Kirklees Council Extends Partnership with Totalmobile to Support Major Housing Services Upgrade
Account4you & Associados joins Russell Bedford International in Lisbon, Portugal
Spanish firm Casamitjana e Iborra Auditores joins Russell Bedford International
TUTTOFOOD 2025: New Global Trade Show Format Presented in TOKYO
Quantexa Secures Top Ten Spot in Chartis’ 2025 Financial Crime and Compliance 50 Rankings
LyondellBasell and Covestro announce permanent closure of PO11 unit at Maasvlakte
CGTN: How China's major provincial economies take the lead in driving growth
Quantexa Completes USD 175 million Series F Investment Round, led by Teachers’ Venture Growth
ACRYL Inc. Signs MOU with the State Health Insurance Fund of The Republic of Uzbekistan for Digital Transformation
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy awards prestigious feedstock allocation for joint project between Sipchem and LyondellBasell
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MVV Selects Kanadevia Inova as EPC Contractor for their Medworth Energy from Waste CHP Facility
Kanadevia Inova (formerly Hitachi Zosen Inova) has signed an important Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract with Medworth CHP Ltd, a subsidiary of MVV Environment Ltd, for a new waste to energy (WtE) facility in Wisbech in Cambridgeshire. Once operational, the new combined heat and power facility will generate electricity and heat which will power homes and businesses for many years to come. The Medworth Energy from Waste CHP Facility will be the Swiss Greentech’s 22nd project in the UK. Importantly, it will also be the first project Kanadevia Inova has delivered for MVV. The new combined heat and power enabled facility will be a highly efficient two-line facility, capable of treating up to 625,600 tonnes of non-recyclable (residual) waste each year. This project will also help the wider East of England region to significantly reduce its historically high reliance on landfilling residual waste – the least sustainable form of waste management. The state-of-the-art Medworth facility will generate over 50MWe of electricity, which is the equivalent of powering around 150,000 UK homes. In addition, the facility will be capable of supplying up to 49MWth of heat. This can be utilised by nearby industrial customers, significantly reducing their operational carbon footprint over the long-term. Any surplus electricity produced will be exported to the National Grid network. “The Kanadevia Inova team is proud to have signed an EPC contract with MVV, and our engineering and construction teams have started their design and preparatory work,” said Fabio Dinale, Executive VP of Business Development at Kanadevia Inova. “This new and highly efficient facility will safely and efficiently treat around 625,600 tonnes of non-recyclable waste each year. This not only generates vital baseload energy to power homes and businesses, but it also diverts valuable residual waste away from landfill.” MVV’s Managing Director, Paul Carey, said, “After several years of development we are starting our Medworth project with design and preparatory works. These include vegetation clearance and preparatory construction work in the next few months whilst, in parallel, satisfying the relevant planning conditions.” To find out more about MVV’s Medworth Energy from Waste CHP Facility, please visit www.mvv-medworthchp.co.uk
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Anvil Cables and Wirepas successfully implement the first cloud-based electricity prepayment solution in India
Anvil Cables Private Limited (Anvil), a leading Indian manufacturer of wires and cables for power transmission and distribution, and Wirepas, a global leader in IoT connectivity, have partnered to implement a cloud-based electricity prepayment solution for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), designed to meet the stringent requirements of the Indian AMI Standard Bidding Document (SBD). The solution, relying on RF mesh and already implemented in over five lacs (500 000) smart meters in the Assam and Kashmir regions, ensures reliable, scalable, and cost-effective connectivity. India is the first country to implement a nationwide cloud-based prepayment electricity metering system, moving beyond the cumbersome keypad and token-based systems used elsewhere. Leading this transformation are APDCL in Assam and KPDCL in Kashmir, two utilities successfully deploying prepayment systems at scale, even in challenging environments. The demanding landscapes of Kashmir and Assam require robust, reliable communication, which is why Anvil Cables has partnered with Wirepas to deploy RF mesh technology in all smart metering rollouts. This not only ensures high performance and instant disconnect and reconnect capabilities but also introduces new functionalities that require careful education to help users understand its benefits and experience minimal disruption. For example, users can now easily distinguish between a power outage and balance depletion. The cloud-based prepayment system, available at the same cost as traditional systems, enables seamless, automated transactions – making electricity access more efficient and user-friendly for consumers. Users can top up their electricity balance anytime, anywhere. The system sends low-balance alerts and suggests appropriate recharge amounts based on consumption, ensuring uninterrupted electricity access. “We are known for our high quality products and long term partnerships. Our electricity distribution utility customers in East and North India trust us to deliver reliable products and services. For wireless AMI technology, we rely on Wirepas, proven to be the industry’s best RF mesh technology. This cooperation has already led to successful rollouts in Assam and Kashmir,” said Tushar Dalmia, Director at Anvil Cables. “Wirepas has been supporting India’s ambitious smart metering rollout, with 5 million smart meters already installed. The government’s prepayment scheme has been instrumental in driving the success of the RDSS initiative. Our collaboration with Anvil in Kashmir and Assam has been highly effective thanks to their persistence in details throughout the rollout. The successful implementation of a cloud-based prepayment system, delivering reliable services both to consumers and utilities, sets a strong benchmark for other states across India,” said Teppo Hemiä, CEO of Wirepas.
