National Newsdesks – PR Fire UK

Fearless Cleanfluencer Cleanwithbea Embarks on Biggest Ever Clean With HG

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 10:03:02 +0000

Essex, UK. April 24th 2025 – Cleanwithbea is no stranger to dirt and grime, her transformational free cleans frequently take social media by storm, but she recently embarked on her most ambitious Biggest Ever Clean. This ‘extreme’ clean was made possible by HG, who sponsored Bea in transforming the apartment and giving the occupant a fresh start.

Bea and her partner took on the momentous task of cleaning the entire flat which took 11 days. Amongst the cleaning challenges was hiring a biohazard team to empty the bath that had been used as a toilet for four years. This plus hiring multiple skips to remove the piles of rubbish and gifting new furnishings, was thanks to HG’s financial support.

HG, the leading expert in effective cleaning products, funded the clean and donated 30 specialist cleaning products to enable Bea to transform a lady’s apartment from a massive health hazard, back to a welcoming sanctuary. From saving thousands of pounds in plumbing costs by unblocking drains, to cleaning carpets, restoring wood, eliminating limescale, restoring a bathroom suite and cleaning laminate floors, HG really has proven they have an effective product for every cleaning challenge.

Four years ago, the lady who lives in the apartment, experienced a number of traumatic events in quick succession and has been struggling with her mental health for which she is receiving ongoing support and therapy, but her living environment became unimportant to her. After years of feeling overwhelmed, she reached out to Bea to help and this is the beginning of the next chapter in her life.

The unbelievable footage has already gone viral with over 18million views and almost 1 million likes. See Bea’s Biggest Ever Clean reels to date here:

Bathroom Part 1: https://www.tiktok.com/@cleanwithbea/video/7491313520554921238?lang=en

Bathroom Part 2: https://www.tiktok.com/@cleanwithbea/video/7492797477674863894?lang=en

Also on Bea’s Instagram.

The living room transformation will go live on TikTok today (Wednesday 23rd April) and the final part, the bedroom clean, will be live Sunday 27th April.

HG Commercial Director International, Ryan O’Sullivan said: “When we heard Bea was looking to take on this biggest ever cleaning challenge of course at HG we jumped at the opportunity to make it happen. We’ve worked together for over a year now and love how Bea puts our products thoroughly to the test to make a real positive impact for people. HG’s motto is “Does what it promises” and I am very proud to demonstrate and deliver on this with Bea. And as well as when our Brand Manager, Candice volunteered to get down there to help Bea out as this one was not for the faint hearted! It’s a great partnership as Bea shares HG’s ideals of making people’s homes their sanctuary, safe and healthy. Bea’s commitment to delivering life-changing cleans for those in need is a real inspiration and we’re delighted to be able to support Bea in this like no one else can.”

Cleanwithbea, added: “I’ve been a huge fan of HG products for years – their mould spray and foam limescale remover have always been staples in my kit. So having HG step forward to support one of my free cleans meant the world.

“This clean came with significant costs – from biohazard waste removal and PPE to new furniture and multiple skips – it was the biggest clean I’ve ever done, both financially and in scale. Having HG’s backing made a huge difference, and I can’t thank them enough.

“They didn’t just provide financial support – they physically got stuck into the clean too. Candice spent an entire day helping me load skips with rubbish. This was a huge team effort, and I’m beyond grateful to them all.”

For years a ‘best kept secret’ found in specialist DIY stores ‘in the know’, by HG consistently doing what it promises, word of mouth spread more and more and now HG is widely available in major retailers who want to provide the best for their shoppers, including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Ocado, B&Q, Wickes, Robert Dyas, Travis Perkins, Amazon, Home Bargains and a broad network of independent and specialist stores throughout the UK. For more information on HG, or to find your nearest stockist visit hg.eu/uk.

ENDS

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Pre-school Sight Tests Crucial to Give Kids ‘Best Start in Life’

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:03:02 +0000

EMBARGOED UNTIL 16/04/2025

Bath, UK. April 16th 2025 – Parents of the 735,000 three and four-year-olds being offered a school place today (primary school offer day, 16 April ’25), are urged to get their children’s sight tested before term starts in September to prevent them being disadvantaged in the classroom.

