Global Teledermatology Market Gears Up for a Bright Future: ~15% Growth Expected by 2027

The emergence of hybrid teledermatology, the rise in skin diseases like psoriasis, eczema, and skin cancer, the lack of dermatologists and other qualified healthcare professionals who can provide specialized dermatological care, and technological developments in teledermatology products and the introduction of new dermatology services are the main factors propelling the market
Teledermatology is a new and emerging type of care delivery in which telecommunication technologies are utilized to transmit dermatology-related medical information over a long distance via voice, video, and data transmission.
Asynchronous (store-and-forward) segment dominates the teledermatology market, with hybrid teledermatology expected to gain traction in the coming years
Store-and-forward (SAF) teledermatology permits photos and other health-related information to be transmitted from a patient to a provider/clinician or from one provider/clinician to another using telehealth software for evaluation. Some of the primary elements driving its demand include reduced consultation wait times, expedited treatment of urgent patients, efficient management of a higher volume of patient cases, and improved patient satisfaction. However, a crucial problem that is predicted to hinder its adoption is the absence of real-time input on patient queries/concerns.
In the future years, hybrid teledermatology is projected to gain traction. It combines real-time and store-and-forward teledermatology components. Patients may receive insights from real-time talks and benefit from the completeness of asynchronous data sharing by using the hybrid method, which allows them to choose the mode of consultation that best suits them. The method shortens wait times, improves access to care, and increases patient satisfaction.
Technological advancements and the launch of new Teledermatology services drive the Teledermatology Market
Over the years, the Teledermatology industry has seen a lot of technical breakthroughs and the introduction of new services. These advancements are anticipated to fuel the teledermatology industry in the future years.

For instance:
In May 2023, the Black Country Provider Collaborative launched new teledermatology services in the UK that aim to triage patients within a 24-hour period, reduce unnecessary appointments, and streamline access to diagnostics and treatments
In Septemeber 2022, Oro Health in partnership with MCI Onehealth launched a new Teledermatology platform In Ontario for private and public patients. The new MCI platform, MCI Dermatology Connect, is powered by Oro Health Technology and provides a highly secured and reliable medical process. By using the platform, patients from the comfort of their homes will be able to receive personalized consultation, diagnosis, and prescription for minor dermatology pathologies within few days
Competitive Landscape Analysis of the Teledermatology Market
Some of the key players operating in the market include MedX Health, Digital Diagnostic/3Derm Systems, MetaOptima, Miiskin, Hims & Hers, Mandel Dermatology, MDLIVE, Medweb, First Derm, Dermicus, Eagle Telemedicine, Advanced Telemed Services, SkyMD, Integrated Dermatology, Curology, among others.
Organic and Inorganic Growth Strategies Adopted by Players to Establish Their Foothold in the Teledermatology Market
Players operating in this market are adopting organic and inorganic growth strategies such as launching new products, launching pilot programs, acquiring related firms, and entering into collaborations to garner higher market share. For instance,
In April 2023, MedX Health, a global leader in teledermatology entered into an agreement with PharmaChoice Canada to launch MedX teledermatology screening platform across canada. PharmaChoice Canada is one of Canada’s fastest-growing pharmacy groups, with more than 1000 independent pharmacy owners and operators
In July 2021, Hims & Hers Health, acquired teledermatology specialist, Apostrophe. The acquisition expands the firm’s ability to provide consumers with some of the most advanced and personalized dermatology treatments, faster and at scale
The potential for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into teledermatology to improve diagnosis accuracy, streamline workflows, and optimize patient care, the rising popularity of telehealth among patients and providers, and the aggressive organic and inorganic growth strategies employed by the players are all expected to contribute to the teledermatology market’s anticipated future growth.

RacquetX Announces Miami Open Experience as Excitement Builds for Landmark 2024 Event

RacquetX, the world’s first all-racquet sport conference and experience, is proud to announce a joint ticket experience with Miami Open presented by Itaú, a leading ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 tennis tournament that takes place from March 17 – 31, 2024.

