ResponseSource Press Release Wire https://feeds.feedburner.com/ResponseSourcePressReleaseWire Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:12:49 +0100 releases@responsesource.com (ResponseSource) support@responsesource.com Copyright2026 ResponseSource Ltd https://static.responsesource.com/favicon.ico <![CDATA[ResponseSource Press Release Wire: Consumer Sectors]]> https://feeds.feedburner.com/ResponseSourcePressReleaseWire Zend Framework Zend_Feed en-us http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/news/107389/uk-hiring-rebounds-as-professional-job-vacancies-jump-7-in-may/ <![CDATA[UK hiring rebounds as professional job vacancies jump 7% in May]]> https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/957857897/_/responsesourcepressreleasewire~UK-hiring-rebounds-as-professional-job-vacancies-jump-in-May/ https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/news/107389/uk-hiring-rebounds-as-professional-job-vacancies-jump-7-in-may/      ]]> - Growth is being driven by demand for highly skilled roles across finance and technology.
- Business services and manufacturing are driving finance hiring, with job postings up 24% and 26% respectively.
- Demand for senior and specialist tech roles is accelerating, with Senior Business Analyst roles up 57% and Lead Engineer roles rising 36%.
- London and Manchester both report 5% increase in job postings month-on-month.


Demand for highly skilled professionals is showing renewed momentum across the UK, as employers increase investment in business-critical roles. That’s according to global talent solutions and business consulting firm, Robert Half.



The firm’s latest proprietary job posting database revealed that professional role postings exceeded 56,400 in May, up 7% month-on-month. This marks the second consecutive monthly increase and brings hiring levels close to the highs seen in January 2026.



Finance & accounting and technology demand bolstered in May



According to the data, this demand is being driven by hiring for core positions across the finance and accounting and technology remits.



Within finance, hiring is strengthening for Credit Controller roles, increasing by 19%, and Finance Director postings, rising by 20%. This reflects a growing focus on financial governance, performance and strategic oversight.



Looking across sectors, finance and accounting hiring has been bolstered by sectors that support operational delivery and long-term growth. Business services saw a 24% month-on-month rise in job postings for finance and accounting roles, while demand from the manufacturing sector for the same positions increased by 26%. Core roles such as Accounts Assistant, Finance Manager and Tax Manager also continue to lead hiring volumes.



Technology hiring is expanding in parallel, particularly in roles linked to digital transformation and innovation. IT roles rose to 1,100 postings, up 12% month-on-month, with the strongest growth noted in specialist positions. Senior Business Analyst roles increased by 57% month-on-month, while Lead Engineer roles rose by 36%. These trends indicate a clear focus on the delivery and implementation of complex projects.



Manchester and London see strong growth



The data also revealed that while London continues to dominate hiring activity, with 10,600 roles recorded in May, a 5% increase on the previous month, Manchester is also showing signs of optimism. The northern city also reported a 5% uptick in job postings for highly skilled roles between April and May.



Matt Weston Senior Managing Director, UK & Ireland at Robert Half, commented:



“Following a gradual start to the year, there are emerging indications of increasing activity in the UK jobs market. Employers are focusing on the roles that matter most to business performance, particularly in finance and technology, where demand is being driven by the need for stronger governance, cost control and digital delivery.



“Businesses are making targeted investments in high-impact, specialist roles that support resilience and long-term growth. This reflects a more deliberate and strategic approach to hiring as organisations prioritise skills that can drive value and stability in an evolving market landscape. If this trend continues, it could signal a more sustained recovery in professional hiring over the coming months.”



ENDS



Vickie Collinge

vickie@bluesky-pr.com

01582 790 705





About Robert Half

Robert Half (NYSE: RHI) is the world’s first and largest specialised talent solutions and business consulting firm, connecting highly skilled job seekers with rewarding opportunities at great companies. We offer contract talent and permanent placement solutions in the fields of finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and HR, administrative and customer support, and we also provide executive search services. Robert Half is the parent company of Protiviti®, a global consulting firm that delivers internal audit, risk, business and technology consulting solutions. In the last 12 months, Robert Half has been recognised as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces by Great Place to Work® (GPTW) and, with Protiviti, has been named one of Fortune® Most Admired Companies™. Explore comprehensive talent solutions, research and insights at https://www.roberthalf.com/gb/en



About the research



Role demand insights are based on a Robert Half analysis of over 1,407,000 job postings across the United Kingdom from June 1st 2024, to May 31st 2026, provided by Textkernel. This proprietary database includes professional jobs across the finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and HR, administrative and customer support fields.
     
]]> Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0100 https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/news/107390/experts-warn-biodiversity-loss-could-trigger-sovereign-debt-crises/ <![CDATA[Experts warn biodiversity loss could trigger sovereign debt crises]]> https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/957856916/_/responsesourcepressreleasewire~Experts-warn-biodiversity-loss-could-trigger-sovereign-debt-crises/ https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/news/107390/experts-warn-biodiversity-loss-could-trigger-sovereign-debt-crises/      ]]> new research published in Nature.