Good sight is essential to give all children the best possible start at school – youngsters with poor vision learn around only half as much as classmates who have good or corrected vision.[i] However, a new report from the charity Eye Health UK reveals that 70% of parents don’t take their children for a sight test before starting school (if EVER), leaving more than 100,000 pupils in the 2025 school starter cohort at risk of falling behind due to an undiagnosed vision problem.[ii]

David Cartwright, optometrist and chair of Eye Health UK explains: “One in five children in the UK has an undiagnosed vision problem that will hinder their learning and development. It’s often difficult for parents, carers or teachers to recognise when a child might be struggling with their eyesight*; however, sight tests are free (on the NHS) for all children at high street optical practices. Children requiring vision correction are also entitled to an NHS voucher that can be used to pay for glasses.”

David continues: “Starting school for the first time can feel stressful for parents and children but ensuring a child’s eyesight is up to scratch can help them settle-in quickly and aid their learning.”

Twenty-one per cent of parents said they relied on school to check their child’s eyesight,[iii] however school vision screening is not a substitute for a comprehensive sight test at a high street optician.[iv] Many Local Authorities also fail to offer screening services. Research by BIOS (British and Irish Orthoptic Society) highlights how school vision screening is a postcode lottery as just 57% of authorities in England offer a service as directed by the National Screening Committee.[v]

Living with an undiagnosed eye condition can have profound consequences for any child. As well as affecting learning it can impact mental health, lead to low self-esteem, trigger headaches; cause difficulties building relationships and making friends, precipitate clumsiness and be mistaken for bad behaviour. Some symptoms also overlap with signs of dyslexia and ADHD.

The Our Children’s Eye Health report found a worrying number of parents are clueless when it comes to caring for their children’s vision and eye health.

Two-thirds (64%) of parents surveyed for the report have no idea how often a child should have their eyes tested; whilst 6 in 10 (59%) parents aren’t aware that children’s sight tests are free at high street opticians. Seventy-five per cent have no idea that the NHS provides eyewear vouchers for children. A quarter (24%) of parents believe that their child does not need a sight test because the child’s eyes are “fine”.[vi]

All children should have their eyes tested at age three to four years and then every one to two years thereafter or as recommended by their optometrist. This advice applies even if you think your child’s eyes are “fine”.

Many parents are also unaware of signs of common childhood eye conditions including shortsightedness (myopia), lazy eye (amblyopia) and squint (strabismus). Fewer than half (49%) thought regular headaches could be linked to poor vision; just a third (33%) linked a turning or tilting head to possible difficulties with how well a child can see, whilst 29% recognised a dislike of bright lights and 13% linked orienting drawings poorly on paper with possible vison problems.

Parents are also failing to make the link between healthy habits and children’s sight. A staggering 86% of parents surveyed were unaware that time outdoors was important for eye health – despite spending two-hours-a-day outdoors being a factor in preventing myopia (short-sightedness).[vii]

Environmental factors during early childhood, particularly those that limit visual input or cause misalignment, play a significant role in the development of other childhood eye conditions too, including amblyopia (lazy eye).

David Cartwright explains: “Limiting screen time and balancing activities that require eyes to focus on close objects, such as reading, with time outdoors as well as engaging in activities to stimulate vision, are crucial, especially during a child’s early years when their eyes continue to develop.”

Protecting young eyes from the sun’s UV and serving up generous helpings of fruit, veg and oily fish are also important ways parents can help keep their children’s eyes healthy but just 32% of parents surveyed were aware of the importance of protecting against UV and only 34% made a connection between diet and eye health.[viii]

The Our Children’s Eye Health report also found that for 9 in 10 parents their local opticians would not the first place they would seek help if their child experienced problems with their eye health despite many practices offering NHS appointments for urgent and minor eye conditions.