RacquetX and Miami Open attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy ‘RacquetX Night at the Miami Open’ taking place at the Hard Rock Stadium on Monday, March 25th, as well as access to the three-day, one-of-a-kind experience at RacquetX.

RacquetX, which takes place across March 24-26 2024 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, represents a hugely exciting milestone for the racquet sport industry as the first event dedicated to all racquet sports, giving businesses, professionals, fans and enthusiasts alike the chance to be inspired, exchange ideas, make connections and play on one of the 9 multi-sport courts.
RacquetX Co-Founder Robyn Duda said: “We’re delighted to announce this celebration with the iconic Miami Open that will allow tournament-goers and RacquetX participants to enjoy the benefits of each event, which take place at the same time in Miami this March. This is a huge vindication of everything we’re trying to achieve at RacquetX by working with the best in the industry.”

The brainchild of events guru Duda and entrepreneur Marco Giberti, RacquetX is the exciting culmination of huge growth across the sector. The conference’s three headline sports – tennis, pickleball and padel – have all experienced surges in participation since the pandemic and are riding the crest of a wave as people turn to racquet sports in numbers never seen before. Tennis has experienced a 33% boom in participation since 2020, pickleball is taking North America by storm with the number of people playing growing by 59% over three years, reaching a total of 8.9 million in 2022; while padel is widely accepted as the world’s fastest-growing sport with over 25 million players.

As well as those three headline sports, RacquetX is welcoming professionals and enthusiasts of all racquet sports – from squash to badminton and table tennis, and also welcoming cult sports such as Platform tennis, which is popular in the U.S. Northeast. Until now, there was no place for industry professionals across all these sports to exchange ideas and try new products and technologies.

The happy world of Haribo

From its humble beginnings in Germany to its status as a global phenomenon, Haribo has created a candy empire that stands the test of time. In this article, we will delve into the rich history, iconic products, and lasting legacy of Haribo.
The Sweet Origins: Haribo traces its roots back to 1920s Germany when a visionary confectioner named Hans Riegel Sr. founded the company in Bonn. The name Haribo is an acronym derived from Hans Riegel Bonn. The initial offerings included hard candies and licorice, but it was the introduction of the iconic Goldbären (Gold-Bears) in 1922 that set Haribo on its path to stardom. These bear-shaped gummies, with their fruity flavors and chewy texture, quickly became a sensation and laid the foundation for Haribo’s future success.
Innovation and Expansion: Driven by a commitment to innovation, Haribo continued to create new products and expand its range. In the 1960s, the company introduced Tangfastics, a sour variation of its popular gummy candies. This bold move demonstrated Haribo’s ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and solidified its reputation as a market leader.As Haribo’s popularity grew, so did its global presence. The company established production facilities in various countries, including France, Spain, and the United States, enabling it to cater to a worldwide audience. In 1982, Haribo opened its first manufacturing plant outside of Europe in Baltimore, Maryland, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion.
Iconic Product Lineup: Haribo’s success can be attributed not only to its brand recognition but also to its diverse and appealing product lineup. While Goldbären remains a top seller, the company offers a wide range of candies to suit different tastes and preferences.

From the tangy Cola Bottles to the soft and chewy Happy Cherries, Haribo consistently introduces new flavors and shapes to captivate candy enthusiasts. Some notable favorites include Starmix, which combines various shapes and flavors, and Maoam, the fruity chew bars that offer a burst of long-lasting taste. With vegetarian and vegan options also available, Haribo strives to cater to a diverse consumer base.
The Haribo Experience: Beyond its candies, Haribo has successfully crafted an immersive experience that appeals to both children and adults. The Haribo stores and factory tours allow visitors to witness the candy-making process firsthand, from mixing the ingredients to molding and packaging the gummies. These interactive experiences create a deeper connection with the brand and offer a glimpse into the world of Haribo.
A Lasting Legacy: Haribo’s enduring success can be attributed to its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The brand’s ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences while staying true to its roots has allowed it to remain relevant in an ever-evolving market. Today, Haribo continues to bring joy to millions of people worldwide, spreading sweetness and delight with every chew.

