Students join waste company in collecting college litter on World Clean-Up Day

DEDICATED learners brightened the day of students and staff at Coleg Cambria.

The four-strong group – Zoe Boothman, Sarah Astbury, Gracie Gee, and Andrei-Alexandru Bordea – joined the college’s Estates team in litter picking across Deeside and Deeside Sixth Form sites to mark World Clean-Up Day.

Together they collected more than 12kg of non-recyclable and recyclable materials, having been supported by waste management company Veolia, which has sites across the UK including Wirral and Ellesmere Port.

Cambria’s Sustainability and Environmental Specialist Sophie Hughes-Saunier thanked them for supplying the group with litter pickers, refuse sacks and PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), and for joining them on the day.

“In just 30 minutes the team collected 9kg of non-recyclable waste and 3kg of recyclable materials,” she added.

“Thanks to everyone who got involved, and to Veolia for their kind donation and helping us with the clean-up.”

For the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria, visit www.cambria.ac.uk.

Visit World Cleanup Day 2024 and Home – Keep Wales Tidy.

Howden Employee Benefits Appoints Mark Waters as Head of Professional Excellence

Howden Employee Benefits is delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Waters as Head of Professional Excellence.

Mark joins from Mercer, where he spent over two decades in senior roles, including his most recent position as Markets Development Leader, responsible for driving collaboration across Health, Protection, and Pensions. Mark brings extensive experience to Howden to enhance professional standards and operational excellence.

 

In this new role, Mark will work across the employee benefits business to harmonise processes and promote consistency, ensuring all teams are aligned and equipped to deliver the highest levels of service to clients. His focus will be on enabling Howden to maintain its commitment to excellence and client satisfaction following a period of rapid growth and recent acquisitions, including Aston Lark.

 

Mark commented, “I am delighted to join Howden, an organisation that truly embodies a ‘People First’ culture. I was attracted to the role because of the company’s entrepreneurial spirit and agility, combined with its genuine commitment to employees and clients. I am excited to bring my experience from Mercer to support Howden’s dynamic and growing team in delivering exceptional client outcomes.”

 

At Mercer, Mark was instrumental in ensuring regular collaboration among colleagues in different areas of the business to combine their expertise and deliver cohesive and innovative solutions to clients. His strategic vision and ability to unify diverse teams will be key as Howden continues to integrate its expanded operations.

 

Glenn Thomas, Global Head of Practice for Employee Benefits at Howden, welcomed Mark, saying, “Mark’s wealth of experience and strategic mindset will be invaluable as we continue to grow and integrate our recent acquisitions. His role is critical in ensuring we maintain the highest professional standards and continue to provide exceptional service to our clients.”

“Mark’s career has been marked by his dedication to developing innovative employee benefits solutions and his commitment to supporting clients and colleagues. His experience in leading cross-functional teams and driving strategic initiatives will be invaluable as Howden continues to strengthen its position as a leading employee benefits consultancy”

For more information, please visit www.howdengroup.co.uk.

 

About Howden Employee Benefits (HEB):
Howden Employee Benefits provides strategic advice to SMEs and corporate clients on healthcare, protection, wellbeing, and pensions benefits, both in the UK and internationally. HEB is multi-award-winning and widely recognised for its innovative and creative approach.

About Howden:
Founded in 1994, Howden is the largest privately held global insurance intermediary group outside North America. It operates in 50 countries, employing 16,000 people and handling $30bn of premium on behalf of clients across retail, specialty, and reinsurance broking, capital markets, and employee benefits. Howden is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024.

Howden Employee Benefits & Wellbeing Limited is part of the Howden Group. Registered in England and Wales under company number 2248238, with its registered office at One Creechurch Place, London EC3A 5AF. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register No. 312841). The Financial Services Register can be accessed through www.fca.org.uk

On World Financial Planning Day Pension Potential urges people to plan and secure their retirement

On World Financial Planning Day, which highlights the importance of financial planning, Steve Butler, CEO of Pension Potential, is urging people to take their retirement planning seriously to avoid future financial struggles.

With new figures showing a sharp rise in people tapping into their pension savings, Butler is calling for individuals to seek proper financial advice before making decisions that could leave them short in later life.