Routine sight tests from age three or four are crucial to give kids the happiest, healthiest start in life. Read the Our Children’s Eye Health report and discover more at www.visionmatters.org.uk

ENDS

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Fleete starts construction on major UK commercial vehicle electric charging hub at Port of Tilbury

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:03:05 +0000

ESSEX, UK. March 27th, 2025 – Fleete, a pioneering provider of fleet charging solutions, has begun construction on a dedicated commercial vehicle electric charging hub believed to be the largest in the UK, a shared facility located in the Port of Tilbury, with completion targeted for December 2025.

The project is the first works funded by the UK Government under the Thames Freeport seed capital programme, which advances clean energy technology crucial to the Port of Tilbury’s drive toward net zero emissions.

The £1 million in Freeport seed capital funding awarded to Fleete supports the development of a 5 megawatt (MW) electric commercial vehicle charging station with 16 rapid chargers that can serve up to 16 electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) at once. The investment will accelerate the Port of Tilbury’s green energy transition, helping to improve air quality for local communities and supporting businesses capitalise on new opportunities in sustainable transport, driving economic growth and job creation.

Serving as a vital ‘clean fuel’ charging point along the A13 corridor into London, the new facility will meet rising traffic demands from major developments within the Thames Freeport programme.

The largest of the Thames ports, the Port of Tilbury is a key location for major transportation and logistics operations with over 10,000 vehicle movements at port every day. With over 60 companies with commercial vehicle fleets registered as tenants at the port, including major hauliers and container transporters, the demand for sustainable transport solutions is more urgent than ever. Currently the Port of Tilbury faces key challenges in decarbonising heavy transport including infrastructure limitations, land availability and grid capacity.

Fleete’s new EV Charging Hub directly addresses these barriers to fleet electrification, providing a reliable, high-capacity charging solution.

Strategically designed and located for large fleet operators, the Port of Tilbury EV Charging Hub will feature:

12 ultra-fast chargers each capable of delivering up to 360 kW of power, optimised for heavy goods vehicles and commercial fleets, supplied by Heliox; and 4 chargers via the Voltempo HyperCharging Megawatt Charging System funded through the eFREIGHT 2030 project1.
Fair and efficient sharing of grid capacity between Port of Tilbury tenants, using intelligent energy management systems.
Accessibility to EV charging for fleets operating in and passing through the Port of Tilbury area.2

Chris Morrison, Chief Investment Officer at Fleete said: “We are delighted to begin work on the first of our network of shared electric HGV Charging Hubs throughout the UK, starting with our 5MW project at Tilbury which is expected to be the largest of its kind in the UK once fully operational. Our close collaboration with the Port of Tilbury, along with significant funding from Thames Freeport, is a testament to their commitment to accelerating the shift to zero-emission fleets with this critical infrastructure development.

“At Fleete we are committed to overcoming the logistical and financial challenges of fleet electrification through our shared infrastructure hubs and software platform that make sustainable transport more accessible and cost-effective. This investment is a crucial step in building a net-zero logistics ecosystem and ensuring that the businesses in and around the Port of Tilbury have the resources they need to transition to cleaner transport alternatives.”

Minister for Local Growth and Building Safety, Alex Norris, said: “I am incredibly pleased to see the progress Fleete has made with the help of £1 million of capital funding from the Freeports programme.

“The new hub marks an important step forward for Thames Freeport’s vision of becoming a leader in green transport, and it will help us deliver on our Plan for Change by securing economic growth and opportunities in the region for years to come.”

Peter Ward, Commercial Director at the Port of Tilbury (a major logistics centre for London and the South East) and a member of the Thames Freeport board, said: “The Port of Tilbury EV Charging Hub will be a welcome addition to support the 6,000 HGVs that pass through the port every day, as we work to reduce the emissions impact of our customers’ operations.”

Thames Freeport CEO, Martin Whiteley, said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of the largest commercial vehicle recharging hub in the Thames Freeport. This milestone underscores our commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the logistics and transportation sectors. By providing state-of-the-art recharging infrastructure capable of supporting a significant volume of commercial vehicles, we are not only facilitating the transition to cleaner energy but also reinforcing Thames Freeport’s position as a leader in green growth and economic development. This hub is a testament to our vision of creating a future-ready, environmentally responsible logistics ecosystem.”