Haribo has undoubtedly established itself as a global candy icon, enchanting generations with its delicious and imaginative treats. From its humble beginnings in Germany to its worldwide presence, Haribo has built a legacy based on innovation, quality, and a commitment to creating moments of happiness. As we savor the iconic Goldbären and explore the vast array of Haribo we are reminded of the brand’s ability to bring people together, evoke nostalgia, and create lasting memories.
Looking ahead, Haribo shows no signs of slowing down. With a dedicated team of confectionery experts and a finger on the pulse of consumer trends, the company continues to introduce new flavors, shapes, and experiences that keep candy lovers coming back for more. Whether it’s experimenting with unique combinations, exploring healthier options, or embracing technological advancements, Haribo remains committed to pushing the boundaries of confectionery innovation.
Furthermore, Haribo understands the importance of social responsibility. The company has implemented sustainability initiatives, such as responsible sourcing of ingredients, reducing packaging waste, and supporting local communities. By taking these steps, Haribo demonstrates its commitment to not only delighting consumers but also being a responsible corporate citizen.

Haribo’s impact goes far beyond the candy aisle. The brand has become a cultural phenomenon, with its iconic Goldbären being referenced in movies, television shows, and even inspiring fan art and merchandise. The familiar yellow packaging and the cheerful gummy bears have become symbols of joy and happiness.
One of the key factors contributing to Haribo’s success is its iconic branding. The cheerful yellow packaging adorned with the smiling Goldbären has become instantly recognizable worldwide. This visual identity, combined with the brand’s commitment to consistent quality and taste, has earned Haribo a loyal following.
Haribo’s popularity extends beyond its core markets. The brand has successfully entered new territories and embraced cultural diversity. For example, Haribo has introduced region-specific flavors and variations to cater to the preferences of consumers in different countries. This adaptability and understanding of local tastes have allowed Haribo to establish itself as a global leader in the confectionery industry.

In recent years, Haribo has also embraced digital marketing and social media to engage with its audience. The brand actively interacts with consumers through various platforms, sharing fun and creative content, running contests, and even launching limited-edition products in collaboration with popular influencers. This online presence has helped Haribo maintain relevance in an increasingly digital world and connect with a younger demographic.
Haribo’s commitment to innovation extends beyond its product lineup. The company has made significant investments in research and development, constantly exploring new manufacturing techniques, flavor combinations, and even healthier options. By staying at the forefront of confectionery innovation, Haribo ensures that it remains a frontrunner in an industry that is constantly evolving to meet changing consumer demands.
Moreover, Haribo has not limited its success to the realm of traditional gummy candies. The brand has expanded into other confectionery categories, such as licorice, marshmallows, and jellies, offering a diverse range of treats to cater to different preferences. This diversification has allowed Haribo to capture a broader market share and maintain its position as a dominant force in the confectionery industry.

Lastly, it is worth mentioning that Haribo’s impact goes beyond its commercial success. The brand has a long history of philanthropy and community involvement. Haribo actively supports various charitable initiatives, both globally and locally, focusing on areas such as education, children’s welfare, and environmental sustainability. Through these efforts, Haribo showcases its commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

In conclusion, Haribo’s journey from a small candy manufacturer in Germany to a global confectionery giant is a testament to its enduring appeal, commitment to innovation, and ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences. With its iconic branding, diverse product lineup, digital engagement strategies, and philanthropic endeavors, Haribo continues to captivate candy enthusiasts of all ages and delight taste buds around the world.