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Novidea Reveals Top 10 Insurance Predictions for 2025
Novidea, creator of the cloud-native, global insurance management platform for brokers, agents, and MGAs, today revealed the top ten predictions they believe will shape the insurance industry in 2025. The trends driving these predictions will impact insurance organizations across the entire insurance distribution lifecycle. Novidea’s insurance industry experts identified these predictions by monitoring key events throughout 2024, receiving feedback from their global customer base, and engaging in dialogue with industry peers. “In 2024, the insurance industry experienced significant operational transformation, facing more pressure than ever to innovate, improve efficiency, boost profitability, and deliver a world-class customer experience,” said Jeff Heine, Chief Revenue Officer at Novidea. “To help organizations prepare for the year ahead, our experts assembled a list of predictions that will shape how the industry progresses this year.” The top predictions for the US insurance market are: 1. M&A will make a comeback. Insurance mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity will resurge in 2025 as the U.S. economy continues its post-pandemic recovery. VC investment in insurtechs will increase as interest rates begin to normalize. Carriers will increasingly consider acquiring MGAs. For these deals to be successful, the right insurtech platform will smooth the integration of purchased companies, facilitating automated and standardized processes across different lines and business types (such as wholesale, retail, and reinsurance) as they are acquired. 2. Cautious gains for reinsurers. Despite record-breaking climate costs, reinsurers will see modest growth in 2025. With the increased frequency of weather-related damages and claims, reinsurers must have greater visibility into the risk that carriers write. This market will rely heavily on tech solutions that deliver a single source of truth across the business, ensuring access to high-quality data. Reinsurers will increasingly want a direct line of sight into the risks being written in order to better manage them. 3. Cybersecurity insurance will evolve. The Crowdstrike outage proved that there are many nuances to cyber insurance policies. We still haven’t seen all of the fallout from this incident. Expect to see an influx of specialized risk products in 2025 catering to business interruptions caused by tech outages that are not malicious in nature. Now is the time for specialty insurers to take stock of their front, middle, and back office systems to ensure they’re ready for future changes. 4. E&S and specialty insurance growth spree continues. In the US, the excess and surplus (E&S) market was the breakout star of the industry in 2024, and this trend will continue in 2025. IT leaders in the E&S market will upgrade their technology to keep up with demand, particularly around automation, AI, cloud, customer experience, and data analytics. E&S wholesaler Pathpoint, a US customer of Novidea’s, is a prime example of one such company who’s already made strategic tech investments, resulting in a 20 percent policy submission growth rate and doubling its sales and underwriting operations. 5. Insurtech-led ecosystems will drive the next wave of insurance innovation. In 2025, the role of insurtechs in creating ecosystems and modular tech solutions will grow. They will serve as facilitators, enabling flexibility and providing the ability to integrate various technologies easily. Insurance marketplaces will continue to evolve and mature. Insurers will implement a robust API fabric and composite APIs to perform essential lifecycle functions. In the UK, the top predictions that will shape the industry in 2025 are: 1. Profitability in distribution and the rise of MGAs. Carriers in the UK will face mounting pressure to broaden their distribution channels while maintaining profitability. Many will acquire or launch their own MGAs, which have become critical to distribution strategies. For carriers, MGAs offer a way to diversify their portfolios while maintaining tighter control over underwriting standards, helping them balance growth and profitability. 2. Innovation as a strategic imperative in anticipation of BP2. Innovation will be a central theme in 2025 for brokers, carriers, and MGAs. To innovate, these businesses must operate on a unified platform that supports and integrates with emerging technologies and data via APIs. This approach will allow insurers to harness the full potential of new advancements such as AI, complex document generation tools like Docomotion, and more. This drive toward innovation will accelerate with the anticipated BP2 plan set for 2025, bringing new standards to the industry. When delivered, BP2 is expected to create substantial opportunities for brokers, carriers, and MGAs to develop data-driven innovations that translate into customer-centric experiences across the value chain. 3. Climate extremes and insurability challenges. In the UK, climate extremes will become routine rather than rare. These conditions will strain policyholders and insurers alike, driving up the cost of insurance coverage and making carriers reluctant to insure high-risk properties. The UK wholesale insurance market will be particularly impacted as premium pricing and risk management become increasingly complex. For insurers to navigate these challenges, it’s crucial to use high-quality climate data to build resilience and effective risk management into their policies. Reinsurers will work more closely with carriers to deploy their capacity to risks they’re most comfortable with and align with MGAs on specific markets that are higher risk. 4. The insurance talent shortage will come to a head. The London Market has been facing a talent shortage for years, but in 2025, the situation will become urgent, and the industry must do more in 2025 to attract younger talent. One way to attract the next generation of insurance superstars is to highlight the industry’s innovation potential. Core platforms like Novidea enable insurers to be innovative businesses. In addition, departments solely responsible for innovation are now being integrated across all departments, creating a mindset of innovation at their core. This shift is essential for companies looking to stay competitive and recruit top talent. 5. Insurance organizations prepare for the AI revolution. Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, and insurance is no exception. As AI matures, it promises to transform key processes like claims management, underwriting, and customer service. However, this evolution will not happen overnight. In 2025, insurers will focus on preparing their technology infrastructure and data systems to support AI-driven tools effectively. The most strategic move for insurance organizations is investing in a modern insurance management platform, such as Novidea’s. These platforms provide the flexibility to seamlessly integrate new functionalities, capabilities, and services, enabling businesses to adapt and thrive in this transformative era of technology. To hear more about these predictions and how your organization can prepare for them, book a meeting with Novidea’s experts at ITC London, a new event focused on the “Future of Insurance,” held 27 to 28 January 2025 at The Brewery in London, UK.
