A landmark study, published today in BMJ Open, has shown that keyhole surgery carried out in specialist centres can ease the pain of endometriosis and improve the quality of life for women living with the disease.

The ground-breaking study included nearly 5000 women, who had laparoscopic surgery to excise deep endometriosis, and followed their progress for two years.

Less pain and better quality of life

Six months after the surgery the women experienced significant reductions in period pain, pelvic and back pain, and decreased pain during sexual intercourse. There were also reductions in bowel disturbance, constipation, and problems passing urine, as well as significant improvement in quality of life. These benefits were maintained two years after the surgery.

Lone Hummelshoj, chief executive of the World Endometriosis Society, said:

‘The BSGE study shows that deep endometriosis responds very well to surgical management with a high success rate in the hands of experts in specialist centres.

The study makes an excellent case for the importance of endometriosis specialist centres, something the World Endometriosis Society has been championing for many years.’

Specialist endometriosis centres

The study is the largest and most long-lasting investigation into the surgical management of endometriosis. Dominic Byrne and T. Justin Clark reported the findings on behalf of the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE) Endometriosis Centres Scientific Advisory Group and highlights the importance of surgery in accredited endometriosis specialist centres.

BSGE President Dominic Byrne said:

'The BSGE has worked for over a decade to establish, and accredit, a network of specialist Endometriosis Centres, so patients with severe endometriosis can have access to specialist laparoscopic surgery. This paper is the culmination of this enormous effort and reports the outcome of nearly 5,000 patients. It is a landmark moment.’

Surgical management of deep endometriosis is technically challenging and can be associated with serious complications and the risk of the disease returning. Half of the women studied had undergone previous surgery for endometriosis, mostly in non-specialist centres, and were still suffering with the condition. This study reported reassuringly low rates of major complications when the surgery was conducted in accredited endometriosis centres.

Professor Justin Clark, the gynaecologist who led the team of researchers, said:

‘By training surgeons and accrediting specialist endometriosis surgical centres, the BSGE aimed to improve access and clinical outcomes for women with extensive endometriosis.

‘Severe endometriosis blights many women’s lives because of the pain and suffering it can cause. This paper, by far the largest series published to date, shows that surgical treatment can be safely undertaken and significantly improve women’s pain and life quality when carried out by specialist gynaecological surgeons in BSGE accredited centres.’

Endometriosis affects women physically, psychologically, and emotionally. It causes pain, infertility, and bladder and bowel problems. There are also costs to society, both in terms of healthcare provision and the effects of the chronic condition on women’s ability to work and care for a family. With greater access to specialist surgery, more women can look forward to a future without the pain and debility of endometriosis.

Emma Cox, Chief Executive of Endometriosis UK said:

‘We welcome this study which clearly shows the necessity and positive effects of laparoscopic excisional surgery for women with rectovaginal endometriosis. This is proof that – done by experts in specialist centres – surgery can reduce pain and severe symptoms, enabling women to stay in work as well as improving their quality of life.

It is vital that women with suspected rectovaginal endometriosis are promptly referred to an endometriosis centre, with access to a specialist team that have the knowledge, skills, and experience to undertake laparoscopic excisional surgery, if surgery is needed’.

The paper can be accessed on BMJ Open. Find out more about the BSGE on www.BSGE.org.uk and contact Atia Khan at AKhan@RCOG.ORG.UK for interviews with Dominic Byrne and Justin Clark. More information about endometriosis can be found on www.endometriosis-uk.org and contactcommunications@endometriosis-uk.org for interviews with Emma Cox or for case studies of women with endometriosis. Lone Hummelshoj is available at lone@endometriosis.org.

A stunning new book published by SCOTLAND: The Big Picture looks at what it might be like if the Eurasian lynx returned to Scotland.

The Lynx and Us – by ecologist Dr David Hetherington, with stunning photography of wild lynx from Laurent Geslin – aims to inform a growing debate about the possibility of reintroducing this charismatic predator to Scotland after an absence of more than 400 years.

Drawing upon evidence from across Europe, the book examines what it would be like to have an apex predator living in our midst once again.

Lynx numbers are on the rise in Europe, through natural colonisation and reintroductions – sparking calls for the species’ return to Britain. Whilst this may be undesirable for some, Hetherington says tangible benefits would include helping to control the damaging effects of deer in commercial woodland, and opportunities to boost Scotland’s appeal for nature-based tourism.

“Reintroducing lynx would be a milestone for British nature conservation. By preying on roe deer, they could play a vital role in maintaining healthy woodlands. But the lynx’s return could bring challenges too, so a respectful dialogue with those who live and work in the countryside is essential before any reintroduction could ever happen,” said David Hetherington.

Evidence suggests that lynx survived in Britain until after the Middle Ages. The Highlands may be where it held out longest, and this is also where Hetherington says a modern-day lynx population could live, given the area’s abundance of forest and woodland deer as prey. His previous research indicates that the Highlands could support a population of at least 400 wild lynx.

Following centuries of decline due to deforestation, persecution and overhunting, the lynx has been reintroduced to several European countries since the 1970s – including in busy areas more densely populated than the Highlands, and which are used for farming, hunting, forestry and tourism. The lynx’s shyness and small size mean attacks on humans are virtually unknown.

“The lynx is staging a comeback across Europe – but in Scotland returning top predators remains a prickly conversation, often based on misunderstandings. This book aims to address that by offering a balanced discussion,” said Peter Cairns, Director of SCOTLAND: The Big Picture.

In Scotland, there would be scope for conflict between lynx and human hunters of deer, but probably less so than in other countries, where there are fewer deer and more hunters. Impact on red deer stalking is unlikely to be significant because lynx are shy ambush-hunters, which avoid open areas and instead prefer smaller woodland deer such as roe and sika. Lynx also avoid red deer stags, which are most sought after by human hunters.

“Attacks by lynx on sheep grazed in open pasture are relatively rare, but occasionally happen. Switzerland’s 250 lynx cause livestock losses of 20 to 50 animals each year, while preying on 12,500 wild roe deer and chamois annually. Nevertheless, farmers here would need to be reassured that negative local impacts could be managed,” said Hetherington.

This could be achieved by using and adapting methods tested in other countries for years – such as livestock protection measures, compensation schemes, and even lethal control.

Based on evidence from other countries, there would be no significant impact on threatened species such as wildcats and capercaillie. Meanwhile, lynx are known to routinely prey on foxes, which do prey on capercaillie and can compete with wildcats for food.

A major benefit of a healthy lynx population would be to reduce the impacts and costs of browsing by deer. Scotland’s high numbers of woodland deer – which currently lack natural predators – can have a costly impact on forestry and on wildlife habitats through heavy browsing.

Lynx could offer opportunities for Scotland’s tourism industry, especially important in economically fragile areas such as the Highlands. Nature-based tourism is growing, and has been calculated to have a direct economic benefit to Scotland of £1.4 billion and 39,000 full-time jobs annually.

Much of the infrastructure and market for absorbing the lynx into Scotland’s nature tourism market already exists. As the UK’s only top predator, the species would be a major wildlife icon that could be used to help promote Scotland’s wilder places to visitors.