Service King Donates $45,000 to Cornerstone Ranch Through Golf Tournament Donations

On Oct. 12, Service King held its 26th annual Charity Golf Tournament at the Cowboys Golf Club, where 144 golfers came together at the Dallas course to raise funds for local nonprofits. This year, as part of Service King’s 45th anniversary and vision of “building for tomorrow,” the collision repair operator presented a $45,000 check to Cornerstone Ranch – a residential community created for adults with special needs to live an abundant life – following the tournament.

“For 45 years, Service King has had a steadfast passion to help others,” said Service King President Jeff McFadden. “Cornerstone Ranch is a local McKinney nonprofit organization that we’re proud to partner with and join their efforts in enriching the lives of people with special needs in our community. We’re also extremely grateful for our loyal business partners and golfers that came out to show their support at this year’s tournament. We look forward to continuing to live out our mission of ‘building for tomorrow’ by continuing to donate to organizations that empower the communities we serve.”

For the past 26 years, Service King’s annual Charity Golf Tournament has benefitted a variety of local nonprofit organizations. To learn more about Service King, visit serviceking.com.

About Service King Collision®
Service King Collision®, which is now celebrating 45 years of experience in the automotive repair industry, is a leading national operator of comprehensive, high-quality auto body collision repair facilities. The organization is consistently recognized for its commitment to customer satisfaction, quality workmanship and giving back to the industry through innovative training and recruiting initiatives. Service King traces its roots back to Dallas, Texas and founder Eddie Lennox who opened the very first Service King in 1976. Today, Service King operates locations in 24 states and the District of Columbia across the U.S.

UAE regulators and exchanges issue High-Level Statement on Sustainable Finance to advance national net-zero goal

The UAE Sustainable Finance Working Group, comprised of numerous federal and local UAE regulators and exchanges chaired by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM),  has issued a High-Level Statement on Sustainable Finance detailing their commitment to achieving the UAE’s sustainability objectives and the recently announced Net-Zero 2050 ambition as the first country in the MENA region. The Statement was also issued on the side-lines of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), under the presidency of the United Kingdom and in partnership with Italy, wherein the UAE is a committed partner striving to safeguard the environment, drive down emissions and create lasting economic opportunity.

The Statement follows on from the UAE Core Regulators’ Group which began its work in 2019. It builds upon the commitments set out in the UAE Guiding Principles on Sustainable Finance, published in 2020, which serve to guide the implementation and integration of consistent sustainable practices among the UAE’s financial entities, contributing to the health and resilience of the nation’s economy.

The UAE Sustainable Finance Working Group issuing the Statement, now operates in an expanded forum to scale up the development of sustainable finance policies in the UAE. It includes the UAE Ministry of Economy, the UAE Ministry of Finance, the Office of the UAE’s Special Envoy for Climate Change, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Central Bank of the UAE, the Securities and Commodities Authority, ADGM, the Dubai Financial Services Authority, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, Dubai Financial Market, and Nasdaq Dubai.

The Statement sets a clear and much needed roadmap for the participating authorities to contribute to the UAE’s sustainable and climate change objectives, outlined in global frameworks, such as the Paris Agreement, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which the UAE is fully supporting, and the nation’s own UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.

Outlined in the Statement are three key deliverables the UAE authorities will strive to achieve to give a concrete expression to these international commitments. The deliverables include: a targeted study aimed at encouraging consistent Environmental Social and Governance corporate disclosure standards across the UAE, examining how to strengthen good corporate governance by UAE companies to contribute to driving the sustainability agenda, and, crucially, develop a UAE taxonomy of sustainable activities, which constitutes a major milestone defining the path for economic transition to sustainable development.

The implementation of the deliverables will be achieved through both legislative and non-legislative means and in coordination with the authorities on the monitoring and technical support required to incorporate sustainability into regulatory frameworks.

The directives set out in the Statement follow the establishment of the UAE Sustainable Finance Working Group in 2019, now comprising a range of regulatory authorities, exchanges, governmental bodies, and ministries in the UAE in charge of developing environmentally sustainable finance policies. The Statement is also an advancement in the authorities’ development of the UAE Guiding Principles on Sustainable Finance, which serve to guide the implementation and integration of consistent sustainable practices among the UAE’s financial entities, contributing to the health and tenacity of the nation’s economy.