 

Recent data from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)[i] reveals 885,455 people accessed their pension for the first time last tax year—nearly a 20% jump compared to the previous year. However, less than a third (30.9%) sought regulated advice before doing so, a concerning statistic given the long-term risks.

 

Butler says, “The rising cost of living is pushing more people to dip into their pensions. But it’s alarming how many are doing so without expert guidance. Without proper advice, there’s a real risk they’ll outlive their savings, especially as life expectancy continues to climb.”

 

Additionally, annuity purchases have surged by 38.7%, with 82,061 people locking in annuities this year. While higher interest rates have improved annuity deals, Butler stresses that understanding all retirement options is key to securing a stable financial future.

Backing this up, a survey by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS)[ii] revealed that only 20% of UK adults aged 25 to 64 correctly stated the value of a full state pension. Two-thirds are also unaware of the income needed for a reasonable standard of living in retirement, and just 9% claim to have a good understanding of pension issues.

 

Butler adds, “Many will spend 20 plus years in retirement. Planning for retirement and getting the right advice before accessing pension pots can help ensure their money lasts that long. By using tools like Pension Potential’s calculators and annuity search, people can make informed decisions and maximise their savings. This can ensure they enjoy a secure and comfortable retirement.”

 

Pension Potential has a range of simple tools including online retirement and lifestyle calculators and an ‘all of market’ annuity search solution to select the best deals. It also gives access to personalised retirement recommendations with an easy to follow ‘advice journey’ which ends with a video call with a financial adviser.

For more information visit: www.pensionpotential.co.uk.

 

About Pension Potential:

Pension Potential is part of Punter Southall, a professional services company specialising in pensions, insurance, law and retirement.  Since 1988, Punter Southall have anticipated what clients need and evolved to deliver pragmatic solutions for people and business across diverse yet connected markets.  Pension Potential offers guidance to help people understand their pension options. It also offers regulated financial advice through its Chartered Financial Planning team. Pension Potential is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Queclink Launches Solar-Powered Asset Tracker For Trailers And Containers

Queclink Wireless Solutions has introduced a solar-powered asset tracker that has been specifically developed for cross-border road and intermodal transport operations, addressing the evolving needs of the international freight marketplace. The cutting-edge device – suitable for non-powered trailers and containers – can operate autonomously for up to 10 years without manual recharging.  

“The solar-powered asset tracker optimises the management of trailers and containers, providing valuable insights into utilisation, productivity and security,” explains Vernon Bonser, UK Sales Director Queclink Wireless Solutions. “The combination of solar power, durable design and advanced features makes it an ideal solution for modern road and intermodal transport needs, providing total visibility and peace of mind.” 

The asset tracker offers customisable reporting intervals, making it possible to tailor the frequency of location updates based on specific trip needs. This means user can increase and reduce reporting during different stages of a journey to optimise the balance between tracking accuracy and battery usage. The device also possesses a built-in motion sensor that detects changes in transport mode, such as from truck to ship, resulting in automatic adjustments to reporting and further enhancing power management. 

Enclosed in an IP67-rated waterproof casing and developed to be CE-and ATEX-complaint, the robust design ensures the device can withstand the harshest conditions and is suitable for use in hazardous environments. Meanwhile, its flat, streamlined shape allows for seamless attachment to most trailers and containers, easily mounted using either screws or magnets to cut costs on installation fees. A light sensor on the back of the device also provides detection of unauthorised removal or tampering, enabling prompt response to potential theft risks. 

The asset tracker is equipped with BLE capabilities and serves as an ideal Bluetooth gateway, facilitating seamless integration with various Bluetooth accessories. The device also features Wi-Fi functionality, capable of scanning for whitelisted Wi-Fi MAC addresses, which means it switch to a battery-saving mode when secure networks are detected. Additionally, geo-fences can be configured to define safe zones, offering greater control over trailer and container management.

