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Heat Press Direct encourages DIY enthusiasts to transform crafting experience

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The do-it-yourself (DIY) crafting community is continuing to expand, with an increasing number of British households embracing DIY, either to save money, start a small business, or as a hobby. With Heat Press Direct, crafting at home has never been simpler.

No need for complicated tools – Heat Press Direct provides cutting-edge heat press machines and accessories that anyone can use, whether you’re a beginner or an expert.

Transforming inclusive crafting

As more British families get into DIY crafting, some as a side hustle, running a small crafting business, or just for fun, with Heat Press Direct, there are no preventative steps to getting your family crafting. Whether you are adding designs to clothes, making personalised gifts, or creating home decor and completing DIY projects. Heat Press Direct’s goal is to make crafting easy and enjoyable for everyone, so you can bring your ideas to life without any hassle, in the comfort of your home.

With DIY crafting gaining traction for various reasons, Heat Press Direct emerges as the go-to solution, eliminating barriers to family crafting endeavours.

Affordable DIY & crafting solutions

Heat Press Direct is leading the charge in the DIY crafting industry, prioritising affordability and accessibility to empower aspiring creators. By cutting unnecessary costs and simplifying the purchasing process, Heat Press Direct is reshaping the landscape of artistic pursuits, ensuring that no one is priced out of their passion. By offering cost-effective solutions tailored to the needs of budding crafters and creators, they’re making DIY crafting accessible to everyone and encouraging everyone to join in.

Driving positive change

In a recent statement, the founder and CEO of Heat Press Direct underscored the company’s commitment to driving positive change within the DIY crafting industry stating, “At Heat Press Direct, we believe that everyone possesses the ability to create something extraordinary. Our mission is to provide the tools needed to unlock that potential and transform the way people approach crafting.”

The impact of Heat Press Direct’s innovative approach is palpable, resonating with DIY enthusiasts worldwide who have eagerly embraced the opportunity to revolutionise their crafting experience at home. The versatility of their dynamic heat press machines and accessories means the possibilities are virtually limitless, empowering individuals to explore new avenues of creativity. 

Whether crafting for pleasure, profit, or a meaningful cause, DIY enthusiasts who are eager to transform their crafting routines from the comfort of home are captivated!

Crafting made simple

Heat Press Direct’s cutting-edge heat press machines and accessories simplify the DIY crafting process. These versatile machines can be used for various crafting projects, such as transferring designs onto clothing, creating personalised gifts, and decorating home decor items. 

By offering user-friendly heat press machines and accessories, Heat Press Direct makes DIY projects more accessible to both beginners and experienced crafters. This convenience allows individuals to engage in crafting from the comfort of their own home, eliminating the need to venture out and incur additional commuting expenses. This emphasis on simplicity and accessibility aligns with Heat Press Direct’s mission to democratise the DIY crafting experience, ensuring it is accessible to everyone, regardless of their skill level or prior experience.

Looking ahead, Heat Press Direct shows no signs of slowing down, with plans to continue expanding its product offerings to meet the evolving needs of the DIY crafting community. By staying true to its core values of innovation, accessibility, and empowerment, Heat Press Direct is poised to inspire a new generation of creators and revolutionise the way the world approaches crafting.

As DIY fans everywhere get excited about Heat Press Direct’s changes, it’s clear: crafting’s future is super bright. With so much creativity and innovation available, people worldwide are set to change what it means to be a crafter in the 21st century and beyond.

Jo Brand and co. star in new kids’ emotional health app

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With more than half of young children aged 3-7 struggling with emotional health problems, comedian and former mental health nurse Jo Brand joins a host of celebrities to feature in a new app about emotional resilience.

Children’s TV presenters Nigel Clarke and Giovanna Fletcher, DJ Owain Wyn Evans, musicians Harry & Izzy Judd, actresses Penelope Wilton and Zoë Wanamaker will feature too.

Research shows that only one in five parents believe that their child can effectively manage their emotions, whilst more than two thirds (69 percent) of parents believe that their child has emotional health difficulties such as identifying or defining their feelings, communicating how they feel or managing them in unfamiliar situations.