Festive season holiday bookings coming in thick and fast

The tourism and hospitality industries let out a collective cheer when the adjusted alert level 1 lockdown was announced. Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts says that up till then, many holiday-makers had adopted a “wait and see” attitude before confirming their festive season holiday travel plans. “The easing of the restrictions however has catalysed a flurry of activity. In fact, we have been thrilled to see that some of our properties are almost booked to capacity.”

Description automatically generated with low confidenceHe adds that it has been a tough 18 months, but there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel. “Based on conversations with guests, we know that they have been raring to go for months now but have been hesitant to pull the trigger on their December booking in case Lockdown was prolonged. Fortunately for us all, guests have been given the all-important greenlight and like us, hospitality establishments across South Africa can look forward to a busy, full-filled holiday season.”

If you have yet to book your December accommodation, Shaun advises that you shouldn’t rest on your laurels any longer. “South Africa is a popular tourist destination for good reason. It offers a smorgasbord of gorgeous holiday destinations, for both local and international travellers. So, if you are looking to get your foot in the door this Festive season, it’s best to book now to avoid disappointment.”

If you, like many others, are working on a tighter-than-usual budget, when planning your festive getaway, Shaun suggests that you consider booking directly with your hotel or resort of choice. “Gone are the days where Online Travel Agencies offer the best deals. Worldwide, the perks of dealing directly with hotels and resorts are starting to far outweigh any other savings you may find. Most leading hotel groups have sweetened the deal for travellers to book directly so that they can deliver better overall customer experience from booking right through to check out,” Shaun explains.
“Planning a holiday and looking forward to making magical lasting memories with friends and family is something that we all need right now, and First Group is excited to welcome guests with mask-hidden smiles and industry-defining standards of cleanliness designed to keep its guests safe,” Shaun concludes.

To book your December holiday, visit www.firstgroup-sa.co.za.

Mitigating Cloud-Based Attacks

Sandton, October, 28, 2021 – Microsoft recently issued a warning to some of its Azure Cloud customers that a security research team had discovered a flaw that could have allowed unauthorised access to their data. Fortunately for all involved, it seems that this flaw had gone unnoticed by cybercriminals and was quickly fixed by Microsoft. This could have led to a catastrophic data breach as many large corporations such as Boeing, Samsung, and eBay use Microsoft Azure. Customers were notified to change their login credentials as a precaution.

Cloud customers who were using specific security software may have been able to detect a malicious attack, and these events would have shown up in their logs. This incident highlights the shared responsibility that both Cloud providers and customers should have to manage IT security risks. Although Cloud architecture is generally regarded as safe, there is an increasing incidence of Cloud-based attacks by well-funded organisations, including governments, to steal sensitive Cloud data.

Cloud technology allows for sharing resources over the internet and has dramatically improved operational efficiencies, especially during lockdown when many people were forced to work remotely. However, it remains susceptible to cyber-attacks, which Cloud developers and users need to be aware of and take precautions against.

It should go without saying that Cloud data must be protected outright – from the initial source, during transit, and through to its final storage stage on the database. Besides Cloud service providers implementing and adhering to industry best practices, users and IT departments must take a layered security approach to protect their sensitive data.

Other considerations should include;

Improved IT Security Policies

IT software vendors and clients should be fully aware of each other’s scope of responsibility and take the appropriate security measures from their respective sides.

Strengthened Authentication and Access Management
Multi-factor authentication should be implemented by developers and IT Managers alike, as stealing passwords is one of the most common ways to access and steal data. Cloud developers should also enable Cloud users to assign roles to different administrators – limiting capabilities according to job roles and responsibilities.

Fully-Managed Cloud Intrusion Detection
All Cloud solutions must have a reliable intrusion detection system to monitor the network and forewarn service providers and users alike about any potential intrusions.

