Fintech PR

RSK Group acquires global PR agency Apollo Strategic Communications

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

rsk-group-acquires-global-pr-agency-apollo-strategic-communications

LONDON, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — RSK Group, a global leader in the delivery of sustainable solutions, has acquired the London-based PR firm Apollo Strategic Communications. Together, they aim to deliver more impactful and innovative communications strategies across a broader range of sectors while further expanding their global reach.

Founder Directors Pallab Sarker and Rob Blackhurst will continue to lead Apollo, driving the growth of this global business while prioritising and maintaining a strong focus on the needs of current clients and ongoing projects. Apollo has grown rapidly over the years, expanding its global presence and client base. Under Pallab and Rob’s leadership, this momentum will be maintained, as they prioritise delivering exceptional value to their clients.

Formed in 2009, Apollo’s team of more than 40 communications professionals has worked with upwards of 100 clients across 30+ countries on six continents. This includes governments, multinationals, foundations and NGOs across a wide range of sectors, such as technology, science, education, construction and engineering, environment and the arts. Apollo provides a full suite of services that includes media relations; digital communications and campaigns; thought leadership; a focus on elite global media; crisis communications; polling and research; analysis; and audits. Last year, the agency won the prestigious Global PR Breakthrough Campaign Award at the PRWeek Global Awards.

RSK Group Chief Executive Officer Alan Ryder said: “Apollo brings to the group a wealth of experience in strategic communications, which is valuable to our clients. Their impressive growth over the years, driven by their ability to stay at the forefront of global communications in today’s fast-paced landscape, truly sets them apart as industry leaders. In addition to RSK’s environmental and engineering capabilities, this acquisition enables us to build on RSK’s integrated market offering: one we believe to be unparalleled. We are able to provide a comprehensive solution that not only addresses environmental and technical challenges but effectively communicates these solutions to stakeholders, enhancing trust and reputation.

“Both RSK and Apollo are aligned in a commitment to making a positive impact on society. We share a strong ethical focus on sustainability and a dedication to transparent, honest communication. RSK delivers sustainable solutions to some of the greatest challenges that societies have ever faced, which are best captured in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Apollo work on communicating many of these issues on behalf of their clients, and I therefore see them as a natural fit within our group.

“The Apollo team has been working alongside RSK as trusted advisers as the group continues on a consistent and impressive growth trajectory that is underpinned by the solid performance of more than 200 companies around the world. We look forward to supporting Apollo in its own continued growth as part of a strategy that matches RSK’s global ambitions.”

Apollo Strategic Communications Founding Directors Pallab Sarker and Rob Blackhurst said: “We are proud to join RSK Group, a company whose values and commitment to innovation, social good and sustainable growth align with our own. They have always combined expertise, ambition and drive with a genuine care and commitment to the people they work with.

“We would like to thank our incredible team, whose dedication and hard work have been instrumental in getting us to this exciting milestone. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to our clients for their trust and partnership, which have been the foundation of our success. By becoming part of the prestigious RSK Group, we will expand our global reach, enhance our service offerings and deliver even more impactful communications strategies. We look forward to this exciting next chapter and the opportunities it holds for both our team and clients.”

As RSK continues to deliver its ambitious growth strategy, it now comprises more than 200 companies, employing over 15,000 people. The group’s annual turnover at the end of FY23 was £1.2 billion.

The acquisition advisers were Memery Crystal and Cortus Advisory.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2550437/5010467/Apollo_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/rsk-group-acquires-global-pr-agency-apollo-strategic-communications-302298798.html

Fintech PR

Global focus on vocational education at Tianjin conference

Published

58 minutes ago

November 22, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

global-focus-on-vocational-education-at-tianjin-conference

BEIJING, Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A report from China Daily

The 2024 World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference brought together around 1,000 delegates in Tianjin in North China this week from Wednesday to Friday. Discussions at the conference have revolved around topics such as industry-education integration, sustainable development, teacher training and lifelong learning.