The main emotional health issues parents report are concerns over anxiety (46 percent), neurodevelopmental conditions (32 percent) and low mood (29 percent) revealed the study of more than 1000 parents by Embers the Dragon, a digital programme designed to support the emotional wellbeing of young children and their families.

With one in every six children being diagnosed with a mental health condition in the UK, early intervention is key, however, many children are not getting the support they need as they do not meet the minimum threshold for specialist care or are stuck on a long Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service waiting list.

When emotional issues are missed in younger life, they can lead to bigger mental health issues arising in teenage years.

Behaviour is also a cause for concern, with 51 percent of parents saying they were worried about how to manage certain behaviours. Younger parents (aged 18-24) were more likely to have concerns about their child with 75 percent of younger parents worrying that their child has experienced difficulties with their mental wellbeing and anxiety in the past.

However, younger parents were less likely to seek support from health professionals with 44 percent saying they would go to health professionals compared with the group average of 50 percent. 

Embers the Dragon, a collaboration between clinicians, storytellers and educators, has developed an app, which is undergoing a clinical trial run by the School of Applied Sciences at London South Bank University.

Starring Jo Brand as narrator, Penelope Wilton as Mrs Owl ,the school teacher and kids TV presenter, Nigel Clarke as Mr Koala, the digital intervention is centred around a parenting course with content for children, including an animation series, games and activities.

Jo Brand said: “I have noticed an increase recently in young children struggling with mental health issues, which are often complex and start from an early age. My own dad, suffered from depression as a very young man, and it went untreated until well into middle age, damaging our family in a variety of ways. We simply can’t overlook the profound impact that early experiences have in shaping us.

“By the time a child is three or four years old, much of their adult character is already firmly established. And that is why I’m involved with Embers and believe it is so important. I think the stories are beautifully told, but more importantly, as an ex mental health nurse, who has always had interest in mental wellbeing, I think it is the way in which the messages are conveyed that is also vital, because they are so easy for children to identify with and absorb.”

Designed for children aged 3-7 and their families, the programme integrates Social Learning Theory and Self Determination Theory into a combination of children’s entertainment and parental education, which empowers parents, educators and carers to better understand and support their child’s emotional well-being.  

Emma Taylor, mental health NHS nurse specialist and co founder of Embers the Dragon said: “Understanding and supporting children’s emotional development can be a complex and challenging task. All families at some point struggle to cope with young children’s feelings and behaviours. There is a need for accessible and clinically endorsed support, especially in the digital age, to help parents navigate these challenges and foster healthy emotional wellbeing. 

“Embers is designed to be non-judgemental and supportive of all families; knowing that any proactive step taken to develop a child’s mental wellbeing is a positive. In future, we hope that it can be prescribed as support for families who are below the threshold for specialised input, thereby reducing the need to remain on CAHMS waiting lists that are longer than ever.”

Cardinal Pole Catholic School Again Shortlisted for TES Awards 2024

Cardinal Pole Catholic School is delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted for the Tes Schools Awards 2024 once more, continuing its legacy as a leading institution in education. The school has earned recognition in the category of Secondary School of the Year, reflecting its steadfast commitment to the SOAR values of Service, Opportunity, Aspiration, and Reward.

Mr Adam Hall, the Headteacher, shared his excitement about the nomination, saying, “We were blown away to be shortlisted for a second consecutive year. This is a massive achievement and is testament to the continued hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and wider school community.”

Regarded as the ‘Oscars of education’, the Tes Schools Awards celebrate the foremost schools and educators across the UK, acknowledging innovation, commitment, and exceptional achievements in education. Cardinal Pole’s place on the shortlist underscores its efforts in crafting an outstanding educational environment where students flourish academically, socially, and personally. A panel of expert judges, including leading school administrators and educational professionals, have chosen the finalists, showcasing supreme educational quality across 21 categories in early years, primary, and secondary education.

The Tes Schools Awards 2024 winners will be unveiled at a grand gala on June 21 at the Grosvenor Hotel in Park Lane, London, an event that recognises and celebrates the extraordinary contributions of schools and educators nationwide, fostering excellence and innovation in the educational sector. Head student Oyin remarked, “We’re so proud to be student leaders at Cardinal Pole! To be shortlisted for Secondary School of the Year is an amazing reward for the hard work that everyone has put into our community over the years. Personally, I feel incredibly lucky to have joined the school in Year 7, and to have grown each year into the person I am today.”

