Browsing: news

Global electrification leader ZAPI GROUP has announced the acquisition of UBIQUICOM, a real-time locating systems (RTLS) provider specialising in solutions for manufacturing, logistics, and transport. The acquisition enhances ZAPI Group’s automation portfolio, providing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with more comprehensive systems that increase efficiency and safety in material handling and manufacturing processes. The move comes as automation continues to reshape industries worldwide, with real-time location technology increasingly recognised for its potential to streamline operations. RTLS solutions like those developed by UBIQUICOM enable the precise tracking of assets, vehicles, and people in production environments, providing critical data that can be used…

Millions of workers across the UK will see a rise in wages next year as Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces an increase in the National Living Wage, boosting it by 6.7% from April 2025. This change lifts the National Living Wage from £11.44 to £12.21 per hour, providing a £1,400 annual increase for a full-time worker and moving the Government closer to its commitment of establishing a “genuine living wage” for UK workers. The announcement also revealed a record increase in the National Minimum Wage for 18 to 20-year-olds, rising from £8.60 to £10.00 an hour. This £1.40 increase is set…

Antwerp-based supply chain specialist OMP has announced a leadership transition, with Anita Van Looveren stepping down as CEO to become Chairwoman of the Board of Directors on November 1, after nearly 25 years in the CEO role and nearly 40 years at the company. Paul Vanvuchelen, currently Global Delivery Lead, will succeed her as CEO, marking a significant shift aimed at reinforcing OMP’s position in advanced supply chain planning. In her new role, Van Looveren will remain involved in OMP’s strategic direction, working closely with Vanvuchelen to ensure a seamless transition. Outgoing Chair Georges Schepens, the company’s founder, will stay…

Estithmar Holding Q.S.P.C has reported a strong financial performance for the nine months ending September 30, 2024, showcasing growth across its main divisions, including healthcare, real estate, tourism, services, and specialised contracting. The company saw a notable increase in net profits, up by 15% to QAR 353 million compared to QAR 307 million in the same period in 2023. Revenues also rose by 32% to QAR 2.9 billion, and gross profits grew by 26% to QAR 719 million. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) reached QAR 573 million, while earnings per share increased by 11% to QAR 0.099.…

Great Hill Partners, a private equity firm known for investing in high-growth companies, has announced a strategic partial sale of BigChange, a leading provider of field service management software, to Simpro Group, a global player in the same sector. Despite this sale, Great Hill will retain a minority stake in BigChange, underscoring its commitment to the company’s continued growth and success. Since being acquired by Great Hill in 2021, BigChange has experienced significant growth and transformation. The company has successfully increased its revenue by 2.5 times and expanded its customer base to over 2,200 clients. In addition, BigChange has launched…

BeiGene, Ltd., a global oncology company, has announced the passing of Donald Glazer, a cherished member of its board and chair of the nominating and corporate governance committee. His death has elicited a profound sense of loss within the organisation, which he helped establish in 2010. John V. Oyler, Co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of BeiGene, expressed his sorrow in a heartfelt statement. “We are saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Don Glazer. He played an instrumental role in the founding of the company and was a steadfast supporter of our mission to provide innovative medicines to patients worldwide…

The Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) has launched an extensive digital archive of textile dyeing and printing artefacts, making centuries of colour science accessible to a global audience. This newly unveiled Textile Collection archive showcases over 50,000 items, including journals, books, and historic artefacts, providing a unique insight into the evolution of textile dyeing from traditional to synthetic methods. The collection, available online for the first time, allows researchers, industry professionals, and textile enthusiasts to explore the intricate history of dyeing and colour application across the centuries. Key highlights include the Turkey Red Collection and handwritten dyers’ notebooks from…

Forster Group, Scotland’s leading provider of roofing and solar solutions, has completed a significant solar installation for Fife Creamery, one of its largest projects for the food and drink sector. The project, valued at £230,000, saw over 700 roof-mounted solar panels installed on Fife Creamery’s Innovation Hub and refrigeration warehouse in Kirkcaldy. The new solar system is expected to help the family-owned business save over £3.1 million in energy costs over the next two decades. Initial results show energy bill savings of up to two-thirds since the system began operating in May 2024. With an instant energy output of 211-kilowatt…

Bradford Housing Association Supports Refugees with Digital Tech Donations Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has donated a range of digital equipment to Solidaritech, a local community interest company focused on repurposing tech for refugees and asylum seekers. The donated equipment includes laptops, power leads, and smartphones, all of which will be reconditioned and distributed by Solidaritech to help digitally excluded individuals gain essential online access. The support from MHA marks a significant contribution to Solidaritech’s mission of narrowing the digital divide among migrants and asylum seekers in the UK. Founded in 2017, Solidaritech works by collecting unused digital devices from…

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced it has committed a record $12 billion in investments for the fiscal year 2024, focusing on projects designed to improve living conditions and spur economic development across the developing world. The funds are aimed at expanding access to essential resources such as food, energy, healthcare, and infrastructure in regions spanning Africa, Latin America, the Indo-Pacific, and the Middle East. In 2024 alone, the DFC supported projects in 44 countries and now boasts a portfolio encompassing over 110 nations. This year’s new commitments are projected to benefit hundreds of thousands worldwide, financing 450,000…