconstruction of the entrance to Leicester’s long-gone Roman forum next week.
From Easter Monday (21 April) until Friday 25 April, celebrated visual artist Olivier Grossetête will leada series of free workshopsat the Highcross shopping centre, where families will be able to help him make the arches, balconies and roofs required for the giant structure.
People of any age are then invited to drop in to Jubilee Square on Saturday 26 April to help the artist tape the cardboard sections together – returning on Sunday 27 April to take part in the artwork’s dramatic dismantling.
TheOld Town Festivalitself (26-27 April) will incorporate traditions to mark St George’s Day, including a fire-breathing dragon and a gallant knight, as well as a celebration of the city’s fascinating Roman heritage, with Olivier Grossetête’s spectacular cardboard archway at its heart.
Taking place on Jubilee Square and sites within the city’s Old Town, the free festival will feature a living history Roman camp, an artisan craft market, hands-on archaeology and themed storytelling.
And there’s a Roman theme for a free guided bike ride on Sunday 20 April, with Leicester’s Roman heritage brought to life by Hidden Histories’ Jim Butler. Places must be booked at letsride.co.uk/rides and children under 16 must wear a helmet and be accompanied by an adult.
On Saturday 26 April, the whole family is invited to join the Old Town Festival’s Roman Bike Parade – an easy circular ride that starts at the Town Hall Bike Park at 12 noon. Book your place on the parade at letsride.co.uk/rides
The Haymarket shopping centre has organised lots of free activities for the Easter break too, including Easter egg decorating on Saturday 19 April and puppet-making for St George’s Day on Wednesday 23 April.
It’s also going Roman, with a free family event on Thursday 24 April that will feature stilt-walking Roman statues, some hilarious gladiators and a friendly dragon called Smokey, while on Friday and Saturday (25-26 April), youngsters can help create a fabulous fabric Roman mosaic.
Moscow is preparing to begin testing the new generation metro train “Moscow-2026”, said Deputy Mayor for Transport and Industry Maxim Liksutov.
According to Maxim Liksutov, trial operation without passengers could begin as early as 2025. If they are successful, the trains will begin operating in full in 2026, starting with Line 2.
The Moscow-2026 train is currently under development, and we expect the first test samples to be received by the end of this year. These tests are a key step towards the trains being able to start carrying passengers by 2026, said Maxim Liksutov.
Line 2 will be the first to use new rolling stock as part of the city’s broader efforts to modernize the metro system.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Denis Manturov took part in the plenary session of the Russian-Indonesian business forum “Russia-Indonesia: Partnership Strategy”.
First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Chairman of the Russian-Indonesian Joint Commission on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation Denis Manturov arrived at the head of the Russian delegation to Indonesia (Jakarta). The working visit is taking place in the year of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Indonesia and will last two days.
On the first day of the visit, Denis Manturov took part in the plenary session of the Russian-Indonesian business forum “Russia – Indonesia: Partnership Strategy”. The forum participants discussed key issues of bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, industry, agriculture, energy, transport, tourism and creative industries. The forum was organized by the Roscongress Foundation jointly with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Despite the difficult geopolitical situation, cooperation between Russia and Indonesia has continued to strengthen in recent years. “Work between our countries in all areas has not stopped. During this time, our trade turnover has increased significantly, to $4.3 billion last year,” Denis Manturov noted.
The First Deputy Prime Minister noted that today Russia is implementing the tasks of ensuring technological sovereignty. First of all, in high-tech industries: transport engineering, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, space and other areas. At the same time, Russia is open to cooperation with reliable foreign partners, in particular with Indonesia. This concerns cooperation both in the trade and economic sphere, including energy, and in humanitarian areas.
“I believe that today we have a favorable moment amidst global uncertainty – this moment has arrived, and it is especially felt in today’s business forum and discussions. The next step is to strengthen our trade. Yes, the volume of trade between our countries has increased by 30%, but this is not enough, we need more. And as President Prabowo instructed me, it is necessary to finalize the free trade agreement with the EAEU so that through it, it will facilitate the trade that both Indonesia and Russia need,” said Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.
