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In the wake of the holiday shopping season, the consensus has been that most retailers are still struggling mightily to win their share of consumer spending.
As chain after chain reported underwhelming fourth-quarter results (large retailers like Walmart (WMT) and Kohl’s (KSS) reported meager increases while some had downright bad holiday seasons, like Macy’s (M)), it looked like major stores are still figuring out how to grapple with Amazon.com’s (AMEN) rise, a glut of apparel in the market, and shifting consumer priorities.
Then, in January, an unusually warm winter made people even more bearish about retail, particularly clothiers like Gap (GPS), as the stock market went bonkers, raising fears that consumer confidence would sink. But some optimism crept back in by March as it became clear armageddon was not upon us, not yet at least.
According to a report by Wall Street firm Cowen & Co this week, short interest in retail stocks fell to 11.5% of shares, from 13.6% two months earlier. Short interest refers to the percentage of a company’s shares that are held short, reflecting bearish sentiment toward that particular stock.
The news hasn’t been all doom and gloom, though. Some retailers, long thought to be on their death beds, recently reported decent holiday quarter results. J.C. Penney (JCP), for one, reported best-in-class numbers among its department store peers, sending its shares on a tear in the last month, and bringing its short interest down 7.9 percentage points to 24%. And Abercrombie & Fitch (AND) also surprised Wall Street with decent results, lowering its short interest some 6.5 points. But both remain show-me stories, with short interest still very high in both cases.
On the other hand, previous Wall Street darlings like Nordstrom (JWN) and Restoration Hardware (RH) saw short interest in their stocks remain stubbornly high amid lingering concerns over the financial health of high-end consumers. Gap investors remained in wait-and-see mode as the company promised a turnaround this year. Still, 15% of its shares were shorted in mid-March, compared to an average 11.5% for the sector, according to Cowen.
Not surprisingly, perennial winners like Costco Wholesale (COST) and TJX (TJX), parent of T.J. Maxx, had among the lowest short interest numbers.
“Retail sentiment is improving, but is it sustainable?” Cowen asks in its report. Quarterly earnings reports from the likes of Lululemon Athletica (LULU) and Restoration Hardware this week will give Wall Street its latest reading.


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The move is aimed at celebrating its customers, couriers and restaurant partners, for their commitment to quality operations, including exemplary customer experience, short delivery times, creation of viable economic opportunities, and the many exciting offers it has provided to its customers.
The anniversary also offers the brand a platform to reflect on its achievements, and celebrate its key milestones which include growing its restaurants base from 140 to over 900, launching within 61 sq km and growing to over 3000 sq km coverage with expansions to 13 new areas.
Bolt Food was launched in Nairobi 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic which came with many challenges including lockdowns, curfews, to offer its customers intense culinary experiences from the comfort of their homes.
Since its launch, the platform has onboarded more than 5000 couriers and 900 restaurants serving sixty estates within Nairobi, Kiambu, Kikuyu, Ngong, Kiserian, Athi River and Kitengela.
Edgar Kipngetich Kitur, Country Manager, Bolt Food said, “we are delighted that whilst we have grown our internal team, we have also contributed to creating economic opportunities for the youth in Kenya. We also celebrate the quality, responsible and convenient food delivery services we have provided in partnership with the restaurants on our platform to many Nairobians, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic; keeping people safe and away from crowded places, and offering exciting and intense culinary experiences from the comfort of people’s homes.”
“We remain focused on transforming the food delivery sector in Kenya, and we continue to invest in sustainable and innovative products that enhance quality service delivery and great customer experiences at affordable costs,” Kitur said.
The company has incorporated electric motorbikes, e-tuk-tuks and e-bicycles to deal with the challenges occasioned by fluctuating fuel prices while leading the way in offering sustainable and greener options for food deliveries in the industry.
“We are currently making deliveries using electric tuk-tuks and e-bicycles within Nairobi as we look to expand into other towns with the same options. We remain focused on transforming the food delivery sector in Kenya, and we continue to invest in sustainable and innovative products that enhance quality service delivery and great customer experiences at affordable costs,” said Edgar K. Kitur.
As part of the company’s growth and sustainability strategy, Bolt Food continues to facilitate its couriers with the necessary training to ensure quality service delivery, and professionalism in the entire value chain of food delivery.
“We have and continue to invest in our couriers to ensure that we maintain high standards and meet all requirements set forth by the government”, Kitur added.
The company aims at expanding into major cities and towns in Kenya, and to offer quality services that boost customer experience, delivery and courier earnings.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) has come to the tire industry by way of Sears Auto Centers. With the pilot launch of the retail chain's "Digital Tire Journey" Web app, consumers can identify the appropriate tires to fit their driving preferences.
William R. "Bill" Floyd, former executive director of the Ohio Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association (OTDRA), died on Friday, March 7, 2014. He was 90 years old.
Born in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, he moved to Barberton, Ohio, with his parents in 1936 and became a life-long resident. He graduated from Barberton High School in June 1941, and from The University of Akron in 1949 with his B.S. in Business Administration. He was active in the Barberton Junior Chamber of Commerce from 1951-1956, serving as president in 1955, and was recognized as their "Outstanding Man of the Year."
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II as a staff sergeant in Europe. He was a devoted and faithful Christian and active member of both the First Baptist and Covenant Baptist churches.
Bill Floyd's long career in the tire industry began with positions at the Seiberling Rubber Co. and Polson Rubber Co. After he retired, he became executive director of the OTDRA and its spinoff, the Northeast Ohio Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William R. and Mary Floyd; brother, James; and his beloved wife, Joan (Stocker). He is survived by his three children, Michael (Denise) of Salesville, Ohio, Gary (Doris) Floyd of Barberton, and Kathi (Jim) Keifer of McAlisterville, Pa.; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at the Silva-Hosteteler Funeral Home, 1199 Wooster Rd. West, Barberton, on Sunday, March 16th, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., concluding with a memorial service at the funeral home officiated by Pastor Mike Prebynski. Per Floyd's wishes, a private burial will be held at a later date at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Summa Hospice Palliative Care, 1 West, 155 Fifth St. NE, Barberton, Ohio 44203.
Federal Corp.'s Chungli, Taiwan, consumer tire factory was involved in a fire on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017. There were no casualties, and the production facilities were unaffected, says a company spokesperson.
High-value-added passenger tires is the buzz phrase in the tire industry right now. Also known as HVA tires, they are defined by some companies as tires 17 inches and above in size, by others 18 inches and above. Either way, they are trending upward.
The Smithers Group has upgraded its tread wear testing capabilities at its primary Tire and Wheel Test Center in Ravenna, Ohio.
The European subsidiary of Bridgestone Corp. is acquiring a chain of 104 stores in France.
The North Carolina Tire Dealers Association (NCTDA) will honor its 2017 Dealer of the Year and induct two new members into its Hall of Fame.
Mark Peak of Peak Auto Service Inc. in Girard, Kan., won the grand prize in a recent Jeep Rubicon Sweepstakes from Friend Tire Co., a wholesaler in Monett, Mo. that's a wholly owned subsidiary of the Yokohama Rubber Corp.
Discount Tire has added a store in Sugar Land, Texas. It is the third Discount Tire outlet in Sugar Land, which is part of the Houston metropolitan area, and the 12th location in Fort Bend County.
Every year, Modern Tire Dealer breaks down "the year that was" in its January Facts Issue. It is the first publication with an in-depth report on the previous year's performance.
The 2017 Lexus LS sedan features the Turanza T005 run-flat tire by Bridgestone Corp. as original equipment.
The third annual North American Tire & Retread Expo will be held April 19-21 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.
Tenneco Inc. wants to reward loyalty in a big way. That is why the company has launched the 2017 Expert Plus loyalty program for automotive service providers.
The January 2017 Facts Issue features a record 42 charts and graphs. That includes an expanded "Pricing and Sizes" section.
It looks like Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. will be the second tire manufacturer to announce a price increase or price increases three weeks into the new year.
Denso Products and Services Americas Inc. has added 14 part numbers to its selection of First Time Fit tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors. The new part numbers add coverage for more than 10 million European and Korean vehicles.


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WordPress version 5.0 that is going to be released this year will introduce the world to Gutenberg, a brand new editor that has already ruffled a lot...
In category:: WordPress
On October 6th 2020, the WordPress Core team put out a ...
There is a lot of material for self-learning WordPress, especially for beginners. Where to head first? Check out the official WordPress tutorial!
Printed from https://seravo.com/en/official-wordpress-training-material-updated/ —
© 2022 Seravo


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On August 9, Audi launched a Facebook petition to help decided whether or not they should bring the Audi TT RS to the United States – well, you answered that call and the “˜Bring it to the U.S.” Facebook petition gathered 11,500+ signatures in just one month, including many likely buyers.
Audi has confirmed that the Audi TT RS will be arriving in U.S. dealerships by the third quarter of 2011.
“With performance and agility rooted in Audi motorsports success, the TT RS is truly an emotional sports car,” explained Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “That emotion became abundantly clear as we explored interest across the country.”
Gotta love the power of social media.
Refresher: The 2010 Audi TT RS is powered by a turbocharged 2.5L engine with direct gasoline injection making a total of 360-hp with a maximum torque of 332 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed manual and the the quattro all-wheel-drive system, the TT RS goes from 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 174 mph.
2010 Audi TT RS:
Confirmed: Audi TT RS coming to America
– High-performance sports coupe scheduled to arrive in U.S. dealerships by the third quarter of 2011
– “˜Bring it to the U.S.” Facebook petition gathered 11,500+ signatures in just one month, including many likely buyers
– The Audi TT RS will achieve 360 hp, 0-62 mph time of 4.6 seconds
HERNDON, Va., Sep 14, 2010 – The hopes of American sports car enthusiasts will be realized. Audi announced today that it is bringing the 360-horsepower Audi TT RS coupe to the U.S. market by the third quarter of 2011.
The introduction of the Audi TT RS to the U.S. market has been under consideration for several months. To gauge consumer passion for the high-performance car, Audi launched an innovative survey on its Facebook tab. After more than 11,500 fans expressed their enthusiasm for the Audi TT RS in just one month, and the American automotive media praised its dynamics, Audi executives concluded the car”s time had come.
Audi has not yet determined pricing for the Audi TT RS and will continue to define features and options available to U.S. consumers. Only the coupe version of the TT RS will be available in the U.S.
The Audi TT RS headed for America will share key performance attributes of the models sold in Europe and elsewhere. The car will come with the same, award-winning 2.5-liter TFSI, five-cylinder engine that generates 360 horsepower. The turbocharged engine also produces an impressive 332 lb-ft of torque. It was developed exclusively for the Audi TT RS and won International Engine of the Year honors this summer in judging for its category by 71 automotive journalists. The 2.5T engine will be paired with a six-speed manual transmission and quattro® all-wheel drive to achieve a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. The lightweight body featuring Audi Space Frame ASF® aluminum construction produces a low drag coefficient of 0.32.
– By: Omar Rana