While environmental degradation is recognised as a serious financial risk, sovereign debt markets currently have no way of accounting for it, leaving US$83 trillion of assets open to mispricing. Adjusting S&P Global’s credit ratings to account for ecological damage, a team of economists led by the Universities of Sussex, Sheffield, and Heriot-Watt found that even a partial collapse for wild pollinators, marine fisheries, and tropical forests could add US$162bn to the annual interest payment on sovereign debt.

Biodiverse environments provide what economists call “ecosystem services”, valuable economic contributions like insects pollinating crops and oceans underpinning the seafood value chain. Losing these services carries hefty costs. The researchers’ conservative estimates demonstrate that even a partial collapses in fisheries, wild pollination and tropical timber would cause a global GDP decline of $2 trillion annually. This kind of biodiversity loss would see India’s credit rating falling 4 grades, while China’s would plummet by 5.5 on the 20-point scale. The implications for debt servicing costs are substantial with India having to pay an additional US$49bn a year and US$70bn for China.

The researchers warn that falling credit ratings and higher sovereign risk sees markets demand higher risk premia, meaning governments, and ultimately, taxpayers, pay more to borrow.

Professor Matthew Agarwala, of the University of Sussex’s Bennett Institute for Innovation and Policy Acceleration said: “It’s not just financiers who will lose out. As nature loss reduces economic performance, it will become harder for countries to service their debt, straining government budgets and forcing them to raise taxes, cut spending, or push inflation even higher. The consequences could be grim. Governments face a stark choice - pay now, by investing in nature recovery, or pay later through higher borrowing costs."

Sovereign ratings assess the ability of countries to repay debt, directly affecting the price governments pay to borrow. This in turn affects taxpayers: 11 pence of every pound of tax collected in the UK goes to paying interest on the national debt. That’s more than is spent on Education (10.3%), Defence (5.5%), Public Order and Safety (4.4%) or the Environment (1.5%).
Sovereign ratings can also affect the cost of borrowing elsewhere in the economy, with implications for businesses, financial institutions, and pension funds. When economies struggle due to political instability, war, or unsustainable debt burdens, sovereign ratings offer investors an early warning system. But so far, these ratings have systematically ignored the consequences of ecological degradation.

Professor Pati Klusak, from the Edinburgh Business School said: “The 2008 global financial crisis was an example of what happens when markets and ratings agencies ignore new risks. By integrating ecological science with credit ratings models, our work reveals that the financial system risks once again sleepwalking into a catastrophe.”

For the past five years, the research team has been developing machine learning techniques to incorporate environmental science into credit risk assessments. The results show that Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, China, and Malaysia could all face downgrades of four to six grades under a partial collapse scenario.
Dr. Matt Burke, of the Sheffield University Management School explains: “Environmental scientists and financial markets need to get better at talking to each other. Biodiversity finance is becoming a bit of a buzzword, but most of the research being published on this ignores the underlying science, the pace of nature loss, and the consequences for people and livelihoods.”

The 23 countries captured in the study represent 5.5 billion people. Biodiversity-driven downgrades in these countries would increase annual debt interest payments by over US$162 billion a year, equivalent to nearly three-quarters global overseas development aid, and leaving many nations at risk of sovereign debt default – in effect, bankruptcy.

If the additional debt servicing costs were met through new taxation, they would absorb about 1.8% of after-tax income for median Indonesian, rising to 2.3% in Malaysia and 2.5% in India.

Compared to the UN Global Biodiversity Framework’s target of mobilising US$200bn annually across 196 countries, the study adds to a growing body of evidence that the costs of protecting nature are far lower than the costs of losing it.

The paper calls on regulators, central banks, and credit rating agencies to incorporate nature- and climate-related financial risks into mainstream risk assessments.

Arend Kulenkampff, Innovative Finance Lead, NatureFinance said: “Protecting nature costs far less than losing it. Yet this simple truth rarely reaches the financial decisions that determine its fate. For sovereigns facing debt distress, the stakes are existential: stripping forests, grasslands, and watersheds to service today's debt destroys the very foundations of future solvency. This research exists to make that cost visible before it is too late.”

The work was carried out by a research team spanning the University of Sussex, University of Sheffield, Edinburgh Business School, and SOAS.

- ENDS -

For more information please contact press@sussex.ac.uk
     
]]> Mon, 08 Jun 2026 09:15:00 +0100 https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/news/107385/do-buyers-think-of-your-brand-when-it-matters-most-/ <![CDATA[Do Buyers Think of Your Brand When It Matters Most?]]> https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/957735755/_/responsesourcepressreleasewire~Do-Buyers-Think-of-Your-Brand-When-It-Matters-Most/ https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/news/107385/do-buyers-think-of-your-brand-when-it-matters-most-/      ]]>
Contact:
Martin Coyle
Partner at SmilingCFO Ltd
Email: martin@smilingcfo.co.uk
Phone: 07927 551592
Website: SmilingCFO

Birmingham, UK – 4 June 2026

Do Buyers Think of Your Brand When It Matters Most?

New diagnostic tool helps marketers reflect on whether their brand comes to mind when customers are ready to buy.

Marketing leaders are under increasing pressure to prove what is really driving growth. But many still do not know whether buyers actually think of their brand when it matters most.

Research from The Ehrenberg-Bass Institute shows that buyers rarely consider every brand they know. Instead, brands compete to be one of the relatively small number that comes to mind in buying situations, making Mental Availability an important driver of growth.