“Negotiations on a free trade agreement are underway, and I hope that the agreement will be signed by the end of the year. You know about the initiative of the United States of America to significantly increase foreign trade tariffs, this could give additional impetus to speed up the signing of the agreement,” Denis Manturov said, answering a question from Indonesian media after the session.
“The Russia-Indonesia Business Forum, which brought together more than 500 entrepreneurs and government officials, became a platform for open and trusting dialogue between the government, business, and society of the two countries,” noted Alexander Stuglev, Chairman of the Board and Director of the Roscongress Foundation.
At the end of the plenary session of the forum, the First Deputy Prime Minister invited his Indonesian colleagues to take part in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Eastern Economic Forum and the Innoprom International Industrial Exhibition.
In the afternoon, Denis Manturov visited the Indonesian Badminton Association. Badminton is a national sport in Indonesia, and special attention is paid to its development here. Representatives of the Russian and Indonesian badminton associations told Denis Manturov about their plans for cooperation. Also during the visit, the best athletes of the Indonesian team demonstrated their skills during exhibition performances and held several friendly matches with members of the Russian delegation.
Denis Manturov also attended a gala concert dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Indonesia. Russian and Indonesian artists and creative groups took part in it.
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.
Hong Kong teams participating in the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva won about 300 prizes, including two Grand Awards, seven Special Awards, about 55 Gold Medals with Congratulations of Jury and about 80 Gold Medals.
In particular, the Prize of the Republic & Canton of Geneva, one of the Grand Awards, went to the “Two-Phase Immersion Cooling System for High Performance Computer Workstation” jointly developed by the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) and the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department (EMSD). This prize represents a governmental level of honour and recognition, marking the first time for departments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to receive this prestigious award.
The CAD-EMSD innovation provides a highly efficient heat dissipation capability for the CAD’s high-performance air traffic control tower simulator by immersing heat-generating computer components into a sealed container filled with a non-conductive cooling liquid. Heat dissipation is achieved through the vaporisation of the cooling liquid, providing a more efficient energy saving system with an extended equipment life time compared with traditional air cooling.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Police Force’s “Scameter Series” won another Gold Award named the International Press Prize.
The Tracking Solution for Outdoor Activity Safety, also jointly developed by CAD and EMSD, won the Gold Medal with Congratulations of Jury prize at the exhibition.
Furthermore, local public research and development (R&D) institutes, including the Productivity Council, the Nano & Advanced Materials Institute as well as the Logistics & Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre, also achieved outstanding results at the Edison Awards 2025, winning a total of four Gold Awards and three Silver Awards.
Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong congratulated the Hong Kong teams on their remarkable achievements.
He said: “I am proud of the number of international awards received by Hong Kong teams. This is not only a significant recognition of Hong Kong’s achievements in scientific research, but also highlights Hong Kong’s strong innovation and technology (I&T) capabilities as well as our rich pool of talent.
“The achievements of the Hong Kong teams on the global stage further solidify our position in the I&T landscape in the world. The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to invest resources and strive to build Hong Kong into an international I&T centre.”
(Joshua Quek and Edmund Tan, Operations Managers of Primech A & P)
SINGAPORE, April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Primech Holdings Limited (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: PMEC), an established technology-driven facility services provider in the public and private sectors operating mainly in Singapore, today announced its strategic transformation initiatives that are revolutionizing the industry through cutting-edge innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth strategies.
“We’re not just adapting to the future of facility services—we’re actively creating it,” said Mr. Kin Wai Ho, Chief Executive Officer of Primech Holdings. “Through our comprehensive integration of AI, robotics, and digital solutions, Primech A & P is establishing new benchmarks for efficiency, quality, and sustainability in the facility services sector.”
Pioneering Smart Cleaning Through Technology Primech A & P has invested significantly in AI-powered cleaning robots and IoT-enabled monitoring systems operating across high-traffic commercial spaces. These autonomous solutions ensure consistent hygiene standards while effectively addressing labor shortages in the industry.