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Beer Guy: Brew honors Palmetto Trail
July is prime-time for beer drinking. So what better season to bring out a beer honoring the great outdoors and, in particular, the Palmetto Trail.
RJ Rockers has brewed Palmetto Trail Ale, which will make its debut across the Palmetto State this month. The Rockers brewery in Spartanburg should have it on tap on the July 4.
Rockers will donate a portion of sales to the Finish the Trail drive. The 500-mile trail will stretch across the state from the mountains of Oconee County down to the coast. Currently, about 350 miles are done.
Beer birthday bash
Crafted, the beer store in Simpsonville, is celebrating its third birthday this month with an amazing beer box giveaway that will benefit a nonprofit in that neighborhood.
Customers can stop by the store to buy a $5 ticket and vote for their favorite nonprofit. On July 11, the winner will be drawn and the money will go to one of five nonprofits: Greenville County Literacy Association, Hospice House, Concerned Citizens for Animals, Generations Group Homes or the Center for Community Services.
The beer box will include Black Ops from Brooklyn Brewing, Sexual Chocolate from Foothills and KBS from Founders among many other treats. Brewery 85 from Greenville will sell draft beer including some cask ale.
The store, located in a shopping center at 655 Fairview Road in Simponville, is a family affair run by Vance, Carl and Kathy Roberts. They've stocked this place with a wide variety of imports and American craft brews, including many from North and South Carolina, plus a nice selection of bottled ciders.
They also fill returnable take-home growler bottles from their ever-changing draft lines. And they've built a solid customer base, not just from Simpsonville by around Greenville County and Fountain Inn, Mauldin and Laurens, and even down to Greenwood. It's well worth your time to pop over and prowl through their brew lineup.
Follow Beer Guy Tony Kiss on Facebook at Carolina Beer Guy or on Twitter @BeerGuyTK