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Research blasts off towards future space factory development
Researchers at a Scottish university have taken one small step towards a future where orbital factories can 3D print future tech on demand in space. Dr Gilles Bailet, of the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering, has been awarded a patent for a new system which overcomes the challenges of 3D printing in zero-gravity. His technology has recently been rigorously tested during a series of trips on a research aeroplane known as the ‘vomit comet’. Dr Bailet says that solving the challenge of 3D printing objects in low-gravity environments could pave the way for orbital fabricators capable of producing parts and components which could be assembled into novel equipment in orbit never seen before. That equipment could include solar reflectors to generate zero-carbon power for transmission back to Earth, improved communication antennae, or drug research stations that can create purer, more effective pharmaceuticals. For several years, Dr Bailet has been working on a prototype 3D printer better-suited for use in outer space. Instead of the filaments used in earthbound 3D printers, it uses a granular material developed by the team designed to work effectively in microgravity and in the vacuum of space. The unique properties of the materials allow it to be drawn reliably from the prototype’s feedstock tank and delivered to the printer’s nozzle faster than any other method. Dr Bailet and his colleagues are also exploring methods of embedding electronics into the materials as part of the printing process, opening up the possibility of creating functional components for use in devices created in space as well as recyclable space systems. Dr Bailet said: “Currently, everything that goes into Earth’s orbit is built on the surface and sent into space on rockets. They have tightly limited mass and volumes and can shake themselves to pieces during launch when mechanical constraints are breached, destroying expensive cargo in the process. If instead we could place fabricators in space to build structures on demand, we would be freed from those payload restrictions. In turn, that could pave the way to creating much more ambitious, less resource-intensive projects, with systems actually optimised for their mission and not for the constraints of rocket launches. “Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is capable of producing remarkably complex materials quickly and at low cost. Putting that technology in space and printing what we need for assembly in orbit would be fantastically useful. “However, what works well here on Earth is often less robust in the vacuum of space, and 3D printing has never been done outside of the pressurised modules of the International Space Station. The filaments in conventional 3D printers often break or jam in microgravity and in vacuum, which is a problem that needs to be solved before they can be reliably used in space. Through this research, we now have technology that brings us much closer to being able to do that, providing positive impacts for the whole world in the years to come..” Their prototype demonstrator proved its effectiveness in microgravity in November as part the 85th European Space Agency parabolic flight campaign in collaboration with Novespace in Bordeaux, France. The team took their test kit on three flights which provided them with more than 90 brief periods of weightlessness at the apex of rollercoaster-like sharp ascents followed by rapid descents – a physical challenge which has earned the planes which fly the routes the ‘vomit comet’ for their effect on passengers’ digestive systems. During each 22-second period of weightlessness, the team closely monitored the prototype’s dynamics and power consumption, which showed that the system worked as designed in the challenges of microgravity. Dr Bailet added: “We’ve tested the technology extensively in the lab and now in microgravity, and we’re confident that it’s ready to perform as expected, opening up the possibility of 3D printing antenna and other spacecraft parts in space. “3D-printed space reflectors, like those being developed by my colleague Professor Colin McInnes’ SOLSPACE project, could gather energy from the sun 24 hours a day, helping us reach net-zero with an entirely new form of low-carbon power generation. ‘Similarly, crystals grown in space are often larger and more well-ordered than those made on Earth, so orbital chemical factories could produce new or improved drugs for delivery back to the surface. It has been suggested, for example, that insulin grown in space could be nine times more effective, allowing diabetic people to inject it once every three days instead of three times a day, as they often have to do today.” Dr Bailet and his team are now looking for funding to help support the first in-space demonstration of their technology. They are also leading efforts, supported by funding from the UK Space Agency, to ensure that future in-space manufacturing projects do not contribute to the growing problem of space debris. The development of Dr Bailet’s in-space manufacturing project is supported by funding from the University of Glasgow’s Glasgow Knowledge Exchange Fund and the EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account. The programme is supported both via the RAEng Chair in Emerging Technologies of Professor Colin McInnes and the RAEng Proof of Concept award.
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DHL Acquires Reverse Logistics Leader, Inmar Supply Chain Solutions
DHL Supply Chain, the World's leading contract logistics provider, announced the acquisition of Inmar Supply Chain Solutions, a division of Inmar Intelligence and a leading returns solutions provider for the retail e-commerce industry. The strategic acquisition will make DHL Supply Chain the largest provider of reverse logistics solutions in North America. The acquisition will result in 14 return centers and around 800 associates joining the DHL Supply Chain business expanding the company’s North American footprint which currently stands at over 520 warehouses supported by 52,000 associates. Additionally, DHL Supply Chain will now strengthen its returns capabilities to include product remarketing, recall management, and supply chain performance analytics. Inmar Intelligence will retain its pharmaceutical reverse distribution business. In the light of a rapidly growing e-commerce market and changing consumer behavior, returns are an increasingly important touchpoint for retail customers, both in store and online. These solutions will expand the value-added services available to DHL customers and create a more strategic delivery of holistic solutions for their most complex supply chain needs. “DHL Supply Chain’s market-leading logistics expertise and the addition of Inmar’s suite of returns services and its talented workforce will enable us to provide best-in-class logistics services to our industry customers. Together, we will create a returns business in North America that is unmatched in its depth, breadth, capabilities, and talent to fuel long-term growth,” said Oscar de Bok, Global CEO of DHL Supply Chain. “As companies strive to simplify their supply chain strategies and enhance their operational agility, DHL Supply Chain continues to innovate to provide comprehensive and integrated solutions. This acquisition strengthens our existing capabilities, allowing us to offer our customers a single-source solution for their entire supply chain, including the critical and complex area of returns management. This enhances the value we deliver to our customers by streamlining their operations, reducing complexity, and improving their overall supply chain efficiency,” said Patrick Kelleher, CEO of DHL Supply Chain, North America. He further added that, “The strategic growth opportunities that the returns market brings will enhance the success of DHL Supply Chain. It also puts us on the right path to support DHL Group’s plan to achieve 50% revenue growth by 2030 compared to 2023 as outlined in our recently announced Strategy 2030.” “Inmar Intelligence and DHL share a deep commitment to customer-focused innovation. Because of that, we are confident that DHL will build even greater things on top of the Inmar Supply Chain Solutions foundation that we developed over time. As well, we are thrilled that Inmar associates will have an even broader set of supply chain experiences available from which they can continue to learn and develop over time at DHL. For Inmar Intelligence, this deal sets the stage for us to apply an even deeper level of focus and investment into our core businesses that are expanding rapidly,” said Spencer Baird, CEO of Inmar Intelligence. Consumers expect retailers to provide a seamless returns process while retailers are faced with new challenges such as returns abuse and rising operational costs. Thus, the acquisition marks a logical step to foster DHL’s customer centric approach that involves collaboration, expertise, and integration to solve the greatest supply chain challenges. Enhancing commitment to sustainability The acquisition of Inmar Supply Chain Solutions will also contribute to DHL’s strategic goal of decarbonizing its business by 2050. In the company’s recently announced Strategy 2030, sustainability is a strategic priority, recognizing its growing role as a key differentiator in the logistics sector. Assisting global customers to become carbon neutral is crucial, and DHL Group aims to achieve this by remaining the frontrunner in low-carbon logistics operations. At the core of returns management is the need to drive sustainability, and Inmar’s technology-driven reverse logistics solutions are recognized across the industry for reducing cost and eliminating the waste generated from returned consumer goods. Emphasis is placed on recommerce, which has diverted 99% of consumer returns from reaching a landfill; an approach that aligns with DHL’s commitment to make customers’ supply chains more sustainable.