The Company’s technological ecosystem includes:
Cloud-based workforce management systems for real-time operations tracking
Equipment health monitoring via software API to minimize downtime
Resource allocation optimization through performance metrics analysis
This digital transformation has enhanced service delivery while optimizing operational costs, directly benefiting customers through higher quality and more reliable facility services.
Excellence Through People and Performance Primech A & P’s market leadership is built on a foundation of workforce development and superior service standards. The Company has implemented comprehensive training and upskilling programs that equip employees with cutting-edge industry knowledge and technological expertise.
The Company currently maintains facilities at several of Singapore’s most prestigious locations, including:
Singapore’s internationally acclaimed airport
Premium commercial office buildings
Essential public spaces, including food courts
Private residential condominiums
Government housing developments
Strategic Expansion into High-Value Sectors As part of its growth strategy, Primech A & P is actively expanding into specialized sectors requiring advanced cleaning solutions:
Healthcare and Hospitals: Providing hygiene-critical cleaning for medical facilities, laboratories, and pharmaceutical environments
Road Sweeping Innovation: Conducting in-depth assessments to drive technological advancements in public infrastructure maintenance
High-Tech Environments: Delivering precision cleaning for semiconductor cleanrooms and cloud data centers
Luxury Residential and Commercial: Increasing market share in premium property segments
Environmental Leadership Primech A & P has integrated substantial eco-friendly practices into its operations, including:
Deployment of an electric vehicle fleet to reduce carbon emissions
Installation of solar panels at company headquarters
Development of sustainable cleaning methodologies
With a strong market presence, a commitment to AI-driven innovation, and a roadmap for expansion, Primech A & P presents an exciting investment opportunity. The Company’s leadership team continues to drive operational excellence, digital transformation, and sustainable growth—paving the way for the next era of smart cleaning and automation.
Primech A & P is not just shaping the future of facility services—it is revolutionizing the industry through technology, excellence, and forward-thinking solutions.
About Primech Holdings Limited Headquartered in Singapore, Primech Holdings Limited is a leading provider of comprehensive technology-driven facilities services, predominantly serving both public and private sectors throughout Singapore. Primech Holdings offers an extensive range of services tailored to meet the complex demands of its diverse clientele. Services include advanced general facility maintenance services, specialized cleaning solutions such as marble polishing and facade cleaning, meticulous stewarding services, and targeted cleaning services for offices and homes. Known for its commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology, Primech Holdings integrates eco-friendly practices and smart technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency and client satisfaction. This strategic approach positions Primech Holdings as a leader in the industry and a proactive contributor to advancing industry standards and practices in Singapore and beyond. For more information, visit www.primechholdings.com.
Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, for example, statements about completing the acquisition, anticipated revenues, growth, and expansion. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are also based on assumptions regarding the Company’s present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure that such expectations will be correct. The Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.
Australia’s breast cancer screening landscape is evolving, with innovation in imaging and complementary diagnostics driving a shift toward more personalized care. While mammography remains the cornerstone, new technologies such as lipid-based blood tests are improving detection in patients with dense breast tissue. This progress is expected to fuel steady growth in the mammography equipment market, which is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% through 2034, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company
Aditi Dakshesh Parikh, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, comments, “Traditional imaging systems are evolving with enhancements in resolution and diagnostic throughput. However, the next leap in screening outcomes is being driven by tests that complement imaging by adding a layer of precision, especially in patients where standard mammography has suboptimal effectiveness.”
Reflecting this paradigm shift, BCAL Diagnostics, an Australian and US-based biotechnology company, has introduced BREASTEST plus, a first-in-class blood test that utilizes liquid chromatography mass spectrometry to measure a defined panel of lipids indicative of a breast cancer-specific signature. Developed as a rule-out tool, BREASTEST plus is tailored for use in women with dense breast tissue—a group for whom mammography can sometimes yield inconclusive or false-negative results.