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Investment cycle has peaked and there will be ‘more blood on the carpet’, top Barclays banker warns: The investment cycle has reached its peak and there will be “more blood on the carpet”, Barclays relationship director Bob Silk has warned. Barclays has had a specialist leisure lending department for two decades – and is one of the most active sector lenders. Speaking at the Propel Finance and Investment Conference, Silk said: “We are once again in a world where there is a considerable amount of liquidity in the market place. We have seen what we always see at this point in the cycle where overseas bankers and lenders come into the market. The desire is to build market share and the way you do that is by letting businesses relax their lending criteria. There is a lot of money out that is available – higher sums of money, thinner covenants, thinner pricing so there’s a lot of frothiness around. Asset prices are really high. If I look at the provincial hotel market it is trading at or around its cyclical peak. Inflation is starting to bite, the consumer is starting to retract so operators that don’t have a truly differentiated, quality offer will suffer and those businesses that are more highly-leveraged are going to suffer badly. I think there will be more blood on the carpet. For those that have possibly taken their foot off the gas a little and are tightening the belts of their business and starting to run for cash and keeping their powder dry, over the next 12 to 24 months it will be a time of great opportunity. If you are a big company with hundreds of sites and your business is going backwards the chances are you have got so many things that need to be fixed. Because of the sheer scale, are you going to be able to actually fix them quickly enough, bearing in mind the rapidly changing tastes and styles of the consumer? So the question is, what happens at the larger end of the market and who might the casualties be?”
Host of companies sign up for Inspirational Leadership Masterclass:
A host of companies have signed up for the Inspirational Leadership Masterclass. They include Cambscuisine, Punch, Mitchells & Butlers, Vaulkhard Group, The Ivy Collection, My Lahore, Draft House, Jamie’s Italian, Brindisa Tapas Kitchens, Chilled Pubs, Oakman Inns, Ponti’s, McMullen’s, Anglian Country Inns, The Yummy Collection The Inn Collection, Admiral Taverns, True North Brew, FrogPubs, Jo De Luccis, The Alchemist, The Piano Works, 16 Hospitality, The Barsons Eden Group
, and Chameleon Bar and Dining
. Propel has partnered with the UK’s leading thinker and teacher on multi-site foodservice management Professor Chris Edger
and Tony Hughes, cited by many current industry leaders as the most influential figure in their career
, for the event. Edger and Hughes will draw on their book, eMotion – how leaders mobilise positive feelings in super-performing teams, to outline the “ten moments of emotional truth” of leadership that separate the best from the rest. The event takes place in the Chartered Accountants Hall at One Moorgate Place, London, on Thursday, 8 June and Edger and Hughes will explain their book’s key proposition – that focusing on mobilising positive emotions lies at the heart of inspirational leadership. Speakers will include leading brands consultant Ian Dunstall
, who will outline how inspirational leaders set up and evolve a brand that is loved by both employees and guests. Nick Miller, formerly of Miller Brands UK and Meantime Brewery
, will share his leadership learning experiences (good and bad) and highlight what he believes were his ten critical leadership moments during this time. Click here
to see the full speaker schedule. Tickets are £295 plus VAT for operators and £445 plus VAT for suppliers, while tickets for Propel Premium subscribers are £245 plus VAT. To book, email email@example.com or call 01444 817691
Propel Multi-Club summer conference and party open for bookings, two free places for operators:
The Propel Multi-Club summer conference and party is now open for bookings. The event, which takes place on Thursday, 6 July at the Oxford Belfry, which is just off the M40, will also involve the Propel summer party in the evening, featuring laser tag, human table football and the chance to tackle the podium jump made famous by BBC television show Total Wipeout. Click here
for the full speaker schedule. Operators can claim two free places by emailing Jo Charity on firstname.lastname@example.org
Top 500 US restaurant companies see 3.6% sales growth: The 500 largest restaurant companies in the US experienced total sales growth of 3.6% in 2016, according to insights firm Technomic. The annual Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report found the fast-casual sector led the rise with 8.0% growth, followed by fine dining (4.9%), quick service (3.7%), casual dining (1.3%) and midscale (1.1%). Key menu category performance in the limited-service sector was led by pizza (6.8%), followed by sandwich (2.9%) and burger (2.7%). Best performer in the full-service sector was steak (2.9%), ahead of family-style (0.9%) and varied menu (0.3%). The full-service sector experienced highs and lows with annual sales growth dipping to 1.4% and unit growth remaining flat. Traditional casual-dining chains most heavily contributed to the segment’s troubles – the top five-largest full-service brands, four of which were casual dining, all had negative or slow sales in 2016. Bright spots within full service were polished/upscale and contemporary casual-dining chains, which increased sales by 4% and 4.5% respectively. Fine dining also saw sales rise 4.9%. Growth categories included Asian (sales up 4.3%) and sports bars (3.9%). The report picked out three brands as “trending now”, with MOD Pizza, Blaze and Pieology featuring for the fast-casual pizza sector. For the breakfast/lunch sector, the report highlighted Black Bear Diner, daytime cafe First Watch and The Egg & I. The three brands picked out for the adult beverage-focused sector were Cooper’s Hawk, Marlow’s Tavern and Eureka! Under “poised to break out”, the report highlighted The Halal Guys and Cava Mezze (ethnic proliferation), Vitality Bowls and Pressed Juicery (niche/speciality chains), and regional brewpubs HopCat, Brass Tap and Public School. Technomic president Darren Tristano said: “Full-service chains continue to face strong competition from full-service independents and regional chain restaurants, which provide a more local experience. Today’s consumer looks for a more contemporary atmosphere, a strong adult beverage programme and a menu of food and beverages that cater to local preferences. Operators also face stiff competition from limited-service restaurants that offer value, convenience, speed and customisation.”
NTIA partners with Nightset to launch nightlife industry app: The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has launched an app in a bid to connect “all the moving parts of the nightlife industry from venue owners to promoters and customers”. The Nightset app allows consumers to book tickets and guest lists, broadcast their night to other users in real time, and meet like-minded people through a dating feature. Venue owners can also communicate, promote and engage with users through the app, which was developed in partnership with Anna Frankowska, co-founder and chief executive of Nightset. NTIA chairman Alan Miller said: “We are really excited about the collaboration with Nightset. Anna has demonstrated a passion and love for nightlife that has led her project and it enables a number of different activities, all of which are beneficial to the industry and consumers. We think this partnership is the start of something important that will help us to continue championing nightlife and all its benefits while generating more business and better engagement all round.” Frankowska added: “By working together in this partnership we want to digitally enable the industry to the next level through Nightset’s innovative technology platform and unify the market across all customer touch points.” Nightset is available to download from Apple’s App Store.
SIBA urges election candidates to back Britain’s independent craft brewers by signing up to manifesto: The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) is asking election candidates to “back Britain’s independent craft brewing businesses” by signing up to its election manifesto. The manifesto sets out a number of ways in which SIBA, which represents more than 850 independent craft brewers in the UK, is seeking to work with MPs and government to secure the sector’s future. SIBA managing director Mike Benner said: “SIBA’s manifesto sets out five key areas vital for the future health of the independent craft brewing industry in the UK. We are asking candidates to support local brewing businesses, back the retention of Small Breweries’ Relief, support SIBA’s campaign to ensure local brewers have access to market to meet the demands of beer drinkers, back pubs as centres of community life, and back SIBA’s campaign for a fair deal on beer tax with at least a freeze in beer duty during the next parliament. We work tirelessly to support our 850 members in their efforts to brew and bring to market the best in beer. In a highly competitive, concentrated and largely foreclosed beer market, we need the support of MPs with this mission.”
Safety, privacy and authenticity key for hotels and restaurants of the future: The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has welcomed new research outlining key priorities for hotels and restaurants of the future. The study, commissioned by HOTREC, the European umbrella association of hotels, restaurants and cafes, draws on Travelsat data to reveal what consumers believe will be their future priorities in travel and hospitality. For hotels, consumers expect their top priority for a positive hotel experience to be feeling safe, followed by privacy and service from genuinely friendly staff. Authenticity will also be important in restaurants and hotels, with younger consumers having much higher expectations than their elders. In restaurants, while a genuine, local immersive food experience is important to guests of all ages, younger generations expect much more compared with their elders, with unique design and atmosphere, entertainment, flexible opening times and greater personalisation leading the asks.
Aston Manor Brewery ponders £100m sale: Birmingham-based cider-maker Aston Manor Brewery is reviewing options to fund its growth plans, which could include a £100m sale of the business. The company, which produces branded and own-label cider including Kingstone Press and Frosty Jack’s, has appointed financial advisory Lazard to examine its options, The Business Desk reports. The company is owned by former Aston Villa Football Club chairman Sir Doug Ellis and his family. Aston Manor’s most recent accounts, for the year ending 31 December 2015, showed an 11% fall in sales to £108.7m. However, despite the decline in sales, which followed a smaller fall the year before, the company outperformed the sector. The manufacturer has production and packaging facilities in Birmingham and Devon, and orchards in Worcestershire and Herefordshire. It exports to more than 20 countries, including the US, Russia and Africa.
Whitbread boss earns £2.5m: Whitbread chief executive Alison Brittain earned £2,509,000 in her first full year in charge of the company. The total consisted of £792,000 basic salary, benefits worth £22,000, an annual incentive scheme payment of £638,000, a long-term incentive payment of £859,000 and a pension payment of £198,000. Finance director Nicolas Cadbury earned £1,487,000 (2015/16: £1,717,000), while group human relations director Louise Smalley earned £988,000 (2015/16: £1,284,000). The highest earnings achieved by a Whitbread chief executive came in 2013/14, when Andy Harrison earned a total of £6,374,000. Louise Smalley is a non-executive director of DS Smith and retained a fee of £55,233. Brittain is a non-executive director of Marks & Spencer and retained a fee of £70,000. Cadbury was appointed a non-executive director of Land Securities Group on 1 January 2017 and retained a fee of £11,667. In the company’s annual report, chairman of the remuneration committee Deanna Oppenheimer told shareholders: “During consultations, a number of our shareholders stressed the importance of good disclosure and transparency. As a result of the feedback we received we have decided that, wherever possible, we will disclose the incentivised targets. Last year, for the first time, we retrospectively disclosed our profit target and committed to disclose the 2015/16 target in this report. As a result of the shareholder feedback, we have given some thought as to how we can improve the transparency of our targets still further and have now decided to disclose our 2016/17 profit target in addition to the 2015/16 target. We have also included a new table in the section of the report on key performance indicators, which brings greater clarity to the targets set for incentivised measures.”
KFC’s largest UK franchisee secures £20m debt facility: A Marlow-headquartered business that holds the UK’s largest KFC franchise has undergone a major refinancing programme to support its mergers and acquisitions strategy. The Herbert Group has 119 restaurants across the UK and Ireland and has secured a £20m debt facility from Lloyds Bank. In addition, the bank has provided a £2.5m revolving credit facility to support working capital. “The group remains extremely active in seeking out opportunities to grow and develop our existing store and brand portfolio,” said Jason Carlisle, finance director of The Herbert Group. “To support these plans and with the support of Lloyds Bank we have the funding structure and resources to identify suitable acquisition targets and consolidate our position as the largest KFC franchise in the UK and Ireland.” The Herbert Group can trace its roots 250 years. Sharon Murphy, relationship director at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “The Herbert Group is a long-standing client that has achieved significant scale in recent years as a result of its ambitious management team and targeted growth strategy. Facilitating an expansion plan requires careful financial planning, which is why we work with firms like The Herbert Group to help support their growth as part of our wider commitment to help Britain prosper.”
Living Ventures bids to open Gusto site in Sutton Coldfield: Living Ventures is to open a site for its Gusto brand in Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands. The company has submitted a planning application to open a restaurant and cocktail bar in two vacant units at the Mulberry Walk development in Mere Green, a new collection of shops, cafes and restaurants, the Birmingham Mail reports. Private equity-backed restaurant group Bistrot Pierre and Prezzo already operate venues at the shopping complex. The move follows Living Ventures’ launch of a Gusto site alongside another of its brands, The Alchemist, in Birmingham city centre last year. The company also opened a site in Nottingham in February this year, its first Gusto in the East Midlands. Gusto was launched in 2005 and private investment in 2014 has led to rapid expansion of the brand. It currently operates 18 restaurants across the UK.
Hawthorn Leisure places former Wetherspoon pub on the market: Hawthorn Leisure has put a pub in Kings Lynn, Norfolk, on the market barely a year after buying the site from JD Wetherspoon. Hawthorn Leisure took over The Lattice House in May last year. Hawthorn Leisure said: “The Lattice House pub has been placed on the open market as a going concern and continues to trade as normal until a purchaser steps forward. It’s a great opening as a freehold opportunity for an operator whose portfolio this fits.” Hundreds of people signed a petition calling for the grade II-listed pub to be saved when JD Wetherspoon initially put it on the market in 2015, amid fears it could be demolished. The pub was one of more than 30 put up for sale by the chain at that time. Originally built in the 15th century as a townhouse, the building was first used as an inn in the early 18th century and remained in business for more than 200 years before closing in 1919.
Wimbledon Brewery doubles production capacity: Wimbledon Brewery has doubled production capacity to a “brew a day” following the installation of two 60-barrel fermenters at its premises in south west London. Each fermenter holds the equivalent of 17,000 pints. The move is the second expansion undertaken by the company since its launch in July 2015. Its bottled and canned beers are available in a wide range of London venues and in M&S food stores. Founder Mark Gordon said: “The new fermenters allow us to step up our production to five brews a week, which is needed to meet increased demand from our growing customer base across the UK. We will also have some capacity to test the waters internationally before the year is out.”
Deltic Group starts £300,000 refurbishment of only remaining Oceana nightclub: Deltic Group, the UK’s largest operator of premium late-night bars and clubs, has started a £300,000 refurbishment of the last Oceana nightclub in its estate. Oceana Southampton is undergoing work to create a new dance space entitled The Curve Room, which will play R&B chart hits and feature gold and black decor and five bookable private booths. The club’s main dance room will also have its light and sound system upgraded ahead of the relaunch on Friday, 26 May. Oceana general manager Alex O’Reilly said: “Oceana is a Southampton institution and we continue to be the number-one nightspot in the city. We’re confident Curve will be a big hit with our loyal customers who make this such a great club and they will benefit from the upgraded light and sound technology in the main room.” Deltic Group has converted all its former Oceana nightclubs – in Plymouth, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Kingston, Watford, Leeds and Nottingham – into its Pryzm brand. There were also Oceana venues in Milton Keynes and Swansea that closed.
Jamie Oliver visits Australia to finalise acquisition of business: Chef Jamie Oliver has flown to Australia to finalise the acquisition of his restaurants under franchise that went into administration last year. He told local media: “I’ve basically come over to dot the i’s and cross the t’s on buying back my Australian business, which was a franchise and went into receivership. There was nothing wrong with the JI (Jamie’s Italian) business but it got dragged down with the mother ship. It’s never happened to me before so it’s a bit of new one for me. But the good news is we bought it back and I’m now 100% owner of my (Australian Jamie’s Italian) restaurants, instead of a partner of my restaurants.” Regarding the administration, he said: “I was like OK, why? The business is really good, we are really busy, we get low grumbles, they are all profitable, so why? And then you just realise you are part of a bigger picture and you can’t control it.”
M&B pencils in June reopening of historic Dulwich village pub: Mitchells & Butlers is aiming to reopen the historic Crown and Greyhound pub, which will offer boutique bedrooms, in Dulwich Village on Wednesday 14 June. It originally closed in September 2014 for an anticipated 15 months. It will be managed by Brian Gallagher, who previously managed Waxy O’Connor’s in the West End. The reopened Crown and Greyhound will be part of Mitchells and Butlers’ Castle brand, which it refers to as pubs with a “character to suit its community and an independence that attracts regulars as diverse and discerning as the beers on tap”. Gallagher said: “Old regulars will immediately recognise the pub, which is listed, but a number of improvements have been made to the rear of the Crown and Greyhound during the hotel conversion. It’s a massive pub, especially when you’re standing in the back looking through. The rear garden includes a new canopied outside dining area, barbecue and bar. We’re also planning an area for table tennis.”
Paul hires Pretzel-Shiels as marketing director: French artisan bakery and patisserie Paul, which operates sites in 35 countries, has appointed Kathryn Pretzel-Shiels, marketing director of its UK and US operations. The company said Pretzel-Shiels has a track record of developing multi-cultural teams and encouraging growth, change and transformation through her creative and passionate approach to marketing. During her time with American Express, she earned a reputation for strong customer engagement, service excellence and people development. Jean-Michel Orieux, chief executive of Paul UK, said: “We are delighted to have Kathryn on board. Her extensive experience in the UK, EMEA and US markets is invaluable to the development of our brand. Since Paul launched its first Covent Garden site in 2000, the UK estate has grown to more than 36 sites and Kathryn will be instrumental in our continued expansion across the UK and US.”
Ivy site set for Exeter city centre site: Caprice Holdings, owned by Richard Caring, has lodged plans to open a site for The Ivy in Exeter city centre. The proposals seek to convert a former Waterstones book shop in Cathedral Yard, creating 100 jobs. A restaurant is proposed for part of the ground floor of the site, with offices on the upper floors converted to provide a kitchen on the second floor and staff facilities on the third. The Ivy originally intended to occupy the full unit, with dual frontage on to Cathedral Yard and High Street. However, this was deemed unacceptable following pre-application discussions with Exeter City Council. As a result, consent is being sought for half the unit with access from Cathedral Yard, Insider Media reports. The Ivy brand is expanding across the south west, with last year’s launch of The Ivy Clifton Brasserie in Bristol seeing the brand’s first venue outside London. Another site is set to open in Bath this year, while there are also openings in the pipeline in Cobham, Guildford, Marlow, and London’s Broad Street and Tower Bridge.
Gunpowder team launches Himalayan concept in Spitalfields: Harneet and Devina Baweja, the restaurateurs behind home-style Indian kitchen Gunpowder in Spitalfields, have launched a Himalayan concept nearby. They have teamed up with head chef Nirmal Save to open Madame D’s above the Charles King Harman-owned Spirit of 76 pub and cocktail bar in Commercial Street. The new restaurant features a menu influenced by Indian, Nepalese, Tibetan and Chinese cuisine. The short menu of sharing dishes includes gold coin dumplings, pan-fried Tibetan duck, and garlic coriander steamed chicken. The dining den seats 25 people on long wooden benches at trestle tables, giving a communal feel. Harneet Baweja said: “I first discovered Himalayan food when visiting family in north east India. It was unlike anything I’d eaten before and on a recent trip back to the region, Nirmal and I realised we couldn’t return to London and face daily life without those intoxicating flavours!”
Agent Provocateur co-founder to sell freehold of Ramsgate site: Joe Corré, co-founder of Agent Provocateur and son of Dame Vivien Westwood, is selling his licensed site at 40 King Street in Ramsgate, Kent. The British businessman purchased the property’s freehold three years ago to redevelop the site and play his part in the continued development of the King Street area of the town. After a complete refurbishment, the premises now benefits from a fully functioning licensed trade area and kitchen, with a smart and spacious self-contained flat above. With the project complete, Corré has instructed agent Fleurets to market the freehold, which is available off a guide price of £350,000. He said he hoped whoever acquired the property would have the same community focus aligned with his intentions. The property is also allegedly the work of renowned English architect Augustus Pugin, noted for Palace of Westminster interiors. Simon Bland, from Fleurets said: “The property has undergone a spectacular transformation and is a tremendous opportunity to live and trade in the heart of Ramsgate. We are seeing heightened interest across Thanet, with numerous new and interesting businesses popping up. The Ramsgate Music Hall is close by and I look forward to someone buying this and doing something exciting with it. As well as the two-bedroom private living accommodation, the property is fully fitted and ready to trade.”
Sourced Market opens fourth site, in Barbican: Sourced Market, which raised £960,000 in a crowdfunding campaign in 2015 for expansion, has opened its fourth site, in Barbican. The company, led by Ben O’Brien and Dan O’Neill, has opened the venue in Goswell Road inside the Citadines Barbican London hotel. The restaurant has seating for 20 inside with room for another 15 outside, reports Hot Dinners. Sourced Market launched in St Pancras International station in 2009 followed by sites in Marylebone and Victoria, which both opened last year.
Former Mothership Group creative director launches first pub: Heather Pistor, former creative director of bar and events company Mothership Group, has opened her first pub. Pistor and husband Ben, a DJ and club promoter, acquired the lease of The West Hill Tavern in Brighton, which is owned by NewRiver. The pub in Buckingham Place has undergone a £50,000 refurbishment and features fresh decor with silent movies projected on the walls and Radio 4 playing in the toilets. The West Hill Tavern showcases craft beer, conditioned cask ale and kegged beer from the Society of Independent Brewers portfolio, creating a 70/30 split with food sales. The menu features slow-cooked British meat and a simple dessert offering. Ben Pistor said: “When we took on the pub earlier in the year, it was in need of investment and refurbishment and we are really pleased to see all our hard work pay off. David Shipton, NewRiver asset development director – pub division, added: “The £50,000 investment to refurbish The West Hill was just the start of our commitment to helping the couple develop a successful and sustainable business. Our team of pub portfolio experts look forward to working closely with the couple to ensure continued success in the future.”
New chai and coffee concept Pamban to launch in Camden Market next month: New all-day chai and coffee house concept Pamban is to launch in Camden Market next month. The 1,000 square foot site will have 37 covers, with a further eight outside, and offer snacks alongside chai and coffee-based drinks from artisan suppliers in the UK, Sri Lanka and India. The listed former stables will feature wooden floors and high ceilings with tables for small groups and a communal table for larger parties. A key element will be the chai counter, where customers can watch chai being brewed. There will also be a selection of chai and coffee-related equipment for sale alongside hand-made chai cups, seasonal house espresso blend Adda and tea. Pamban is named after an island between India and Sri Lanka and represents the ethnic origins of the duo behind the venture, former McKinsey & Co strategy analyst Mayhul Gondhea and Aruna Sellahewa, who has a background in Asset Management.
French restaurateur opens second Southwark site: Hervé Durochat, who operates all-day French bistro Casse-Croute in Southwark, has opened a sister site in the London borough. French cafe Pique-Nique has opened in Tanner Street offering breakfast and brunch daily, Hot Dinners reports. The menu at the 40-cover venue revolves around the rotisserie, with poulet de bresse as the centrepiece alongside a wide range of meat dishes. Durochat will run the floor with sommelier Alex Bonnefoy.
Rhythm Kitchen reopens at Westfield Stratford with ‘fresh taste of the Caribbean’: Rhythm Kitchen has reopened at Westfield Stratford shopping centre in east London with a fresh look and menu. Delroy Dixon launched Rhythm Kitchen in 2011, offering authentic Caribbean food focusing on jerk and homemade marinades. New dishes on the menu include pepper prawns (shell-on prawns in homemade spicy pepper sauce) and jerk salmon served with coconut couscous. Rhythm Kitchen favourites such as curry goat, saltfish fritters and lamb roti remain on the menu. Dixon said: “This refresh reflects the way we feel about our cooking and how it relates to British Caribbean heritage. We’ve taken the traditions of great food and hospitality and brought them up to date. We are incredibly proud of all the work that has gone into it and thrilled to be serving fine jerk to the people of Stratford again.”
Stonegate Pub Company signs sports marketing partnership with MatchPint: Stonegate Pub Company has signed a partnership agreement with sports pub app MatchPint to provide sports planning support, consumer marketing and promotional activity with suppliers up to the World Cup in Russia in July 2018. Stonegate Pub Company’s drinks partners will use the app to drive footfall and rate of sale through mobile voucher promotions, ticket giveaways, and targeted messaging to users based on their favourite pubs, sports and teams. The agreement covers all 425 Stonegate sports sites, including Walkabout, and follows a six-month trial that compared like-for-like sales that showed during big games, venues with MatchPint outperformed those without by 5%. MatchPint said the app was also driving new footfall, with 24% of customers checking into Stonegate venues via the app stating this was their first visit. Stonegate Pub Company marketing director Nicola Pryce said: “We have always had a strong core sports offer. With MatchPint we are broadening that offer to more diverse sports, engaging new customers through mobile marketing and offering them a great experience when they’re here.” MatchPint co-founder Dom Collingwood added: “Our work with Stonegate is open, creative, and collaborative. Great ideas, best practices, key learnings – they’re all shared both ways.”
Drinks distributor Cellar Trends signs partnership with SPI Global: Drinks distributor Cellar Trends has received strategic investment from SPI Global’s Baltic business arm, the Amber Beverage Group. Cellar Trends majority shareholders, the Watts and Marriott families, will retain management and operational control under the deal. Martin Watts and David Marriott, joint managing directors, said: “This partnership will give us access to other product areas and strengthen our portfolio and teams. Both companies share similar values and believe in working closely with brand owners, building brands in the UK to mutual advantage.” Amber Beverage Group chief executive Seymour Paul Ferreira added: “Cellar Trends has extensive expertise, experience and knowledge, developed over many years, creating markets for many iconic and well-known brands. By joining forces and experience, we look forward to bringing new, exciting experiences to the UK and, over time, strengthening our market presence”. Cellar Trends’ portfolio includes Luxardo Sambuca and Faustino.