Xalient Showcases Global Reach and Admiral Partner Expertise as it Joins Forces with SailPoint to Deliver Managed Services for Identity Security

Xalient is one of a select group of top global Delivery Admiral SailPoint partners – delivering identity security for large-scale enterprise requirements

Xalient, a global provider of expert advisory and managed services in identity, cybersecurity, and networking, proudly announces its partnership with SailPoint, a pioneer and market leader in identity security solutions. This strategic partnership combines Xalient’s 24/7 world-class managed services expertise, technological innovation and global reach with SailPoint’s unified identity security solutions, empowering organisations to fortify their digital defences effectively. The partnership delivers a highly sophisticated, robust, scalable offering comprising a full suite of zero trust services incorporating identity security and secure networking to meet global enterprise requirements both now and in the future.

In today’s increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape, organisations face mounting challenges in safeguarding their digital assets and complying with stringent regulations. As part of this partnership, Xalient will leverage SailPoint Identity Security Cloud, unifying security service offerings and delivering tailored managed services to its customers. Xalient is recognised globally in the digital identity space and SailPoint’s solutions will enrich its offering to customers, allowing the management of user identities, access rights, and compliance requirements seamlessly, helping reduce risk and increase operational efficiency, and driving even more value for organisations worldwide.

“We are excited to partner with SailPoint to enhance our managed services capability,” said Mike Shishman, VP for Partners and Alliances, at Xalient. “Identity security is paramount in today’s ever-changing digital environment, and SailPoint’s solutions provide the robust framework needed to protect sensitive data and mitigate cyber threats. Combined with our managed services offering, we can deliver unparalleled value to our clients and help them achieve their security objectives.”

Xalient provides consulting, deployment and managed services in over 100 countries and operates under zero trust principles with a global presence and multiple centers of excellence. Xalient has been a SailPoint Delivery Admiral Partner since the inception of the program and is one of a select group of top global SailPoint partners. Recognised with several global awards for culture, growth and innovation, Xalient’s customer-centric, forward-looking approach means it is at the forefront of technological innovation, delivering significant business results for its clients.

Xalient will provide end-to-end managed services for SailPoint’s solutions, from initial implementation to ongoing maintenance and support. “Together, Xalient and SailPoint are committed to helping organisations navigate the complexities of identity security, safeguard critical data, and achieve their business objectives securely,” said Dave Schwartz, SVP, Global Alliances. “This partnership underscores both companies’ dedication to delivering innovative solutions that empower organisations to thrive in today’s digital world.”

“We are thrilled to be partnering with SailPoint as a Managed Service Provider and believe that when combining SailPoint solutions with our managed services, our clients get the best of both worlds and gain extensive knowledge and expertise to help them navigate the Identity Security journey,” concludes Shishman.

-ENDS-

About Xalient

Xalient helps organisations safeguard their most valuable assets: employees, applications, and data. We ensure they operate securely, efficiently, and productively, empowering them to lead in their respective industries.

We achieve this by providing expert advisory and managed services in identity, cybersecurity, and networking. Our Identity-Centric Security Framework is built on a deep understanding of the interdependencies between these critical areas, enabling us to drive optimal business outcomes for our clients.  In 2023 we enhanced our identity offering with the acquisition of two leaders in the identity space. Integral Partners LLC, a US-based digital identity consulting and advisory firm and Grabowsky, a European leading digital identity specialist.

With a rich heritage in secure networking, Xalient offers a unique perspective on user and application experiences across enterprise networks and the broader internet.

By integrating these insights into our managed services—enhanced by MARTINA, our cutting-edge AIOps platform—we provide unmatched visibility into incidents, performance, and security threats. This unique approach makes Xalient’s Managed Services the ideal choice for forward-thinking enterprises, where secure networks, identity management, and cybersecurity are fundamental to business success.

Xalient helps make the world’s largest brands more secure, resilient, adaptable, and responsive to change.

*Xalient was named among Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies in 2024 by Financial Times and Statista for the third consecutive year.

To learn more about Xalient and its services, visit www.xalient.com

New LinkedIn research surveying more than 2,000 UK professionals reveals that the rapid pace of change at work is putting a strain on businesses.

LinkedIn’s research reveals that more than half (56%) of UK professionals feel overwhelmed by how quickly their jobs are changing, which is particularly true of the younger generation (70% of 25-34 year olds), while 47% say expectations are higher than ever.