A new online diagnostic tool, the Mental Availability Review, aims to help marketers start exploring that question.

Launched by SmilingCFO, the review takes less than five minutes to complete. It helps marketing leaders understand how well placed their business is to implement Mental Availability principles and identify areas that may deserve deeper focus.

Users receive a personalised report highlighting potential strengths, gaps and opportunities for consideration across three areas: Mapping, Activation and Measurement.

Mental Availability is built by linking a brand to the situations where buying decisions happen. These moments, known as Category Entry Points, help explain why some brands come to mind while others are overlooked. If a brand is not mentally linked to these buying situations, it is less likely to be considered - regardless of awareness levels.

“Most brands are still judged heavily on awareness, but awareness alone doesn’t mean someone will choose you,” said Martin at SmilingCFO.

“The real question is whether people think of your brand in the situations that influence purchase. It’s also whether you come to mind ahead of competitors. That’s what Mental Availability is really about.”

“The Mental Availability Review is designed as a starting point. It helps marketing teams reflect on how prepared they are to implement Mental Availability principles and whether this deserves closer attention. A fuller Mental Availability Assessment can then explore this in more depth.”

The diagnostic review provides an immediate indication of areas that may warrant further exploration. A downloadable PDF report is then sent by email.

Findings are grouped into three areas: Mapping, Activation and Measurement. These help senior marketing teams identify where they may wish to strengthen mental connections and review how Mental Availability is being supported.
The tool has been designed for marketing teams in larger consumer brands looking to pressure-test brand position before investing in wider strategy or research.

The Mental Availability Review is available at smilingcfo.co.uk alongside resources explaining how Mental Availability influences brand growth.

About SmilingCFO:
SmilingCFO Ltd is a specialist consultancy helping large consumer brands grow through Mental Availability - an evidence-based approach grounded in research from The Ehrenberg-Bass Institute and proprietary data.

The business supports marketing teams with benchmarking, strategic frameworks and activation guidance designed to strengthen brand growth.

Notes to editors:

Martin Coyle, Partner at SmilingCFO Ltd, is available for interview or comment on:
● Mental Availability and brand growth.
● Why awareness alone may not predict brand choice.
● Category Entry Points and buying situations.
● Common challenges brands face when building Mental Availability.

Image:
Supporting image for publication can be accessed at SmilingCFO Image .
     
]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:11:00 +0100 https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/news/107382/national-geographic-traveller-uk-july-august-issue-available-on-newsstands/ <![CDATA[National Geographic Traveller (UK) July/August 2026 issue available on newsstands now]]> https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/957732464/_/responsesourcepressreleasewire~National-Geographic-Traveller-UK-JulyAugust-issue-available-on-newsstands-now/ https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/news/107382/national-geographic-traveller-uk-july-august-issue-available-on-newsstands/      ]]> magazine.natgeotraveller.co.uk/jul26

With South Korean culture radiating around the world, National Geographic Traveller (UK) is inviting readers to explore the East Asian nation up-close.

The so-called hallyu, or Korean Wave, may have rippled across the ocean and onto international screens, plates and playlists in the early 2010s, but for many that influx of cutting-edge culture sparked an urge to experience it right at the source, with tourism numbers surpassing 18.5 million arrivals in 2025. Now, there’s even more reason to uncover South Korea in all its complexity, with an extension to its high-speed rail network allowing visitors to effortlessly knit together the emerald-green mountains, eccentric art museums and medieval folk villages between Seoul and Busan. Unlock an in-depth guide to all this and more in the latest issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK), on newsstands now.

The July/August issue also includes a special feature dedicated to the winning images from the 2026 National Geographic Traveller (UK) Photography Competition, sponsored by Hahnemühle and King’s Cross — a celebration of people, cultures and wildlife from around the world. The images are also available to be seen in an open-air exhibition, spanning London’s Granary Square and beyond (28 May to 12 July).


Don’t miss:

Malawi: In this biodiverse corner of Southern Africa, conservation projects are preserving the landscape while protecting local life

Malta: Tracing the nation’s myths and monsters, from the Valletta Vampire to serpents and shape-shifting ghosts

Copenhagen: In search of the good life in the Danish capital, regularly named among the world’s happiest places to live

Cornwall: This coastal powerhouse is home to expert craftspeople, including a woodturner on Bodmin Moor and sea-glass jeweller in Falmouth

Food Experiences: Eight hands-on trips around Europe that delve into star ingredients, traditional recipes and local culinary culture

Julian Alps: Take a tour through the ruggedly beautiful mountain range in Slovenia

Istanbul: A journey around the Turkish capital in search of its signature, sugar-dusted sweet

Barcelona: The Spanish city’s best sleeps for rooftop views, local buzz and art nouveau architecture

Bangkok: Whether at a humble street food stall or fine-dining restaurant, any meal in the Thai capital is an exhilarating experience



The Edit: introducing the coolest swimming spot in Paris; the openings, new experiences and seasonal

events on our radar; eccentric festivities to experience this summer; a bookworm’s guide to cafes, museums and reading nooks in Kraków; the best bites in Sydney according to a local chef; on the trail of Beatrix Potter in the Lake District; riding waves at Edinburgh’s Lost Shore Surf Resort; a taste of local life in Nashville; and a journey into the twilight world of dusking.