As it marks this milestone, Cardinal Pole Catholic School continues its commitment to nurturing, challenging, and preparing its students for success in a dynamic world.

For further details about Cardinal Pole Catholic School and its dedication to educational excellence, please visit www.cardinalpole.co.uk.

Rising Cybercrime Costs Projected to Impact Global Economy, Says BreachAware

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BreachAware, a prominent data protection firm, has issued a stark warning regarding the rising costs of cybercrime, which are projected to reach $13.82 trillion by 2028. Insights from the latest Data Breach Investigations Report by Verizon reveal that personal information access remains a major component of cybercrime activities. The report, which analysed 30,458 security incidents and identified 10,626 confirmed data breaches across 94 countries, highlights the prevalence of stolen credentials, which accounted for 77% of web application attacks in the 2024 report.

Additionally, the study found that human-targeted attacks constitute about two-thirds of all breaches, with human error contributing to 28% and third-party or supply chain issues affecting 15% of the cases. These figures underscore vulnerabilities in shared infrastructure or commonly used software.

Following the findings, BreachAware is encouraging business owners to go further than simply protecting IT infrastructure by first establishing the amount of their ‘insider’ personal data is exposed before taking action to mitigate it.

Andrew Alston, CEO at BreachAware said: “Most people focus on protecting IT infrastructure and that the tools and costs are endless but you can check the scale of potential exposure you have and then spend your money wisely to protect your business and its people.”

“The findings of the latest Verizon report may be shocking to the general population but we are seeing hackers using more sophisticated methods of stealing personal information every year. It has never been more important to safeguard your business against these risks.”

BreachAware offers a free scanning service for a company’s email domain which can detect occasions where data has been compromised. This allows users to check any domain and identify data exposed within third party breaches which could be exploited by threat actors and fraudsters.

Andrew added: “Our free scanning tool is invaluable, and thousands of business owners have taken advantage of the information it can provide to inform themselves of the scale of the risks to their business and people.”

“Even if a data breach was identified years ago, the more someone knows about you over a greater length of time the easier it is to use the combined information to your detriment. If your employee data has been compromised, our service can help to inform your cybersecurity strategy and ensure that your people and business are protected.”

Principal Cybersecurity Threat Intelligence and Analytics at Verizon, Bob Carter, is the next guest to feature on the BreachAware podcast ‘WHAT THE PR!V*CY’ which is set to be released on 14 May. 

Bob has been a speaker, moderator and expert panel participant discussing many cybersecurity topics including cybersecurity risks, The Internet of Things and insider threats at conferences across North America, Europe and in the UK. LinkedIn previously announced him as one of the top five people to follow in cybersecurity.

Andrew said: “We are delighted that Bob was able to appear on our podcast, and share his extensive expertise in the field of cybersecurity. It was a fascinating conversation and really highlights the importance of business owners doing their due diligence and taking steps if necessary to protect their domains from the risk of data breaches.”

For more information about BreachAware and its services, visit breachaware.com.

INTO Expands Direct Entry Support for International Students at US Universities

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INTO University Partnerships is broadening its supported direct entry routes for international students at several US universities. This initiative is designed to increase international students’ access to graduate and undergraduate programs in the US, equipped with full support to enhance their academic success.

The enhanced entry routes, available through INTO Centers on campus, provide international students with tailored support services, including academic tutoring, comprehensive orientation programs, and ongoing personal assistance. This targeted support helps students navigate their new academic environment effectively, adapting both academically and culturally. Depending on the individual requirements and university stipulations, the support can last from a single semester up to an entire academic year.

Jeffrey Bialy, Recruitment Director at INTO University Partnerships said: “Supported direct entry programs represent our commitment to empowering international students to thrive in their academic journey. We believe that by providing enhanced support to directly admitted students, we can support them to achieve their full potential and make the most of their educational experience in the US.”

The programs are available for both undergraduate and graduate students, with a variety of options offered by INTO and partner institutions, including Oregon State University, George Mason University, Suffolk University, Hofstra University, Drew University and The University of Alabama at Birmingham.