The Lynx and Us provides a fascinating overview of the lynx’s lifestyle, and its interaction with people from Roman and Viking times to the present day.

Cairngorms-based Hetherington has studied Europe’s lynx for over a decade. His University of Aberdeen doctorate focused on the feasibility of reintroducing the species to Scotland.

The Lynx and Us is the second book in a series from SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, which produces stunning visual media promoting the benefits of a wilder Scotland for people and wildlife. It follows ‘The Red Squirrel: A future in the forest’ by Neil McIntyre and Polly Pullar.

The Lynx and Us is available from www.scotlandbigpicture.com.

Ends

LONDON, 10 April 2018 - Award winning film maker with Contra Agency, ( https://film.contra.agency ) John Ford, is running his first marathon to raise money for homelessness charity Bench Outreach in just under two weeks.

He has made this film to help raise sponsorship and awareness of the charities work:

https://youtu.be/sDuQw5gWC84

His facebook page has been tracking his progress to date:

https://www.facebook.com/theextramileforbench/

The London Marathon is the world’s foremost fundraising event, raising over £60 million for charities last year. This year, John Ford, who is Head of Film at the award winning Contra Agency, will run his first 26 miles to raise money for Bench Outreach, a leading homelessness charity in South East London. Here is John’s story in his own words:

“I'm running the Marathon to raise money for Bench Outreach. But that's not it. Not entirely. There are people out there who genuinely understand the most challenging needs in our society. People far wiser than I am. I care about the disadvantaged but often don't know how to begin to help. Or maybe I'm too scared. But there are people who know what is needed and are doing something about it. These wonderful people need our support. So I'm raising awareness of those that are doing something powerful for those who are powerless. They are helping vulnerable people overcome drug and alcohol dependence, find decent homes and lead lives that have meaning and purpose.”

To support John and help Bench Outreach’s work to end homelessness, please go to his VirginMoneyGiving page at

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TheExtraMile-BenchOutreach

###

Bench Outreach is an innovative and highly effective charity working with homeless people in South East London. It aims to help people overcome addiction, find homes and lead fulfilling lives. It has pioneered the Housing First approach to ending homelessness and continues to explore new and innovative approaches to address poverty and exclusion. For more information about our charity, please visit our website at www.benchoutreach.com

For more information, contact:

Declan Flynn, CEO Bench Outreach

declan@benchoutreach.com

A survey of British adults conducted by the website GrandNational.fans and YouGov found that the majority of British parents would let their children select a Grand National horse for them to back in the race.

A whopping 70% of parents who have placed a bet on the Grand National would let their children choose a horse for them to bet on, according to new research out today.

A study of Grand National betting habits by YouGov for the GrandNational.fans website also found that 52% of respondents who have bet on the Grand National claimed to have placed a winning bet with 54% preferring to place their bets with a high street betting shop. Just 8% of those asked used a bookmakers betting app.

GrandNational.fans survey - key findings:

The Grand National will be run on the 14th April with an anticipated UK television audience of around 9m tuning in to watch the action unfold from Aintree.

“For one day a year, people who rarely place a bet are likely to have a flutter, with our research showing that 25% of people are likely to have a punt on this year’s race. And not forgetting that 69% of people who have placed a bet on the Grand National have been involved in a Grand National office Sweepstakes” says Simone Wright, founder of GrandNational.fans website.

“It’s also interesting to see what influences the decisions people make on which horse to back. Factors you might think are normal - like a horse’s form (21%) or a tip (9%) – are dwarfed by people who chose a horse based on its name (45%).

“It’s choices like this, and the fact that 44% of people aren’t influenced by the odds and that 56% of those making a bet generally tend to stake between £1 and £5 on a horse, which suggest to us that betting on the National is more about fun than financial gain.”

Roger Hart, Horse Racing Consultant said: “The Randox Health Grand National has always been known as the “peoples race”.

“These findings show its appeal stretches much further & across all generations so it could easily be seen as a race that brings families together in a major celebration of something uniquely British in which everyone participates.”

Despite the popularity of placing bets, most respondents (64%) didn’t know or could not recall the name of last year’s winner, and just 6% could correctly identify the current race sponsor (Randox Health). In fact 25% believed the race is still sponsored by John Smiths, the drinks brand that ceased association with the race back in 2013.

Leading football statistics website WhoScored.com has teamed up with Adidas on a project which combines WhoScored.com’s unique football data with the real world performance of Adidas boots and the football players wearing them.

In a world first, the project has created a number of data driven tables, which rank well-known players who wear Adidas boots, such as Lionel Messi, according to numerous characteristics and the football boots they wear.

Araz Heydariyehzadeh, WhoScored.com’s Commercial Director said “We wanted discover if a particular kind of football boot was statistically better for certain skills, and then use this data to make engaging content as well as helping users with their purchase decisions in an statistically driven way”

“We’re delighted to have Adidas as a partner in this endeavour, together we have created something that appeals to both of our audiences and provides a now look at football boots”

Along side graphical and social media content, the partnership has so far created a selection of ranking tables, as well as a Boot Finder tool, which allows users to generate boot recommendations, based on their position and desired attributes. These can be accessed via a dedicated “Adidas Power Rankings” section on the WhoScored.com website as well as other integration points across the site. There are currently plans to expand functionality and platforms.

Cristiano Acconci, WhoScored.com's Co-Founder and CEO said “We like being creative when sponsoring our premium partners and this deal shows the depth that WhoScored.com has in connecting our users with quality brands like Adidas."

Regulatory compliance solution specialists - Skillcast - have released a new library of 21 digital training courses to help business comprehensively meet their staff training requirements as a part of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force in all EU member states, including the UK, on the 25th May 2018. This new regulation will impact all businesses in the EU, and outside, who hold personal data. It outlines the principles under which businesses can process personal data and strengthens the protection and rights afforded to individuals. Businesses are required to implement appropriate technical and organisational measures that ensure and demonstrate that they comply with the GDPR. The very first of such measures, suggested by the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), is staff training.

Skillcast - a leader in digital training - has created a comprehensive library staff training courses for businesses to demonstrate their compliance with GDPR. This library includes a 30-minute course for all staff to build general understanding of the GDPR and their role in ensuring that their business complies with the rules. It also includes a 45-minute manager version of this course that's suitable for team leaders who need to understand and enforce best practice.

Additionally, the library contains practical training courses on safeguarding personal data online, offline and on social media, and more specialist training on the principles of data protection, lawful basis, consent, international transfers, individual rights, and more. The courses in this library feature interactive videos, real-life scenarios and engaging learning activities.

All courses in the Skillcast GDPR library have been built to ensure that users can access the content across multiple devices, including screen readers for accessibility. They are also fully customisable - clients can edit the text and learning activities to fully reflect their policies, procedures and risks before rolling them out to their staff.

All courses comply with the SCORM e-learning standard - so they can be delivered on any SCORM-compliant learning management system (LMS). For businesses that don’t have an LMS, Skillcast provides a fully-managed, award-winning LMS for delivering the digital training courses.