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Health Canada notified two cannabis businesses on improper product classification. Organigram Holdings Inc (TSX:OGI) (NASDAQ:OGI) and Indiva Limited (OTCPK:NDVAF) (TSXV:NDVA) improperly classified some of those products as “extracts” rather than “edibles” under the Cannabis Regulations.
Organigram stated: “The company remains of the view that the patent pending products are properly classified as cannabis extracts and compliant with the cannabis regulations, and is assessing its options with its legal advisors. At present, the company has paused production of the products in the current packaging format, pending resolution of the matter.” According to Health Canada’s notification, the company can continue to sell and distribute inventory of the products until May 31, 2023.
Heath Canada has requested that Indiva cease production of Indiva Wild Cherry THC Lozenges and Life Lemon THC Lozenges in their 100 mg, 250 mg and 500 mg THC per package formats.
Indiva stated: “Prior to the launch of the products, the company closely considered the regulatory requirements of the legislation, including with respect to product classification, and conducted substantial research. Consistent with the legislative requirements and the company’s research, the company classified the products as cannabis extracts. Currently, the company has paused production of the products as it consults with its advisors and considers next steps and a potential resolution of this matter. The company may choose to continue manufacturing the products in alternative packaging formats.”
Benzinga’s Cannabis Capital Conference Is Back
The most successful cannabis business event in the world, the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, returns to Miami for its 16th edition. This is the place where DEALS GET DONE, where money is raised, M&A starts, and companies meet investors and key partners. Join us at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel in Florida on April 11-12. Don’t miss out. Secure your tickets now. Prices will surge very soon.
Photo by Elsa Olofsson on Unsplash