The data reveals that:

  • AI is leading the way when it comes to the challenges and changes professionals are navigating. The top workplace changes they cited experiencing the most included: 
    • Increased focus on understanding and integrating AI into daily work (26%)
      • Half (50%) of UK workers predict that AI will significantly impact how they work within the next five years
    • Struggling to keep up with upskilling and reskilling demands (25%)
    • Successfully working at home or remotely (22%)
  • Career confidence is down: 
    • 45% are worried about being left behind in their career due to how quickly their job and work is changing.
    • 56% agree that relying on past experience is no longer enough to succeed
  • Amidst the change, UK professionals see the opportunities AI can bring:
    • 59% of professionals are looking for more guidance at work
    • And just over a quarter (26%) say their organisation is struggling to adapt to all the shifts.
    • But 30% of UK professionals agree that AI will create more opportunities by making them more efficient.

Janine Chamberlin, UK Country Manager, at LinkedIn said: “The world of work has undergone huge change over the last few years – from embracing adoption of AI in the workplace, to juggling shifts in hybrid and remote working, right through to managing multi-generational teams. 

We’re seeing that professionals are understandably feeling overwhelmed and they’re looking to their employers for guidance. For business leaders, operating in an environment of constant change means a renewed focus on future-proofing their teams and businesses. Communication will be key as leaders strive to keep employees engaged and focused on learning, while also delivering growth for their organisation.”

 

“Family Comes First”: Priority Number One When Moving Overseas

On this week’s episode of Moving Countries 101, Clare Kay is joined by Gabriella Köves, Hungarian guest who shares her deeply personal journey of moving to Ireland with her husband and children. What began as a tentative 2 to 3-year plan has evolved into 14 years of life in Ireland, where they’ve built a home, formed deep connections with the people and community, all while maintaining strong ties to Hungary.

Gabriella’s story is a testament to the power of family unity. From the outset, she and her husband approached every major decision collaboratively. When her husband first applied for jobs across Europe, securing a position in Ireland marked the start of their new chapter. She remained in Hungary with their children for six months, ensuring that the job was the right fit before the whole family moved. Though they faced the challenges of separation—missing small moments like bedtime stories—the experience strengthened their bond, reaffirming their commitment to staying together as a family.

Moving to a new country came with its complexities. While on the surface, their life seemed “shiny” and full of promise, Gabriella candidly reflects on the need for adaptation. It’s the everyday things, like missing a trusted hairdresser or familiar routines, that often go unnoticed yet require adjustment.

Hungarian parliament building at sunset, Budapest, Hungary

Their family unit, including their three children—two born in Hungary and the youngest in Ireland—has grown even stronger through this journey. The children have seamlessly integrated into Irish life while staying connected to their Hungarian heritage through frequent visits and holidays in Hungary. Supported by their teachers and close-knit school friendships in County Limerick, they’ve thrived, embodying a beautiful blend of both cultures. Decisions, such as buying their home in Ireland and an apartment in Spain, were made collectively, showcasing the strength of their teamwork.

Looking ahead, the couple continues to use their initial 2 to 3-year plan as a guide for making life decisions. They’re now considering a potential move to Spain, eager to explore new cultures and opportunities while leveraging the freedom of EU citizenship and the flexibility of remote work.

The beach near the family’s Spanish apartment

 

Despite the success they’ve found in Ireland, her husband remains on a quest for that elusive missing piece, the same drive that led them to leave Hungary. He has found a creative outlet in developing a game that brings together people of all ages—a passion project that not only fulfills him but also aligns with their shared value of fostering connection.

This episode sheds light on the unseen complexities of moving abroad and the delicate balance required to support each other in marriage through such transitions. Through Gabriella’s reflections as a mother and partner, she demonstrates the significant contributions each person makes to the success of an international move.

 

Listen to the full episode of Moving Countries 101 to hear Gabriella’s story of balancing life across three homes—Hungary, Ireland, and Spain—and how her family stays connected across borders while embracing their sense of belonging in Ireland.

