Author: Sam Allcock

In a significant development for the glass and automotive industries, global materials manufacturer Mativ and smart window technology specialist Miru have announced a joint development agreement to commercialise a new lamination interlayer for electrochromic windows, also known as eWindows. The partnership aims to simplify the production process, lower costs, and accelerate the adoption of smart window technology for both the transportation and construction sectors. Mativ, known for its Argotec brand of engineered polymer films, will work closely with Miru to integrate its advanced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) interlayer into eWindow production. The collaboration is expected to enhance the energy efficiency and…

Markel Group Inc. (NYSE) has announced the appointment of Jack Eastwood as Senior Underwriter for Cyber, effective immediately. This strategic move underscores Markel’s commitment to enhancing its product offerings and underwriting expertise within its insurance operations. Eastwood joins the Cyber & Technology team in London, where he will work closely with cyber leadership to shape the company’s underwriting strategy. In his new role, Eastwood will play a crucial part as a senior underwriting leader, overseeing various aspects of the Markel Cyber & Technology portfolio. His appointment is expected to further bolster Markel’s underwriting services, allowing the company to better serve…

Sinch AB (publ), a leader in cloud-based customer communications, has announced its upcoming Capital Markets Day scheduled for 20 November 2024. The event will provide an opportunity for investors, analysts, and media representatives to gain insights into the company’s strategic direction, market position, and future initiatives. Participants can choose to attend in person in Stockholm or join via an online live stream. Since its founding in 2008, Sinch has established itself as a global pioneer in the field of customer communications, serving over 150,000 businesses, including many of the world’s most prominent technology companies and financial institutions. The company’s Customer…

A new report from the collective Music Rights Organisations (CMOs) of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland has highlighted the substantial role the music industry can play in advancing sustainability and addressing social issues such as diversity, equity, and mental health. The report urges the industry to prioritise these matters, responding to growing expectations from creators and stakeholders for greater action. As the world grapples with the complex challenges of climate change, economic disruption, and social inequality, the report positions CMOs as key actors in driving change. The report also outlines a structured approach for incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance…

Kindeva Drug Delivery, a global leader in contract drug manufacturing, has announced two significant achievements at its new state-of-the-art facility in Bridgeton, Missouri. The company has successfully completed the first registration batch on its high-volume vial line, marking a major milestone in its bid to expand injectable fill-finish capabilities. This development reflects Kindeva’s readiness to meet increasing demand for sterile drug manufacturing and serves as a crucial step in its long-term growth strategy. Denis Johnson, Chief Operating Officer at Kindeva, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made at the Bridgeton site: “The completion of this first registration batch is a…

Turkish bank Fibabanka has announced the successful closure of a $150 million debt transaction that qualifies as Additional Tier 1 (AT1) capital. The issuance, a Basel III-compliant PNC5.5 AT1 fixed-rate resettable offering, was three times oversubscribed, underlining strong interest from international investors. The deal was led by Citi, Standard Chartered Bank, and Emirates NBD, with the yield set at 10.25%. The debt transaction marks a milestone for the Turkish financial sector, as it is the first-ever public sub-benchmark AT1 offering out of Türkiye. AT1 bonds are a form of hybrid debt that banks can use to strengthen their capital reserves,…

Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has partnered with Kinaxis Inc., a leading global provider of supply chain solutions, to enhance transparency and visibility across its global operations. The move marks a significant step for the Japan-based pharmaceutical company as it seeks to streamline its supply chain in preparation for increased direct sales in the United States and Europe. Ono Pharmaceutical, headquartered in Osaka, Japan, is renowned for its focus on research and development, particularly in areas such as oncology, immunology, and neurology. The company’s commitment to creating innovative medicines to address critical medical needs has led to its rapid expansion both…

The former corner shop famously used as the exterior of Arkwright’s store in the BBC’s beloved sitcom Open All Hours is set to be auctioned later this month. The iconic property, located on Lister Avenue just south of Doncaster city centre, will go up for sale with a guide price of £150,000 or more. The end-terrace building became a familiar sight for TV audiences, as it provided the backdrop to Ronnie Barker’s portrayal of Arkwright, the miserly grocer, and David Jason’s character, the long-suffering Granville, during the original run of Open All Hours from 1973 to 1985. The show became…

Yorkshire-based family law firm Jones Myers has once again secured its top-tier ranking in the prestigious Legal 500 2025 guide, cementing its status as a leader in family law across the North of England. The firm, known for its extensive expertise and commitment to client care, has been consistently ranked among the best for nearly three decades. The latest edition of Legal 500, which is based on interviews and recommendations from clients and peers, highlighted Jones Myers’ “first-rate” client care and its “perfect blend of vast experience and strength in depth.” The firm continues to stand out in both private…

Despite growing public support for the UK’s net zero targets, recent reports indicate that the nation remains off-track to achieve net neutrality by 2030. Professor Piers Forster, Interim Chair of the Climate Change Committee, has urged the new Labour government, led by Keir Starmer, to act swiftly to correct the course. A key area for immediate attention is investment in new technologies, particularly in the renewable energy sector, where artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to play a crucial role. Charlotte Enright, Head of Renewables at Northeast-based commercial finance operators Anglo Scottish Finance, has outlined how AI is transforming the renewables…