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Although it came as a shock to some to see one of the oldest British betting institutions sold off to the Las Vegas based Caesars brand last year, in reality it is nothing new. US companies have been buying out British brands across all industries and sectors over the past few years and gambling is no exception.
With online gambling now legal in many US states, with more passing new bills each year to legalise it, the big US gambling companies have been quick to set up partnerships with UK and European based businesses who have a wealth of knowledge and experience. Indeed, William Hill had been working in partnership with Caesars well before any takeover was announced, running their sportsbook assets in the US.
Caesars were never particularly interested in the ‘old’ William Hill, including it’s network of over 1400 shops. Not being interested in the shops makes some sense, given William Hill have closed 100’s of them in the past few years alone due to declining trade, but they also had no interest in the far more profitable Hill’s web assets in the UK and Europe. In reality Ceasars were simply interested in getting their hands on the proprietary software, platforms and know-how from WH that would allow them to set up a competitive product in the growing and lucrative US market. Indeed, Caesars made no bones about that when they bid for the British brand in the first place.
Rarely does an asset like William Hill come up for sale and so many were attracted to acquiring the non-US parts of the company, including; Betfred, Rank (Mecca & Grosvenor) and Entain (Coral & Ladbrokes), but ultimately it was the 888 group that won the race with a massive £2.2 billion bid. The 888 share price even fell on the news as investors fear they may have paid too much for Caesars cast-off.
888 have certainly bought Hill’s for their European websites, proprietary software and customer base but they have also said they are committed to the shops. The shops though are a headache at the best of times and their vulnerability was highlighted in the various lockdowns caused by the pandemic. How long 888 will hold onto the shops and how many they will keep active remains to be seen. Whether they will change the branding from William Hill with royal blue to 888 with vibrant orange also remains to be seen, although given the historic brand recognition of Will Hill it would seem silly to change it.
New Age Betting Company Takes Over Old Age Bookie
When 888 was first set up in 1997, under the name Virtual Holdings Limited by two Israeli business men, the William Hill brand was already over 70 years old. They take the name from Mr William Hill who initially ran an illegal betting operation from the early 1900’s before setting up a legitimate business in 1934, exploiting a legal loophole that allowed off-track bets to be placed by credit through the post. Despite being against betting shops initially William Hill opened his first shop in 1966 and the brand went on ultimately to own more shops than any other bookmaker. Mr Hill died in 1970.
Since then WH has actually been passed through several hands, including; Sears Holdings in 1971, Grand Metropolitan in 1988, Brent Walker in 1989, Japanese equity bank Nomura in 1997, CVC and Cinven private equity in 1999. When the company floated in 2002 it began a huge era of expansion for Hill’s who acquired 100’s of new shops and attacked the new online betting world harder than many of their competitors. The company partnered with the largest casino software company in the world at the time, Playtech, and despite large amounts of debt William Hill was able to able to start buying back its own business assets from 2013. Eventually this lead them to acquire Mr Green online casino in 2019.
The debt that William Hill carried with them never went away though and despite closing down shops that were losing revenue at a rate of knots the company were hit particularly bad by the corona virus pandemic in 2020. They raised £224 million from shareholders but this also put them on the radar as a company that were struggling to manage their debt. The fact this came at the same time that the US was legalising online gambling meant that the big US firms started to circle like vultures, feeling they could pick up a company with huge online resources for a relatively low price. This is exactly what Caesars did when they bought Hill’s for around £2.9 billion in late 2020. The fact they have now made £2.2 billion of that back in the space of a year and get to keep all of the proprietary rights in the US will be seen as very good business by the US gambling company.
888, however, have always been an online company and if anything suffered from the opposite problem. They were cash rich with good profit margins but ultimately their products were poor compared to the competition and they relied on many third party agents to provide their sites. For example, only recently did 888 move away from Kambi (owned by Unibet) who provided their sportsbook and odds to an in house self-built system. Buying William Hill is therefore one of the best things the company could have done to fill those gaps, even if some people feel they may have paid too much for it.
It is in some ways ironic that one of the biggest and most famous betting institutions in the world has been taken over by what is still really a up-start. It goes to show how powerful online gambling is and how much it has come to dominate that a company like 888 could buy out a company that are over 5x their age. Hill’s themselves though ultimately put themselves in this position by not managing debt appropriately and being over reliant on retail revenue. There is no room for sentiment in business.
What Is The Future For The Shops and Websites
If you are a William Hill online or retail customer you will notice virtually nothing in the coming months, possibly years. 888 will continue to run both the sites and shops under existing branding for the time being at least. William Hill has tens of millions of customers and 888 will want to preserve and grow that the best they can. Ultimately 888 are buying the stuff behind the scenes at WH rather than the branding itself.
Many fear that the shops will suffer eventually. Even though there are less than half the shops today than there once were Hill’s still employs over 8000 people in the UK, many of whom work in the shops and contribute to the local economy. The Will Hill sites are run out of Gibraltar and while this is a crown dependency of the UK its the contribution to the economy as a whole is minimal. Employees have no income tax to pay, corporation tax is as low as it can be and the jobs do not serve the wider economy, as is the case with retail. 888 are also based in Gibraltar for their European online operations in any case, so it will simply be a matter of merging head offices.
There are different ways this acquisition could go and we can look at past examples to emphasise this.
When Paddy Power and Betfair merged (and then later merged with the Stars Group) the brand identities were maintained. Paddy Power and Betfair are very different animals and sensibly Flutter (the name of the company that own PP and Betfair) have maintained that to great success.
However, when Coral and Ladbrokes merged and were then later bought out by GVC private equity (now Entain) both bookies ended up becoming very similar. Their odds are identical, their platforms and products are very similar and they are in effect one and the same. This has resulted in a stagnation for those brands, neither seeming to know what it should be and having lost a lot of the personality they had when Coral and Ladbrokes were separate entities.
888 and William Hill are more like PP and Betfair in that they are different beasts that dominate different markets in different ways, you would hope that they will maintain the brand identities. 888 are synonymous with online casino gaming while William Hill are more associated with sports betting and shops.
Ceasars CEO, Tom Reeg, said they:
“have found an owner for the William Hill business outside the US which shares the same objectives, approaches and longer-term ambitions of that business”
Ultimately, though, Caesars do not really care much about William Hill’s history in the UK and Europe, they just wanted to get as much cash as they could for the assets. It is 888 who will now have to decide how they handle the historic institution. After all, ask anyone in the UK to name a bookmaker whether they gamble or not and William Hill will often be first on the list.
888 May Leave The UK Market?
What has happened in the past when companies have merged is they try to reduce their in house competition. For example, when Leo Vegas took over Royal Panda a few years back they immediately pulled Royal Panda out of the UK market feeling there was no point having both brands compete in the same space.
888 are not going to pull William Hill out of the UK, that would be silly given the recognition and 1400 retail premises, so it is possible 888 may take the decision to reduce their exposure in the UK and push more towards William Hill (providing they keep the brands separate). William Hill customers cannot simply be moved over to 888, or vice-versa, as they are held under different gambling licenses.
Saying that 888 have a lot of exposure in the UK and have built up a customer base in the millions so for the foreseeable future it is expected both will continue to operate in parallel much as before.
Only Betfred Left
Of all of the traditional high street bookies in the UK only Betfred now remain as an independent. That is thanks largely to the fact it is still actively run by Fred Done, the founder, who is unlikely to want to see the business he has grown sold off to an American company and chopped up.
Fred Done will not be at the reigns forever though and eventually the company will be passed on. Very much like when William Hill was first sold in 1971, a year after the death of its name sake, it is entirely possible that as soon as Betfred changes hands it may be sold off. There are plenty of US companies ready and waiting for such a scenario.
Those who value the fact they bet with a UK company may now want to leave William Hill in preference of Betfred. Saying all of that, though, Betfred are only in the UK for their retail operations, their online business is also run out of Gibraltar.
William Hill’s retail division and revenues will remain in the UK in any case and taxes will go to the UK government – that is for the time that 888 keep the shops. I wouldn’t be surprised to see 888 try to close less profitable shops and sell off the good ones in the coming years and then just keep hold of the online assets. If they do sell the shops expect the primary bidder to be Betfred.
The breakup of William Hill probably now represents the final end to the old era of gambling companies. We have known for years that the future is online and we have seen more recently that future will now be driven by the US. Things change and time moves on but if 888 do decide to close and/or sell the shops it will be hard for some to witness the British built William Hill chopped up even further by successive buyers.