The test offers clinicians a new option to enhance diagnostic confidence alongside mammographic screening. By identifying patients unlikely to have breast cancer, it helps prioritize imaging resources and reduce unnecessary follow-ups.
Parikh concludes: “The fusion of lipidomic profiling with radiographic tools signifies a modification toward layered diagnostics. As the landscape of breast cancer screening continues to evolve, it enables earlier interventions and better patient outcomes through tailored approaches. This synergy is key to elevating the efficiency of breast cancer detection.”
The atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment landscape is witnessing intensified competition with several novel therapies nearing market entry. While biologics like dupilumab have already transformed care, emerging drug classes such as OX40 inhibitors are showing promise in clinical trials. Their potential for long-lasting efficacy and favorable safety profiles may significantly advance treatment options for moderate-to-severe AD patients, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s report, “Atopic Dermatitis (AD) Epidemiology Analysis and Forecast to 2033,” reveals that the diagnosed prevalent cases of AD will register an annual growth rate of less than 1% during 2023-2033 across the seven major markets (7MM: The US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Japan).
Following the introduction of Sanofi/Regeneron’s Dupixent (dupilumab), biologics have had a dramatic impact on the AD space, offering targeted treatments with minimal side effects to patients with AD, who have previously exhibited inadequate responses to topical or immunomodulatory treatments.
Although oral treatments such as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have entered the market and are paving the way for other oral therapies, they have demonstrated a strong side-effect profile that may not allow them to have a similar impact to Dupixent. A new drug class that is currently being investigated is OX40 inhibitors, which target OX40 receptors and ligands, providing an anti-inflammatory effect.
Filippos Maniatis, Healthcare Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “OX40 inhibitors may be promising as AD treatments, as the key opinion leaders interviewed by GlobalData have shared their excitement about the effects that these drugs may bring to patients with AD. At the moment, Amgen/Kyowa Kirin’s rocatinlimab is at the forefront of OX40 inhibitors for AD, followed by Astria Therapeutics’ telazorlimab, and Sanofi’s amlitelimab, the readouts of which are highly anticipated by the community.”
Rocatinlimab has previously demonstrated significant improvement in disease severity, with a durable long-lasting effect, as seen in the Phase IIb, results. In addition, the recent topline results of one of the six Phase III clinical trials that have further reinforced rocatinlimab’s position, showing that 42.3% of patients who received a high dose met the improvement criteria of ≥75% improvement from baseline based on the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI-75), brings rocatinlimab closer to a potential approval for AD.
Maniatis adds: “Rocatinlimab is currently ahead of the other OX40s being investigated in AD, showing very promising results. Nevertheless, as Sanofi’s OX40 inhibitor amlitelimab is also in Phase III with a primary completion date in October 2025, it will be interesting to see what the outcomes reported for amlitelimab will be and how they compare to rocatinlimab’s studies.”
Telazorlimab, which is another OX40 inhibitor in the pipeline within AD developed by Astria Therapeutics, is currently behind on development, as its Phase IIb trial has been completed and the results have demonstrated a well-tolerated and clinically significant profile. Nevertheless, the excitement around this new drug remains, with the experts in the field awaiting further results to understand their potential positioning in the AD market.
Maniatis concludes: “OX40 inhibitors offer a new mechanism of action to a crowded market, with the potential of resulting in a shift in clinical practice. The potential long-lasting effects of these pipeline agents, as seen with rocatinlimab, and their good clinical profiles may offer a significant advancement in AD management, addressing current unmet needs and increasing the anticipation for these potential therapies in the AD market.”
Moscow is preparing to begin test runs of its next-generation metro train, the Moskva-2026, announced Deputy Mayor for Transport and Industry Maksim Liksutov.
According to Maksim Liksutov, trial operations without passengers could begin as early as 2025. If successful, the trains are expected to enter full service in 2026, starting with the Line 2.
The Moskva-2026 train is currently in development, and we expect to receive the first test units later this year. These trials are a crucial step to ensure the trains can begin carrying passengers by 2026 — said Maksim Liksutov.