INTO and its university partners are committed to making this experience and support accessible to all qualified students. Generous scholarship awards for supported direct entry programs are available, ranging from $1,500 to $8,000 for graduate students and from $2,500 for one semester to $10,000 per year for undergraduate students. With scholarships in place, students can enjoy the benefits of supported direct entry without significant financial burden.

Key Benefits of supported direct entry include:

  • Direct Entry Status
  • Dedicated advising and tutoring services
  • Access to scholarships for the full duration of studies
  • Dedicated support for visa process through INTO’s PASS program
  • Opportunity to earn degree credits from day one
  • Pre-arrival support, including assistance with housing and airport pickups

Since the initiative was first launched for graduate routes at The University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2018, INTO’s range of supported direct entry programs have become a huge hit with international students and university partners alike.

The impressive statistics showcase the programs’ effectiveness. Since introducing the supported program for all undergraduate students, Oregon State University has seen retention rates increase to 95% for international students compared to a 75% national average. Additionally, the average GPA for students completing undergraduate supported programs at Oregon State University exceeds 3.1 after their first year of study. For the University of Alabama at Birmingham graduate supported programs, students’ average GPA is above 3.5, showing that students with the right support whatever their academic background can be successful in a US degree program.  

Since 2018, over 950 students have enrolled in graduate supported programs at partner universities, while since 2020, nearly 500 students have enrolled in undergraduate supported programs. Notably, over 800 students from India – the single largest group by nationality – have benefited from these supported direct entry programs since 2018.

Diwakar Chandiok, INTO’s Vice President of Recruitment for South Asia said: “More than ever before, Indian students are opting to study abroad to pursue their educational and career aspirations. The supported direct entry programs are designed and optimized to meet their needs and support them in their academic journeys in the United States,” said “Through the supported direct entry programs, we aim to empower students to reach their academic goals and attain success in their careers.”

Shengzong Qi, instructor at Hofstra University said: “In teaching Academic Writing, I’ve been continually impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm of our Indian students within the Integrated Master’s Program. Their eagerness to engage with course material and their commitment to academic excellence truly embody the spirit of our educational initiatives.” 

Jaskaran, a student from India who opted for supported direct entry at Oregon State University said: “One of the most remarkable aspects of Oregon State University is the quality of its instructors. They are among the best, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the classroom. Their dedication to teaching has truly enriched my learning journey.”

Neha, an Indian student pursuing her master’s degree in public health at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) said: “I would highly recommend UAB to students from India. UAB offers a wealth of opportunities, especially in the healthcare field. The University’s robust programs, cutting-edge research and renowned faculty provide an excellent platform for aspiring professionals.”

INTO University Partnerships connects ambitious international students with leading universities in the US, UK, and Australia. Since its inception in 2005, INTO has helped over 150,000 students from more than 180 countries achieve their dream of obtaining a degree from a world-class institution.

For more information about supported direct entry programs, please visit: education.intostudy.com/india-launch

Industry Analysis Exposes Significant Gender Disparity in Accounting

Lucy Cohen, CEO of Mazuma Accountants, and Steve Cox, Business Intelligence Director at IRIS Software Group, have spent the past year meticulously analysing gender-related data in the accounting profession. Their findings reveal a significant systemic issue that impedes the progress of women in the field.

Their research into the financial achievements of firms led by women found that such firms are overwhelmingly less likely to generate turnovers of over £1 million. Indeed, only 0.6% of UK accounting firms with female directors have achieved this turnover milestone, and shockingly, just 43 firms founded or managed by women have done so across the entire country.

This stark gap highlights not only the financial hurdles that women face in professional services but also points to a broader issue of unequal opportunities within the industry. According to the research, a mix of limited access to key resources such as training and business networks, along with systemic unconscious bias and discrimination, are significant barriers.

“These findings are a wake-up out for the industry and beyond,” noted Steve Cox. He underscored the critical need for systemic changes to foster gender equality within the sector.

Responding to the disturbing statistics, Cohen and Cox are calling for decisive action from industry stakeholders. They recommend adjustments in policies, improved support for female entrepreneurs, and better measures for monitoring progress. Additionally, they suggest that accounting organizations review their qualification accessibility policies.