 

About Moving Countries 101 Podcast:

Moving Countries 101 explores the journeys of individuals who have made significant moves across the globe, sharing their stories of relocation, adaptation, and travel. Hosted by Clare Kay, whose own global travel adds a unique perspective, the podcast seeks to inspire and inform those looking to embrace world travel or a global lifestyle. Moving Countries 101 offers insights into the challenges, rewards, and opportunities that come with living and traveling abroad.

Tune in to Moving Countries 101 for real stories, unique observations, and expert insights on navigating international moves and global travel.

 

Podcast Links:

You can listen/watch and follow this week’s podcast here:

 

Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moving-countries-101/id1724940782

 

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/4cxcZ9rbrvZ6A0B6UPMaXj

 

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo75XfTWDQl6JgTn4pzlvnA

 

Property Expert On How To Rainproof Your Home As The Wet Weather Continues

Property owners looking to rainproof their home need to follow eight steps, a leading expert has advised.

Forecasters are warning that October is likely to bring more of the miserable weather which drenched large parts of the UK through late-September.

Amber alerts for heavy rain were issued by the Met Office – warning of further flooding and travel disruption across large swathes of the UK.

Nearly three inches of rain fell over several hours in the worst-affected regions.

Outlining the risks this can pose to property owners, Jonathan Rolande, the founder of House Buy Fast, said: “The total annual amount of rainfall has increased slightly.

“But the statistics for September show that the total amount isn’t as important as the speed at which it falls.

“Whatever the cause, it is noticeable how much more tropical our summers have become, and the winters are much, much wetter than they once were. And British homes aren’t built for it.

“Don’t get me wrong, our homes are – with some notable exceptions – incredibly well-built with designs that stand the test of time and materials that are second to none.

“The unprecedented volume of rain in short periods has put a strain on the design of our homes that could not have been foreseen by architects and builders in days gone by.

 

Outlining the eight things all property owners need to do to rainproof their property, Jonathan said:

 

  • Check your roof, gutters and downpipes when it rains. It’s worth getting wet if you spot a problem with blockages – ideally, gutters should be cleared twice a year
  • Examine brickwork or render for gaps and cracks. Water penetrating through gaps can cause dampness and, more worryingly, structural damage to the property
  • If you can, inspect flat roofs for “ponding”. Even minor ponding can increase the risk of punctures in the roof membrane and water penetration, plus it can cause serious structural damage as the excess weight can exceed the safe weight that a home can carry
  • Ventilate rooms when you can, especially after cooking/bathing. A lack of ventilation can cause condensation to settle on walls and windows and quickly lead to mould and damp issues.
  • Consider installing vents to problem areas. They can be a very effective way to prevent damp and mould, as fresh air is constantly drawn in to replace humid air.
  • Plant a tree! The roots will draw on water accumulating in waterlogged soil and can help stop drainage being overwhelmed during wet periods
  • Ensure air bricks are not blocked deliberately or with soil as flower beds gain height over the years. It is easy to overlook these but they are crucial as they allow air to circulated in wall cavities and prevent cold spots and damp on walls
  • Check your buildings and contents insurance offers up to date cover. You may find that you are not adequately covered for wetter weather and could be left with hefty bills in the event of a flood

Jonathan added: “Cavity wall insulation can bridge the inside and outside layers of bricks, allowing rain to transfer to the inside walls. Removing soft ground in favour of driveways so rain runs off rather than soaking in.

“Reducing tree numbers that shelter gardens and help to remove excess moisture. Insulation and double glazing make homes almost airtight so any dampness that does penetrate has nowhere to escape.

“Washing and drying clothes indoors, decreasing air circulation due to more possessions and higher density per property can also cause problems.

“Extreme weather seems to be happening more often and homeowners and tenants can do a lot to prevent problems before they arise.”