Co-hosted by China’s Ministry of Education, the National Commission of the People’s Republic of China for UNESCO and the Tianjin municipal government, the conference aims to advance vocational education as a driver of innovation and sustainable development worldwide.

The event introduces six key initiatives to shape vocational education globally: a comprehensive conference featuring keynote speeches, ministerial roundtables and bilateral talks; a global alliance uniting vocational institutions, industries and educational organizations; the presentation of the world vocational education award; an international skills competition with 42 tracks; an exhibition highlighting achievements in vocational education, intangible cultural heritage and international cooperation; and the launch of World Vocational and Technical Education, a journal produced by Tianjin University of Technology and Education.

In a video address to the conference, Stefania Giannini, assistant director-general for education at UNESCO, highlighted vocational education as a catalyst for transformation. She referenced UNESCO’s recent Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights, and Sustainable Development, which emphasizes vocational education as a driver of change.

Calling for greater investment and innovation in vocational education to meet global challenges, Giannini said skills are the passport to navigating today’s complex world.

Huai Jinpeng, China’s minister of education, said vocational education should align with the trends of the times, uphold the essence of education and preserve its unique characteristics. It should anchor its development goals amid evolving opportunities and challenges, striving for innovative breakthroughs, he added.

Huai outlined a vision for vocational education as “5I” education — Inclusive, Industry-oriented, Innovative, Intelligent, and International — positioned to serve all, integrate with industries, drive innovation, embrace smart technologies and foster global cooperation.

To ensure smooth volunteer services during the conference, the Tianjin Municipal Youth League recruited 1,448 young volunteers from nine universities, including Nankai University. Their duties spanned more than 30 roles, including guest registration, conference coordination, translation, media reception and medical assistance.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2565169/China_Daily.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-focus-on-vocational-education-at-tianjin-conference-302314016.html

Fintech PR

CKGSB Publishes 2024 ESG and Social Innovation Report Showcasing Progress on Driving Responsible Management Education

Published

2 hours ago

November 22, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

BEIJING, Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On November 21, 2024, Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) released its 2024 ESG and Social Innovation Report at its event “ESG Strategies Conference: Insights for Business Transition” hosted in Shanghai in collaboration with the European Chamber of Commerce in China, witnessed by nearly 100 ESG-minded multinational business executives.

As the second edition of the school’s English-language ESG report, this report outlines CKGSB’s achievements and progress in the past two years in promoting sustainable business practices, fostering social innovation, and offering solutions to humanity’s common challenges as part of its broader mission to lead and drive responsible business education.

It emphasizes the school’s role in reshaping the future of management education through efforts in integrating ESG factors into its research and insights, programs and courses for decision-makers, strategic partnerships and dialogues, as well as institutional practices, which in return allows it to nurture responsible business leaders for society.

“Our approach to management education is rooted in the belief that businesses can and should be a force for good,” stated Li Haitao, Dean and Dean’s Distinguished Chair Professor of Finance of CKGSB. “CKGSB remains steadfast in its mission to developing leaders who are not only successful in their business endeavors, but also mindful of their responsibilities towards society and the environment.” CKGSB Professor of Marketing Zhu Rui, who drives the school’s efforts in teaching business for good, echoed Dean Li in saying, “Our goal is to empower companies, big or small, to seamlessly integrate ESG considerations into their core strategies and operations.”

The 2024 ESG and Social Innovation Report follows the seven principles of and has been submitted to the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), a platform designed to promote responsible management practices for the benefit of society and our planet. It is now available for download on CKGSB’s website.

Looking forward, CKGSB will continue driving progress on responsible management education and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.