Although Cloud computing has many advantages it also comes with its own set of vulnerabilities. An awareness of how cyber-attacks are carried out and a preparedness to counter this will allow users to protect their data assets better while continuing to enjoy the benefits that Cloud computing brings to their daily business operations.

Westech, a leading professional IT company in South Africa, has the expertise to assist companies in conducting a complete IT Security Audit to understand their vulnerabilities better and implement the correct security solution.

Being a ‘senior’ doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still plan and save for a great future

For most individuals, finding themselves in the ‘senior’ age category comes as something of a surprise. For one, many are still leading vibrant and full lives in their late 50s and 60s, so the ‘senior’ label hardly feels appropriate. Some also feel like the senior part of their life snuck up on them far too quickly.

The good news is that approaching, or reaching, retirement age is by no means the end of your life as you may have lived it; it’s merely the start of a new chapter. That’s according to Sisandile Cikido, Head of Retail Investments at Nedbank, who points out that, while many people have financial concerns as they get older, with a little planning and some good money management, this stage of your life can be just as fun, exciting, and rewarding as those that went before.

‘Financial uncertainty is the most common fear we see among the majority of our clients aged 55 plus and individuals approaching their retirement years are worried about whether they have saved enough to ensure that they won’t run out of money,’ says Cikido.

She says that the fear is understandable, given the sudden transition that retirement represents from having financial control over your finances while you’re working and earning a steady income, to suddenly having to rely on the resources you’ve put in place to provide you with the income you need. ‘Many people experience fear as they enter retirement because they feel like they have lost control of their money, and when you add rising costs of living, increasing healthcare expenses, and the reminder that Covid-19 provided of how vulnerable our money and investments can be, the financial stress that many people associate with getting older is understandable.’

But Cikido urges older South Africans to transform the fear and uncertainty about their financial futures into proactive plans for their future, emphasising that being in your 50s or 60s doesn’t mean that it’s too late to see your money differently, and take decisive action to secure a better financial future. That’s especially true when you have a proven financial partner to guide you, an array of top-class savings and investment solutions at your disposal, and many options available to you to continue earning, or supplementing, an income in retirement.

‘The way we think about retirement today is very different from the understanding that previous generations had of it, which means that our plans for our senior years also need to evolve and transform.’

She says that while the foundation of any retirement plan still obviously needs to be a sound investment strategy, the idea of hanging up your work clothes on retirement day and then spending the rest of your days sitting on the couch are long gone.

‘Today’s seniors are healthy and dynamic, with so much experience, insight and value still to offer, which means that most of them have no desire for a traditional retirement, preferring instead to find ways of staying active and continuing to earn an income.’

Cikido adds that acting on this ability to supplement your retirement income is an excellent way of addressing any fears you may have about outliving your money, because it means that you can leave your retirement savings invested and growing for a number of years longer, before you have to begin dipping into them. She explains that having such a financial buffer in place is also a good way of ensuring that you are not forced to access your retirement savings when markets are performing poorly, which could result in a loss of value, as many people discovered when the markets declined suddenly due to Covid-19 early in 2020

‘Of course, a side hustle is not the only way of generating additional income in retirement. An even better option is to have a long-term retirement savings plan in place, that includes a diverse range of savings and investment accounts. These could include fixed-term savings with capital protection, like the Nedbank Optimum Plus fixed deposit, to more liquid day-to-day savings accounts and, of course, a tax-free savings vehicle for efficient long-term growth with quick and easy access to your money after you retire.’

She also points to the importance of sound advice from a trusted financial partner as being one of the cornerstones of a successful plan for secure senior years. ‘Nedbank is much more than a product provider; we’re a trusted partner to all our clients, and we especially recognise the value and importance of walking with our senior clients on their pre- and post-retirement journeys.’