Special Interest: Jamie Lafferty on his quest to see all 18 of the world’s penguin species

In Focus: See the winning entries from this year’s Photography Competition

Expert Traveller: The West African nation of Ghana is our One to Watch this month; The Lowdown explores how heatwaves are changing travel; Kit List returns with essential equipment for beach trips; The Story Behind picks its way through the history of Provence’s lavender fields; How To offers up an ethical guide to haggling; and Great Little Place sees National Geographic Traveller (UK) readers pick their favourite haunts around the world. Finally, author, chef and TV presenter Antoni Porowski shares his most memorable journeys in My Travels.


PLUS: Win a three-night stay in the heart of London natgeotv.com/uk/competitions

For a 26-page digital sample of the Jul/Aug issue, visit magazine.natgeotraveller.co.uk/jul26


National Geographic Traveller (UK) has a cover price of £6.25, is available via subscription and on newsstands, and is published 10 times a year. Find out more at nationalgeographic.com/travel

Current subscription offer: Get five issues for £25
checkout.natgeotraveller.co.uk/offers

Website: News, features and more: nationalgeographic.com/travel

Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/NatGeoTravelUK

Instagram: instagram.com/natgeotraveluk

Pinterest: pinterest.com/natgeotraveluk

LinkedIn: national-geographic-travell]er-uk

TikTok: tiktok.com/@natgeotraveluk


National Geographic Traveller (UK) digital edition is available for Apple, Android and Kindle: ngtr.uk/NGTdigital


###


Notes

National Geographic Traveller (UK) is published under licence by APL Media Limited, from National Geographic Partners LLC in Washington, DC. The travel and lifestyle magazine launched in December 2010 and is packed full of you-are-there photography, authentic travel experiences and inspiring narratives. nationalgeographic.com/travel

For more information about National Geographic, visit nationalgeographic.com, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and TikTok.


CONTACT:

For editorial enquiries:
+44 (0) 20 7253 9906
editorial@natgeotraveller.co.uk


Glen Mutel, managing editor
+44 (0) 20 7253 9906
glen.mutel@natgeotraveller.co.uk


Amanda Canning, deputy editor
+44 (0) 20 7253 9906
amanda.canning@natgeotraveller.co.uk


Maria Pieri, editorial director & chief operating officer
+44 (0) 20 7253 9906
maria.pieri@natgeotraveller.co.uk


Matthew Jackson, chief executive officer
+44 (0) 20 7253 9909
matthew.jackson@natgeotraveller.co.uk


Anthony Leyens, chairman and co-founder
+44 (0) 20 7253 9909
anthony.leyens@natgeotraveller.co.uk
     
]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:00:00 +0100 https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/news/107384/neoma-business-school-expands-global-partnerships-to-strengthen-areas-of/ <![CDATA[NEOMA Business School Expands Global Partnerships to Strengthen Areas of Excellence]]> https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/957729791/_/responsesourcepressreleasewire~NEOMA-Business-School-Expands-Global-Partnerships-to-Strengthen-Areas-of-Excellence/ https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/news/107384/neoma-business-school-expands-global-partnerships-to-strengthen-areas-of/      ]]>
NEOMA Business School is expanding its territories of excellence to prepare students for an increasingly complex and uncertain world. By strengthening its academic foundations and launching partnerships with 30 leading international institutions including Columbia University, UCLA, Stanford and Caltech, the School is giving students access to world class expertise across finance, technology, science, arts and humanities.

“This ambition rests on a conviction: the strength of our foundations allows us to explore new territories and prepare students for a world whose reference points are being profoundly transformed,” said Delphine Manceau, Dean of NEOMA Business School.

Preparing Graduates for a Changing World
As artificial intelligence, geopolitical shifts and technological disruption reshape skills and careers, NEOMA is reinforcing its mission to educate graduates capable of navigating uncertainty, combining disciplines and leading in complex environments.

Over the past three years, the school has significantly strengthened its foundations through major faculty growth, with 65 new professors and researchers and an international faculty now representing 86 percent of the total. Research output has also tripled since 2020.

The school is also investing in its campuses, including a new Reims campus scheduled to open in January 2027. This €140 million development will host up to 4,700 students and provide extensive learning, research and event facilities.

Artificial intelligence has become a central pillar of NEOMA’s strategy. More than 12,000 people have already been trained in AI related initiatives, supported by a partnership with Mistral AI and a €15 million investment plan over three years. New tools include the NEMO chatbot for student support, the BRIO platform for interview preparation and an AI toolkit designed to enhance prompting skills and shared learning.
“At NEOMA, AI is a school wide transformation project,” said Alain Goudey, Deputy Dean for Digital. “The more powerful AI becomes; the more essential higher education is in developing critical thinking and informed decision making.”

Three New Territories of Excellence

NEOMA is expanding its academic reach across three major areas by partnering with leading global institutions.

