Archives 2026

Ras Al Khaimah, Feb 20: Circle Awards 2026 placed long-term partnership at the centre of recognition, honouring the individuals and organisations whose sustained contribution continues to shape the business community at Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ). As a flagship annual celebration, the Circle is rooted in the principles of consistency, credibility, and shared standards, standing as a symbol of enduring collaboration and meaningful growth across the economic zone.

The event recognises partners whose performance, integrity, and long-term commitment directly influence the economic zone’s growth trajectory, going beyond short-term targets to deliver lasting value to investors.

The 2026 edition of the awards reflected on key achievements recorded across the RAKEZ community in 2025, a year that delivered record-breaking results in both company formation and visa issuance, further reinforcing the economic zone’s position as one of the most sought-after business destinations in the UAE. The event also looked ahead to the year to come, signalling priorities and initiatives that will shape the next phase of growth across the RAKEZ ecosystem.

Close to 300 service providers and agents were recognised across a wide range of categories, including Compliance, Growth, Long-Lasting Contribution, Loyalty, Newcomer, Partner of the Year, Service & Renewal, Value Creation, and Volume Performance.

Today, RAKEZ is home to nearly 40,000 active companies and is supported by an international network of more than 1,200 active agents, reflecting the scale and global reach of its business community.

Commenting on the occasion, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said: “Circle Awards is designed to recognise partners whose contribution extends beyond short-term results. At RAKEZ, progress is built on consistency and credibility, and on partners who uphold the standards that investors expect. Through their professionalism, integrity, and market relationships, our partners play a vital role in strengthening confidence in the RAKEZ ecosystem. As we look ahead, it is these enduring relationships that will continue to shape our growth and direction.”

Stressing on the significance of the event, RAKEZ Chief Commercial Officer Anas Hijjawi, said, “Circle Awards represent more than recognition; they reflect the strength of the relationships we build and nurture throughout the year. Our partners are instrumental in translating RAKEZ’s value proposition into tangible results in the market. By working closely with our agent network and service providers, we ensure that investors experience consistency, responsiveness, and clarity at every touchpoint. This success is a shared achievement.”

The event also underscored RAKEZ’s focus on enabling sustainable commercial outcomes, with shared insights on strengthening investor engagement, improving cash flow performance, accelerating sales cycles, and introducing enhanced rewards aimed at supporting long-term business growth. Looking ahead to 2026, the economic zone’s objective is to further empower its partners by helping them maximise revenue opportunities, increase transaction volumes, and deliver higher levels of customer satisfaction across every stage of the investor journey.

Circle Awards reflect RAKEZ’s commitment to recognising partners who contribute to the ecosystem’s long-term resilience, credibility, and continued growth.

Feb 20: The Urban Land Institute India (ULI India), the India chapter of the global non-profit and the oldest, largest network of cross-disciplinary land use experts, has announced the launch of its Education portfolio – strategic initiatives designed to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and the future of urban development. Globally, ULI plays an important role in the education sector: bringing academia and industry together to produce strong graduates who are prepared to meet demands of the industry. For this, ULI has developed education focussed products like the ULI Hines Student Competition, Case Studies, Internships, Mentorship, UrbanPlan and on-demand learning courses on its Knowledge Finder.

As urban centers in India grapple with rapid population growth, environmental concerns, and the pressing need for sustainable infrastructure, ULI India recognizes the critical importance of preparing young leaders to tackle these challenges. In the Indian context, the planned educational initiatives seek to foster collaboration between leading educational institutions, industry professionals, and corporate partners, thereby empowering the next generation of urban leaders – urban planners, architects, designers and entrepreneurs, by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to build sustainable, inclusive cities across India and globally.

ULI India’s Education portfolio is spearheaded by Education Co-Chairs, Chhavi Lal, Principal at Perkins Eastman, and Manas Rath, Founder of LEAP Cities and Mumbai Donut CoLAB, and supported by the organisation’s National Executive Committee. Their leadership ensures that ULI India’s educational initiatives are aligned with global best practices and respond to India’s unique urban challenges.

The organisation is already in discussions with leading institutions in key urban centers like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai. These cities, which represent key hubs for urban growth in India, will serve as focal points for ULI India’s efforts to nurture the next generation of urban professionals.