CenterOak Partners Acquires HK Solutions Group

a Dallas-based private equity firm, today announced that it has completed a majority recapitalization of HK Solutions Group (“HK Solutions” or the “Company”), a leading regional provider of infrastructure maintenance services for municipal and industrial customers primarily in the Midwest. Chief Executive Officer Wade Anderson and the existing management team will continue to lead the Company following CenterOak’s investment. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“HK Solutions represents an attractive opportunity to partner with a regional market leader providing non-discretionary services in a fragmented sector”

 

HK Solutions, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, provides water and wastewater infrastructure inspection, cleaning, and repair services, as well as industrial services and wastewater treatment, to customers predominantly in Midwestern states. HK Solutions’ diverse set of service offerings are designed to support the ongoing maintenance needs of existing public and private infrastructure, including sewer lines, manholes, stormwater systems, large diameter pipe, and industrial facilities. With an extensive fleet of vacuum trucks, pipe inspection units, and hydroblasting equipment, HK Solutions differentiates itself based on its breadth of services and highly skilled workforce serving the growing needs of municipal and industrial markets in the Midwest.

“We were attracted to the Company after developing an investment thesis around the need to cost effectively repair or replace aging or failing water and wastewater infrastructure,” said Randall Fojtasek, CEO and a Managing Partner of CenterOak. “Sustaining this significant core infrastructure is mission critical for our communities and for the environment. HK Solutions has an impressive operating track record in this large, growing, and important sector.”

“HK Solutions represents an attractive opportunity to partner with a regional market leader providing non-discretionary services in a fragmented sector,” said Jason Sutherland, a Managing Partner with CenterOak. “We look forward to working alongside management to grow the Company’s existing service lines, to expand market presence and to broaden service capabilities, drawing upon CenterOak’s recent relevant investment experience.”

“We are thrilled to partner with the team at CenterOak to drive continued growth,” said Wade Anderson, CEO of HK Solutions. “The team’s knowledge of the wastewater and infrastructure services sectors, operational improvement focus, and significant experience supporting growth through add-on acquisitions made them an ideal partner for HK Solutions. We are excited about entering a phase of accelerated growth and the opportunities that investment in our business can bring our employees, customers and vendors.”

About HK Solutions Group

HK Solutions, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, provides water and wastewater infrastructure inspection, cleaning, and repair services, as well as industrial services and wastewater treatment, to customers predominantly in Midwestern states. HK Solutions’ diverse set of service offerings are designed to support the ongoing maintenance needs of existing public and private infrastructure, including sewer lines, manholes, stormwater systems, large diameter pipe, and industrial facilities. With an extensive fleet of vacuum trucks, pipe inspection units, and hydroblasting equipment, HK Solutions differentiates itself based on its breadth of services and highly skilled workforce serving the growing needs of municipal and industrial markets in the Midwest. For more information, please visit www.hksolutionsgroup.com

About CenterOak Partners LLC

CenterOak Partners LLC is a private equity firm with a focus on making control-oriented investments in middle market companies organized or operating in the United States. The Firm specializes in three key industry sectors: Industrial Growth, Consumer, and Business Services. Based in Dallas, Texas, the CenterOak team has a strong history of creating significant value through operational improvements. CenterOak and its Partners have managed over $2.4 billion of equity capital commitments and have completed more than 100 transactions, representing over $6.6 billion in value. For additional information, please visit www.centeroakpartners.com

Rolls-Royce Nuclear Programme and Institution of Civil Engineers Make Senior Comms Hires

Rolls-Royce has appointed a government and corporate affairs director for its mini nuclear reactors project, while the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has hired a new director of communications.

Tas Bhanji starts at the Institution of Civil Engineers in September

Tas Bhanji, who is a director at Blakeney, will take up her in-house role at the ICE in September.

She will take over from Simon Barney, who has served as interim director of comms since Simon Creer left earlier this year to become the Royal Town Planning Institute’s director of comms.

Bhanji will work with with Chris Richards, policy director at the ICE, and will oversee a comms team covering public affairs, media, social media, internal comms, membership and international comms.