Skillcast, Chief Operating Officer, Vivek Dodd remarked that “Staff training is critical for demonstrating GDPR compliance. Many of our clients have rolled out our basic firm-wide training on the new regulation already. But that's only the first step. The GDPR is too complicated to be addressed with a one-off training intervention. It's more likely to be a journey in which employees learn about personal data in various business operations and learn how to process it in compliance with the rules. We’re delighted to be able to support our clients on this journey with this new GDPR library."

For all enquiries, visit www.skillcast.com/gdpr-training or email enquiries@skillcast.com or call +44 207 929 5000.

For media enquiries contact Nolan PR on 07505 133302 or 01564 822861

About Skillcast Skillcast helps the world's leading firms, such as Barclays, Royal Mail and Tesco, to manage the people dimension of their regulatory compliance with digital training and compliance apps. It has led innovation and creativity in this space and served businesses - large and small - with affordable solutions for engaging their staff in complying with regulations and acting with integrity.

In 2018, Skillcast has been ranked among the Top 20 LMS provider worldwide based on verified customer reviews by the e-learning industry's directory - https://elearningindustry.com/directory/elearning-software/skillcast-lms/reviews, and also won the Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award 2018 for consistently rating 4.9/5.0 on customer experience based on over 100 verified customer reviews over a one year period https://www.feefo.com/en-GB/reviews/skillcast.

LONDON, UK, 27th March 2018 - DVT UK is a leading Automated Software Testing & Development Service Provider based right in the heart of the City of London. Bruce Zaayman, Director of Client Engagement, and who oversees DVT UK’s Testing Solutions, reflects on a year of growth for the company as it expands its UK client base, broadens its community reach and picks up a stunning accolade as one of the Top 20 software testing companies in Europe.

Pioneering in the SME software testing market

UK parcel company Doddle wanted to automate the testing of its frequently-updated Web and smartphone software applications and chose DVT's Global Testing Centre (GTC) as the contractor to complete the work. One of the fastest-growing start-up companies in the UK, Doddle is the easy way to collect, send and return parcels. Gary O'Connor, Doddle Chief Technology Officer, said: "We were introduced to DVT as a UK software testing solutions provider who could help us to find a way to automate a lot of our software testing. They've provided very practical and efficient solutions, enabling us to focus on our customers.”

Bruce Zaayman stated, “Because we are both London based we were able to manage the client locally and really get to the heart of Doddle’s testing requirements while allowing the heavy lifting from a software testing perspective to be delivered from our Cape Town software testing centre”. Jaco van der Merwe, CEO of DVT concluded, “We’ve been able to develop a practical solution for regression testing and test automation service that met with Doddle's high standards and requirements.”

Zaayman wrapped up his comments on the SME focus by stating, “2017 also saw the launch of our outsourced software testing service designed for UK SMEs, called the DVT GTC (Global Testing Centre) Lite Package which gives SMEs automation regression and performance testing at a more affordable price point, without compromising on service or quality. This includes a FREE Proof of Concept (POC) phase and dedicated testers for testing almost any app on any software platform using DVT’s expert testing framework. The POC runs for 2 weeks to demonstrate the value for the client investment which is an invaluable component to starting any new supplier relationship and one we believe is unique in the UK testing services market”.

Winning big in the Enterprise market

In the last 12 months DVT has worked for a range of UK Enterprise clients in a diverse set of markets including those engaged in insurance, biometric data processing, construction, shipping, healthcare and R&D. “We have been engaged by a series of UK clients presenting us with a wide spectrum of software testing and software development needs”, said Bruce Zaayman. “Be it software test automation or performance testing, functional testing or data preparation, mobile testing or once off development, no task is too big or small for our flexible outsource teams. We are able to switch on a team for days, weeks or months, which gives our clients Agile and cost effective outcomes.

Software Testing Events, Publications & Accolades

March 2017 saw DVT attend TEST Magazine’s TEST Focus Group in London where we hosted a round table event focusing on software testing and QA with senior testing professionals. We discussed the benefits of outsourced testing, including significant cost savings and productivity gains and how this can form part of your long-term strategy.

In May 2017 DVT UK was a Gold Sponsor at the 2017 National Software Testing Conference in London. DVT fielded three speakers at the event, including CEO Jaco van der Merwe delivering the keynote address entitled “Why opt for Agile software testing? The answer may surprise you”. Mario Matthee Head of SQA Architecture and R&D spoke on “Reality check: Is Test Automation worth the risk?” and Nadine du Toit

Practice Head: Quality Assurance at DVT spoke about “Shifting SQA skills to the Digital era”. All the talks were well received and generated a lot of interest at our stand.

July 2017 saw Mario Matthee, Head of SQA Architecture and R&D publish his article in TEST Magazine covering how Digital Transformation is Driving Testing Trends. Highlighting the speed of development to meet market and technology changes means you cannot afford to leave software testing to the last minute, it has to be an integral part of the product design upfront.

In August 2017 TEST Magazine published an article by Nadine du Toit

Head of Managed & Professional Services, DVT Global Testing Solutions, posing the question, “Is your Software Protected?”. She argues that your software products are assets and you should protect it just like any other asset in your business, ultimately concluding that QA, testing and ongoing development should no longer feel like a grudge purchase, but an intelligent, sensible decision.

November 2017 saw TEST Magazine recognise DVT UK as a leading testing provider, placing us as one of the 20 leading suppliers of testing solutions of 2017 in the UK and European markets. “This was a big one for us”, said Chris Wilkins, CEO DVT Group. “It linked very nicely with the publication of our case study about the work we did with Doddle, one of our UK clients and testament to the work we've put in to create a global hub for advanced software testing, quality assurance and test automation”.

DVT UK also attended the European Software Testing Summit November 2017, London where we hosted two round table discussions. It was a great success and we met a lot of new companies engaged in testing. Our two round table discussions went down well and the feedback we got was very positive.

JETCAM today announced new versions of its entire range of core manufacturing software applications, which now also includes CrossTrack for Sheet Metal and new iOS/Android apps. The releases herald JETCAM's continuing move into total automation and Industry 4.0 support for the sheet metal and composite manufacturing sectors.

JETCAM Expert v20 includes JET-Cut, which allows complex grids of holes to be laser cut using artificial intelligence that is far quicker than traditional methods, without the user having to specify which areas should have the logic applied. It applies logic on any suitable geometry, allowing users to import a CAD file, apply profiling information and nest components in seconds – fully automatically. JET-Optimizer delivers a highly optimized sequence of cutting internal holes to minimize machine movements while trying to avoid travel over already cut holes.

Overall, JETCAM Expert benefits from hundreds of changes across all areas of the software, support for over a dozen new machines and many enhancements to various existing postprocessors.

JETCAM Orders Controller (JOC) version 3 enjoys dozens of feature enhancements over its predecessor, including a powerful new batch nest report, completely redesigned nests screen and integration into JETCAM’s Line Commander line management software.

Version 5 of JETCAM’s award-winning composite manufacturing suite CrossTrack is now available for the sheet metal industry, delivering enterprise-level tracking of material, complete automation of the nesting process, order management and shop floor nest scheduling. Using MS SQL Server, CrossTrack provides real-time location information on raw material, assemblies and individual parts, as well as providing tight integration into JETCAM Expert. Tight integration and data exchange with existing systems such as MRP is also provided.