Speaking on behalf of the ULI India leadership, Education Co-Chair, Manas Rath, said,

“The Education portfolio aims to create a network of professionals capable of addressing India’s urban challenges, from decarbonization and housing attainability to sustainable urban design”, with Chhavi Lal adding, “Through our initiatives, we aim to build capacity at all levels, from students to professionals to government, to strengthen local capability while drawing on global perspectives.”

In the build up to the ULI India Annual Conference 2026 on 26th Feb 2026 in Mumbai, ULI India will host a full-day education program, featuring UrbanPlan and a closed door Education Roundtable on 24th February 2026 with senior representatives from top institutions, including RICS School of Built Environment, Amity University, CEPT University, Sir JJ College of Architecture, NICMAR, and ULI members and practitioners in attendance. The conversation will focus on practical pathways to strengthen industry-academia collaboration, including internships, case-based learning, curriculum relevance, and improving student readiness for professional practice.

Manasvini Hariharan, Executive Director of ULI India, said,

“Education is the mission priority we have chosen to focus on because that is where the capability gap is most visible. India needs stronger platforms for knowledge exchange, practical training, and leadership development to meet the scale and complexity of its urban transition.”

The conference will also present a Projects Showcase featuring 12 transformative urban projects from across the country, with ULI’s Founding Partners and Annual Sponsors leading from the front, demonstrating the best practices in design, sustainability, and urban impact. These projects will serve as a significant resource for students, educators, and professionals, providing real-world insights into the future of India’s cities.

Feb 20: Tourism Western Australia unveiled the second iteration of ‘Walking On A Dream’, its immersive global tourism brand that celebrates the state’s spellbinding landscapes, vibrant culture and creative talent.

 The campaign captures WA as a place where vast deserts glow beneath endless skies, coral reefs shimmer in turquoise seas, and ancient landscapes tell stories that stretch back millennia.

 Filmed across iconic locations, including Ningaloo Reef, Margaret River, Rottnest Island, Perth, and the ancient beauty of Mirima National Park in the Kimberley, the cinematic series brings WA’s dreamlike spirit to life through five 30-second destination vignettes and a 60-second film.

 \At its heart is the reimagining of Empire of The Sun’s hit song Walking On A Dream, overseen by WA–raised frontman Luke Steele, and performed by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) Aboriginal artist and Karajarri man Billy-Jo Shoveller.

 “Walking On A Dream has always been about a sense of wonder and escape,” said Steele. Working with Billy-Jo and WASO to create this new version was magical—it feels like WA itself, magical and otherworldly.”

Billy-Jo Shoveller said the collaboration was deeply personal and reflects his passion for sharing the Kimberley’s spirit with the world.

“I’m proud to be part of this campaign as a Karajarri man, working with Luke Steele on ‘Walking On A Dream’ gave me a chance to bring some of my culture and connection to Country into the project— WA is a special place, and it feels good to help show that to people everywhere.”

 Starring Nyikina man Nelson Baker and emerging actor Angelica Blazeska, both of whom are Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts alumni, the films blurs the line between reality and reverie, celebrating Western Australia as a place where culture, creativity and nature are deeply connected.

Developed alongside Traditional Owners and WA’s Aboriginal tourism sector, the campaign celebrates culture, Country and connection. The campaign rolls out from February 2026 across key global markets.

 First launched by Tourism WA in 2022, Walking on A Dream has played a key role in driving Western Australia’s tourism recovery, with WA welcoming just over one million international visitors in the year ending October 2025, surpassing the previous record of 996,000 international visitors set in 2019.

Oil markets are currently moving within a repricing framework to keep pace with geopolitical risks. Setting a time window of 10 to 15 days to reach an agreement on the Iranian nuclear program has created what can be described as a time-compressed risk window, which is an important point from a pricing and price-action perspective. The market is not dealing only with the probability of escalation and its continuation, but with a timeline that could shift the scene from political pressure to a field development within a relatively short period, especially given that military assets are already present in the Gulf. This time factor in itself justifies the move in prices to their highest in several months.