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What Was Announced at the 2017 Made By Google Event
The annual Made by Google event was one of the most anticipated events in the tech industry this year. It was no surprise then that the event held in San Francisco on October 4 saw many of the industry’s biggest names in attendance.
The event was made even more exciting with several new releases and announcements by Google. Lots of fans and tech professionals were duly impressed.
This particular announcement was one of the most. After all, the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are the new flagship products by Google. Positioned to compete directly with the new Apple iPhone X.
The new Pixel 2 phones will be available in two sizes. This alone is one breakthrough feature that Google believes will be the key to stand out in the smartphone industry. Google Pixel 2 features a 5-inch OLED display with up to 1080p in picture quality. Meanwhile, the XL version will have a 6-inch OLED display with HD capabilities as well.
According to Google, these new phones will also feature the best quality cameras you will ever find on a smartphone device. The nearly edge-to-edge display is also a notable feature. The Google Assistant is one of the highlighted features of this smartphone, too, and is going to be integral to the reason why buyers would want to own this smartphone. A few software additions and the fast charge feature (get up to 7 hours of use for 15 minutes of charging) will take your smartphone experience to the next level.
Another major announcement at this year’s Made by Google event is the release of the newest addition to the Chrome Book platform. This new laptop will have a touchscreen and can also be folded to make it work like a tablet device. In addition, the laptop will come with its own pen, which is perfect for notetaking and drawing.
Home Mini and Max by Google
These two smart speakers are the newest additions to the Home product range from Google. It is obvious that the Mountain View-based company recognized the popularity of Amazon’s Echo, and they have just released a good contender. These speakers come equipped with a host of innovative features. And, yes, you can communicate with them via voice commands.
The Home Mini is smaller and more affordable, and it is positioned to be a good alternative to the Amazon Echo Dot. Meanwhile, the Home Max is bigger and offers better sound quality. As a result, it has a higher selling price.
Both are straightforward devices with smooth devices. And they both take advantage of Google’s more technically advanced Google Assistant.
Google Clips is a small camera and is one of the shiny, new devices introduced during the annual Made by Google event. This particular device is capable of capturing videos and stills. It is also equipped with a learning technology that enables the device to detect if there is something interesting within its scope. It is, therefore, the perfect product to bring with you if you want to capture the best moments!
This new product is intended to compete with GoPro, which is one of the top portable camera products in the market right now. In fact, the new announcement by Google was significant enough that GoPro’s share in the market dropped by as much as 5%!
Last but definitely not the least, the Pixel Buds is among the major products announced at the annual Made by Google event. It is a set of wireless earbuds that is aimed to compete with Apple’s AirPods. These two devices are largely similar in features but the Pixel Buds from Google is tethered by a wire.
At the event, there were several demonstrations from Google showcasing how the headphones have the ability to translate real-time conversations.
Other Made By Google Event Highlights
On top of the major announcements above, here are a few more highlights from Made by Google Google event on October 4:
Google promised to further develop its AI-philosophy when creating new products. This will be integrated with the hardware and software updates for its devices.
AutoML is also Google’s newest product, which is an automated machine learning program.
Google is also looking to work with more than 2,000 HTC engineers and IP in order to develop more technologically-advanced products in the future.
Google also proudly announced that Google WiFi is the best-selling mesh internet product in the market at the moment. Meanwhile, they unveiled that there are 55 million Google Chromecasts in the world right now. In addition, Google Assistant provided about 100 million answers for various searches.
Which of the newly released products from Google are you most excited about?
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Agrarius Sustainability Engineered has listed Africa’s first Shari’ah-compliant sustainability-linked Sukuk on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
valU, a leading MENA BNPL fintech, and aiBANK, an Egyptian commercial bank have partnered with Sylndr to provide affordable payment options.
South Africa expects 1.9% GDP growth this year, compared to an estimate of 2.1% issued in February.
HiPipo, a Ugandan fintech company, is the only African firm listed in Global Business Leaders Magazine’s Top 20 companies ‘escalating innovation’ in the financial services market.
MENA startups raised USD 173 million last month as investment levels continue to fall in 2022, according to WAMDA and Digital Digest.


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Last May, Cablemas bought more than a quarter million hybrid set-tops. The other shoe just dropped: Cablemas is going to phase out its traditional video-on-demand (VOD) system for a quarter of its TV subscribers in favor of a broadband-based streaming service managed by Avail-TVN.
Microsoft is rolling out a new interface for its Xbox game console, one that allows you to navigate through music, movies, TV shows and games with the wave of your hand or the sound of your voice.
Cisco increased its carrier router and switch revenue, while Alcatel-Lucent, Huawei, Juniper Networks and ZTE all posted declines, according to a recent report by Infonetics Research.
Boxee users will be able to take their content with them on the road now that the Boxee Box supports SlingPlayer.
Cisco's Linksys operation is adding consumer retail to its website for European markets. The online store will help consumers to research and compare Linksys products and purchase directly for home delivery.
CableLabs employees will be better able to rub elbows with software developers, venture capitalists and other high-tech entities with the opening of its new office in San Francisco.
Comcast is preparing wider commercialization of its home gateway that combines an embedded multimedia terminal adapter (EMTA), a cable modem and a Wi-Fi router.
From a field of 28 contestants, Comporium Group's Greg Brakefield emerged as the overall winner of the SCTE International Cable-Tec Games earlier this week.
While there may not be a clear theme emerging from this week's Cable-Tec Expo, it was standing room only at the IP Video Transition technical workshop.
Arris and Cisco are pursuing a common wavelength management plan in the C-band (1550 nm), hoping that together they can head off potential problems as operators start migrating to multi-wavelength delivery using that band.
The MSO CTO Panel gave an overview of where the cable industry is at in terms of battling the competition, serving the customers and building out new networks.
Only six months after introducing its APEX1500 edge QAM, Motorola has delivered a new version with even greater port density.
This follows a 2008 installation of Hunter in the Tampa market of the nation's sixth-largest operator.
CED's complete coverage of Cable-Tec Expo - the industry's engineering show of the year. Expo provides vital access to the latest in cable technology, products and services, and 40-plus technical sessions.
Logitech calculates that mistake cost it more than $100 million in operating profit in the year since the product was introduced.
SureWest has dropped BigBand's switched digital video platform into its Kansas City system in order to free up bandwidth for more HD channels and pave the way for IPTV services.
Cisco Systems is showing signs of pulling a turnaround, exceeding analyst sales expectations for the second quarter in a row.
It seems to be old brand week. While Motorola was reviving the Razr name, Arris has decided to affix the Moxi name to its entire whole-home product suite.
Charter Business will be offering its business customers in the Dallas/Forth Worth area more interconnection choices, thanks to a deal to use Cologix's Dallas-based data center.
The Comcast Business wideband tier features up to 100 Mbps on the downstream and 10 Mbps on the upstream, which is up to 60 times faster than download speeds for a T1 line.
The company has long talked about being in the TV business. The issue was whether it would voluntarily restrict itself to over-the-top (OTT) content or attempt to compete with multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs).
Outdoor Wi-Fi is the new black when it comes to data services for cable operators. Not only does Wi-Fi reduce customer churn in the face of increased competition from telcos, it does so by leveraging the existing DOCSIS plant while laying the groundwork for new revenue services in the future.
At a keynote address at TelcoTV, during the last question he fielded at the concluding Q&A session, the last thing Verizon senior vice president of consumer product management Eric Bruno said immediately before thanking the audience and leaving the stage was an offhand-sounding comment that Verizon might start offering Home Control nationally.
In the old days, “video display” used to mean “the TV” – more specifically, an analog input standard-definition TV. But that has all changed now. Today's new televisions are digital, and video viewing is becoming more popular on PCs, tablets and smartphones, creating a broader category of video display devices. These new devices are different from the old one in many ways, but one way in particular is that they’re not designed to support an interlaced (i) video format.
With the launch of new consumer services, companies face business and technical challenges that impede time to market and successful deployments. Multi-screen app development for the cable TV industry is no different. Some unique business and technical challenges must be addressed to take advantage of the “appmania” that is sweeping the CE industry.


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Travel technology company Datalex has revealed plans to open its new office in Beijing.
The announcement was made during the Enterprise Ireland Trade & Investment mission to China, led by minister for jobs, enterprise and innovation Richard Bruton.
Aidan Brogan, chief executive, Datalex said: “A permanent local presence in China is an important step in our market strategy as the world’s leading provider of airline ecommerce and merchandising solutions.
“Chinese airlines continue to lead by every industry growth metric including double digit growth in passenger demand each year.
“China is a very exciting market to be part of and an important step for Datalex in support of our existing customers such as Air China and development of new business.
“I am particularly proud of the calibre and seniority of our Chinese team which bring a wealth of aviation and ecommerce expertise both from China and across the globe.”
China is among the fastest growing aviation markets globally.
The International Air Transport Association reports that China has one of the strongest performing domestic markets in the world, with domestic air travel having expanded in the country by 11.7 per cent in 2013.
The Association estimates that passenger volumes in China will have increased by 193 million by 2016 over the preceding five years.
This is equivalent to over 23 per cent of the estimated global increase in passenger numbers over the same period.
Welcoming the announcement Bruton said: “The Chinese market plays a key role in the Government’s plans for jobs and growth, and in the past year exports here from Irish companies have increased by a quarter.
“Today’s news that Datalex, a fast-growing Irish company in the online travel area, is opening a new office in Beijing is a great example of the great work being done by Irish businesses over here.
“I wish Datalex every success with this venture.”
Datalex was recognised as Asia’s Leading Travel Merchandising Solutions Provider by the World Travel Awards in 2013.


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The industry has been asleep at the wheel. More than a year after the U.S. economy officially slid into recession, high-tech companies are suddenly discovering they're not immune to the now-global downturn
The industry has been asleep at the wheel. More than a year after the U.S. economy officially slid into recession, high-tech companies are suddenly discovering they're not immune to the now-global downturn.
It boggles the mind: The industry that successfully stretched beyond computing to penetrate, develop and market applications for the consumer electronics, communications, data networking, industrial and medical fields--all key segments of today's economy--is stunned to be affected by economic vagaries (see story, page 16).
In the fourth quarter, revenues at most electronics companies plummeted by double-digit percentage points, an unwelcome development for an industry known for strong closings to every year. Most amazingly, many of the companies reporting financial results expressed surprise at the speed and severity of the decline in customer orders for the final quarter.
Many provided quarterly updates halfway into the period but revised their guidance weeks later, citing a sudden and sharp deterioration of demand. Industry executives said customers slammed the brakes on all but the most necessary orders midway through the quarter.
Why was anyone surprised by this development? And why did the industry continue building inventory in the third quarter in anticipation of a blowout finish to the year?