CrossTrack also benefits from the launch of mobile versions of its Material Transfer Station. Available in both iOS and Android formats the application allows users to quickly scan the barcode of material or parts to facilitate location transfers or obtain information. The apps themselves are free to download and use customers’ existing Material Transfer Station licenses.

All the above updates are available free to existing customers with a current maintenance contract.

Also being launched with Expert v20 is the latest version of JETCAM’s High Performance Nesting option, delivering even greater material efficiency faster than ever before for both single and multi-sheet nesting operations.

Said Martin Bailey, General Manager of JETCAM International s.a.r.l.; “These releases are the result of literally thousands of man hours and mark a significant step forward for customers aspiring to automation and Industry 4.0. However, each new automation feature allows for manual intervention at every stage.”

Launched by Singaporean entrepreneur Calvin Cheng, the new exchange is the first in the world to offer zero transaction fees when trading blockchain assets to a broad base of investors

12 April 2018 – WITH the increasing adoption of blockchain technology and rise of cryptocurrencies around the world, a new player has entered the field of cryptocurrency exchanges to serve the fast-growing crypto trading community.

AlphaBit CryptoCurrency Exchange (ABCC) launched on 9th April for invited users and is currently slated to open to the public on 28th April 2018. ABCC is the first crypto exchange in the world to offer commission-free trading for cryptocurrency traders.

This is in line with the company’s philosophy of creating an open, frictionless and participatory ecosystem in which investors can identify valuable blockchain assets, and tap on the exchange’s secure online trading platform and accompanying professional trading services to trade efficiently.

With zero commission fees, ABCC aims to encourage mass participation in the trading of these cryptocurrency assets to leverage on their benefits, with the view that blockchain technology and the digitization of assets will be an integral part of the future of advanced economies.

The exchange follows the traditional business models of e-commerce sites, where users enjoy the benefits of incurring no transaction fees. The exchange will focus on listing existing mainstream and alternate cryptocurrencies.

ABCC is the brainchild of Mr. Calvin Cheng, a Singaporean entrepreneur and former parliamentarian who has already achieved success in the technology sector through the listing of his e-learning platform Retech on the Australian stock exchange in 2017. Mr. Cheng is also a senior advisor to Dragon Blockchain Investment Fund, a leading investment fund in the blockchain industry.

Mr. Cheng said, “I believe that entrepreneurs in the blockchain field need to proactively create a healthy industry environment as well as follow a sustainable business model. As the industry matures, these blockchain projects need real world applications which generate real social value. Through ABCC, we hope to alleviate this problem by encouraging more users to have a frictionless experience when trading cryptocurrencies.”

“I am also cognizant of the fact that the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry is still in its early stages, and we are definitely willing to engage with government agencies across the world to explore a proper regulatory framework to govern and grow this exciting financial frontier. This can only help more projects and start-ups in this field to create meaningful products that will change the way we live.”

The ABCC team consists of 20 core members who have rich experience in the internet, finance, media, fashion, and management consulting industries. Many of the team have worked together in the past, ensuring a solid foundation of trust throughout the entire project.

For more information, please visit abcc.com

LONDON, UK, APRIL 12, 2018 - The Cybersmile Foundation has launched an awareness campaign with London-based body confidence campaigner and social media influencer, Chessie King to help raise awareness of abuse on social media. The primary objective of the campaign was to highlight the damaging effects digital abuse can have on young people.

Yesterday, Chessie handed her Instagram account over to Cybersmile to show the kind of comments she received in response to the release of new images she had made.

Supported by a team of digital experts at adam&eveDDB, Chessie released a series of photos and videos of herself onto her Instagram Story – and the content was altered in real-time in response to each negative comment she received from online trolls.

If someone commented that she looked overweight, her picture was made to look thinner in a totally unrealistic way. By the end of the day, Chessie’s images were morphed and became a reflection of what the trolls thought a perfect woman should look like.

“Body image is a huge issue for many people. We hope this campaign helps people to understand that other people’s judgments do not define them and also encourages them to celebrate their individuality,” - Dan Raisbeck, Co-Founder, The Cybersmile Foundation.

The entire campaign series will remain featured on Chessie’s Instagram Story Highlights for 1 month, and the final before and after images will remain on Chessie’s Instagram grid permanently. They show the transformation that the negative comments have made to her appearance – ultimately turning her into someone completely different, and taking away her natural beauty.

“I’m working with Cybersmile as this campaign is spreading such an important message. Trolling can affect anyone, from a 16-year-old who has 100 followers to a celebrity who has over 1 million followers and these can have extreme consequences. I have been through an exceptional amount of trolling these past 6 months since I’ve opened up more about my life on my Instagram platform and this has attracted such negativity from trolls and haters. Trolling is such an important issue to tackle,” - Chessie King.

Creative agency adam&eveDDB which has created some of Britain's best-loved and most iconic ads including the John Lewis Christmas commercials, worked with Cybersmile on a pro bono basis to launch the campaign with Chessie - supporting Cybersmile’s efforts to make social media users aware of how their comments can impact and affect the wellbeing of others.

"The statistics surrounding the effects of cyberbullying, particularly on young women, are shocking. It’s been truly inspiring working with Chessie and Cybersmile; both of whom are doing brilliant things by speaking out and lending their voices to such an important and pertinent cause," - Tammy Einav, Joint CEO, adam&eveDDB

Since the campaign was launched, Chessie has received thousands of comments on her videos and new morphed images - already reaching over 480,000 people in the first 24 hours. Her participation in the campaign has helped many people understand the power their comments can have - both good and bad.

To find out more about Cybersmile’s work and their latest campaigns log on to the official website: Cybersmile.org

ABOUT THE CYBERSMILE FOUNDATION

The Cybersmile Foundation is a multi award winning non-profit organization committed to tackling all forms of digital abuse and bullying online. They work to promote diversity and inclusion by building a safer, more positive digital community and encouraging people to realize their full potential.

Through education and the promotion of positive digital citizenship, The Cybersmile Foundation reduces incidents of cyberbullying and provides professional help along with support services to children and adults.

Connect

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CybersmileHQ

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCybersmileFoundation

Website: http://www.cybersmile.org/

Community: http://www.cybersmile.org/cyberbullying-support-community

Contact

pressoffice@cybersmile.org

Bellevue, WA - April 12, 2018 — Skylum Software today released the latest free update to Luminar 2018 which brings significant performance enhancements, improved RAW conversion and key-feature parity of Mac and Windows versions with Batch processing, Free Transform, and Flip and Rotate features on Windows. Dubbed the “Jupiter” release, this latest version allows users to edit photos much faster with better quality results.

While enhancing speed and overall app performance was the major focus for the Jupiter update, Skylum also dramatically improved the RAW Develop filter with new tech to provide better color and less noise, plus incorporated automatic lens distortion removal. The result is a superior, cleaner starting image, ready for further editing.

“Our loyal community of users continues to offer ideas for new features that would benefit their respective workflows, and we’ll keep on listening, learning and improving our products,” said Alex Tsepko, CEO of Skylum. “Our goal is to produce fast, easy, and feature-rich imaging software that can offer both single-click solutions as well as custom functions for those who want absolute control.”