In arts, humanities and creative industries, the school is working with Gobelins Paris, UCLA, McGill University, the University of Edinburgh and IE University. These partnerships give students access to programmes in digital design, entertainment studies, communication, leadership and human sciences, strengthening skills such as creativity, interpretation and critical thinking.
In finance and global business, NEOMA is partnering with Columbia University, Cornell University’s Johnson School of Management and the University of San Diego. These collaborations focus on sustainable finance, fintech, international relations and quantitative finance, reinforcing NEOMA’s long standing strength in financial education.

In science and technology, NEOMA is developing dual degrees with ESA Angers and IMT Mines Alès, alongside immersive programmes with Stanford University and Caltech. These initiatives connect management education with engineering, artificial intelligence and scientific innovation, preparing students for technology driven industries.
In addition, selected students will take part in an immersive experience at CES Las Vegas in 2027, where they will analyse emerging technologies and produce a structured overview of key global innovation trends.

A Stronger Global Network

NEOMA is also expanding its international network through 30 new partnerships across multiple continents, adding 64 dual degree options and 156 additional study abroad places. The school now collaborates with a large proportion of the world’s leading business education institutions, further reinforcing its global reach and academic excellence.

“Because our foundations are solid, we can educate graduates who combine rigour, curiosity and openness to the world,” concluded Delphine Manceau.

/ENDS

For more information, please contact: olivia@bluesky-pr.com
     
]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:34:00 +0100 https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/news/107383/positive-outlook-for-the-evolving-uk-decking-market/ <![CDATA[Positive outlook for the evolving UK decking market]]> https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/957729284/_/responsesourcepressreleasewire~Positive-outlook-for-the-evolving-UK-decking-market/ https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/news/107383/positive-outlook-for-the-evolving-uk-decking-market/      ]]> MRA Building Market Reports estimates the value of the UK market for decking materials at £174m in 2025, at Manufacturers’ Selling Prices (MSP).

This is a substantial increase compared to its pre-pandemic level, but has been primarily driven by price increases. Following an inevitable spike in demand in the early stages of the pandemic, when lockdowns, outdoor socialising and good weather caused homeowners to spend more time in their gardens, volume sales have been broadly flat.

Decking is a relatively mature market, and prior to 2019 had seen an influx of Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) decking products from European and East Asian suppliers, leading to very high levels of competition.

Positive factors driving market growth include an ongoing interest in ‘outdoor living’ and use of living space, new garden trends, weather and social media trends, as well as a shift to higher quality and higher value products across all market sectors.

One reason for this trend is that the once highly fragmented and commoditised decking market is starting to evolve. UK distributors, merchants and retailers have formed closer relationships with fewer suppliers. There are now few WPC specialists. Instead, most suppliers of timber and PVC-U decking also offer a branded or own-label WPC product alongside their own decking ranges. Brand awareness, which was previously very low, is increasing.

Despite this, the supply structure remains complex. An increasing share of sales is online or via click-and-collect, and online marketplaces, largely promoted via social media, are influential in the DIY and small builder segment.

The share of WPC decking continues to grow, but there is also strong interest in modified wood decking, which is more durable but retains the sustainability credentials and aesthetic of wood. The Building Safety Act has also boosted demand for decking made from non-combustible, higher value materials, such as aluminium, on balconies and roof terraces, since combustible materials can no longer be used on buildings higher than 11m.

Consumer interest in sustainably sourced products, and eco-friendly materials, is also growing, with ‘plastic’ seen as less desirable, despite some PVC-U and composite decking ranges using 100% recycled materials.

Mike Rigby, Director of MRA Reports, comments: “Our forecasts indicate a slight decline in value in 2026, reflecting lower volume sales and RMI activity, but higher material prices for timber decking as well as for PVC-U and aluminium. Forecasting is difficult at any time and it’s particularly so at present. Consumer confidence is low, but we are experiencing a hotter-than average spring season with people spending more time in the garden, and decking boards are more pleasant and attractive than a concrete patio when the weather is hot. This is a market with good long-term prospects.

“In normal economic circumstances, consumers have shown an increasing willingness to spend more on high quality garden products or upgrading to higher end, reduced maintenance materials. But some segments are price-sensitive, and if the Middle East war goes on for much longer, oil price increases, shipping problems and shortages could affect price differentials in the short term, and the materials mix.”

The comprehensive 67-page report covers an insightful market review including product mix and trends, key market drivers, leading firms, a complicated supply chain and 5-year forecasts which look beyond a difficult year to more sustainable opportunities.”

MRA Reports was set up last year by two leading researchers in building markets intelligence and commercial due diligence, Anna Eriksson and Mike Rigby, to provide companies in the building materials supply chain, advisors and investors with a better understanding of the rapidly changing structure and dynamics of building product supply chains.

The UK Decking Market: Product Focus 2026-2030 report is available to purchase now at www.mra-reports.co.uk.
     
]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:24:00 +0100 https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/news/107381/essec-business-school-s-reimagined-master-in-management-collective-intelligence/ <![CDATA[ESSEC Business School’s reimagined Master in Management: Collective intelligence at the heart of the updated program, designed to tackle today’s societal challenges]]> https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/957725216/_/responsesourcepressreleasewire~ESSEC-Business-School%e2%80%99s-reimagined-Master-in-Management-Collective-intelligence-at-the-heart-of-the-updated-program-designed-to-tackle-today%e2%80%99s/ https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/news/107381/essec-business-school-s-reimagined-master-in-management-collective-intelligence/      ]]>
Cergy, France - June 3rd, 2026 - ESSEC Business School has unveiled its transformed flagship program, the Master in Management. These enhancements are aligned with the institution’s Transcend strategy for 2024-2028, which aims to nurture “future-fit” leaders by equipping them with a cross-functional skillset and an understanding of key societal challenges, be they geopolitical, technological, or environmental. These major changes rethink the student experience by putting multiculturalism and community spirit at the heart of the pedagogical model.