The Line 2 will be the first to introduce the new rolling stock, as part of the city’s broader effort to modernize its metro system.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 15 months in prison for causing a $1.2 million loss to a company by submitting false invoices in connection a performance incentive rewards program. The prison sentence will be followed by two years of supervised release, and Cummings is ordered to pay more than $1.2 million in restitution.
According to court documents, Barry Cummings, 52, of Overland Park, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud.
An energy management company offered a performance-based rewards program as an incentive to non-employee resellers, contractors, and others to sell its products. Participants submitted information regarding sales to earn points they could then redeem for items like airline vouchers, hotel stays, gift cards, and electronic devices.
In 2017, a business in Lenexa, Kansas, hired Cummings, and he enrolled in the victim company’s rewards program through that affiliation. In his plea agreement, Cummings admitted to orchestrating a years-long scheme to defraud the victim company’s rewards program. Cummings admitted to logging into the rewards site and submitting fraudulent sales claims, which falsely represented that he had sold the company’s products. Cummings admitted that he never sold a single one of the company’s products despite the thousands of sales claims he submitted representing that he did.
After his termination from the Lenexa business in April 2018, Cummings continually logged into the rewards website to submit fraudulent invoices and redeem points, using the email he previously had at the Lenexa business. As an example, during a 12-hour period in November 2018, Cummings submitted 834 fraudulent invoices for which he received more than 2.8 million points. In 2019, he submitted 5,543 false claims for 22.5 million points. Cummings used point redemptions to receive more than 2,000 rewards at a value that caused a $1,233,024 loss to the victim company.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case. The victim energy company cooperated and provided invaluable assistance in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Huschka prosecuted the case.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)
Defendant used company credit card for personal expenses and created fake vendor to raid company coffers
Seattle – A Seattle grand jury this week indicted a 43-year-old Laguna Niguel, California man on six counts of wire fraud for his scheme to steal nearly $1 million from his employer, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Paul Joseph Welch was the IT manager of Kent, Washington energy manufacturing company Algas-SDI when he allegedly used various schemes to steal more than $950,000 from the company. Welch will be arraigned on the indictment on April 17, 2025.
According to the indictment, Welch worked for the company from 2011 to 2024. He was promoted to Information Technology Manager in 2018. The indictment alleges that as early as 2017, Welch used the company’s Amazon business account to make unauthorized personal purchases from Amazon.com. Between 2017 and 2023, those purchases totaled at least $43,000. Welch primarily purchased electronics such at televisions, laptops and more—all for personal use. In 2019, Welch began using his company credit card for personal purchases through other online retailers such as Apple, Alaska Airlines, Instacart and BestBuy. Between 2019 and 2024, those unauthorized personal purchases totaled at least an additional $60,000.
The scheme really accelerated in January 2021 when Welch began making payments to himself disguised as payments to a computer services company. Welch allegedly created a series of email addresses and payment processor accounts using a business name that was very similar to a legitimate computer services company based in Washington State. Welch then used Algas-SDI company credit cards to pay the computer services company under the guise that the company was providing IT equipment and services to Algas-SDI. However, the legitimate computer services company had no relationship with Welch and never provided any services or equipment to Algas-SDI. The credit card payments Welch made from Algas-SDI’s credit cards went directly to the payment processor accounts that Welch controlled. Between 2021 and 2024 Welch allegedly used this scheme to transfer approximately $879,175 from company accounts to his own accounts.
Algas-SDI tried to verify the legitimacy of Welch’s activity on multiple occasions, but each time, Welch allegedly provided false or misleading information to cover up his scheme. Algas-SDI employees asked Welch to submit invoices to substantiate his charges, but Welch allegedly emailed phony documents designed to look like invoices from the legitimate computer services company. At one point in 2023, an Algas-SDI accounting employee identified personal purchases on Welch’s company credit card. Welch claimed the charges were inadvertent and said he would repay the company. Welch never repaid the charges and continued to defraud the company through unauthorized personal purchases and more fake vendor charges. In January 2024, alone, Welch allegedly submitted phony invoices to Algas-SDI showing that the computer services company had purportedly invoiced Algas-SDI more than $55,000 for equipment and services in that timeframe.