Price action indicates that Brent crude is not moving in a vacuum. It shows a transition since the January low near 60 dollars, where we see a sequence of higher highs and higher lows, reflecting a shift in investor behavior from selling rallies to buying dips. The return of price to test the 71 to 72 dollar range, a supply zone that previously formed a ceiling, suggests that consolidation below it is characterised by relatively lower volatility compared to prior rejection waves, pointing to an absorption of available demand. A break of this area would reflect a shift from a temporary risk premium to a broader repricing of the range, and the path toward 80 dollars per barrel appears to be a realistic target should geopolitical tensions evolve further.

The fundamental angle is more complex as the Gulf region represents around one third of global crude supply, a high geographic concentration of risk. A broad disruption could affect flows exceeding 15 million barrels per day in a severe scenario. On the other hand, data has shown Saudi exports declining to around 7 million barrels per day, a relatively low level compared to previous periods, implying available spare capacity to compensate for supply shortages.

Logistically, Saudi Arabia possesses important elements of flexibility. Ras Tanura port is capable of handling around 6 million barrels per day, and the East–West pipeline transports approximately 5 million barrels per day to Red Sea ports, reducing reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. Yanbu facilities also provide additional export alternatives. However, this flexibility remains within a normal operating framework. In the event of military escalation or a direct threat to routes, insurance risks and shipping costs could become independent pressure factors in their own right, potentially amplifying costs.

As for the world’s ability to absorb a major supply shock, the picture is less reassuring. Strategic reserves held by International Energy Agency countries are estimated at around 1.5 billion barrels but the actual daily draw capacity ranges between 4 and 6 million barrels only. If we assume a disruption exceeding 15 million barrels per day in a worst-case scenario, the theoretical gap between the shock and compensation capacity could reach roughly 9 to 11 million barrels per day before accounting for any spare production capacity. Even the US strategic reserve, at about 380 million barrels, provides relatively limited time coverage in the event of a severe disruption.

Therefore, the market is not currently pricing in a major supply outage, but it recognises that the margin of safety is not wide. The current risk premium reflects a mix of the political time factor, the geographic concentration of supply and the limited effective ability for rapid compensation. In the coming days, the price path will remain contingent on whether tensions shift from negotiated pressure to a material event affecting global oil flows.

New Delhi, Feb 20: Nimmit, a sustainable luxury lifestyle brand that sits at the intersection of interiors and fashion, has launched a new Black Pottery collection that celebrates slow craft, timeless design, and understated luxury. Created for India and the world, the collection reflects Nimmit’s philosophy of bringing people, craft, and design together.

The name Nimmit translates to “the one who brings people together.” This belief guides the brand’s approach to design by connecting tradition and innovation, heritage and contemporary living. The Black Pottery collection is a natural extension of this philosophy.

Each piece in the collection is handcrafted using traditional pottery techniques. The clay is shaped by hand and fired using natural processes that create a deep black finish. The surface carries organic textures and subtle variations. No two pieces are the same, making each product truly one of a kind.

The collection features functional and decorative pieces such as bowls, plates, vases, and serveware. The forms are simple and balanced. The matte black finish highlights the raw beauty of the material. Designed for modern homes, the pieces add depth without overpowering a space.

Quiet luxury is at the core of this collection. It does not rely on excess or ornamentation. Instead, it focuses on thoughtful design, honest materials, and craftsmanship that speaks softly. The pieces are meant to be lived with and used every day.

Speaking about the launch, Manish Shah, Founder of Nimmit, said,

“At Nimmit, we believe luxury lies in intention, not excess. The Black Pottery collection is about slowing down and appreciating the beauty of handmade objects. Each piece carries the marks of the artisan’s hand and the time it took to create it. That is where its true value lies.”

Nimmit celebrates India’s cultural and artisan legacy while shaping a modern narrative around responsible luxury. The brand is deeply rooted in zero-waste systems and circular craft practices. Natural materials are used, and traditional techniques are preserved to reduce environmental impact.

Founded by Manish Shah, a second-generation textile entrepreneur, Nimmit reinterprets traditional techniques into timeless handcrafted pieces across décor, textiles, and wearable art. While the brand is known for working with crafts such as block printing, eco printing, kantha, and Ajrakh, the Black Pottery collection extends this design philosophy into a new material language.

Nimmit works closely with artisan communities across India through long-term collaboration, fair value practices, and skill development. Each creation reflects a shared journey of heritage, care, and craftsmanship.

The Black Pottery collection is now available on Nimmit’s website.