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DKSH and FrontierView Launch Insightful Whitepaper on Vietnam’s Rapidly Growing Healthcare Market
DKSH, a leading market expansion service provider in Asia and beyond, in collaboration with FrontierView, a business intelligence and advisory firm, released its latest whitepaper titled “Vietnam’s Rapidly Growing Healthcare Market: How Evolving Patient Access Dynamics Are Supporting Rapid Growth.” The whitepaper, a result of a closed-door executive roundtable encompassing key healthcare leaders and FrontierView’s independent research, provides valuable insights into Vietnam’s evolving healthcare market, aiming to identify opportunities to accelerate investment in the region’s healthcare systems. This study reflects DKSH’s commitment to helping global healthcare companies navigate Vietnam’s dynamic and complex healthcare landscape. Vietnam is rapidly emerging as one of the most dynamic markets in the region, capturing the attention of investors and industry leaders alike. As a country with robust growth potential, it has firmly established itself on the radar of global business players looking to capitalize on its expanding opportunities. Vietnam is one of the only markets to have seen a YoY% increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first half of 2024 among the Southeast Asia markets. Despite challenges like delays in marketing authorizations, slow reimbursement expansion, and increasing localization pressures, the market remains resilient. The whitepaper views these challenges as opportunities for investors to drive change, enhance patient access, and contribute to Vietnam’s healthcare development. The whitepaper also highlights the public sector’s efforts to improve healthcare efficiency and management via healthcare decentralization plan and public-private partnership (PPP) projects to overcome some of the persistent challenges in recent years exacerbated by the pandemic, including staffing constraints, major delays in infrastructure projects, limited benefits expansion, and procurement bottlenecks. Provincial governments are also enhancing healthcare accessibility by prioritizing primary care and expanding benefits. Recent amendments to the Law on Health Insurance aim to boost funding by shifting funds from administrative to medical treatment budgets and bolster benefits coverage by covering at least 50% of outpatient costs starting July 2025. In the private sector, foreign investment is accelerating, with notable entries of numerous international investors in just the last year and a half. It is expected that Vietnam will likely follow a similar trend to that of several Southeast Asia markets, where patients will increasingly seek private care, as well as physicians migrate to private facilities and increasingly moonlight at private hospitals to augment their public sector incomes. PPPs are further expediting healthcare facility development, while the growing focus on medical tourism, supported by government initiatives, is benefiting private providers and promoting premium healthcare services. While key trends fueling private healthcare growth are set to continue, the uptake of private insurance remains a challenge. In 2023, Vietnam’s healthcare expenditure was 41% out-of-pocket, while commercial insurance accounted for only 4%. Similar to investment in the hospital space, it is also expected that investment in the retail pharmacy space will accelerate as well, which will push the sector towards more consolidation. The whitepaper also recommends multiple opportunities for healthcare companies to contribute to Vietnam’s growth, including partnering on healthcare professional training, advancing primary care and care decentralization with digital health solutions, and leveraging AI to boost efficiency and address local challenges in collaboration with the health-tech startup ecosystem. Bijay Singh, Head of Business Unit Healthcare, DKSH, stated: “At DKSH, we are committed to enriching people’s lives by providing healthcare for all, including Vietnam. We recognize the unique challenges of growing healthcare efforts in this dynamic and rapidly evolving market. With over a century of experience as a trusted partner in Asia and nearly 35 years in Vietnam, we have developed a deep understanding of navigating and thriving in local contexts. In partnership with FrontierView, we are excited that our contribution via this whitepaper brings valuable insights and strategies to help our healthcare partners succeed in Vietnam and beyond." Alec Lee, Managing Director, Healthcare Research at FrontierView shared: “The excitement about the opportunity to rapidly expand access to high-value health technology in Vietnam is palpable amongst executives, it is one of the few countries globally that is expected to show true growth potential in the coming years. With a population over 100 million, a rapidly developing economy, and a government focused on improving access, the time to invest is now.”