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Nationwide rollout at 90 of the iconic retailer’s locations a response to rising EV sales and joins raft of other EV charging infrastructure initiatives launching in 2020
Canadian Tire has announced a significant expansion of its network of EV chargers at retail locations across Canada. In collaboration with Flo, Electrify Canada, Tesla and Natural Resources Canada, the Canadian retail giant has pledged to install 240 fast chargers and 55 Level 2 chargers at 90 Canadian Tire locations by the end of 2020.
“For over 90 years we’ve helped Canadians move across this country. We see this as the next phase,” said Andrew Davies, senior vice-president, automotive, Canadian Tire Retail, during the network’s formal unveiling Wednesday at a Canadian Tire location in Toronto’s east end.
“With properties from coast to coast, the decision to install EV stations was an easy one.”
Canadian Tire currently has EV chargers installed at 21 retail locations across Canada. The company first announced a more limited expansion of that network, in partnership with Electrify Canada, in October.
Davies noted at the announcement that “this is the first step in our plan past 2020”, hinting at an even larger commitment to EV charging in the decade to come.
Bringing the station total to 90 by the end of this year will require the company to invest more than $5 million, Davies said, a decision he describes as “automotive environmentalism.”
The initiative is also supported by a $2.7-million investment from Natural Resources Canada.
“The move towards more zero emission vehicles is an integral part of our transition to a clean energy future,” said Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s minister of Natural Resources. “We are giving Canadians cleaner choices on the road by investing in infrastructure from coast-to-coast.”
The chargers will be supplied jointly by FLO, Tesla and Electrify Canada. The latter, a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group, is the Canadian counterpart to Electrify America, which has installed over 1,500 fast chargers across the United States since 2016. Electrify Canada’s fast chargers are currently capable of charging at 350kW, or speeds of up to 30 kilometres per minute.
The announcement follows a series of other significant expansions to Canadian EV charging networks. In December, Petro-Canada announced the completion of its “Electric Highway” network of EV fast chargers, which are currently installed at over 40 stations between British Columbia and Nova Scotia.
In late December, Tesla also activated a series of new proprietary charging stations along the Trans-Canada Highway, many of which contained Tesla’s new ultra-fast V3 250kW chargers. Nine of these chargers are hosted at Canadian Tire locations, with that number set to eventually increase.
For current or future EV drivers, the expansion of convenient and efficient charging stations is welcome news.
“Travelling a distance in an EV no longer requires extensive preplanning,” said Wilf Steimle, president of the Electric Vehicle Society, an EV owners group. “It makes it easy to get in your car and go.”
This is awesome! There’s a good chance the electricity for these charging stations is actually generated in Canada. Congrats Canadian Tire for finally selling something made in Canada!!!
Honest question. How many of these are being powered by diesel generators? It would seem that the one in Thunder Bay is, and there is a ready supply of hydro electric and even solar power generated electricity here.
If for some reason generators are necessary in an area, are carbon offsets being purchased in the program? Are the users paying for the electricity used?
I agree with the principal behind electric cars etc, but I fail to understand if it is being implemented properly as sustainable.
I thought they were powered off the grid. In some cases it’s a pay per use, sometimes the cost is absorbed by the host (hotels, malls, etc.)
People who buy electric vehicles are not likely to use a diesel powered charger so that is a little suspicious. I wonder if this is some kind of microgrid to be used in the event of a power outage. Here in North Bay they have 2 level 2 chargers and soon will add 2 fast chargers that will switch to power from a natural gas generator if the hydro goes out.
This is great news but please insist that FLO install chargers that are greater than 50kW as all ev’s today can charge quicker than that today!
We live in Sidney B.C., and own a Smart Electric car, perfect for shopping in our small town. When we moved here 4 years ago, we had a local charger almost to ourselves. Now we have to search all over Sidney to try to find a free one. We are seniors with mobility issues, but still able to drive. Our town badly needs more chargers!
If the government is subsidizing these, they should be free. Don’t make me pay to install something I’m going to have to pay to use.
Comments are closed.


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New reports reveal that a recent phishing campaign has targeted over 125 large TikTok accounts owned by content creators and brands worldwide. According to the report, the phishing email received by the victims contained warnings about their accounts being deleted for copyright violations or being eligible for a verification badge.
Victims may get dazed by the email and reply to the message. The threat actors will then send them a link to a WhatsApp chat, where a fake TikTok representative will communicate with them to check their accounts.
The targeted accounts were yet to be verified if they were breached. However, the phishing campaign shows that social media giants such as TikTok could fascinate threat actors to attack.
From a report of a security analyst, the latest phishing campaign has targeted accounts of social media production studios, talent agencies, influencer management firms, and brand consultant firms, aside from the individual account owners. While the names and brands of the affected victims were not disclosed, it is revealed that these big accounts have millions of followers.
Two batches of fraudulent emails were sent to the victims around October 2 and November 1. From these emails, the victims were told that the content they posted had violated TikTok’s copyright laws or that they had been eligible for a verification badge. Responding to this will lead them to a WhatsApp chat where they would be required to “verify” the mobile number and email address linked to their accounts with a six-digit number that seemed like a 2FA code sent to their provided mobile numbers.
Threat actors behind the campaign were not yet identified. It is usual for attacks against social media platform account owners to be redirected to another messaging app, such as WhatsApp or Google Hangouts, where the fraudulent interaction will commence.
TikTok is one of the giants in the social media scene, with over a billion active users worldwide. Owned by a Chinese-based firm ByteDance, it was announced that the platform had marked its 45% increase rate since July last year. TikTok content creators with massive followers earn huge money from the platform, making them prime targets of threat actors in phishing attacks.
A spokesperson from the social media giant refused to answer questions related to the incident. Nevertheless, they did warn users to be wary of these malicious campaigns as they ensure everyone’s safety within the platform.


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Fueled by its drive to provide innovative product solutions to its customers, Cardone has announced the release of Variable Valve Timing Solenoids. These brand new units are designed to enhance engine performance while simultaneously improving fuel economy. Cardone engineers conduct flow and oil pressure tests to maximize efficiency along with endurance testing on engines to ensure fit, function and reliability.
Competitively priced and backed by a limited lifetime warranty, this new offering demonstrates Cardone’s continued commitment to provide high-quality, low-cost product options that allow its customers to differentiate and grow in their respective markets.
Cardone Variable Valve Timing Solenoids, as well as many other new product innovations, will be featured at Cardone’s exhibit, booth # 3826, at the 2016 AAPEX Show in Las Vegas.
Have your say:


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Akello, a subsidiary of ECONET Wireless Zimbabwe, operates as an end-to-end digital learning platform designed to increase access to learning opportunities and level up the digital learning field across sub-Saharan Africa for millions of people.
Elizabeth Masiyiwa launches digital learning platform for Africans, Akello
Elizabeth Masiyiwa, daughter of business tycoon, Strive Masyiwa, has launched Akello, a digital education and engineering company aiming to broaden learning opportunities for millions of school children across Africa.
By offering digital products aligned to national school curriculums, Akello targets learners from early childhood learning stages up to young adults with its Akello Smart Learning and Akello Pre-School programs. The company has also announced plans to roll out additional products soon, including Akello Library, Akello Hub and Akello Quiz.
Speaking on the new development, Elizabeth Masiyiwa, CEO Akello, said, “We are excited to offer Akello Smart Learning, a revolutionary product providing an interactive digital learning platform experience for primary and high school learners, along with Akello Pre-School, a seamless learning platform for early years’ educators, tutors and homeschooling parents, which allows ease of teaching and learning.”
In her statement, she noted that two-thirds of sub-Saharan African adolescents between the ages of 5 and 24 are considered poorly educated due to limited learning opportunities. However, she explained that “Akello seeks to address this issue by transforming and improving the way young Africans learn by ensuring digital access to the best education from anywhere on the African continent.”
By bringing together content from renowned partners in education and training in one place, Akello digital learning platform is positioned to tackle the gap created by missed learning opportunities. Schools can rely on this platform to teach new topics, particularly technology and the digital economy courses; students can also take classes personally and obtain a certification recognised in their country.


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Apple Watch Pre-Sale A Huge Hit With Consumers
Although we’re still over a week away from the new Apple Watch officially becoming available for shipment, pre-sales activity has been incredible. Looking at the Apple website, current watch models show four and eight week long wait windows.
The new Apple Watch line is a new push for the hi-tech giant, makers of the wildly popular iPhone and iPad products. The Apple Watch came close to selling out after about 30 minutes when when first going on sale. Consumers who did but must now wait until May or June to received their order.
The standard Apple Watch price begins at $549 for the 38mm-wide version. The 42mm-wide model goes for $599. Depending on the desired watchband type, the 38mm version can increase up to $1,049. The 42mm model can increase up to $1,099. Your choice of watchband includes either a fluoroelastomer band or pick from three different leather bands.
For those with expensive tastes, the new watch from Apple even comes in a luxury version. The Apple Watch Edition has a lofty price of $10,000. If you want more bling for your buck, consider the the 18-karat gold Edition version (photo above), which is the most expensive offering. Price tag is a whopping $17,000. The Apple Watch Edition 38mm comes in a gorgeous 18-karat yellow gold case and features a sleek, bright red buckle. According to a recent Washington Post article, this 18-karat gold Edition watch actually sold out in China.
The news is quite impressive and a relief for Apple and its investors. Some felt making a move into the watch market was a big risk, especially moving into the luxury segment and going up against the dominant Swiss watch brand. It looks like Apple has another hit and many will say, they never had any doubts.
In a client note, Gene Munster who is a Piper Jaffray analyst reported, “Based on our observations and media reports, launch day supply was largely sold out within the first 10 to 30 minutes, depending on model.” Munster expects that Apple to sell around 2.3 million watches in the April-June quarter and the tech giant to ramp production between mid-May and June.
Initially feedback that space gray aluminum Apple Watch Sport model had the most interest amongst buyers.
If you are an avid watch collector and would like to own the new Apple Watch, contact us for more information about availability. Come back often to read this luxury blog and hear about the latest hi-tech products and luxury watch industry news.