“We must address these disparities head-on by implementing targeted strategies that support women-led firms and by promoting an inclusive culture that values diverse leadership,” Lucy Cohen elaborated. She also shared her personal challenges and determination: “I’ve spent almost 18 years running a firm in this space, and a lot of time and energy in breaking down barriers. But I can’t do it alone – this is a call to action for all across the profession.”

The full presentation of their research will be held at Accountex at Excel London on 15th May at 5pm.

Cookie Girl Xanthe Milton Makes Sweet Comeback to Baking

After a hiatus to focus on her family, Xanthe Milton, famously known as Cookie Girl, is re-entering the culinary scene. Rising from modest beginnings to remarkable heights, she stocked her celebrated treats in Selfridges and penned the bestselling cookbook, Eat Me! The stupendous self-raising world of cupcakes and bakes according to Cookie Girl.

Xanthe’s passion for baking ignited early, baking her first cake at six and mastering a soufflé by eight. Her professional journey began 18 years ago when she transformed a £10 investment into a profitable batch of 100 cookies, which she sold around Notting Hill while donned in a Red Riding Hood-inspired outfit, carrying a basket given by Chrissie Hynde. This charming persona quickly solidified her as the beloved Cookie Girl.

Her business flourished, attracting a celebrity clientele including Take That, Blur, and Annie Lennox, making her the favoured baker for high-profile parties and fashion shows globally, from Europe to the Middle East and Hong Kong.

But since having her two girls, Xanthe has acknowledged that “you can’t have your cake and eat it.”

“Having babies while running a business was unbelievably challenging. I don’t really know how I coped. I think you just muddle along as best you can. There is a lot of pressure on women to balance a thriving career and the perfect family, which is amplified when you are self-employed and the main breadwinner but you can’t be everything to everyone.

“I did my best to maintain the business and a stable income but I didn’t have the time or brain capacity to keep on building the brand so I had to step back from the spotlight just at the moment when doors were really starting to open for me.”

Away from the limelight, Xanthe has been developing a corporate offer with packages ranging from team-building away days to an Apprentice v Great British Bake-Off style event.

Xanthe is a partner of Choose Love, which provides humanitarian aid to provide refugees and displaced people with everything from lifesaving search and rescue boats to food and legal advice. As such, she encourages her clients to sell the cookies and cakes they make in workshops to raise money for charity and contribute towards their corporate social responsibility goals. 

She has also been working on a new podcast, a fictional comedy drama starring herself, her husband and Juliet Cowan, who plays Amy Winehouse’s mum in the upcoming biopic Back To Black. Loosely based on her own life, the podcast addresses taboo issues such as grief, postnatal depression and the temptation of infidelity in a light-hearted way. 

“Cookie Girl is a skewed fairy tale character who has worked hard to establish her successful baking business but now her mid life crisis has hit hard. Her beloved mum has died, which has made her alarmingly aware of her own mortality. She is filled with regret at not having worked harder to make her ambitions as an actress and writer a reality.

“I really wanted to take hard-hitting issues that can be difficult to talk about and present them in an accessible way to encourage listeners to open up to friends and family about their own troubles. I’m sure no mother would regret having children but it’s perfectly normal to feel resentful at having to sideline your career to bring them up so the podcast is a parody exploring those kinds of feelings.”

Xanthe also hints that another book could be on the horizon.

“I’m working on recipes with healthier ingredients. My eldest daughter is vegan so I’m thinking that if I was to do another recipe book that’s what I’d like to do. Since discovering that I’m gluten intolerant, I’ve also been experimenting with different flours.” 

“I tend to be relaxed when it comes to allowing the girls to have cakes and cookies as they are always in the house so hard to avoid. My belief is the more of a big deal you make about children not having treats, the more obsessed they become with wanting them. But I also try to balance our diet with a lot of healthy dishes. I’m really interested in coming up with economic, healthy and tasty recipes. A big thing for me is store cupboard cooking as with two little ones sometimes it’s too much hassle to pop to the shops for fresh ingredients.”

With her voluptuous figure, raven tresses and penchant for foodie porn naughtiness, it’s easy to see why Xanthe has been compared to Nigella Lawson but she wants to be judged on her own merits.