Many photographers are looking for two things to make their editing workflow more efficient: first is a high-quality RAW converter to unlock the best image their camera has produced; one that’s rich in detail and color, while free from noise and artifacts. The second is speed – a responsive application that matches pace with a photographers workflow, and makes it easy to edit photos to look their best, is one that will be the #1 choice. Luminar Jupiter brings both qualities to photographers of any skill level.

Skylum has dramatically increased the speed of editing across all areas of Luminar. Now images open faster, filters apply quicker, and the entire application is more responsive.

Luminar Jupiter also got numerous interface and user experience improvements based on users’ feedback for an improved editing experience. The new version has several “under-the-hood” enhancements to add stability as well as to improve performance when editing even the largest of images.

Getting the perfect shot is now easier than ever. The RAW Develop filter analyzes an image and its metadata to calculate an Automatic Lens Distortion fix that can be applied in one-click. This is a perfect tool to get rid of wide angle distortion and get truer perspective lines and more attractive portraits.

Luminar recognizes the industry standard DNG Camera Profile, or “DCP” files, that users may already have on their computers (or have purchased from third parties) to ensure accurate and consistent colors. Users will also be able to use DCP profiles from DNG files. This feature is currently available for Mac and will be available soon for Windows.

The Skylum team has put a lot of effort into making the Windows experience be world-class and significantly faster. In fact, the PC version now matches the Mac version for all core features with Batch Processing, Free Transform and Flip and Rotate tools.

Here are some Windows-specific additions

About Skylum Software

Skylum Software (formerly Macphun) is a Washington-based photo software developer with the mission to make complex photo editing simple and user-friendly. Thanks to its innovative approach and high-end proprietary technologies, Skylum products have won dozens of various awards, including “Best of the Year” awards by Apple for six straight years. Luminar was honored with the “Best Imaging Software 2017” award by TIPA and “Best Software Plugin” in October 2017 by the Lucie Technical Awards. Aurora HDR was selected as the “Best Mac App of 2017” by Apple.

For more details about the product and the upcoming update, please refer to the media kit: http://bit.ly/LuminarJupiter

To learn more about Skylum, please visit http://skylum.com/.

Worldwide Press Contact:Maria Gordienkomaria@skylum.com

April 2018

Outstanding result for Air Ambulance

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) has been highly praised by independent healthcare regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Following an inspection earlier this year, the CQC highlighted areas of outstanding practice at the Charity’s two airbases – in North Weald and Earls Colne – with no recommendations for further improvement.

Inspectors said: “The staff’s passion and commitment for the work that they did, from the most senior to the most junior post, was exemplary.”

Stuart Elms, Clinical Director at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, welcomed the report’s findings.

He said: “The report reflects the outstanding effort and hard work shown every day by EHAAT staff, whatever their role. It also highlights the dedication, professionalism and passion that we all have for delivering an outstanding service to our patients, whatever our roles in EHAAT.

Stuart added: “As a Charity, Essex & Herts Air Ambulance have been voluntarily registered with the CQC since 2011 to ensure the Pre-Hospital Critical Care we deliver to our patients is of the highest quality. We are immensely proud of these outstanding inspection reports which reflect the professionalism, passion and dedication of all the Charity staff as well as the amazing Pilots, Co-Pilots, Pre-hospital Care Doctors and Critical Care Paramedics that work so hard to deliver a world class service to the people of Essex and Hertfordshire.”

CQC Inspectors measure effectiveness by asking the same five questions of all services – is the service safe, effective, caring, responsive to people’s need and well-led? In all cases the CQC inspectors found EHAAT to be meeting the criteria.

Inspectors looked at all areas of the Charity, from its clinical expertise, operations, staff support, customer service, feedback from patients and their families and work with other medical organisations.

It continued: “Staff treated patients with kindness, dignity, and respect. Feedback comments were 100% positive.”

Jane Gurney, Chief Executive Officer at EHAAT, said: “The Trustees and myself are very proud of the incredible commitment and hard work of all of our staff, in delivering the highest possible clinical care to the people of Essex and Hertfordshire. We are delighted that this has been clearly reflected in the CQC report. We would like to thank the people of both counties for their continued generosity and support of our life-saving work.”

The report praised the Charity’s Clinical Governance Days (CGDs) – workshops to improve clinical knowledge and to share best practice that is open to internal clinical staff and external emergency services staff for their inclusive learning opportunities.

It applauded how the Charity uses the forum to open its missions up to scrutiny and audit by external healthcare partners, including the NHS and other emergency services.

It went on to highlight the passion of the Charity’s Patient Liaison Managers (PLMs), who offer support to patients and their families following treatment. The report said: “The introduction of the Patient Liaison Manager role enabled patients to gain important information about the treatment they had received and provided support and signposting to both patients and families.”

EHAAT’s annual free-to-attend Aeromedical Conference for professionals and students in the medical industry, was also praised, with inspectors acknowledging the fully positive feedback from delegates.

To view the full report visit www.ehaat.org

-ENDS-

Photograph:

For more information please contact the Communications Team on 0345 2417 690.

Notes to Editor:

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) is a Charity that provides a Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) for the critically ill and injured of Essex, Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas.

The service is provided free of charge but, unlike NHS emergency services, the Charity receives no direct funding from the Government or National Lottery. It costs £500,000 every month to keep the service operational and saving lives, and this would not be possible without the generosity and goodwill of people and businesses of Essex, Hertfordshire and beyond.

Each of the Charity’s HEMS teams consist of two Pilots, a Pre-hospital Care Doctor and a Critical Care Paramedic.

These teams, made up of highly-skilled individuals, tended to 1077 patients in 2016 and are the backbone of your local life-saving Charity.

The fleet, consisting of two Air Ambulances, and four Rapid Response Vehicles (RRVs - cars) operates seven days a week from 7am to 9pm. After sunset, the Critical Care Team continues to provide the service using Rapid Response Vehicles.

In addition, a Rapid Response Vehicle is operational on a Friday and Saturday evening from 6pm until 2am with a Pre-hospital Care Doctor and Critical Care Paramedic.

A local grandad is lacing up his trainers and getting ready to run the Virgin Money London Marathon to raise money for The Sick Children’s Trust as thanks for supporting his stepdaughter when her baby required lifesaving treatment miles away from home.

David Rayner, 48, from Chelmsford, is on a fundraising mission to raise £1,000 for the charity that supported his stepdaughter, Hayley Fawcett and her partner, Luke Mason, with free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation when their daughter Emilia-Mae was born 13 weeks early, weighing just 2lb 2oz.

When Emilia-Mae was born, she was resuscitated and rushed to The Rosie Hospital in Cambridge, over an hour away from her family home in Chelmsford, for emergency treatment on the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). For three weeks Emilia-Mae fought for her life. During this time parents Hayley and Luke were never more than a few minutes from her bedside as they were supported by The Sick Children’s Trust at its ‘Home from Home’ Chestnut House. Grandad David, who is hoping to complete the race in five hours, says:

“Running the London Marathon is a huge challenge for me to take on. It will be my first ever marathon and I am so proud to be running it for The Sick Children’s Trust.