Vincenzo Vinzi, Dean and President of ESSEC, says, “With Transcend, we do not just adapt to change - we want to lead the change ourselves. The updates in our Master in Management program reflect our drive to couple our academic excellence with relevant experience for the business world. By instilling a skills-based approach rooted in collaboration and connecting students to top international networks, we empower our graduates to enter the job market with an exceptional level of professional maturity.”

The “squad”: a diversity incubator to train managers ready to tackle future challenges

The biggest change to the program lies in student integration. From September 2026, all students will be placed in “squads” from the beginning of their program. These cohorts, with around 40 students each, are designed to be diversity incubators, with each squad home to a blend of nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds. With this initiative, ESSEC recreates the complexity and richness of multicultural teams that students will experience in their future careers, preparing them for professional success.

Students will share new experiences, dedicated activities, and specific responsibilities with their squads. This model encourages peer learning, builds interpersonal skills, and fosters school spirit. By learning to integrate different viewpoints to solve complex problems, students will learn that their diverse backgrounds and experiences contribute to organizational performance.

Wilfried Sand, Academic Director of the Master in Management explains, “With the squads, we are not just teaching management: we are empowering our students to experience multiculturalism and shared responsibility from their very first day.”

To reinforce this sense of community, ESSEC is now aligning the academic calendars for all incoming profiles, whether they come from French preparatory classes or other academic backgrounds. By synchronizing the calendar, all students will take core courses together during their first two trimesters and experience the start to their studies as a solid unit.

During the remainder of the Master’s program, students will have the flexibility to personalize their path (choosing academic chairs, pathways, or dual degrees) in a way that aligns with their career goals and interests. Students will benefit from a strong team spirit developed through their squads, enabling them to seamlessly integrate the
workforce with their advanced management skills.

A transdisciplinary, international outlook

The program integrates major global transformations into the academic curriculum and offers international opportunities. ESSEC will draw on the expertise of its four strategic institutes (on AI and society, entrepreneurship and innovation, geopolitics and business, and sustainability and social change) to ensure that students have a global perspective on current challenges. For example, all students will take part in a mandatory seminar entitled The Future of Business. This seminar is designed to be an immersive experience that will empower students to understand the transformations redefining the economy and companies. Students will learn how to make technology like AI an ethical strategic lever that can drive value creation for businesses and society.

The ESSEC community operates on a global scale, with hubs in strategic locations in London, New York, and Mumbai. ESSEC Master in Management students have international academic opportunities via exchange programs, dual degrees, and internships, giving students a global perspective on international business dynamics. This international outlook is supported by a network of dual degrees and international partnerships with prestigious universities worldwide, giving students access to new perspectives to develop a multicultural leadership strategy. ESSEC has partnerships with top-tier institutions such as Yale School of Management, MIT Sloan School of Management, and Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, connecting ESSEC’s squads with the best international academic networks.

Press contacts

Julia Smith, International Press Relations Officer - 01 34 43 98 25 - smith@essec.edu

Marie Caroline Saro, Communications Manager - 06 99 09 82 25 - saro@essec.edu

About ESSEC Business School

ESSEC Business School has been a prestigious institution for higher learning since its foundation in 1907, set apart by its humanist approach. In light of current and future economic, environmental, social and geopolitical challenges, ESSEC is committed to transforming its teaching, research, and campuses to train inclusive, influential and multicultural leaders.

With 8 534 students in pre-experience programs and 5000 participants in executive education across four campuses in Cergy, La Défense, Rabat and Singapore, ESSEC offers programs recognized as some of the best in the world. ESSEC’s exceptional faculty, composed of 171 professors and 26 emeritus professors, 240 partnerships with prestigious international universities and an alumni network of over 79 000 members, showcases ESSEC’s commitment to excellence and academic innovation.

For more information, please visit www.essec.edu.
     
]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:30:00 +0100 https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/news/107379/hospitals-who-prioritise-empathy-are-safer-healthier-and-cheaper-to/ <![CDATA[Hospitals who prioritise empathy are safer, healthier and cheaper to run, study finds]]> https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/957724307/_/responsesourcepressreleasewire~Hospitals-who-prioritise-empathy-are-safer-healthier-and-cheaper-to-run-study-finds/ https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/news/107379/hospitals-who-prioritise-empathy-are-safer-healthier-and-cheaper-to/      ]]>
Researchers from the Stoneygate Centre for Empathic Healthcare developed and validated the first composite index of system-level empathy across NHS trusts in England. They analysed national data across nine organisational dimensions, including compassionate culture, leadership quality, teamwork, staffing levels, and staff wellbeing.