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Kanadevia Inova acquires Iona Capital along with UK biogas portfolio
Kanadevia Inova, a global leader in solutions for the energy transition and circular economy, announces the acquisition of London-based Iona Capital Limited (ICL), along with a portfolio of 11 renewable gas plants in the UK and a substantial pipeline of projects globally. The landmark acquisition accelerates the evolution of the Kanadevia Inova business beyond Business Development, EPC and plant lifecycle service provider, and into full plant ownership, management, and oversight of Renewable Gas assets through its Asset Management business unit. Bringing Kanadevia Inova a step closer to its Vision of becoming a global, vertically integrated green utility, the move will increase the share of recurrent revenues within the business, building additional resilience and thus sustainably supporting its core EPC offering. Kanadevia Inova CEO Bruno-Frederic Baudouin commented: “I’m very pleased to expand the company in a way that strengthens our commitment to a future free of wasted waste and adds further resilience to our business. Bringing on board the team and project pipeline of ICL will help us accelerate the adoption of decarbonising technologies in the UK, across Europe and globally.” Keith Carr, Kanadevia Inova’s Executive Vice President Asset Management, added: “I’m delighted to welcome the ICL team to Kanadevia Inova; their expertise will help us evolve into a more sophisticated and future-proof operation, all the while helping cities and countries meet their net zero goals.” The acquisition brings 11 operating biogas plants into the Kanadevia Inova Renewable Gas infrastructure. An additional, substantial pipeline of projects throughout Europe, including the Netherlands and Italy, and also the United States, demonstrates the reach of the new business and its potential for further development in new markets. ICL was formed in 2011 to facilitate long-term sustainable investing into primary low-carbon infrastructure projects. Nick Ross, the Founding Director at ICL who will take up a senior position in Kanadevia Inova’s Asset Management team, added: “It’s hugely exciting to become part of the team at Kanadevia Inova; we’ve known them for some time and have watched their impressive rise onto the global stage. We look forward to working closely with the team and to accelerate the decarbonisation drive not just in the UK, but right across Europe and in the United States.”
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Siemens partners with University of Kent to decarbonize campus, cut emissions by 50%
The University of Kent (UoK) is set to cut emissions generated on campus by 50 percent through a new carbon reduction strategy developed in partnership with Siemens Smart Infrastructure, as it continues to work towards achieving its net-zero targets. Developed following an Investment Grade Audit (IGA) undertaken to get a detailed assessment of the University’s energy performance, the strategy sets out a roadmap to reduce carbon emissions across its Canterbury and Medway campuses – home to over 19,000 students. The first major step towards the reduction of energy consumption on campus will see the installation of LED lighting in all buildings and upgrades to all building management system controllers, as well as space optimization and an updated metering system to maximise energy use across the estate. The plan also outlines an ambition to install an 0.74 MW rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) array, which will generate more than 675,000kWh electricity each year. All of the zero-carbon energy generated on site will be consumed across the University’s campuses. In 2021 the UoK agreed on an ambitious yet achievable target of reducing scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2040 and scope 3 emissions to net zero by 2050. The University’s aim is to decrease emissions by at least 50 percent by 2030, compared to the baseline years of 2018 and 2019. “With buildings being responsible for around 40 percent of global energy consumption, one of today’s greatest challenges for the higher education sector is to ensure the decarbonization of its campuses. Partnerships, such as the one with the University of Kent, are a prime example of how to achieve net zero targets by having a decarbonization strategy in place. This also supports customers to reduce costs, enhance energy demand management, while digital solutions bring existing infrastructure up to speed with the latest tech,” said Faye Bowser, Vice President Higher Education Vertical at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. “I look forward to the continuous cooperation with the University of Kent.” “Our partnership with Siemens is central to our commitment to embed carbon reduction across our operations and place sustainability at the heart of our decision making. We have unique strengths as a university in tackling climate change and are determined to bring together the talent and endeavor of staff, students and the wider community to make a tangible impact. This includes developing an estate which is fit for the future, embracing modern technology and external partnerships where they can act as a catalyst to delivering our mission,” Georgina Randsley de Moura, Acting Vice Chancellor at the University of Kent added. Funding for the scheme will be provided by Siemens Financial Services through a flexible financing package, allowing UoK to begin repayment only once the upgrades to the estate have been delivered.
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Siemens closes acquisition of Danfoss Fire Safety
Siemens Smart Infrastructure has completed the acquisition of Danfoss Fire Safety, a Denmark based specialist in fire suppression technology. This strategic step will boost growth and accelerate the expansion of Siemens’ sustainable fire safety portfolio with high-pressure water mist and low-pressure CO2. “We are looking forward to working closely with our new colleagues after successfully concluding the acquisition of the fire safety business from Danfoss. With Danfoss Fire Safety’s efficient, non-polluting extinguishing system, we are able to serve customers globally with an environmentally friendly fire suppression solution,” said Susanne Seitz, CEO Siemens Smart Infrastructure Buildings. On October 8, 2024, Siemens announced its intention to acquire Danfoss Fire Safety, which was a fully-owned, non-core business of Danfoss Group since 2019. For now, it continues to operate as a separate legal entity under the name “SEM-SAFE Fire Safety A/S”.