 

New Pioneering Report Reveals the Realities of UK University’s Cyber Defences

CyPro, known for taking care of cyber security for high-growth companies, have released a new report, “Degrees of Security”. The report, developed through vital research with 22 leading UK Universities, provides a thorough analysis of how UK Universities are currently structuring, funding, and resourcing their cyber security teams and capabilities. Are UK Universities setting themselves up for success or failing to keep pace with the building cyber threat?
CyPro’s “Degrees of Security” report is a timely and significant contribution to the discourse on cyber security in the higher education sector, highlighting the urgency of addressing these emerging threats. The insights have identified fundamental gaps in how some Universities are approaching their cyber security. It provides pragmatic strategies tailored to the unique needs of higher education institutions to try and ensure they keep pace with the changing cyber threat landscape.
The report cites that the wider macro-economic environment is worsening the risk position for UK Universities as they face unprecedented financial challenge from public funding cuts, student loan repayment thresholds, tuition fee caps, loss of EU research funding and increasing global competition for students.
This is pushing Universities to broaden their commercial horizons and quickly pivot to new business models. New partnerships, overseas expansion and uninhibited data sharing for better research collaboration are all significantly increasing University’s risk profile at a time when they are becoming increasingly vulnerable.
The report also identifies several emerging opportunities for universities to strengthen their cyber security. As Universities respond to the wider financial pressures on the sector, adapting their growth strategies towards trans-national education channels and partnership models, there is an opportunity to update identity governance systems ready for this expansion, not only enabling university growth but also improving the digital experience of students both at home and on international campuses.
Jonny Pelter, Partner at CyPro said
“Universities are custodians of vast amounts of highly sensitive data and intellectual property, often with national security consequences, making them prime targets for cyber attacks. Our “Degrees of Security” report provides academic institutions with the insights necessary to re-evaluate their own security posture and make corrections in strategic approach to keep pace with the threat. It is an essential resource for anyone charged with the responsibility of safeguarding the digital assets of their University.”
CyPro is a new and exciting cyber security partner, known for taking care of cyber security for high-growth companies, at every stage of their journey. Their mission is to provide peace of mind to small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) leadership teams, enabling them to focus on growth in the knowledge that their digital assets are safe and secure. CyPro are expert in supporting the unique needs of academic institutions and other high-growth organisations, enabling them to scale their businesses securely.

New Pioneering Report Reveals the Realities of UK University’s Cyber Defences

CyPro, known for taking care of cyber security for high-growth companies, have released a new report, “Degrees of Security”. The report, developed through vital research with 22 leading UK Universities, provides a thorough analysis of how UK Universities are currently structuring, funding, and resourcing their cyber security teams and capabilities. Are UK Universities setting themselves up for success or failing to keep pace with the building cyber threat?
CyPro’s “Degrees of Security” report is a timely and significant contribution to the discourse on cyber security in the higher education sector, highlighting the urgency of addressing these emerging threats. The insights have identified fundamental gaps in how some Universities are approaching their cyber security. It provides pragmatic strategies tailored to the unique needs of higher education institutions to try and ensure they keep pace with the changing cyber threat landscape.
The report cites that the wider macro-economic environment is worsening the risk position for UK Universities as they face unprecedented financial challenge from public funding cuts, student loan repayment thresholds, tuition fee caps, loss of EU research funding and increasing global competition for students.
This is pushing Universities to broaden their commercial horizons and quickly pivot to new business models. New partnerships, overseas expansion and uninhibited data sharing for better research collaboration are all significantly increasing University’s risk profile at a time when they are becoming increasingly vulnerable.
The report also identifies several emerging opportunities for universities to strengthen their cyber security. As Universities respond to the wider financial pressures on the sector, adapting their growth strategies towards trans-national education channels and partnership models, there is an opportunity to update identity governance systems ready for this expansion, not only enabling university growth but also improving the digital experience of students both at home and on international campuses.
Jonny Pelter, Partner at CyPro said
“Universities are custodians of vast amounts of highly sensitive data and intellectual property, often with national security consequences, making them prime targets for cyber attacks. Our “Degrees of Security” report provides academic institutions with the insights necessary to re-evaluate their own security posture and make corrections in strategic approach to keep pace with the threat. It is an essential resource for anyone charged with the responsibility of safeguarding the digital assets of their University.”
CyPro is a new and exciting cyber security partner, known for taking care of cyber security for high-growth companies, at every stage of their journey. Their mission is to provide peace of mind to small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) leadership teams, enabling them to focus on growth in the knowledge that their digital assets are safe and secure. CyPro are expert in supporting the unique needs of academic institutions and other high-growth organisations, enabling them to scale their businesses securely.