A modest improvement in a trust’s empathy score was also associated with:

- 46% higher odds of achieving a ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ effectiveness rating

- Significantly lower staff burnout and absenteeism, with measurable improvements in self-reported health and wellbeing

- Reduced agency spend: trusts with lower empathy scores spent £5.4 million more on temporary staff and £760,000 more on external consultancy per year than higher-scoring trusts

“This is the first time we have been able to put a number on empathy at the system level and show clearly that it makes a difference to patient safety, staff wellbeing, and the bottom line. Empathy is a strategic imperative.”

— Professor Jeremy Howick, Director, Stoneygate Centre for Empathic Healthcare

The average trust score was 5.99 out of 10, with meaningful variation across the system (range: 4.88–6.78). Previous major NHS inquiries — including the Francis Report into Mid Staffordshire and the Ockenden Review into Shrewsbury and Telford maternity services — repeatedly identified a lack of empathy as a factor in preventable deaths. Until now, empathy had been studied almost exclusively at the level of individual clinician–patient interactions; this study examines it across entire organisations.

“Investments in compassionate leadership, staff wellbeing, sustainable staffing, and inclusive culture are not simply ‘nice to have’ — they are associated with measurable improvements in patient safety and organisational efficiency.”

— Dr Amber Bennett-Weston, Stoneygate Centre for Empathic Healthcare

The authors are calling on healthcare organisations and policymakers to treat system empathy as a strategic priority and are working to validate the System Empathy Index in independent datasets and establish causal relationships through longitudinal studies.

/ENDs.

Notes to editors

Full reference: Howick, Jeremy and Bennett-Weston, Amber and Oke, Jason, Do More Empathic Hospital Trusts Have Better Outcomes? Developing and Testing a System Empathy Index (May 21, 2026). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=6842238 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.6842238

For more information, or to speak with the researchers, please contact Alex Lopez at alex@bluesky-pr.com, or call +44 (0)1582 797959.
     
]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0100 https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/news/107378/vtex-alumni-program-is-publicly-launched-at-vtex-day-to/ <![CDATA[VTEX Alumni Program Is Publicly Launched at VTEX Day to Connect the History, Community, and Future of the VTEX Ecosystem]]> https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/957684110/_/responsesourcepressreleasewire~VTEX-Alumni-Program-Is-Publicly-Launched-at-VTEX-Day-to-Connect-the-History-Community-and-Future-of-the-VTEX-Ecosystem/ https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/news/107378/vtex-alumni-program-is-publicly-launched-at-vtex-day-to/      ]]> as a club of leaders who have been part of VTEX’s history and who continue to act as
ambassadors and amplify the company’s impact beyond its boundaries.
. The VTEX Alumni program, the official network of former
VTEXers, held its public launch at VTEX Day during a special moment on the main stage,
led by Mariano Gomide de Faria, Founder and Co-CEO of VTEX, and Marcos Pueyrredon,
President of the VTEX Alumni Program and co-founder of VTEX.
The launch marked the beginning of a new stage for a community that already existed in
practice: people who contributed to building VTEX’s history and who today continue to
generate value for companies, ventures, funds, institutions, communities, and projects
across different markets.
Under the motto “Once VTEX, Always VTEX,” the VTEX Alumni program was created to
transform this shared history into a platform for connection, recognition, learning,
collaboration, and impact.
The initiative was presented at VTEX Day as the moment when the network becomes visible
to the ecosystem, introduces its first stage, and opens a new conversation with former
VTEXers, leaders, and allies. The program already brings together 59 members across 8
countries: profiles with distinguished trajectories across different stages of VTEX’s history,
selected for their contribution and their ability to continue generating value for the future of
commerce and technology.
During the ceremony, VTEX Alumni program members in attendance received a symbolic
recognition, consisting of a diploma and a personalized letter, in a gesture designed to
celebrate memory, belonging, and legacy. The moment sought to make visible a central idea:
some stories do not end when the role or place from which one contributes changes; they
continue when they become a community.
“VTEX was built by people who contributed intelligence, energy, courage, and heart at
every stage of the company. Some remain within VTEX and others are building new
paths, but all of them are part of who we are as a company. VTEX Alumni is a way to
recognize that history and, at the same time, open a new chapter of collaboration,”
said Mariano Gomide de Faria, Founder and Co-CEO of VTEX.
The network is structured as a curated community, with clear criteria, purpose, and an
evolving value proposition. Its objective is to connect those who helped build VTEX, create
opportunities for networking, visibility, mentorship, learning, and collaboration, and
strengthen an ecosystem of talent and experience that continues to impact digital commerce
and the technology sector on a global scale.
“A network does not exist simply because it has names on a list. A network exists
when it gains faces, stories, trust, and shared purpose. VTEX Alumni was created to
care for the legacy, but above all, to transform it into the future: into new
conversations, new opportunities, and new ways to keep building together,” said
Marcos Pueyrredon, President of VTEX Alumni and co-founder of VTEX.
The launch also represents the first public milestone of a broader community and ecosystem
agenda promoted with the support of Global Commerce Foundation, which acts as an
enabling platform to provide continuity, narrative, and articulation to initiatives that strengthen
unified commerce, talent development, and collaboration among leaders, companies, and
institutions connected to the global commerce industry.
As part of this initial stage, VTEX Alumni will progressively activate new layers of community,
benefits, and participation. The official website already provides information about the
network, its members, and events — including the Alumni Convention — as well as ways to
participate, apply, or nominate relevant profiles.
The public launch at VTEX Day confirms a simple and powerful vision: VTEX’s history does
not belong only to the past. It lives in the people who built it, in the companies they lead
today, in the communities they empower, and in the opportunities they can still create.
Once VTEX, Always VTEX.
About VTEX Alumni
The VTEX Alumni program is the official network for former VTEXers. Operated by Global
Commerce Foundation, it was created to keep alive the community that helped build VTEX
and to open new opportunities for connection, learning, visibility, collaboration, and impact.
The network begins its public stage in 2026 with an evolving value proposition designed to
connect experience, community, and opportunity.
More information: https://www.alumni.vtex.com/
About GlobalCommerce Foundation
GlobalCommerce Foundation is a platform for articulation, community, and collaboration
focused on strengthening the global commerce ecosystem. It promotes initiatives that
connect leaders, companies, talent, and institutions to advance knowledge, best practices,
capability development, and new forms of collaboration around unified commerce and the
digital economy.
More information: https://globalcommerce.foundation/
More Information and Contact Details
Marcos Pueyrredon
marcos@alumni.vtex.com
WhatsApp: +54 9 11 5408 0984
     