On January 19, 2024, Algas-SDI employees confronted Welch about the charges from the computer services company accounts that Welch controlled. After Welch again told Algas-SDI that the vendor was a real vendor for the company, the company fired him.
The wire fraud charges represent six of the times Welch emailed the company false statements or invoices purported to be from a legitimate computer services company.
In all, between 2017 and January 2024 Walch secretly made at least 250 fraudulent charges for the third party vendor he controlled. He made at least 140 unauthorized purchases with retailers using the company credit card and at least 100 fraudulent purchases on the company’s Amazon account. While Welch profited some $950,000 from his theft, the loss to ALGAS-SDI was approximately $982,520 due to various fees on the transactions.
Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dane A. Westermeyer.
PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)
1.KEY INFORMATION
(a)Full name of discloser:
Man Group PLC
(b)Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
(c)Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree
Urban Logistics REIT plc
(d)If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:
(e)Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure
11/04/2025
(f)In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”
YES / NO / N/A If YES, specify which: Offeror: LondonMetric Property PLC
2.POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE
If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.
(a)Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)
Class of relevant security:
1p ordinary
Interests
Short positions
Number
%
Number
%
(1)Relevant securities owned and/or controlled:
9,591,708.00
2.06
(2)Cash-settled derivatives:
3,805,368.00
0.82
(3)Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:
TOTAL:
9,591,708.00
2.06
3,805,368.00
0.82
All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.
Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).
(b)Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)
Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:
Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:
3.DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE
Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.
The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.
(a)Purchases and sales
Class of relevant security
Purchase/sale
Number of securities
Price per unit
(b)Cash-settled derivative transactions
Class of relevant security
Product description e.g. CFD
Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position
(d)Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)
Class of relevant security
Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion
Details
Price per unit (if applicable)
4.OTHER INFORMATION
(a)Indemnity and other dealing arrangements
Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
(b)Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives
Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i)the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii)the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
(c)Attachments
Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached?
NO
Date of disclosure:
14/04/2025
Contact name:
James Carr
Telephone number:
+442071447242
Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.
The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.
The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.
TORONTO, April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — POET Technologies Inc. (“POET” or the “Company“) (TSX Venture: PTK; NASDAQ: POET), a leader in the design and implementation of highly-integrated optical engines and light sources for artificial intelligence networks, today announced significant new customer engagement in response to live demonstrations of the POET Teralight™ line of 1.6T transmit and receive optical engines that broke performance expectations at the 2025 Optical Fiber Communications (OFC) Conference at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California.
POET also debuted POET Blazar™, a groundbreaking external light source (ELS) that promises to shrink costs by an order of magnitude with the potential to disrupt the AI connectivity ecosystem at a time when the industry is in need of viable new solutions.
“Blazar represents a new class of laser and is designed to drive AI connectivity to the next level. It can transform the economics of AI connectivity with an architecture that reduces costs and increases scale and manufacturing efficiency,” said Dr. Suresh Venkatesan, the Company’s Chairman & CEO. “With the massive amount of compute power that AI demands, we believe that Blazar offers an economically superior solution for co-packaged optics (CPO) applications and, more importantly, for chip-to-chip, light-based connectivity in AI clusters.”
“The period immediately following OFC is a crucial one for POET and we are seeing robust engagement with existing and new customers alike,” commented Raju Kankipati, POET’s Chief Revenue Officer. “We are laser focused on driving revenue this year and preparing for substantial revenue growth in 2026.”