“When my little granddaughter entered this world, it was a very unexpected and distressing time. The Sick Children’s Trust was there to support my family and we can never thank the charity enough. They gave Emilia-Mae’s parents a place to stay, which enabled them to be on hand 24/7. This gave them the time and ability to fully come to terms with the situation, and because they were never more than a few metres away from her, they could watch their daughter slowly get stronger and grow day by day.

“I’m looking forward to taking on the London Marathon now; it has been a while since I have done any distance running, but I would do anything for Emilia-Mae. The pain I will endure is nothing compared to what Hayley and Emilia-Mae have been through and that thought, along with knowing the difference this money will make to another family, will push me through.”

At three weeks old, Emilia-Mae was transferred back to Bromfield Hospital, and only three weeks later Hayley and Luke took their baby girl home for the first time. Hayley, who will be cheering her stepdad along the route, says:

“When we arrived in Cambridge, we were so disorientated and exhausted with worry. But within no time at all we met Abi from The Sick Children’s Trust who came to our aid. She told us there was a room for us at a place called Chestnut House, just a floor below NICU.

“From day one, Abi was fantastic. She really helped me to cope and provided emotional support. I was a traumatised first time mum, who had given birth months too early to a very poorly baby, and she seemed to know how I was feeling. She helped me so much and was able to assist me with things like expressing milk in Chestnut House, which I could then take to Emilia-Mae. Being at Chestnut House didn’t just provide us with emotional relief, but knowing that the accommodation was totally free of charge and that we didn’t have to worry about money was a godsend. The charity is nothing short of amazing and I am so proud of David for what he is doing.”

David is joining #TeamSCT this year to raise vital funds for The Sick Children’s Trust, so that more families with seriously ill children in hospital can be just minutes from their loved one’s bedside. The Sick Children’s Trust relies entirely on voluntary donations to keep its ten ‘Homes from Home’ across the country running. Chestnut House Manager, Abi Abdel-aal, says:

“Hayley was really devastated after Emilia-Mae was born early and I am so glad we were able to support her and Luke in Chestnut House. When your baby is so seriously ill in hospital the last thing you want is to have to leave their bedside. Giving parents like Hayley and Luke a ‘Home from Home’ just minutes away from their baby relieves some of the fear and pressure.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to David for choosing to run the London Marathon to raise money for The Sick Children’s Trust. It costs us £30 to support a family for one night in a ‘Home from Home’, so the money he raises will go a long was in helping us to be there for other families with seriously ill children in hospital.”

To help David reach his £1,000 target, please visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=DavidRayner1

Betting Sites has teamed up with big name bookmakers such as Ladbrokes & Coral to offer tremendous offers for the 2018 running of the Grand National.

With an exciting line up of horses it’s expected that over 75% of the people in the UK will place a bet, be it on their mobile phone, laptop or the traditional way of popping into a local betting shop.

Online betting has grown rapidly over the past 6 years and Betting Sites is set to offer their own fantastic deal by offering a £10 betting voucher for any betting site to verified users of their free Betting Sites Plus membership.

Betting Sites is the ultimate online betting directory for UK regulated and authorised betting sites and services.

Betting Sites provide unbiased and accurate information and reviews on bookmakers, betting exchanges, spread betting brokers, and all other betting site services.

Media Contact: Peter Roland Phone: +44 2920 494875Email: media@bettingsites.ltd.uk

A keen runner is preparing to take on this month’s Virgin Money London Marathon and the epic Grand Union Canal 145 mile Race in May to raise funds for The Sick Children’s Trust on behalf of her friends, who were supported by the charity after the birth of their first child last year.

Vicky Irvine, 34, from Southend-On-Sea, is training hard to complete the London Marathon, followed by the Grand Union Canal Race, in a bid to raise both money and awareness for The Sick Children’s Trust. The charity, which runs free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation across the country, supported her close friends Kat Ball and Mark Everett at its Stevenson House in London when their daughter, Isla, required emergency treatment immediately after she was born.

The couple, also from Southend, were left worried during Kat’s pregnancy when a scan revealed their unborn baby had a large cyst growing on her neck. The parents-to-be were told Isla might require urgent medical attention at birth and plans were made for the baby to be delivered at the Royal London Children’s Hospital in London. However, a month before she was due to give birth, Kat began to suffer from serious health complications and Isla was delivered by emergency caesarean on 14 November at Southend University Hospital. Newborn Isla was immediately transferred to The Royal London Children’s Hospital with the anxious parents joining their baby in London as soon as Kat was discharged. Vicky, who is a lecturer in anatomy and physiology at Southend College, says:

“Whilst Isla was in hospital in London, over an hour away from home, Kat and Mark were given free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation run by The Sick Children’s Trust. Southend is a good hour away by car and during such a stressful time this charity came to my friends’ aid. Thankfully, after ten days, Isla was discharged home and is now doing really well. I am so grateful that in their time of need, The Sick Children’s Trust was there for my friends, supporting them and keeping them close to their daughter’s hospital bedside. This is why I am dedicating my charity efforts this year to the charity.”

This month Vicky aims to complete the UK’s most iconic 26.2 mile race in under five hours, beating her 2013 time by 15 minutes. Vicky will then challenge herself to take on Britain’s longest, toughest, non-stop running race, The Grand Union Canal Race, starting in Birmingham and finishing in London. Competitors are required to complete the 145 mile distance within the time limit of 45 hours. Vicky adds:

“I really wanted to challenge myself this year. I have run a marathon before so by adding in this second 145 mile element to my fundraising effort just weeks after I hope I can encourage people to donate even more to The Sick Children’s Trust. I have been telling my friends and family all about the amazing work the charity does. I had never heard of such a charity, but when I saw, first hand, just how much their support meant to Kat and Mark, I was committed to fundraise on their behalf.”

Vicky, who took up running in 2014 to improve her overall health, and completed her first London Marathon under a year later, will join 18 other runners as part of #TeamSCT to raise vital funds for The Sick Children’s Trust’s ‘Homes from Home’ across the country. Although accommodation is provided to families free of charge, it costs the charity £30 to support a family for one night. Victoria McElhinney, Events Officer at The Sick Children’s Trust, says:

“Vicky’s tough training routine over the last few months has impressed everybody. We can’t believe she is taking on such a humongous challenge! To run the London Marathon is an amazing achievement in itself, but to add the 145 mile Grand Union Canal Race a month later is so inspirational.

“With Vicky’s support we can be there for more families in the future, providing them with the same high-quality free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation that Kat and Mark experienced when Isla was in hospital.”

To help Vicky reach her £500 target, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/victoria-irvine6

For further information about The Sick Children’s Trust, please visit http://www.sickchildrenstrust.org/

The Manchester College and parent organisation Learning Training Employment Group has named their Wythenshawe site Howard House in honour of former student Kirsty Howard.

Kirsty’s family were VIP guests at an unveiling ceremony of a plaque announcing the new name of the recently-refurbished site to guests from the community, staff and Wythenshawe and Sale East MP Mike Kane.