HDFC Mutual Fund Encourages Financial Awareness through ‘Barni Se Azadi – An Investor Education and Awareness Initiative’ and Diya Floating Films at Magh Mela

Mumbai, Feb 20: HDFC Mutual Fund, through its Investor Education and Awareness Initiative, has unveiled two investor education films capturing its on-ground participation at the 2026 Magh Mela in Prayagraj. The films, centred around the ‘Barni Se Azadi’ initiative and the culturally resonant Diya Floating activity, reinforce the importance of moving beyond traditional savings practices towards informed, long-term investing.

The first film documents the ‘Barni Se Azadi’ activation at the Magh Mela. Set against the backdrop of one of India’s largest religious gatherings, the film conveys a simple yet powerful message: dreams are not meant to remain locked away in a traditional barni (jar); they grow when they are set free through investing.

At the heart of the activation was a giant Barni installation symbolising conventional household savings practices. Visitors were invited to select a personal aspiration through a digital interface. As each dream was chosen, a visual cloud rose into the sky, representing aspirations being set free and the beginning of a journey towards financial independence. The film captures real interactions and reactions, demonstrating how relatable storytelling can spark conversations around financial awareness.

The second film focuses on the Diya Floating activity organised on the occasion of Maghi Purnima. Deeply rooted in cultural tradition, participants were invited to float dream-inspired diyas carrying personal aspirations such as owning a home, purchasing a vehicle, or securing a child’s education. Upon completing the ritual, the ceremonial plate revealed a simple message: “Nitya Nivesh Karoon. Swapna Satya Karoon.” (Invest regularly. Turn dreams into reality.)

The on-ground campaign ran from January 12 to February 15, 2026, aligning with the peak footfall period of the Magh Mela. Activities included:

• The giant Barni installation
• Nukkad nataks across multiple Mela locations
• An AI-enabled photo booth
• The Diya Floating engagement

Through these films, HDFC Mutual Fund reiterates its commitment to taking investor education beyond conventional platforms, leveraging large community forums and culturally meaningful moments to promote informed financial participation across diverse audiences.

Benefits of SIP (Systematic Investment Plan)

• Freedom from market timing
• Well-suited for long-term wealth accumulation
• Disciplined wealth creation

Bangalore, Feb 20 : Clarks Exotica Convention Resort and Spa successfully hosted DERMACON 2026 at the Ocean Convention Centre, the 54th National Conference of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists & Leprologists (IADVL), from January 28 to February 2, 2026. One of the most significant global gatherings in dermatology and skin science, the conference witnessed the participation of over 5,000 dermatologists and venereologists from across the world, reinforcing Bangalore’s position as a preferred destination for large-scale medical conventions.

Held primarily at the resort’s iconic Ocean Convention Centre, DERMACON 2026 featured an expansive exhibition showcasing the latest advancements in skincare products, dermatological equipment, and clinical innovations. The conference revolved around the theme “Empowering Skin Science: Implications, Ingenuity & Inclusivity”, focusing on emerging research, clinical excellence, dermatosurgery, and allied specialties.

All convention and meeting venues at Clarks Exotica were fully occupied throughout the event, including the Ocean Convention Centre, Galaxy Grand Ballroom, Lotus Ballroom, Pool Side venue, Lily Conference Room, Rose Conference Room, Tulip Conference Room, Geneva Boardroom, Jasmine Conference Room, Sunflower Conference Room, and Orchid Conference Room, enabling seamless parallel sessions, workshops, exhibitions, and networking engagements.

“DERMACON 2026 was a landmark event for the dermatology community, and we are honoured to have partnered in hosting a conference of this magnitude,”

said Mr. Balaji M., CEO, Clarks Exotica Convention Resort and Spa.

“Our integrated convention infrastructure, combined with meticulous planning and service excellence, allowed us to deliver a world-class experience for both delegates and organisers.”

Complementing the conference experience, Clarks Exotica provided a luxury stay for attendees, with over 497 rooms booked during the conference period. Delegates enjoyed a refined blend of comfort, personalized hospitality, and tranquil surroundings, offering the perfect retreat after intensive academic sessions. The resort’s proximity to the airport and its expansive campus further enhanced convenience for international and domestic participants alike.

“DERMACON 2026 was a triumph because of the people behind the scenes at Clarks Exotica,”

added Ms. Nilisha, Vice President.