ENDS

1 eFREIGHT 2030 is part of the UK Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstration programme

2 Services available only to commercial vehicle operators who have agreed to Fleete’s Terms & Conditions.

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Magic Space opens with a splash! Merlin Charity unveils playground

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 14:03:02 +0000

New playground at St Ann’s School in Hanwell created with Merlin Entertainments’ charity and volunteers

LONDON, UK. March 10th, 2025 – On Friday, St Ann’s School in Hanwell was transported under the sea, as Merlin’s Magic Wand, in partnership with Merlin Entertainments, launched their newest community Magic Space, a ‘London Under the Sea’ playground.

Thanks to a ‘wave’ of support from corporate volunteers across Merlin Entertainments, this sensory-rich playground offers an interactive space designed to inspire creativity, play and exploration for students, especially those with sensory processing challenges.

Built over the course of a year, with 40 volunteers, this one-of-a-kind playground, brimming with vibrant aquatic themes, will become a cherished haven for the students of St Ann’s for years to come, offering an exciting and engaging environment for all to discover, learn and explore.

Rebecca Hudson Betts, Project Manager at Merlin’s Magic Wand, said: “We are so proud to be able to offer this London Under the Sea sensory space to the children of St Ann’s School. It’s our mission as a charity to create Merlin themed experiences that spark joy, foster connection and create lasting memories for everyone to enjoy. This project is an example of the magic Merlin can make for children who need it most. We hope the space inspires wonder for every child at St Ann’s!”

The London Under the Sea playground offers a dynamic environment that engages students through a blend of tactile, soothing and ocean-themed features inspired by the city’s unique character. Features include: a London skyscraper sensory seating circle, a Tower Bridge climbing wall, music chimes, a water wall and a London Underground-themed sensory tunnel.

Timmy Holdsworth, Headteacher at St Ann’s School said: “On behalf of everyone at St Ann’s, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Merlin’s Magic Wand their incredible volunteers for creating our new sensory area. This thoughtfully designed space is a transformative gift for our students—a place where learning, exploration and connection with the natural world come alive in vibrant and engaging ways.

“This outdoor learning plays a crucial role in their development, fostering engagement with the natural world in ways that are both stimulating and enriching. At St Ann’s, every moment holds the potential for growth, and this sensory area perfectly aligns with our mission to build positive relationships and empowering futures. This new sensory learning area will truly enhance the young people’s education, providing a vital space to support their physical and emotional well-being. We are excited to see our pupils using this learning area to enhance meaningful outcomes and create countless moments of joy and discovery. Thank you, Merlin, for making this vision a reality—your generosity and dedication are truly inspiring.”

The London Under the Sea sensory space was officially opened on Friday 7 March, with children from St Ann’s School, their families and representatives from Merlin’s Magic Wand, Merlin Entertainments and Merlin Magic Making in attendance to celebrate the special occasion.

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Leading Dental Supplies Company BF Mulholland Has Been Acquired By Viso Capital

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 11:03:03 +0000

DUBLIN, Republic of Ireland. March 7th, 2025 – BF Mulholland, a leading supplier of products, equipment and support services for the dental industry in Ireland and the UK has been acquired by Viso Capital.

With the change in ownership from DD Group to Viso Capital, BF Mulholland is independent once more, providing renewed flexibility to serve clients in Ireland, the UK and beyond.

With a long-standing heritage of 56 years in business, a loyal customer base of 1,500+ dental practices and an extensive supplier network, BF Mulholland has been a leader in the dental sector and trusted ‘one-stop-shop’ to dental practices for many years. With a wide and innovative range of over 10,000 products on offer to their customers, as well as specialised engineering and training services, Viso Capital are excited about the strong growth potential of BF Mulholland, in Ireland, the UK and Europe.

With the support of Viso Capital, customers can expect to see an investment in technology, systems, processes and new partnerships to further grow on BF Mulholland’s offering.

Viso Capital is a business acquisitions company dedicated to acquiring and growing profitable companies. Working across the UK, Ireland and further afield, their model is to acquire specialist B2B businesses with expertise in specific sectors such as logistics, dental supplies and travel. Businesses that join the Viso network still operate as an independent entity and continue to be managed locally.