“I’m flattered by the comparisons but why do we feel the need to compare one woman’s success with another? Now I have two girls of my own, I’m more aware of the pressures on young women to compete with what they see online and the anxiety this can cause. I’ve become a huge advocate of mindfulness.

“Baking is good for the soul. This is why it became such a popular pastime during lockdown. Taking a break from technology, focusing on an activity and being creative frees the mind of stressful thoughts and can boost your mood.”

Le Grá Premium Irish Lager: Unlocking Ireland’s Magic in Every Glass

Experience the magic of Ireland with Le Grá, a new premium lager that truly captures the spirit and allure of the Emerald Isle.

Debuting on May 9th in Dublin, Le Grá, meaning “with love” in Irish, invites you to be among the first to taste this distinctive golden lager enriched with real shamrocks, adding an element of ancient Irish fortune. Its four-leaf clover logo embodies the traditional Irish values of faith, hope, love, and luck.

Sean Casey, the visionary founder of Le Grá Beer Ltd, shared, “With Le Grá, we wanted to bottle the warmth, camaraderie, and unbreakable spirit that flows through the Emerald Isle,” emphasizing the use of authentic Irish ingredients and the mystical allure of Irish traditions in its creation.

Crafted in Dublin using age-old brewing techniques, Le Grá features a rich, smooth flavour with light fruity undertones and a notably crisp finish. More than just a drink, it is a celebration of Irish heritage and values.

Le Grá echoes the widespread charm of Irish pubs, offering a genuine taste of Ireland that can be enjoyed globally.

The official launch event is scheduled for May 9th at The Morgan Hotel in Temple Bar, Dublin, promising an evening filled with live Irish tunes, entertainment, and the inaugural tasting of Le Grá.

Casey extends an invitation to the global community: “On May 9th, we invite the world to join us in raising the first glass of this enchanting new Irish lager,” and declares, “Let the spirit of Ireland flow as we toast to where ancient tradition meets the art of modern brewing. The luck of Le Grá awaits!”

Following its introduction, Le Grá Premium Irish Lager will be distributed across Ireland from May 10th, with plans to launch in the UK by Summer 2024.

MobileSquared and GTC Collaborate to Deliver Superior Messaging Solutions

MobileSquared and Global Telco Consult (GTC) have unveiled a strategic partnership to deliver unparalleled messaging intelligence and consultancy services to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), platform providers, and enterprises.

The partnership transcends mere operational integration, embodying a fusion of shared values and mutual esteem. Both firms are established, independent voices with robust credibility in the messaging sphere, committed to serving the best interests of their clients. They provide in-depth insights into the evolving landscape of messaging and strategic avenues for advancement and expansion.

By leveraging Mobilesquared’s industry-leading intelligence in business messaging with GTC’s consultancy prowess, clients are afforded a comprehensive array of services. These services empower them to grasp market nuances and craft strategic initiatives with greater efficacy.

Nick Lane, Founder and Chief Messaging Officer at Mobilesquared, expressed his views on the collaboration: “Mobilesquared is the market leader in business messaging intelligence, and the expertise and knowledge of leading messaging consultancy Global Telco Consult make this a formidable partnership with the ambition of accelerating the messaging industry to unprecedented heights. The two companies have been delivering data analysis and consultancy projects to messaging clients for several years, so formalizing this partnership represents a very exciting future together.”

James Lasbrey, GTC’s Chief Strategy Officer, commented, “GTC and MobileSquared have very similar goals, and therefore, the partnership was a simple decision made to make our customers’ lives easier. Nick and the Mobilesquared team are good friends of GTC, and the teams work as one today with several of our largest customers.”

The collaboration between MobileSquared and GTC highlights their commitment to driving innovation and excellence in the messaging sector. With their proven success and shared vision, the two companies continue to provide outstanding value to their clients in the telecommunications domain and wider fields.