Kirsty, who died in 2015, made a huge impact as a fundraiser for Francis House, raising over £7.5m for the Manchester based children’s hospice where she received respite from 3 ½ years of age.

Despite being born with a rare heart and lung condition, and given only six weeks to live, Kirsty endured many operations and inspired countless people with her bravery and determination.

Phil Taylor, Director of the Kirsty Club and speaking on behalf of Francis House, said: “Thank you to the LTE Group. Naming the building Howard House and fundraising for Kirsty’s charity of choice is a wonderful tribute to her memory.”

Francis House Children’s Hospice was named LTE Group’s charity partner of the year, and to kick-start their fundraising efforts are entering a team to take part in the 10k Great Manchester Run.

The LTE Group has recently invested over £1.5m in upgrading the facilities at Howard House, which first opened in 2010, to house over 160 staff from the Finance, Health and Safety, HR, IT Services and Marketing and External Relations teams.

Labour Shadow Schools Minister and local MP Mike Kane said: “I’m delighted to have been invited here today. LTE Group’s investment in Howard House, and the surrounding site occupied by The Manchester College, represents a significant investment in Wythenshawe. Naming this building ‘Howard House’ will serve as a fitting and long-lasting tribute to Kirsty."

The investment forms a key part of the Group’s estates strategy and its vision to transform the way it delivers leading post-16 education, training and skills.

John Thornhill, Chief Executive of the LTE Group said: “The Manchester College is incredibly proud to have supported Kirsty in her studies and we’re honoured to name the building Howard House, to reflect her connection to us and the local area.

“Kirsty was, and continues to be, an inspiration to many in Manchester and she remains a fantastic example of the values which we encourage in our colleagues, students and learners.”

Based in Didsbury, Greater Manchester, Francis House provides a home from home environment to the families of children with life-limiting conditions.

Science: Luxury attracts polarotactic people like a magnet

DervalResearch, Dubai, 12 April 2018

You overspent on the latest golden iPhone, pair of Louboutin shoes, or BMW? Don’t feel guilty, science shows you cannot help.

So says Diana Derval, neuromarketing expert, contributor for Harvard Business Review and Chair of the market research firm DervalResearch, whose newest findings are rooted in neurophysiological science. Professor Derval, who is teaching luxury and neuromarketing at Donghua University in Shanghai, at Sorbonne, and at IFA Paris, explains that luxury and shiny objects attract polarotactic people like a magnet. Her findings, already presented at the European Neuro-Ophthalmological Society (EUNOS) conference in Budapest, and at the World of Gems V conference in Chicago in partnership with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), will be featured at Elsevier 3rd Asian Sensory and Consumer Research Symposium on 13-15 May in Kuala Lumpur.

Fig. 1. Light polarization (courtesy of DervalResearch, source: Derval D. (2018), Designing Luxury Brands: The Science of Pleasing Customers’ Senses, Springer)

“Light is an electromagnetic wave and has a direction, called polarization. It was established recently that polarized light helps birds navigate but the impact in human was still unclear. We discovered that polarized light plays a huge role in the attraction to luxury”, explains Prof. Derval.

Polarotactic people are attracted to linearly polarized light -like in a sunset on the sea, or in a shiny car (especially black or red cars, as they happen to reflect light similarly to how water would do) and to circularly polarized light- like in stars or in diamonds. What makes us polarotactic, and more tempted by luxury items? Diana Derval found answers literally looking into our eyes, with the help of the Imagine Eyes in-vivo retinal camera rtx-1e: luxury and non-luxury shoppers apparently present different retinal mosaics with variations in the orientation of their photoreceptors.

"Non-polarotactic people have many photoreceptors oriented in the same direction and seem therefore irritated by polarized light as it fires too many photoreceptors at the same time. They tend to avoid shiny objects." explains Professor Derval.

Fig. 2. Polarotactic Profiles (courtesy of DervalResearch, source: Derval D. (2018), Designing Luxury Brands: The Science of Pleasing Customers’ Senses, Springer)

Fig. 3. Retinal Mosaic per Polarotactic Profile (measured by DervalResearch with Imagine Eyes in-vivo camera rtx -1e, courtesy of DervalResearch, source: Derval D. (2018), Designing Luxury Brands: The Science of Pleasing Customers’ Senses, Springer)

In her forthcoming book “Designing Luxury Brands: The Science of Pleasing Customers’ Senses”, Diana Derval explains how brands like L’Oréal, Swarovski, Moncler, Louboutin, Tiffany & Co, Sofitel or BMW, manage to appeal to different polarotactic profiles. Among the other fascinating findings shared in the book, we can cite the Derval Color Test ®, taken by over 10 million people, and that decodes how we see colors and why fashionistas prefer black and white with a pop of color.

The book comes with revelations about luxury and the perception of scents, vibrations, and also bits of anthropology of luxury, when Derval profiles her “bag bitches” personas or unveils the truth about male-to-male competition and iPhones. The notes of humor, exclusive interviews, and hands-on frameworks make the read vivid and relatable. Philip Kotler, who endorsed Derval’s previous book “The Right Sensory Mix: Targeting Consumer Product Development Scientifically” accepted to read an early copy and shared: “ Once again, I am very impressed with Diana Derval’s new book. Through lively case studies, powerful marketing tools, and inspiring neuroscientific findings, she manages to explain the whys behind luxury mysteries. Designing luxury brands is a must read for both industry leaders and learners.”

In the luxury milieu too, top managers from leading apparel to automotive brands admit that Derval proposes a deep and well documented research, finally explaining the science behind our attraction to luxury. Annie Ho, General Manager for Greater China at Stella McCartney highlights: “ I often fail to find the scientific explanation of many happenings of the world of luxury. This sometimes frustrates me. However, Professor Derval gives me faith in the luxury industry because she brings to the table scientific tools and approaches to creating, developing, and revamping luxury brands.” The CEO of the rising luxury brand DS Automobiles Yves Bonnefont is also enthusiastic: “Luxury is first and foremost an emotion. This book will help create this emotion and unlock endless opportunities, through a deep understanding of customers”, and proud to host at DS World Paris on 17th of May 2018 evening a special event for the launch of Derval’s new book.

Press Contacts (for book copy, interview, scientific poster, book launch invitation, and more):

Prof. Diana Derval, diana@derval-research.com, +49 151 2009 5344

Sakthi, sakthi@derval-research.com, +971 4 311 6735

DervalResearch

5th Floor | The Fairmont Dubai | Sheikh Zayed Road

Dubai - UAE

Tel: +971 4 311 6735

www.derval-research.com

Book page with Messenger Bot: https://www.facebook.com/designingluxurybrands/

To check and order the book: http://www.springer.com/book/9783319715551

Kevin Healey has been nominated for Excellence in Diversity Awards 2018

ONE of the UK's most anticipated diversity awards celebrations has opened its nominations for the 2018 ceremony.

Kevin Healey has been nominated for the LifeTime Lifetime Achiever

A host of diversity leaders will gather to honour British Diversity at the ceremony, celebrating the phenomenal achie vements of those who have demonstrated their outstanding devotion to diversity, equality and inclusion.