John McAviney, Managing Director of BF Mulholland, shared “We are excited about what this new chapter will bring for the BF Mulholland team and our valued customers. We are extremely proud of our strong history of supporting the dental sector – this acquisition of our business means we can further grow our customer base to new, untapped markets that were historically unavailable to us.”

“Viso Capital shares the same values and vision for the future that we do, and we know that this partnership will continue to honour the heritage of our business whilst innovating to better serve our customers.”

Alexi Jones, Managing Partner at Viso Capital, added “Viso Capital’s focus is to acquire long-standing B2B businesses which demonstrate excellence in serving attractive end-customer sectors. We were impressed by BF Mulholland’s integrated approach to serving the dental profession – providing both a convenient online ordering platform, a purpose-built warehouse, extensive on-the-ground coverage and high-end specialist engineering services. We are thrilled to welcome BF Mulholland to the growing Viso Capital network.”

BF Mullholland in the third business to join the network, after Viso Capital acquired Jag Express in 2021 and Really Cool Logistics in 2024

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Notts Sport Unveils CocoTurf: The World’s First Non-Plastic Artificial Grass

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 12:03:01 +0000

LEICESTERSHIRE, UK. March 4th, 2025 – Notts Sport, the UK’s leading specialist in play and sports surfacing, is excited to announce the launch of CocoTurf, the world’s first non-plastic artificial turf made entirely from natural coconut fibres. This groundbreaking product offers a sustainable, eco-friendly solution for playgrounds and recreational spaces, combining durability, performance, and environmental responsibility.

In a world where environmental consciousness is becoming increasingly important, Notts Sport proudly presents CocoTurf as an alternative to traditional synthetic grass, which often relies on plastic materials. With CocoTurf, the company has redefined the concept of artificial turf by eliminating the use of plastics, microplastics, and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), all while maintaining the high standards of performance and safety expected from play surfaces.

CocoTurf is crafted from coconut husks, a renewable natural resource processed into durable, high-performance fibres. The surface is backed by certified natural rubber latex, making it 100% non-plastic and free from toxic substances. The result is a safe, environmentally friendly, long-lasting surface perfect for children’s playgrounds, schools, parks, and other high-traffic areas. The materials used in CocoTurf are entirely natural and non-toxic, providing a safer option for outdoor play without the environmental concerns typically associated with artificial turf.

A key advantage of CocoTurf is its environmental impact. Unlike traditional synthetic turf, CocoTurf utilises natural coconut fibres, making it more sustainable and can biodegrade. Not only does this reduce the risk of harmful microplastics entering the environment, but it also minimises the carbon footprint typically associated with manufacturing plastic-based surfaces. Furthermore, CocoTurf is designed to stand up to the elements, offering high levels of durability even in the most demanding conditions.

In terms of production, each coconut produces approximately 200 grams of usable fibres, and the husks of 600 coconuts provide sufficient fibres to cover a 60-square-metre children’s play area.

Duncan Bennett, CEO of Notts Sport, shared his excitement about this revolutionary product: “This is a milestone in the evolution of outdoor play surfaces. Our drive to find ever more sustainable surfacing solutions has led us to invent the world’s first non-plastic synthetic grass—CocoTurf. This is not just another product—it’s a revolution in sustainability. For the first time, communities can install an artificial surface without the harmful impact of plastics. This is the future of play surfaces, and we’re thrilled to lead the charge.”

CocoTurf’s design and performance make it the perfect choice for anyone seeking an environmentally responsible, durable, and safe surfacing solution. It promises to transform playgrounds and parks, providing an eco-friendly alternative that meets the highest safety and performance standards while reducing traditional artificial turf’s environmental footprint.

With CocoTurf, Notts Sport is paving the way toward a greener, more sustainable future for outdoor recreational spaces. By choosing CocoTurf, communities can enjoy the benefits of artificial turf while safeguarding the planet and the health of future generations.

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Global Report launched on 5th anniversary of COVID-19 calls for the creation of World Work Organization

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 13:03:04 +0000

· 92% think governments are not doing enough to address change in work

· 46% think political / geopolitical issues are more present in the workplace now.