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Siemens to deploy technology at 60 government buildings in UAE for 27% energy savings
Siemens Smart Infrastructure has signed a contract with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a decarbonization program which will see 60 government buildings retrofitted with technology focused on energy efficiency and user comfort. The program, which forms part of the UAE’s strategy to achieve its net zero 2050 targets, is intended to save up to 27 percent baseline energy and water consumption annually. The energy saving goal is equivalent to a CO2 reduction of 15,400 metric tons. The program follows a comprehensive study in which Siemens successfully implemented retrofits in a representative sample of seven of the ministry’s buildings, creating a baseline of energy consumption and an analysis of anomalies to inform the selection of buildings for the retrofit program. “This program with Siemens is a testament to our commitment to setting a global standard for sustainability and efficiency in the built environment,” said His Excellency, Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure for the UAE. “The UAE is dedicated to leading by example, and this retrofitting initiative is a crucial step in our journey towards achieving our long-term environmental goals. The Ministry’s strategy, stemming from the broader UAE strategy to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, encompasses a holistic approach to the sustainable development of key industries like energy, infrastructure, real estate, and transportation. This program, which is initially targeting healthcare and education facilities, marks a vital step in our country's rapid journey to decarbonize all sectors of the economy.” “We’re delighted to partner with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure on this pioneering decarbonization program,” said Matthias Rebellius, Managing Board Member of Siemens AG and CEO of Smart Infrastructure. “To accelerate decarbonization, we will deploy innovative and scalable solutions such as this program, which will serve as a blueprint for decarbonizing buildings. Together with the Ministry, we will not only boost the energy efficiency of buildings, but also significantly contribute to the UAE’s sustainability and energy efficiency goals.” Siemens will deploy technology to upgrade heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, integrate movement and lighting sensors, and install building management systems to centralize energy management. Implementing these measures are expected to result in substantial reductions in carbon emissions, and improvements in operational efficiency. Solutions will include technology from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio. The open digital business platform enables customers to accelerate their digital transformation easier, faster and at scale.
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Chesterfield Borough Council Partners with Totalmobile to Transform Housing Repairs
Totalmobile, a leading provider of field service management software solutions, is delighted to announce a new partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council. This collaboration will see the implementation of Totalmobile’s Connect, Mobilise, and Protect solutions to revolutionise the Council’s housing repairs service, improving operational efficiency and prioritising the safety of Council staff. Totalmobile will equip Chesterfield Borough Council with advanced scheduling and workforce management solutions that address critical challenges and limitations of its current systems. With Connect and Mobilise, the Council will benefit from dynamic job scheduling and optimised routing, ensuring quicker and cost-effective responses to resident’s repair needs. Additionally, the Lone Worker Protection solution introduces essential safety features for staff in the field, including real-time monitoring and instant alerts to support their well-being whilst on duty and beyond. “Our partnership with Totalmobile is a game-changer for Chesterfield,” Steve Wilson, Interim Director of Housing Property Services Transformation at Chesterfield Borough Council. “This technology will allow us to provide faster, more responsive support to our residents, all while managing costs, increasing our operational efficiency and keeping our colleagues safe.” Chris Hornung, Managing Director of Public Sector at Totalmobile, commented, “We’re thrilled to support Chesterfield Borough Council’s vision for better public service. With our solutions, the Council can now achieve the flexibility and efficiency it needs to meet residents’ needs reliably and responsively.” Through Totalmobile’s solutions, Chesterfield Borough Council aims to eliminate long-standing issues in its housing repairs, including manual void property management, which has contributed to delays in service. The move to Totalmobile’s software solutions will help reduce turnaround times and improve transparency, making a positive impact on residents and Council operations alike. For more information on how Totalmobile is helping transform public service delivery for Chesterfield Borough Council and other local authorities, visit www.totalmobile.co.uk/government
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Siemens AG Supervisory Board extends contract of Matthias Rebellius
The Supervisory Board of Siemens AG today confirmed a contract extension for Matthias Rebellius from September 2025 for a one-year period, by mutual agreement. The extension provides Rebellius time to continue to build the performance trajectory of the Smart Infrastructure business while contributing to the transformation of Siemens. “Matthias has led the Smart Infrastructure business to exceptional performance levels, with 15 consecutive quarters of profitability improvement. The business is now a strong pillar of Siemens. This extension means that Siemens can continue to benefit from his strong leadership, and he can actively support the ongoing company transformation,” said Jim Hagemann Snabe, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Siemens AG. “Matthias brings a steady hand, passion for customers and technology, and deep experience across markets and regions,” said Roland Busch, President and CEO. “We are fortunate that we will benefit from his contribution for another two years.” Matthias Rebellius joined the Siemens Graduate Program in 1988, starting with the industrial automation business in 1990 before moving to the buildings business in 2003. He was appointed to the Managing Board in October 2020 as CEO Smart Infrastructure. He also has responsibility for supply chain management and the regional business in Canada, India, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Matthias is also a member of the Supervisory Board of Siemens Energy AG. Matthias Rebellius added: “I look forward to continuing being part of the team taking Siemens to the next level of performance and value creation. My choice to extend for one year allows me to support the transformation and then, after many incredible years with Siemens, enter into a new phase of my career as a non-executive. I am grateful for the support and trust from the Supervisory Board and the CEO and will ensure I make every day count for the benefit of our people, our customers, partners, and our shareholders.”