“Our team’s expertise in managing large-scale, concurrent sessions ensured a seamless experience for every attendee. Their commitment to excellence is why we continue to be a preferred global venue.”

The conference was coordinated under the leadership of Dr. Raghunath, the key coordinator of DERMACON 2026, whose vision and collaboration played a pivotal role in delivering a well-curated and impactful academic programme.

DERMACON 2026 adds to Clarks Exotica’s strong legacy of hosting prestigious medical and professional conventions, further strengthening its reputation as one of India’s premier destinations for large-format conferences, conventions, and global business events.

Feb 20th: The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad with support from HSBC, organised a mega handloom event under the HandMade in India (HMI) initiative, on 19th February 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, at EDII, Ahmedabad. The event brought together industry leaders, experts, institutional representatives, designers and artisan communities to celebrate India’s rich handloom heritage and discuss pathways for strengthening the sector’s future.

A key highlight of the programme was the Industry Round Table Meet on ‘Quality Assurance and Brand Building in India’s Handloom Sector.’ The roundtable served as a collaborative platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange among stakeholders from industry, academia, government, and grassroots enterprises. Discussions focussed on improving quality standards, strengthening brand positioning, enhancing market competitiveness and creating sustainable value chains to support long-term artisan livelihoods.

The event also featured a curated handloom fashion show, ‘Threads of Heritage,’ presented under the HandMade in India initiative. The fashion show celebrated the journey of handloom from tradition to contemporary expression, featuring sustainable collections created by weavers from Bhuj (Gujarat) and Erode (Tamil Nadu). Through two thematic rounds, ‘Heritage Hues: Handloom Revival’ and ‘Handloom: The Original Sustainable Fashion’, the presentation highlighted traditional techniques, natural dyes, eco-friendly materials, and modern design interpretations, demonstrating how heritage crafts continue to evolve for present-day markets and responsible fashion.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ashish Tripathi, CEO & Head, HSBC IBU, said, “HSBC is glad to be associating with EDII on this highly significant project which directly aimed at addressing the unorganised and dispersed nature of the handloom sector, so that its inherent strengths could be honed and tapped to attain unparalleled growth. Hearteningly, the artisans have learnt best practices and the ways of turning their businesses into profit-making, growth-oriented enterprises.”

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General said, “We are committed to strengthening artisan livelihoods with entrepreneurship development practices. Through the HandMade in India project, we are working with handloom communities across India to strengthen their skills, sustainability practices and market opportunities. Today’s Fashion show will reflect the outcomes of this effort, bringing out how traditional handlooms can adapt to modern lifestyles while continuing to support sustainable livelihoods. It’s time that the remarkable craftsmanship of our artisan clusters from Bhuj and Erode caught the attention of the people at large.”

Expressing his opinion, Dr. Raman Gujral, Project Director, HandMade in India & Director, Dept. of CSR partnerships, EDII said, “India’s handloom is not just about textiles — it represents our heritage, our identity, and the livelihoods of millions of artisan families. At the same time, we know that today’s markets are changing rapidly, and expectations around quality, consistency, and branding are higher than ever before. The project Handmade in India, addressed these factors and bridged the gap between the markets, products and the artisans.” 

The initiative aimed to promote sustainable livelihoods, preserve traditional knowledge and strengthen market linkages for artisan communities while reinforcing the relevance of handloom in today’s economy.

The board of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) is delighted to announce that three Honorary Fellowships have been awarded to:

• Paul Stockton
• Debbie Clarke CF Chartered FCSI
• Danny Corrigan MCSI

Honorary Fellowships are awarded annually by the CISI’s Board of Trustees to individuals who have made an outstanding positive contribution, both to the financial services profession and to the CISI. Honorary Fellowship carries the designatory letters FCSI(Hon).

 CISI Chair, Michael Cole-Fontayn MCSI, said: “The CISI Board and I are delighted to announce our highest accolade this year is awarded to three accomplished and outstanding financial services professionals. They are consummate role models for our next generation of sector talent with their commitment to lifelong learning and the CISI community. We look forward to their inspiration and leadership over the years ahead.”