Inquiries and other questions about our services and products: 

James Lasbrey

Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at Global Telco Consult (GTC)

+44 7540 218719

mailto:[email protected]

Nick Lane

Chief Messaging Officer, Messagologist, & Founder, Mobilesquared

+44 (0) 7976 057052 | +44 1182 149 777 

mailto:[email protected]

About GTC

Global Telco Consult GmbH (GTC) is a premier telecommunications consultancy offering expert services in Messaging, Identity, IoT, Recruitment, and M&A. We serve enterprises, carriers, and service providers, guiding them from SMS to advanced IP messaging and implementing state-of-the-art identity and fraud detection solutions. With tailored support in merger and acquisition strategies, GTC ensures clients capitalize on new technologies while remaining neutral, independent, and impartial. 

About Mobilesquared

Mobilesquared is a global leader in business messaging intelligence. We provide unrivaled data and forecasts on the mobile messaging marketplace, making us a trusted resource for businesses worldwide. Whether SMS, RCS, or OTT messaging, Mobilesquared delivers actionable insights to help companies optimize their messaging strategies and effectively engage with customers.

INTO University Partnerships Debuts “Return & Connect” to Support International Students’ Careers

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INTO University Partnerships is launching a groundbreaking “Return & Connect” service, a digital and physical platform dedicated to empowering international students with enhanced career opportunities. The service is designed to bridge the gap between academic education and professional employment across the globe.

The platform supports international students who are returning to their home countries after studying abroad, by connecting them with employer and alumni networks. This connection provides crucial in-market work experience and post-study work placements during and following their education overseas.

Developed by INTO in partnership with universities in the UK, US, and Australia, this innovative service combines academic institutions, students, alumni, and employers into one integrated system.

John Sykes, CEO of INTO University Partnerships said: “The Return & Connect service represents a pivotal step in INTO’s commitment to supporting the professional development of international students. It revolutionizes the landscape of employment and post-study work placements.

“With concerns over long-term employability driving international student decision making, this initiative empowers universities to extend the reach and impact of both their careers and alumni services well beyond their home campus and into parts of the world, traditionally under-served by the majority of overseas universities hosting large populations of international students.”

The Return & Connect service will initially roll out in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and mainland China in summer 2024 and will expand to other key international student markets in a phased approach.

Professor Sir Steve Smith, UK Government International Education Champion. said: “Return & Connect is a great idea that tackles a challenge that all universities face in providing accurate and timely employer connections to students that graduate and seek to return home, but it also simultaneously provides available in-market resource to strengthen all important institutional alumni activity. I wish them every success.”

As part of this groundbreaking initiative, INTO has forged an exclusive collaboration with mShare Tech, a leading Chinese firm renowned for its innovative internship and career services and tech solutions for students and graduates in the domestic market. This partnership will for the first time specifically streamline the journey for returning Chinese students as they enter the workforce post-study abroad.

mShare’s dynamic platform has served as a go-to resource for over 24 million students and graduates across Mainland China since establishing in 2016, offering a wealth of employment and work experience opportunities. Today, with an annual volume of new registered student users at over 4 million, it provides 330,000 employers registered on the platform with access to a vast talent pool for recruiting candidates for various roles.

As part of the partnership with mShare, INTO will leverage its global presence and profile in top study abroad destinations worldwide to work with universities to enroll international students on Return & Connect platform free of charge. Meanwhile, mShare will utilize its extensive local network of employers and expertise to seamlessly integrate its student registrations into the Return & Connect platform, establishing Return & Connect as the exclusive brand for international students in China.

John Sykes added: “We are thrilled to collaborate with mShare Tech to empower Chinese students who have completed their studies overseas with enhanced career opportunities. The launch of the ‘Return & Connect’ service underscores our commitment to unlock career opportunities for international students and facilitating meaningful connections between education and employment.”

Mr Rocky Zeng, CEO of mShare Tech, said: “The partnership demonstrates INTO and mShare’s shared vision of fostering global talent and advancing career pathways for international students. INTO’s unrivalled global reach and mShare’s extensive network in China will give returning Chinese students a distinctive advantage to thrive in the competitive job market.” 

Under the agreement, mShare will develop new, specialized subscription propositions for employers on its platform, enabling them to access, engage, and service students in China who are studying abroad or have completed their studies overseas.

During launch phase, INTO is offering overseas universities free presence on the Return and Connect (China) platform. Universities can also enhance their presence and support for students through teaming up with market-based career experts, which INTO will facilitate. A wider variety of flexible subscription and revenue sharing models will be available as the initiative is rolled out.