LONDON, UK. February 25th, 2025 – A new global report is set to be released on 10th March to mark the fifth anniversary of the world going into lockdown and calls for the creation of a new global body, The World Work Organization.

The United State of Work is edited by Julia Hobsbawm, Founder and CEO of the work trends network Workathon, and combines essays and analysis from some of the world’s leading players in future-of-work insight with new global research and a call to action to encourage countries to invest in a single institution akin to the creation of the World Health Organisation after the Second World War.

Julia Hobsbawm says: “Work unites us: each day 3.5 billion people work or are looking for work. Other than being born, dying, or searching daily on Google, more people work than they do anything else. What the world of work needs now is a new framework about how we govern, lead, and organise work.

“From the economy to climate to geopolitics to AI and of course, people, workplace, and culture, everything connects to work. Yet work is all too often seen in fragmented contexts, addressed in single-issue silos. Policymakers, executives, and leaders risk missing vital patterns and progress to learn from and act upon.

“2025 has echoes of 1945: A time of rebuild and re-imagination on a global scale is required around work and workplace issues. This is why, at Workathon, we’re setting up The World Work Organization (WWO) to encourage countries to invest in a single institution, which is dedicated to addressing work in all its complexity and which is above all human centric. We must unite around the challenges ahead in a totally different way to before.”

With a foreword by Professor Nicholas Bloom of Stanford University, The United State of Work is a report of two halves. The first is a literary flashback to March 2020 and frames its impact on working life with essays which explore trends, workplace, technology, wellbeing, leadership, and global attitudes.

Contributors include:

Peter Miscovich, JLL’s Global Future of Work Leader and Flore Pradere, JLL’s Head of Research, Global Work Dynamics on the 2020-2025 global transformation of work
Virginie Raphael on founding venture fund FullCircle for work; “Thinkers50”
Terence Mauri on Disruption (and Donald Trump)
Kevin J. Delaney, Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Charter on How America Works Today
Melis Abacıoğlu of Wellbees and Tom Redmayne of Industrious on well-working workplaces
Vicky Pryce on being an economist in lockdown
Brian Elliott of Work Forward and Ben Page of Ipsos on the great RTO debate
Harriet Pellereau of Mind over Tech and Emma Thwaites of The Open Data Institute on tech’s new challenges
Phil Kirschner of PK Consulting on change management
Stefan Stern, management writer and co-host of The Nowhere Office on voices of work from the pandemic
Paul Brannen, former MEP on Biophilic offices: Wood and Work.

The second half presents early findings of a 12-country study looking at patterns in global work post-pandemic, and US/UK white collar research which highlights concerns around government policy, workplace conflict and AI adoption are also included. Lead researched by Katy Scott.

In the final essay, Workathon’s William Corke explains why the way we research work has to change and Julia Hobsbawm argues for a comprehensive reframing of work; explains why “The United State of Work” is not to be confused with The United States of America, and provides a detailed argument for why we need a World Work Organization.

The United States of Work is Workathon’s first published report and will be published on Monday 10th March 2025 online. Pre-order the report here.

Further information: william@workathon.io

ENDS

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SPS Pouches Hits Key Sustainability Milestone as UK Moves Towards a Waste-Free Future

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 10:03:01 +0000

BOURNEMOUTH, UK. February 20th, 2025 – As the packaging industry moves towards a more circular future, SPS Pouches proudly announces that it has fulfilled its commitment to ensuring all customers have access to flexible packaging that is either fully recyclable or reusable. By harnessing mono-material film technology, SPS Pouches has successfully delivered sustainable packaging solutions for both liquid and dry products—proving that environmental responsibility and packaging performance can go hand in hand.

The transition to fully recyclable packaging is a direct response to increasing consumer demand and industry-wide efforts to reduce waste. With the UK Government’s Simpler Recycling scheme set to improve kerbside collections for flexible packaging over the next couple of years, SPS Pouches is strategically positioned to help brands adapt their packaging to meet upcoming regulations. “By investing early in fully recyclable mono-material solutions, we’ve put ourselves on the front foot as we move towards a more circular economy,” said Elliot Hyams, Director at SPS Pouches. “Small brands and startups are under increasing pressure to meet sustainability goals, and we’re here to ensure they don’t have to compromise on quality, functionality, or design with their flexible packaging.”