Paul Stockton (left) began his career as a chartered accountant in 1988 with Price Waterhouse (PW) in Windsor specialising in financial services. After four years Paul accepted a position with PW in New York where he worked closely with insurance and asset management companies before returning to London in 1996. In 1999 he joined Old Mutual Plc as group financial controller, becoming finance director of wealth manager Gerrard Limited in 2001. In 2005, two years after the sale of Gerrard to Barclays, he left to work initially for Euroclear and then subsequently, as a divisional finance director of the Phoenix Group. Paul joined Rathbones Group Plc as Group Finance Director in 2008, serving until becoming Managing Director of Rathbones Investment Management in May 2018. In May 2019 Paul was appointed as Group Chief Executive at Rathbones, a role he enjoyed until his retirement in September 2025, two years after completing Rathbones’ merger with Investec Wealth UK. 

Alongside his executive career Paul has served as a non-executive director of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, as a board member of the Personal Investment Management and Financial Advice Association (PIMFA), and as a member of the FCA Practitioner Panel. Paul is a Freeman of the City of London.

Prior to taking on a NED portfolio career Debbie Clarke CF Chartered FCSI (right) was working within financial services, corporate finance and M&A since 1996 and held a number of leadership roles within the accountancy practices where she was an equity partner. During this time she directed M&A and refinancing projects for a wide range of clients. As an adviser she worked with a wide range of investors and organisations both public and private, within the UK and internationally and has a strong regulated background. She regularly presented at industry conferences and training sessions and assisted student training and mentoring as part of her portfolio.

 Her experience has been across a variety of industries from education, sports, technology, real estate, manufacturing and support services where she has provided a range of strategic advice to her clients. Across her NED portfolio she has been chairing and vice chairing various board and committees and continues to advise private companies and their boards on their strategic plans.

 Debbie became a member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (‘CISI’) in 1999 and started volunteering with CISI in 2007 when she was asked by a fellow Corporate Financier, Frank Moxon to help set up what has become the Corporate Finance & Capital Markets Forum. Working together with Frank and others for many years in relaunching the Diploma in Corporate Finance and championing professionalism in wholesale markets has been a passion during her career. She became a non-executive Director of the CISI in 2017 a post she held for six years before stepping down to focus on her Trustee role on the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment Future Foundation (‘Future Foundation ‘) which the CISI set up in 2022. In 2022 Debbie was awarded the Freedom of the City of London. Debbie has been and continues to be a mentor and supporter of many people throughout their careers in financial services.

Danny Corrigan MCSI (left) is a senior manager with 40 years’ experience of the wholesale financial markets as a London based Director, Managing Director, and CEO leading teams across a range of asset classes including fixed income and derivatives. He also has extensive international experience having worked locally in the markets of Moscow, Sydney, Tokyo, and others.

 He has worked as a banker, trader, and broker, for a dozen firms, has written five books on the markets and has an extensive network in the city. He has sat on various central bank committees and was seconded to London Clearing House, a crucial part of the global market infrastructure, as part of an industry wide response to the default of Lehman Brothers to lead the closure of its trading books.

 Danny and his co-founders launched London Reporting House, a fin-tech start-up in April 2023, has funding, wonderful employees, and a perfect little office in the alleyways of Bow Lane. He was also a Trustee and Board member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment and chaired its International Committee. He spent years promoting the City of London with non-for-profit promotional bodies including the Lord Mayor / Mansion House and was formerly Chair of the Eurasia Group at TheCityUK.

 He graduated in Economics from the University of Liverpool in 1981 and has an MBA (Finance) from City University. He is married to Kerrie, and they are proud parents of three sons; an actor James, Ben a co-founder of London Reporting House and an earlier survivor of ‘Dragon’s Den’, Luke an accomplished professional and are grandparents to Wren.

 Danny is a retired Football Association coach having led Hampstead FC youth teams to glory in the 2000s and he was an occasional referee. He stood for the Brexit Party in the unwinnable seat of Hornsey & Wood Green in 2019 and came 5th.

PPDS, together with integration specialist Exaprobe and digital signage software partner, Telelogos, have combined their expertise to deliver unrivalled high quality, low energy visual performance and remote management capabilities to the Institut’s 3,000 plus staff, with a fleet of 20x sustainability conscious Philips Professional Displays.

 Amsterdam, Feb 20: PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays, is excited to announce that its Tableaux ePaper and 3000 Series EcoDesign digital signage displays have been selected to deliver a perfect tonic of high performance, low energy visual capabilities to Institut Pasteur’s 538,000 ft² biomedical research campus in Paris.