About POET Technologies Inc. POET is a design and development company offering high-speed optical modules, optical engines and light source products to the artificial intelligence systems market and to hyperscale data centers. POET’s photonic integration solutions are based on the POET Optical Interposer™, a novel, patented platform that allows the seamless integration of electronic and photonic devices into a single chip using advanced wafer-level semiconductor manufacturing techniques. POET’s Optical Interposer-based products are lower cost, consume less power than comparable products, are smaller in size and are readily scalable to high production volumes. In addition to providing high-speed (800G, 1.6T and above) optical engines and optical modules for AI clusters and hyperscale data centers, POET has designed and produced novel light source products for chip-to-chip data communication within and between AI servers, the next frontier for solving bandwidth and latency problems in AI systems. POET’s Optical Interposer platform also solves device integration challenges in 5G networks, machine-to-machine communication, self-contained “Edge” computing applications and sensing applications, such as LIDAR systems for autonomous vehicles. POET is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with operations in Allentown, PA, Shenzhen, China, and Singapore. More information about POET is available on our website at www.poet-technologies.com.
Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws) and “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Such statements or information are identified with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “potential”, “estimate”, “propose”, “project”, “outlook”, “foresee” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding any potential outcome. Such statements include the Company’s expectations with respect to the success of the Company’s product development efforts, the performance of its products, including its Teralight and Blazar product lines, operations, meeting revenue targets, and the expectation of continued success in the financing efforts, the capability, functionality, performance and cost of the Company’s technology as well as the market acceptance, inclusion and timing of the Company’s technology in current and future products and expectations regarding its successful development of high speed transceiver solutions and its penetration of the Artificial Intelligence hardware markets.
Such forward-looking information or statements are based on a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions which may cause actual results or other expectations to differ materially from those anticipated and which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the completion of its development efforts with its customers, the ability to build working prototypes to the customer’s specifications, and the size, future growth and needs of Artificial Intelligence network suppliers. Actual results could differ materially due to a number of factors, including, without limitation, the failure of its technology to meet performance requirements, the failure to produce optical engines on time and within budget, the failure of Artificial Intelligence networks to continue to grow as expected, the failure of the Company’s products to be included in products aimed at AI and datacom networks, operational risks in the completion of the Company’s projects, the ability of the Company to generate sales for its products, and the ability of its customers to deploy systems that incorporate the Company’s products. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information or statements are reasonable, prospective investors in the Company’s securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because the Company can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release are as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise this forward-looking information and statements except as required by law.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
SEATTLE, April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Overland AI today announced the launch of ULTRA, its fully autonomous tactical vehicle.
ULTRA represents a significant advancement in autonomous ground systems, integrating Overland AI’s proprietary OverDrive software stack, its SPARK hardware infrastructure, and modular payloads that include uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAS systems.
ULTRA, Overland AI’s fully autonomous tactical vehicle, integrates and deploys multiple modular payloads, including UAS for reconnaissance and breaching operations.
“ULTRA can navigate environments ranging from dense forests to volcanic ridges,” said Byron Boots, co-founder and chief executive officer of Overland AI. “This empowers the warfighter to win in crucial contested theaters like the Indo-Pacific while keeping them out of harm’s way.”
ULTRA features a 1,000-pound payload capacity and a top speed of 35 miles per hour, with a cruising range extending to 100 miles. Its off-road autonomy software, developed through extensive and rigorous testing in the DARPA RACER program, enables uncrewed platform movement in GPS-denied environments across brutal terrain and conditions.
ULTRA is a highly sophisticated yet attritable autonomous ground system that is ready today. Here the vehicle accelerates through complex terrain at high speeds without GPS or prior maps.
What sets ULTRA apart is its versatility across critical ground operations, including integrated reconnaissance operations, direct support of maneuver forces, counter-UAS protection, resupply for humanitarian aid, including food and water, and contested logistics missions. The system’s networked capabilities enable seamless communication with warfighters and command nodes through local mesh networks, 5G, and satellite uplinks.
“ULTRA gives commanders an immediately deployable solution for reconnaissance, counter-UAS, and logistics operations,” added Greg Okopal, co-founder and chief operating officer of Overland AI. “The vehicle is backed by resilient, networked communications that extend reach and reduce risk.”