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Duck Creek Technologies to Host Third-Annual “One Duck Creek-India Inclusion Summit” in Mumbai
Duck Creek Technologies, the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance, will host its third-annual “One Duck Creek-India Inclusion Summit” in Mumbai. This two-day event focuses on creating a workplace where inclusion, belonging, and well-being actively thrive as part of Duck Creek’s dedication to fostering a diverse, resilient workforce. The summit features immersive panels, networking opportunities, and hands-on cultural celebrations, including a Diwali event, aligning with Duck Creek’s mission to develop an environment where every individual feels supported, valued, and engaged both personally and professionally. “The One Duck Creek-India Inclusion Summit embodies our commitment to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. As we gather in Mumbai, we’re reminded of the strength that comes from uniting diverse voices, experiences, and talents. This summit not only reinforces our dedication to creating an inclusive culture but also serves as a catalyst for deeper collaboration and innovation across our organization and within the technology community in India,” said Gowri Sivaprasad, Vice President of Engineering at Duck Creek Technologies. Building on the success of last year’s event, this year’s Inclusion Summit delves into meaningful discussions led by Duck Creek’s DEI Advisory Board, Employee Experience Council, Employee Resource Groups and other key One Duck Creek programs within the company. Duck Creek’s Executive Leadership Team will host a town hall, sharing company updates and encouraging open dialogue across the organization. The Duck Creek Gives Back Event invites attendees to support the Life Lab Foundation, whose mission is to combine learning with play, and inspire a new generation of learners. "We’re thrilled to reunite our Ducks in Mumbai to celebrate the company’s ongoing efforts to create a dynamic, inclusive global culture," said Amy Bayer, Global Director of DE&I, Engagement & Culture at Duck Creek Technologies. "The One Duck Creek Summit reflects our deep commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and supportive work environment. This event strengthens our team’s connections and reinforces our mission to build an industry-leading workplace in the P&C and general insurance sectors."
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Genesis BBQ Steals the Spotlight at Seoul’s Biggest Global Influencer Halloween Bash in Gangnam
Genesis BBQ Group, world’s largest K-food franchise powerhouse renowned for its ownership of the No. 1 K-chicken brand “BBQ,” took Halloween to dazzling new heights on October 28th. Collaborating with @seoul.southkorea, a travel account boasting 1.5 million followers, Genesis BBQ Group was the center of attention at the largest-ever global influencer Halloween bash in Gangnam. More than 200 high-profile influencers from around the world joined the exclusive event, and the BBQ booth quickly became the night’s main attraction. ■ BBQ Booth: The Night’s Ultimate Hotspot The vibrant booth set up by Genesis BBQ Group was a magnet for influencers from diverse industries—fashion, music, acting, and entrepreneurship—all eager to sample BBQ’s signature Golden Olive Chicken, alongside the brand's other best sellers. With a minimum follower count of 20,000 required for entry, the event attracted a highly curated guest list, featuring some of social media’s most prominent stars who couldn’t get enough of BBQ Chicken’s mouthwatering flavors and dynamic booth atmosphere. The BBQ booth’s red-carpet press wall, interactive social media contests, and the viral “APT” dance challenge quickly made it the night’s most talked-about destination. Under the visionary leadership of Tamara T. H. Kim, who made headlines earlier this year as the youngest executive in Korea’s F&B industry, Genesis BBQ Group’s latest rebranding efforts were on full display. Kim has redefined BBQ as a global cultural icon cherished by a new generation worldwide. “The BBQ booth didn’t merely attract attention; it captured hearts,” Kim shared. “This was more than a celebration—it was a moment of connection, uniting people from all walks of life through the uniquely Korean flavors of the nation’s favorite chicken brand. True quality knows no borders.” ■ Exclusive Performances and Unforgettable Moments Enhancing the evening’s excitement were live dance performances, a DJ, and a special set from popular R&B artist Jword, who gave the crowd an exclusive sneak peek of his upcoming album Atlanta Seoul. “BBQ’s Black Pepper Chicken is hands down the best fried chicken of all time,” exclaimed Jword, cradling his special box of BBQ Chicken. “It just hits different. Trust me, I’m from Atlanta!” Jword’s performance electrified the atmosphere, perfectly aligning with BBQ’s mission of blending culinary and cultural experiences. The BBQ booth, complete with a Hollywood-inspired press wall equipped with a proper red carpet, wasn’t just about food; it offered a truly immersive experience. Guests snapped photos, filmed videos, and joined the trending “APT” dance challenge inspired by Rosé’s latest single. The night’s energy peaked with a social media contest with prizes totaling 800,000KRW in value—including an invitation to the coveted BBQ Village Chimakase, a premium dining experience that highlights Genesis BBQ Group’s dedication to culinary excellence. ■ Innovative Engagements and Memorable Content When asked what set BBQ apart as the evening’s star, Chris Georgiev and Jinmin Park, managers of @seoul.southkorea, summed it up as they sipped BBQ’s famous Lemon Pu’er Tea Highball: “Genesis BBQ Group truly lived up to its name—Best of the Best Quality. We are incredibly proud to see our favorite K-chicken brand shine.” The event underscored Genesis BBQ Group’s mission to connect with the next generation and bring the BBQ experience to a global audience. Since 1995, BBQ Chicken has been a household name in Korea, cherished for its commitment to premium ingredients like high-quality frying oil and locally-sourced chicken. Now with a presence in over 60 countries, BBQ Chicken has become a global icon of the K-food phenomenon, featured in hit K-Dramas like The King: Eternal Monarch, Goblin, and Crash Landing on You, and adored by international superstars like BTS. With fans spanning all generations, BBQ has become more than just a brand—it is a treasured part of Korean heritage. Attendees shared their best moments on social media, tagging @GenesisBBQgroup and #BestoftheBestQuality. For more updates on Genesis BBQ Group’s upcoming events and social media giveaways, follow @GenesisBBQGroup on Instagram.