 Founded by Louis Pasteur in 1887, the Institut Pasteur is an internationally acclaimed not for profit research and education institute committed to the fight against infectious diseases in France and around the world. A recipient of 10 Nobel Prizes and employing over 3,000 staff, the Institut’s colossal five hectare campus features 39 separate buildings, including a conference centre, and a total of 48,000 m² of laboratory space.

 Future proofed planning

With such a vast campus and visual technology playing an increasingly important role in its day to day activities and communications, Institut Pasteur’s AV/IT management team sought to modernise its ageing display infrastructure. Concluding an extensive site review, the project would include a fleet of 20x dynamic displays, strategically placed to support a variety of needs, settings, and light environments, including reception halls, meeting rooms, laboratories, and more.

 The project presented a number unique challenges. As a site of historical significance – containing several listed buildings – retaining the aesthetics during any modernisation, while ensuring minimal disruptions to staff, was imperative. Furthermore, displays would need to meet the Institut Pasteur’s strict standards for electrical safety and durability, while providing greater energy efficiency to reduce its carbon footprint.

 Romain Gentile, Key Account Manager at PPDS, commented: “Performance, readability, and energy efficiency were all key, with the displays disseminating scientific, institutional, and logistical information. For Institut Pasteur, and the invaluable work they do, there can be absolutely no compromise.”

 Effective communication

Working with AV/IT integration specialists, Exaprobe, PPDS’ multi award winning ‘zero power’ 32” Philips Tableaux ePaper and 55” Philips Signage 3000 Series EcoDesign displays were immediately identified as the only solutions capable of meeting – and ultimately surpassing – the Institut’s high expectations.

 Signalling a new era of visual communications and sustainability, the introduction of Philips Tableaux ePaper displays was selected primarily – but not exclusively – to provide wayfinding information, such as mapping, campus information, and other instructions, to help visitors navigate around the site.

 Fully portable and able to be used entirely unplugged – ideal for use in Institut’s older buildings and in spaces with limited power sources – each Philips Tableaux is capable of displaying full colour, static imagery for days, weeks, months, or even years without using a single kilowatt of energy. The only time Philips Tableaux displays require power is during content updates, with one image change using just 0.0025 kWh.

 The Gold standard

For the institute’s more advanced and detailed visual needs on a grander scale, including for presentations, corporate videos, and other internal communications, the future proof Philips Signage 3000 Series EcoDesign was the standout choice, ticking all boxes for both performance and sustainability.

 In addition to delivering high impact 4K Ultra HD visual quality, with picture perfect performance down to the smallest detail – be that videos, pictures or numbers – the Philips Signage 3000 Series EcoDesign enables the screens to use less than 50 per cent of the power compared to other digital signage models in the market, without compromising on performance.   

 The Philips Signage 3000 Series EcoDesign display is also the industry’s first EPEAT Climate+ Gold certified display of its kind, which measures the social and environmental impacts of products from extraction to end of life. The Philips Signage 3000 EcoDesign meets the most demanding set of criteria for sustainability leadership in electronics.

 24/7 management

Both the Philips Tableaux and Philips Signage 3000 Series EcoDesign are also members of PPDS’ growing portfolio of integrated Android SoC displays, offering a vast range of features and benefits, including secure and seamless remote management capabilities with trusted partners.

 Enabling centralised management of the new fleet, PPDS partner, Telelogos’ Media4Display solution was selected and integrated, providing round-the-clock monitoring and management. This also allows the Pasteur technical team to schedule content in real time without having to travel or manually update, further reducing their carbon footprint and costs. 

 The full integration proceeded successfully and without disrupting research activities. Connectivity and content management tests were carried out on site, ensuring a seamless transition.

 Franck Fromet, AV Manager, Institut Pasteur, commented: “The integration of our new Philips Professional Displays has enabled us to modernise our communication while respecting our environmental commitment. The PPDS teams understood our constraints and proposed a solution that is understated, elegant, and effective.”

 Romain Gentile concluded: “The Institut Pasteur now benefits from a modern, sustainable display system that is fully adapted to its scientific environment. Information is disseminated more effectively, content is updated instantly, and energy consumption has been significantly reduced.”