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More stories on: GOG
Steam, GOG run Star Wars Sales – X-Wing, TIE Fighter now on Steam
Today is a pretty good day for those wanting to fill a gap in their Star Wars game collections, as Steam and GOG are both running themed events with various benefits.
GOG’s Bundle Tower sale offering daily bundles
GOG’s latest sale is less to do with individual games, and more to do with entire series.
More LucasFilm games mosey onto GOG
Six more LucasFilm games have moseyed onto GOG, including three that haven’t been available digitally before now.
GOG’s Insomnia sale aims to keep you up all night
GOG have kicked off a second Insomnia sale, and from what I’ve seen so far, it might be worth staying up for.
GOG localised in German, sells German games cheap
The DRM-free game purveyors at GOG.com have announced that they’ve gone a bit German, with a 97% off sale to celebrate.
Three Star Wars titles added at GOG, three more coming 27 Jan
The Star Wars games keep on coming at GOG, with three more titles added to the catalogue today and word of three more being due on 27 January.
Lucasfilm brings X-Wing vs TIE Fighter to GOG
Lucasfilm have re-released six more games on GOG, including X-Wing Alliance, X-Wing vs TIE Fighter, and Dark Forces.
GOG Winter Sale kicks off with loads of reductions
Just when you thought your wallets were safe this happens.
The autumn sales are done but the GOG Winter sale has started nice and early to catch your cash.
GOG giving away Little Big Adventure
If you fancy getting your hands on Little Big Adventure, GOG are giving it away for free this weekend.
GOG is six years old, puts on a sale to celebrate
I wouldn’t normally question the fine people of GOG, but I’m concerned that they’re confused about how birthdays work.
GOG adds Defender of the Crown, first in Cinemaware deal
Cinemaware and GOG have announced a distribution deal, which means you can expect to see “a selection” of the company’s games in the GOG catalogue.


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Microsoft Game Studios recently showcased itsXbox 360 line-up (opens in new tab)for the rest of 2008, including big hitters Banjo-Kazooie, Fable 2 and Gears of War 2. But from what we've heard, there are two more planned for the end of the year...
According to well placed sources close to Microsoft, the publisher has two more "big" Xbox 360 games to be revealed for its 2008 line-up.
Where and when will these two games be revealed? According to our own Deep Throat, it'll happen at E3 in Los Angeles, probably during Microsoft's pre-event press conference on Monday, July 14.
Our source didn't specify whether the pair of games will be totally new titles, or just missing names from the 360 line-up (Halo Wars or Alan Wake would be fantastic additions to the 360 holiday list).
One of the games could even utilize the heavily rumored 360 motion controller, which is sounding more and more real as the year progresses.
Excellent news then, if true, considering that Microsoft's '08 roster already looks pretty solid with Fable and Gears. Either way, we'll keep our ear to the ground and keep you posted on more developments.
Courtesy of CVG (opens in new tab).
Jun 2, 2008


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Dodge City, KS(westernkansasnews.com) For over 20 years Lopp Motors in Dodge City has done an annual food drive for the local Salvation Army’s Christmas baskets. Lopp Motors will also donate around 350 turkeys to the Salvation Army. Lopp Motors Owner Jeff Lopp Sr. on why they hold the food drive.
He also said the donated food helps local people in need.
Non-perishable food items can be dropped off at Lopp Motors at 305 North 2nd Street in Dodge until December 18. The baskets will be distributed by the Salvation Army December 20.


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Upgrade your geek with Dwight Silverman
Posts filtered on Category
It has been almost four years since I last offered up a list of apps for smartphones, and a lot has changed since then. The 2011 version focused on applications for first-time owners and included a lot of programs that are obvious by now. At this point, smartphones are the most common type of cellular […] [Read More]
Is Microsoft preparing to end development of Internet Explorer and reboot with a new, leaner Web browser? [Read More]
Bad news for die-hard Windows 7 fans: On Friday, Microsoft quit selling copies of the consumer versions of its popular operating system to the companies that build personal computers. [Read More]
Like many big tech companies, Microsoft has a lot of development going on inside its walls that never see the light of day. Employees and teams work on projects that are only tried in-house before they’re scrapped or folded into something else.
But now, Microsoft is giving you a chance to try some of these products in development through a new site called Microsoft Garage.[Read More]
On Sept. 30, Microsoft will host a press event where the company is expected to unveil what could be the last major overhaul of its flagship Windows operating system. Code-named Threshold, the update will walk back some of the changes made in Windows 8, complete with a full-out return to the Start menu last seen […] [Read More]
ohn Henry Skillern, 41, was nabbed after Google tipped off the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that child porn had been spotted in his Gmail account. It turns out Google has algorithms that search for illicit images uploaded to its email service.
And now we know that Google is not alone.[Read More]
As Microsoft’s creaky and obsolete operating system neared the end of its support life, the company warned that security flaws found after the April 8 deadline would not be patched. Now, an vulnerability has been discovered in all versions of Internet Explorer – including those that work on WinXP. [Read More]


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Magna International says it’s developed a door latch that makes it easier to close a vehicle’s door and creates a quieter cabin. An unnamed European automaker will be the first use to the latch.
Magna says two key customer satisfaction considerations are the feel of a vehicle’s door when opening and closing and the quietness of the cabin. Magna’s Comfort+ door latch addresses both concerns, the Canadian supplier says.
Comfort+ turns sliding friction into rolling friction within the mechanics of the door latch, significantly reducing the efforts required to open and close a vehicle’s door. Magna says opening efforts are reduced by an average of 40 to 60 per cent when compared with a traditional latch on the same vehicle.
The Comfort+ also increases sealing around the door, which helps create a quieter cabin.
According to Magna’s own research, after 100,000 door slams, traditional door latches typically require more effort to open – on average up to 35 per cent more — than when new. After more than one million slams in testing by engineers at Magna, the Comfort+ latch maintained a consistent level of performance.
The new latch will be manufactured at one of the supplier’s European facilities.


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The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has announced that Oregon and Washington DC in the US have decided to adopt new laws to tackle plastic pollution in the Pacific Northwest region of the country.
As part of the latest efforts, Oregon has reaffirmed to gradually phase out the use of foodware, including those used in packing peanuts and coolers that use polystyrene foam packaging.
The plan also includes imposing a ban on toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also referred to as forever chemicals, across food packaging.
This effort to eliminate foam foodware specifically is scheduled to come into effect from 2025.
This will make Oregon one of the other US states, including Maine, to implement all four of the PIRG’s priority plastic pollution reduction policies.
The policies include “targeting bags, foodware, straws and establishing producer responsibility”.
Following the ban on single-use plastic products in the state, Oregon will work on increasing the availability of reusable container alternatives across the region to make them more accessible for both consumers and restaurants.
Meanwhile, Washington DC is working on setting up bottle-filling stations in newly built buildings across the state, alongside added water fountains.
The state will further focus on eliminating unnecessary plastic waste generated from single-use personal care items.
This can be implemented by ensuring that lodging establishments across the region are using bulk dispensers for various toiletries such as soaps, shampoos and conditioners.
The latest state-level progress across the two states, according to the PIRG, has been achieved with the help of state organisations included under the PIRG’s flagship groups and other allies.
The groups mainly include the PIRG itself, WashPIRG, Environment America, Environment Oregon, Environment Washington, and the Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group.
PIRG said that starting from 2014, around ten states have implemented bans on single-use plastic bags, while 12 states have successfully banned the use of foam foodware and restricted the availability of single-use plastic straws or both, since 2016.


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| On World Environment Day, Waste Free Oceans is reiterating its commitment to protect the world’s oceans and waterways. The organisation is continuing its repetitive programme of hotspot clean-ups and remediation projects in the Danube river basin in Bulgaria, working towards the Black Sea and the Danube Delta in Romania.
| The Fair Plastic Alliance is a new network of international for-profit and non-profit stakeholders (including NGO Oxfam) with a common goal: to develop a new business model for plastic recycling, designed to create a 100% positive social and environmental impact based on an inclusive and fair value chain.
| Products from food waste present profitable innovation opportunities to food processors, says a new report from Future Market Insights. The use of patented technologies in manufacturing of products from food waste could be prompting high price points.
| Today, Federal Environment Minister Svenja Schulze, Minister President of Baden-Württemberg Winfried Kretschmann and the Mayor of Heidelberg Prof. Dr Eckart Würzner, opened the two-day international climate conference ICCA2019 in Heidelberg.
| Certain items should be banned immediately to prevent further damage the environment, business waste and recycling company Business Waste said.
| MMEC Mannesmann and Black Bear, the Dutch Tire-to-Carbon-Black-Upcycling-Company today announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the rollout of Black Bear’s technology to produce recovered Carbon Black from end-of-life tires.
| Tomra Sorting Recycling extends its offering of high-precision flake sorting solutions with the innovative Innosort Flake sensor-based solution that combines color and material sorting, reliably removing PVC, metals and opaque flakes.
| This month, during a dinner event hosted by the WEEE Forum*, policymakers, government experts and industry leaders discussed how binding WEEE recycling standards will level the playing field across the EU for e-waste matters.
| Fujitsu Technology and Business of America reduced labour and carting costs associated with food waste disposal at its corporate cafeteria by installing a biodigester that converts food solids into drain-safe wastewater in 24 hours.
| Industry leaders and non-profit the Sustainable Shipping Initiative today announced the launch of the Ship Recycling Transparency Initiative’s (SRTI) online platform, a tool for sharing information on ship recycling to drive responsible practice.
| Special pre-shredder reduces scrap in aluminium foundry to manageable sizes and optimises intralogistics process.
| A new research report published today by Eunomia Research & Consulting Ltd outlines policy options for Member States to move the carpet industry towards a circular economy.
| Born 70 years ago on the port of Lorient in Brittany, the company that delivers to the four corners of the world its presses and hydraulic shears for the recycling of metals, household and industrial waste, blew Thursday, October 25 its 70 candles in his Caudan workshops.
| Royal DSM and Starboard announced that they are collecting and upcycling discarded fishing nets to create a material for consumer goods such as surfboard components.