Designed to highlight employers tackling issues internally and externally, Britain's diverse talent will be showcased in a celebration of equality champions.

The awards have led the way in commending the exceptional contribution to the workplace made by inclusive companies and pioneering employees.

With the increasing richness of diversity in Britain, the Excellence in Diversity Awards recognise employers that unite workforces and challenge discrimination, applauding those for their fight against inequality.

Supported by the likes of Bloomberg, PwC and Mott MacDonald, the ceremony has background in recognising true inclusion across charity, public, private, education and housing sectors.

The Excellence in Diversity Awards has opened its nominations in conjunction with the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers. The List will be unveiled at the ceremony later on in the year.

Paul Sesay, CEO of the Excellence in Diversity Awards said, "In difficult and challenging times, using the talent of a diverse workforce is more important than ever. Considering the diversity of your workforce and fostering an inclusive working environment can bring business benefits and provide a market advantage.”

Sesay continues, “ This tough climate has led us to take a fresh look at how we can promote employers that lead in their business case for diversity. We are thrilled to showcase those that celebrate diversity throughout the whole ethos of their corporation".

The event is definitely one to mark down on your calendar and provides recognition for excellence regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, faith, religion and culture.

Mark Shrimpton, Equality Advisor for Disability Rights UK and Disability Me mber of the First-tier Tribunal at UK Ministry of Justice, said "In a fractured society, during troubled times and with austerity biting us from behind, the need for diverse practice becomes ever more important. The law defines a hostof so called protected characteristics. But, ultimately, inclusion affects us all. By excluding people because of their identity or background we lose skills. Wel ose talent. And we lose productivity and profit".

He continued "Significant numbers of firms are practising inclusion as a r outine event and are reaping the rewards. They are leaders in their field - not the diversity pitch, but the business stadia in which they play, and win. They aren't just ticking a CSR box or following a moral code, important as they may be.

They are capturing the diverse talents of the wonderful population of Great Britain and becoming more competitive as a result. The EiDA's are a supreme

opportunity to celebrate and market this work. I urge you nominate your EiDA champions and promote your excellence."

You can nominate for a Diversity Champion, Diversity Marketing Campaign, Head of Diversity & Inclusion, Best Diversity Resource, Outstanding Diversity

Network, Employee of the Year and Lifetime Achiever. Nominations will coincide with submissions for The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List.

To nominate (Kevin Healey) please visit this link Nominate now

Or for a nomination form please email emma@excellenceindiversity.co.uk

Lumi is pleased to announce a new partnership with the NFGD, the Netherlands oldest creative audiovisual company.

The deal, which was delivered in under 6 weeks, means Lumi takes control of NFGD’s entire AGM client list and all related services, and also has an exclusive license to use NFGD’s high-end audio visual technologies across the 9 territories they currently operate in.

Lumi are widely recognised as the leading global provider of technology to facilitate the smooth running of AGM’s and shareholder / membership meetings. With the development of their world-leading, proprietary AGM voting tech, Lumi are at the forefront of the debate around increasing shareholder engagement through the introduction of virtual and hybrid meetings.

François Hobma, CEO of NFGD, commented "We think this is an almost unbeatable combination with synergy, clear advantages and extra convenience for listed companies in the Netherlands for whom we can now easily take over the full-circle from organisation to production."

Computershare, a partner of Lumi in the Netherlands for many years will also play a part in this partnership in terms of AGM organisation, as well as its subsidiary Georgeson’s shareholder communications business In this multi-year agreement, all parties have committed themselves to further developing the hybrid and virtual shareholder meeting concept. Kirsten van Rooijen, Managing Director of Computershare Netherlands, believes “By combining these three strong market players, whereby everyone retains their own focus, listed companies in the Netherlands will benefit and through this cooperation we expect further growth of hybrid meetings”

Richard Taylor, CEO of Lumi concluded “Partnerships are the core of our growth strategy in both our existing and new markets. We are always open to new ways in which we can increase market share and strengthen our proposition”

When it comes to new fitness discoveries, the UK has traditionally taken its cue from the USA.

But UK exercise regime Boogie Bounce is bucking the trend by boinging across the Atlantic and taking America by storm.

With pilot programmes taking off in California and Chicago, and countless gyms now clamouring to get instructors trained and members bouncing, Boogie Bounce is set to become a household name in the States.

The exercise which involves bouncing on mini trampolines to funky music is well-established both across the UK (with 55,000 bouncers along) and globally – with classes in nine countries including Australia, Singapore, South Africa, and Spain.

And now it’s spreading its magic across northern America.

“The UK normally lags behind the USA in fitness trends and classes– so it’s great to be trailing a blaze,” says Boogie Bounce founder Jenny Belcher. “Teaching the world to bounce has been my dream for 21 years – and it’s finally coming true.”

Boogie Bounce made its debut in Chicago after being discovered by The Exercise Habit Coach, Dre Nichols-Everett. She explains: “I love running but, after hurting my knee, I was unable to do so and desperately missed the buzz that high impact exercise gives.

“While looking for something equally effective I came across Boogie Bounce in the UK and decided I had to have it in my gym. I contacted Jenny Belcher and begged, stalked and hounded her until she agreed!

“She personally flew across with trampolines and launched it at my gym, D3 Boot Camp gym in 26th Street, Chicago, in 2016. The impact has been amazing.”

Dre, who has run her gym for ten years, now runs four sell-out classes a week – with 21 in each class. “They are always full,” she said. “My members love it.

“The number one advantage is that it gives you a high intensity workout with low impact on the body. The trampoline absorbs 80 per cent of the trauma that would normally affect the joints in an activity like jogging or aerobics.

“Bouncers can still get all the cardio benefits without the pain. It’s particularly good for those carrying weight. I hear a lot of people say ‘I have knee or joint issues’. After a hard run, you might wake up with aches and sore knees. But after a Boogie Bounce class you just wake up feeling great.

“Then there’s the fun element. People want to have fun when they work out and they certainly do in this class. Members actually want to show up and get so excited about new routines. There are not a lot of classes out there that make you feel that way.

“But it’s also so inclusive. Not everyone can do Zumba or dance but everyone knows how to bounce. Even if you can’t do the choreography you just keep bouncing. We have hard core, crazy fanatics working alongside beginners.

“It’s a great addition to my gym and gives me a huge advantage over companies. Whenever I run a Boogie Bounce advertisement we get a quadrupling of enquiries.

Over on the West coast, Dublin instructor and master trainer Emma Weafer, 32, is currently launching Boogie Bounce in Los Angeles, California.

She said: “I’ve been giving demonstrations and master classes to gyms and huge exhibitions, like the LA Fit expo, for three months now, and the response has been phenomenonal.

“Because it’s completely new to the USA people have been a bit unsure initially. But when they see all the science, hard work and experience behind it, and get to try it for themselves, it just ticks all their boxes.

“We’ve now had two courses, training up 26 new instructors in Boogie Bounce. They were all amazing – exactly the kind of people we want to lead Boogie Bounce in America.

“I’m thrilled to see Boogie Bounce springing up in so many gyms. The goal is to get into every gym and every state across the States. It’s going to go crazy over here – nuts!” she predicts.