Bhanji has worked in comms for more than a decade. Prior to joining Blakeney last year, she spent two-and-a-half years at McDonald’s, where she was corporate relations manager, Eastern Europe.

Her career has also included stints with Weber Shandwick in China, FleishmanHillard in Brussels, and MHP Communications in London. In addition, she held the role of senior campaigns adviser at the Confederation of British Industry.

Commenting on her new job, Bhanji said: “The ICE has a long history of qualifying and supporting civil engineers around the world, and providing professional expertise to decision-makers. The focus in the coming year(s) will be to build on that, and continue to highlight the critical role civil engineers play in tackling climate change, enabling a more sustainable world.”

Nuclear power

 

Alastair Evans, government and corporate affairs director, the Rolls Royce SMR project

Meanwhile, Alastair Evans has joined Rolls-Royce as government and corporate affairs director for its mini nuclear reactor deveopment programme – dubbed the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project.

Evans, who started his job this week, is responsible for the corporate affairs strategy,  encompassing public affairs, policy and investor relations. He reports to Tom Samson, chief executive of the SMR project.

“The Rolls-Royce SMR project is a pioneering technology solution to the need to deliver firm low-carbon power. In moving to the delivery stage, there are… exciting and challenging  policy, regulatory, communications and political challenges to navigate,” he said.

“The opportunity to join the experienced executive team to deliver this vital project to the UK was too compelling to pass up.”

Evans was previously head of international government affairs at oil and gas company Neptune Energy.

He has worked in public affairs for a decade, mostly in the nuclear sector, with stints as head of government affairs at NuGen and at the Nuclear Industry Association, where he was policy and public affairs manager.

Rolls-Royce has appointed a government and corporate affairs director for its mini nuclear reactors project, while the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has hired a new director of communications.

Tas Bhanji starts at the Institution of Civil Engineers in September

Tas Bhanji, who is a director at Blakeney, will take up her in-house role at the ICE in September.

She will take over from Simon Barney, who has served as interim director of comms since Simon Creer left earlier this year to become the Royal Town Planning Institute’s director of comms.

Bhanji will work with with Chris Richards, policy director at the ICE, and will oversee a comms team covering public affairs, media, social media, internal comms, membership and international comms.

Bhanji has worked in comms for more than a decade. Prior to joining Blakeney last year, she spent two-and-a-half years at McDonald’s, where she was corporate relations manager, Eastern Europe.

Her career has also included stints with Weber Shandwick in China, FleishmanHillard in Brussels, and MHP Communications in London. In addition, she held the role of senior campaigns adviser at the Confederation of British Industry.

Commenting on her new job, Bhanji said: “The ICE has a long history of qualifying and supporting civil engineers around the world, and providing professional expertise to decision-makers. The focus in the coming year(s) will be to build on that, and continue to highlight the critical role civil engineers play in tackling climate change, enabling a more sustainable world.”

Nuclear power

 

Alastair Evans, government and corporate affairs director, the Rolls Royce SMR project

Meanwhile, Alastair Evans has joined Rolls-Royce as government and corporate affairs director for its mini nuclear reactor deveopment programme – dubbed the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project.

Evans, who started his job this week, is responsible for the corporate affairs strategy,  encompassing public affairs, policy and investor relations. He reports to Tom Samson, chief executive of the SMR project.

“The Rolls-Royce SMR project is a pioneering technology solution to the need to deliver firm low-carbon power. In moving to the delivery stage, there are… exciting and challenging  policy, regulatory, communications and political challenges to navigate,” he said.

“The opportunity to join the experienced executive team to deliver this vital project to the UK was too compelling to pass up.”

Evans was previously head of international government affairs at oil and gas company Neptune Energy.

He has worked in public affairs for a decade, mostly in the nuclear sector, with stints as head of government affairs at NuGen and at the Nuclear Industry Association, where he was policy and public affairs manager.