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Consumer money transfer industry needs to cut send costs by 27% each year to reach G20 targets: FXC Intelligence analysis
To meet G20 targets to target global average retail cross-border payments costs of no more than 1% by the end of 2027, the consumer money transfer industry will need to reduce send costs by 27% each year. This is according to FXC Intelligence analysis of the Financial Stability Board’s (FSB) annual report on meeting targets set for 2027 released this week. The FSB’s reporting includes extensive regional and market-type data, much of which is provided by FXC Intelligence, the leading provider of cross-border payments data and intelligence. FXC Intelligence’s data is used directly for the retail payments section of the G20 benchmarking, one of three segments that make up the roadmap. It also indirectly supplies the remittances segment, as FXC Intelligence data underpins the World Bank’s Remittance Prices Worldwide dataset used for this section. The retail section covers P2P payments (non-remittance consumer money transfers), as well as B2B, B2P and P2B payments. Overall, the FSB report showed that retail payments showed no marked improvement in 2024 compared to 2023, and moved away from the 2027 targets, with rising costs and reduced speeds across most metrics at a global average scale. The global average costs to send $1,000 and $10,000 P2P saw percentage point increases of 0.07 and 0.1 respectively, to 2.6% and 1.9%. FXC Intelligence analysis shows that to reach the G20 target, the global average cost to send a $1,000 consumer money transfer will need to reduce 27% each year from now until 2027, while the cost to send $10,000 will need to reduce by 19% each year. This is equivalent to a 0.7 percentage point reduction in 2025 for $1,000 and a 0.4 reduction for $10,000. Lucy Inhgam, Editor-in-Chief and Head of Content at FXC Intelligence, said: “It’s clear that the industry has a long way to go in order to meet the G20’s targets. While it may be easy to be discouraged by the limited progress over the past year, there is still significant potential to meet the G20’s goals over the coming years. With such a strong need to improve, particularly in some regions, there are clear opportunities for many providers of cross-border payments. “The benefits of data to improve costs and speed in cross-border payments are clear, and FXC Intelligence is proud to contribute. We hope our insights continue to help benchmark progress and guide the industry toward achieving the G20 targets over the coming years.” Read more about FXC Intelligence’s analysis of the FSB’s update in the report: ‘How did retail payments perform against the G20 cross-border roadmap targets in 2024?’.
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New data analysis shows TikTok takes 77% cut of Gift payments sent to creators
TikTok takes a 77% cut of Gift payments users send to creators according to new analysis from FXC Intelligence, the leading provider of cross-border payments data and intelligence. This margin is significantly higher than any platform whose primary focus is sending money directly to creators. In 2022, TikTok Europe, a rare part of the business that regularly reports revenue due to local market requirements, reported $790m in revenue from Gifts to creators. However, in 2023 TikTok Europe opted not to report its revenue segmentations by business type or geographical segment, arguing that “it would be seriously prejudicial to the interests of the company to do so”. FXC Intelligence conservatively estimates Tiktok Europe’s livestreaming Gifts revenue for 2023 sits between $1.4bn and $1.7bn, or 31-38% of total revenue. Based on these estimates, it is likely that users sent between $1.8bn and $2.2bn to creators, who would have received around $418m-511m. Using FXC Intelligence’s lowest estimates for TikTok Europe’s livestreaming revenue for 2023, it is likely that the total global revenue for livestreaming gifts sits at around $5bn. This means that users sent Gifts worth $6.5bn to creators, who would have received $1.5bn. However, given estimates here were conservative, this may be an underestimation. Lucy Ingham, Editor-in-Chief and Head of Content at FXC Intelligence, said: “TikTok handles well over $1bn in estimated payment flows year-on-year, making it tempting to think of it as a serious player in the global payments ecosystem. However, the margin TikTok charges would be unthinkable for any company overtly promoting itself as a payments provider and it is not realistic to consider it a payment company in the truest sense of the term. “Its huge take rate on Gifts sent to creators also undermines the idea of TikTok being an effective way to reward creators. Ultimately, livestreaming gifts are another way for the social media giant to significantly boost its revenue. It’s not surprising, therefore, to see a growing number of creators on the platform advertise alternative payment methods for users that want to ‘tip’ or financially acknowledge their favourite creators.”
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Hamamatsu Fuels SuperLight Photonics with Strategic Investment
SuperLight Photonics, a pioneer in cutting-edge laser technology, today announced the strategic investment of Hamamatsu Ventures to drive long-term synergy in laser innovation. Hamamatsu Ventures, Corporate Venture Capital, is a global VC looking to invest in photonics companies that address the “sakidori” needs - the future anticipated needs - in society, and more specifically through the development of disruptive photonics technologies with the potential to redefine industries. This partnership is poised to accelerate SuperLight Photonics’ development of next-generation photonic technologies and strengthen its global market presence. "Our partnership with Hamamatsu Ventures marks a pivotal moment in our growth journey,” said Cees Links, CEO of SuperLight Photonics. “Their support validates the enormous potential of our technologies and strengthens our ability to scale quickly, innovate, and meet the needs of global customers seeking innovative photonic solutions. We are excited to leverage their industry knowledge and network to bring our breakthrough products to new markets.” “As a strategic investor, we provide business expertise in areas where we have deep experience and we seek to create synergies which might lead to collaborative R&D and joint developments,” stated Katsuhiro Kobayashi, CEO of Hamamatsu Ventures. “It is our ambition to build a long-term, supportive partnership with our portfolio companies. We recognize SuperLight Photonics' groundbreaking technology as a game-changer with vast potential to transform a wide range of industries, they align perfectly with our investment focus on technologies shaping the future.” As part of the strategic investment, David Castrillo, EU-CVC Business Development Manager, will join the SuperLight Photonics Advisory Board and serve as a liaison. With over 30 years of experience in the optical industry at Hamamatsu, David brings valuable expertise and insights to SuperLight Photonics, enhancing the company's vision and direction. With this new investment, SuperLight Photonics will focus on expanding its team, scaling its production capacity, and driving innovation across its product portfolio. The company plans to expand into new geographic markets and establish stronger partnerships with global distributors, OEMs and key industry players.