ULTRA supports many use cases and tactical missions for U.S. Armed Forces with a wide variety of payloads for all-domain intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), logistics, counter-UAS, and onboard UAS.
The ULTRA system builds on Overland AI’s established relationship with the U.S. Armed Forces, following the company’s $18.6 million contract with the U.S. Army and Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) for the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) program. The company continues to support programs across the Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command.
To learn more about ULTRA and Overland AI’s autonomous ground systems, visit www.overland.ai.
About Overland AI Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Overland AI is powering ground operations for modern defense. The company leverages over a decade of advanced research in robotics and machine learning, as well as a field-test forward ethos, to deliver advanced autonomy for unit commanders. Hazardous missions in austere and electronically denied environments demand that this technology is reliable and resilient. Overland AI’s SPARK autonomy upfit and OverDrive stack enable ground vehicles to navigate off-road without GPS or direct operator control. The company built its fully autonomous tactical vehicle, ULTRA, in-house by integrating SPARK and OverDrive into a modular and attritable platform that is currently in production. Overland AI developed OverWatch, its intuitive C2 interface, to provide commanders with the precise coordination of autonomous ground systems that is vital for complex missions to succeed. Overland AI has achieved the end-to-end integration of ground autonomy, from operator to effect, and is putting this capability into the hands of tactical operators today.
PHOENIX, April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Award-winning real estate technology innovator, Lofty today unveiled a new, fully automated lead generation offering, Lofty Bloom. Designed to drive both hyper-local brand awareness and inbound seller leads, Lofty Bloom combines the power of direct mail campaigns with digital retargeting ads and AI-driven follow up all from one integrated application. This advancement will enable real estate professionals to dominate key zip codes by offering guaranteed exclusivity and positioning agents as the “go-to” local neighborhood expert. To learn more about how Lofty’s innovations can help your agents and teams streamline daily business operations and drive business growth, visit lofty.com.
By combining direct mail and digital ad campaigns with AI-driven follow up, Lofty Bloom can provide the hyper-local marketing boost agents need to stand out. Each zip code comes with guaranteed exclusivity allowing teams to dominate their local area and help sellers get top dollar for their property. As with other Lofty applications, Lofty Bloom is easy-to-use and can be set up quickly to start generating leads.
Unlike other available offerings, Lofty Bloom fully automates marketing campaigns by combining four distinct channels including prospecting, retargeting, follow up, and nurturing. Campaigns are launched automatically, without any agent intervention, based on defined triggers and alerts, to establish a consistent marketing cadence. This includes AI-driven follow up and nurturing activities that run entirely on autopilot.
For example, with Lofty Bloom agents can automatically send out postcards to homeowners in a specified zip code notifying them of just sold and just listed homes in the area – without having to go into the system and execute the task. Postcards include a QR code that directs the recipient to the Home Valuation page on the agent’s Lofty website and serve as an opt in to be contacted and receive marketing communications from the agent. Once the recipient fills out the QR code, Lofty will automatically launch Facebook re-targeting digital ads and leverage Lofty’s award-winning AI technology to follow up, qualify new leads, and schedule appointments.
“Lofty Bloom is the most dynamic, end-to-end digital farming tool, seamlessly combining postcards, digital marketing, AI-powered nurture, and follow-up for exclusive ZIP Code targeting. Designed to engage homeowners and sellers, it maximizes exposure and ensures agents stand out in their most targeted markets,” noted Dave Carter, Vice President at Lofty.
To learn more about how Lofty’s unmatched AI capabilities can help your business grow, visit lofty.com/ai/overview.
About Lofty Inc. Lofty Inc. (formerly Chime Technologies) provides an AI-powered platform that helps real estate professionals increase their productivity and accelerate business growth. Featuring award-winning technology, the Lofty platform is designed to optimize every step of the real estate journey, from search to settlement. By leveraging one unified hub, customers can automate marketing programs, streamline the sales process, and maximize collaboration between agents, empowering them to spend more time building relationships and their business. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Lofty provides proven solutions for brokers, teams, and the enterprise. For more information, visit lofty.com.