As part of its commitment to driving industry progress, SPS Pouches will be attending the 2025 BPF and Plastics Europe Parliamentary Reception at the House of Lords on 4th March, hosted by Lord Harrington of Watford. The event will bring together key figures from across the plastics and packaging industries, alongside policymakers, to discuss the role of plastics in the UK’s economy and its path towards sustainability. With plastics contributing over £28.7 billion to the UK economy and supporting sectors such as food and drink, healthcare, and automotive, SPS Pouches recognises the importance of balancing functionality with environmental responsibility. The company continues to work closely with industry leaders and policymakers to ensure flexible packaging plays a role in a more sustainable future.

Looking beyond 2025, the company remains committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable packaging and is actively exploring new solutions such as compostable bioplastics and cellulosic films to further expand its offering to a wide range of industries. On their website, they write: “We believe in a waste-free world and hope that your brand can join us on our sustainability journey.”

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Lisa Snowdon to Host 8th Annual Smiley Charity Film Awards as Finalists are Announced

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 15:03:02 +0000

LONDON, UK. February 17th, 2025 – The Smiley Charity Film Awards, dubbed ‘the Oscars of the charity world’, which has become a staple in the charity and film industry calendars, has announced the finalists for the 8th annual event.

This year saw a record-breaking 520 nominations, with 271 finalists selected by public vote. The list reflects the huge diversity of causes nominated, categorised based on the turnover of each organisation, including charities such as The Bank of Dreams & Nightmares, the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, Dementia Forward, Child Bereavement UK, Friends of the Earth, Mind, the Soil Association and Family Action. There is also a Corporate Causes category that includes entries from John Lewis, Purina and Malibu, and The Bicester Collection International Impact Award, with films from This Life Cambodia, Four Paws and Greenpeace International.

Finalists come from the length and breadth of the UK with regions and cities ranging from Portsmouth, Teesside, Edinburgh, Liverpool and all over London.

A full list of finalists can be found on the Smiley Charity Film Awards website.

Winners will be chosen by a judging panel that includes the BFI National Archive, BBC, Meta, LinkedIn, HSBC, and Airbnb, all revealed at a glittering ceremony at the Indigo O2 in London on 20th March 2025.

The judging panel selects winners across categories divided by charity turnover, film length, and corporate cause. There will also be a People’s Choice Award announced at the event, which is the film with the highest number of public votes.

Adding star power to the evening, television and radio presenter Lisa Snowdon will host the ceremony. The ITV This Morning style guru is set to bring her unique blend of glamour, relatability and warmth to the event. Her extensive charity work, including her support for breast cancer awareness, makes her an ideal host for this celebration of charitable filmmaking.

Lisa Snowdon commented on her role as host. She said: “I’m truly honoured to be part of the Smiley Charity Film Awards 2025. The films that get showcased as part of this brilliant event are always so powerful and moving, shedding light on important causes and the incredible work charities do. I’m excited to celebrate these inspiring stories and of course, the people behind them.”

Nicolas Loufrani, CEO of Smiley Movement, also expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s event. He said: “Film has an unparalleled ability to touch hearts and inspire action. These incredible films showcase the powerful stories and impactful work of charities around the world. Congratulations to all the finalists – your films have resonated with the public and helped to amplify your causes. We’re thrilled that Smiley Movement’s commitment to the Charity Film Awards has already generated over 500,000 additional views, furthering the reach and impact of these important messages.”

The Smiley Charity Film Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the power of film in driving social change. By celebrating the creativity and impact of charity films, the awards provide a platform for organisations to reach wider audiences and generate greater awareness for their causes.

All videos can be viewed at www.smileycharityfilmawards.com, where supporters can donate to the causes and films that inspire them. The ceremony will also be livestreamed from the Indigo O2, so everyone can be part of this amazing event.

ENDS

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