]]> Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:50:00 +0100 https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/news/107377/energy-retail-sector-faces-escalating-cyber-threats-stronger-security-measures/ <![CDATA[Energy retail sector faces escalating cyber threats – stronger security measures required]]> https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/957678293/_/responsesourcepressreleasewire~Energy-retail-sector-faces-escalating-cyber-threats-%e2%80%93-stronger-security-measures-required/ https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/news/107377/energy-retail-sector-faces-escalating-cyber-threats-stronger-security-measures/      ]]>
While energy generation and transmission grids have traditionally been strictly protected as part of critical infrastructure, the cybersecurity of the energy retail sector has received far less attention. This dissertation, in the field of industrial management, shows that the sector is increasingly targeted by hybrid threats and cyberattacks: retail organisations process sensitive personal, consumption and location data of millions of Europeans and are closely interconnected with broader energy systems that are essential for the continuity of societal functions.

– Deficiencies in cybersecurity resilience can provide attackers with a pathway into the entire energy value chain, as retail organisations are closely connected to critical systems. Such breaches can lead to identity theft, disrupt commercial operations and cause significant financial losses, as well as weaken critical infrastructure and the resilience of essential societal functions. Cyber operations during the war in Ukraine have demonstrated that attacks targeting IT systems can also enable access to operational technology systems controlling power generation and transmission, Suorsa warns.

Resilience is built on corporate culture, security controls, and risk management
As a solution, Suorsa proposes a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity management that strengthens a company’s ability to withstand disruptions and recover quickly as part of maintaining critical infrastructure. The study also provides senior management with tools to address increasingly stringent regulatory requirements, such as the EU’s NIS2 Directive.

– Cybersecurity is a strategic factor for business continuity, not merely a concern for the IT department. A strong security culture develops when cybersecurity is integrated into management objectives and positive employee behaviour is systematically recognised. Personnel should also be actively encouraged to report risks and security incidents, Suorsa emphasises.

The research provides three key tools for strengthening cyber resilience:

1. Management commitment and employee engagement – clear responsibilities, an active role for management and encouraging staff to report security incidents strengthen resilience across the organisation.
2. Critical cybersecurity controls – access management, access rights governance, change management, testing, malware protection and employee training safeguard core operations.
3. Risk management and proactive analysis – identified cyber risks are managed through layered controls and attack–defence modelling, improving situational awareness and response capabilities.

– Without cyber resilience, even a minor security incident can escalate into a major disruption, halt commercial operations, compromise customer data and damage a company’s reputation and business continuity. From a critical infrastructure perspective, such impacts can extend to society as a whole. Conversely, strong cyber resilience enables an energy company to withstand cyberattacks and recover relatively quickly with minimal impact, Suorsa concludes.

Dissertation
Suorsa, Mikko (2026) Strengthening Information Security Resilience in the European Energy Retail Sector: A Multi-Method Study of Cultural Factors, Critical Controls, and Key Risks. Acta Wasaensia 582. Doctoral dissertation. University of Vaasa.

Public defence
The public examination of M.Sc., M.Sc. (Admin.) Mikko Suorsa’s doctoral dissertation “Strengthening Information Security Resilience in the European Energy Retail Sector: A Multi-Method Study of Cultural Factors, Critical Controls, and Key Risks” will be held on Monday 8 June 2026 at 12 at the University of Vaasa, auditorium Nissi.

It is possible to participate in the defence also online:
https://uwasa.zoom.us/j/69254657230?pwd=eC2w2wHnY3i0VqG4nasy...
Password: 355083

Professor Kimmo Halunen (University of Oulu) will act as opponent and Professor Petri Helo as custos.


Further information

Mikko Suorsa (M.Sc. Admin., M.Sc. Econ.) graduated with a Master of Administrative Sciences in 2007 (Public Management) and a Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration in 2009 (Industrial Management) from the University of Vaasa. Suorsa currently serves as a Business Information Security Officer (BISO) at the energy company Vattenfall in Germany.
     
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