About CKGSB

Established in Beijing in November 2002, CKGSB is China’s first privately-funded and research-driven business school. The school aims to cultivate transformative business leaders with a global vision, sense of social responsibility, innovative mindset, and ability to lead with empathy and compassion. To learn more about CKGSB, please visit: https://english.ckgsb.edu.cn/

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ckgsb-publishes-2024-esg-and-social-innovation-report-showcasing-progress-on-driving-responsible-management-education-302314000.html

Fintech PR

Inaugural International MICE Summit (IMS) Convenes to Drive Business Events Sector’s Future in Saudi Arabia, Fastest-Growing G20 MICE Market

Published

3 hours ago

November 22, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

inaugural-international-mice-summit-(ims)-convenes-to-drive-business-events-sector’s-future-in-saudi-arabia,-fastest-growing-g20-mice-market

Over 1,000 global cross-industry and government leaders expected to attend three-day interactive program in one of the world’s fastest growing Meetings, Conferences, Incentives and Exhibitions (MICE) destinations.
Saudi MICE market projected to expand exponentially with hallmark events such as World Expo 2030, expected to attract 40.7 million visits to KSA alone.
Growing demand to be accommodated by the launch of a new airline and airport expansion, 1 million square meters of expected venue space and 854,000 hotel rooms by 2030.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The inaugural International MICE Summit (IMS24) will bring together over 1,000 global leaders from the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry between 15-17 December at Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City (MISK) in Riyadh, hosted by the Saudi Conventions & Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA).

The three-day event promises to be the premier global leadership event for the MICE industry, offering innovation, economic and commercial opportunities for MICE and related tourism and travel sectors under the theme of “Expanding Horizons.” The event’s extensive programme is designed to unite MICE industry leaders, suppliers, associations, Giga-Project leaders, disruptors and international cross-industry and government leaders. Featuring plenary, panel discussions, innovation clusters, collaboration hubs, IMS24 will promise attendees a premier global platform to network, collaborate – and above all – reimagine what it means to convene in today’s global environment.

“In a time marked by profound technological and environmental transformation, the MICE industry has emerged as an essential catalyst of change. By focusing on the future of the industry, IMS24 addresses the needs of a globalized world – reshaping how people, cultures and countries connect to create prosperity” said IMS host and Chairman of SCEGA, His Excellency Fahd Al-Rasheed.

“Saudi Arabia is the perfect environment to host IMS24. As an internal and external agent of change, the Kingdom has embraced its own transformation by shaping the future of the global tourism industry and becoming the fastest growing major MICE destination among G20 countries,” His Excellency added.

MICE events in Saudi Arabia witnessed an increase of close to 15 percent in 2023, with almost 17,000 events attracting over 20 million visitors. IMS24 coincides with the Kingdom’s continued transformation as Saudi Arabia solidifies itself as a major global tourism and events destination. Welcoming almost 110 million visitors in 2023, tourism comprises six percent of Saudi Arabia’s GDP, equating to 255 billion SAR (US$68 billion). The Saudi MICE sector is expected to accelerate growth through the rapid expansion of transportation and event infrastructure, supported by the development of Giga-projects offering unparalleled destination experiences, and enhanced connectivity between the Kingdom and the rest of the world. SCEGA continues to drive these transformative developments, most recently in announcing a 588 million SAR (US$156 million) incentive program to support marquee events in 2025.

About the International MICE Summit

The International MICE Summit (IMS) gathers global leaders from the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, as well as professionals, and organizations from across industries. It provides a platform for industry insights, networking, and discussions on advancing innovation, knowledge sharing and sustainable development within the global MICE sector.

For more information or to register for the event, visit:

Website – www.internationalmicesummit.com
Twitter/X – https://x.com/ims_summit
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/ims-summit/
YouTube – https://youtube.com/@ims.summit?si=G06nYTaOUWer-OKq

About the Saudi Conferences and Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA)

The Saudi Conventions & Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA) is the official body overseeing the development and regulation of Saudi Arabia’s exhibitions and conventions sector. Established by Royal Decree in 2018, SCEGA aims to strengthen the sector’s economic impact by setting strategic policies, issuing licenses, promoting Saudi Arabia as a premier MICE destination, and fostering investment in line with global standards. Through collaboration with national and international stakeholders, SCEGA works to enhance sector growth, support talent development, and create opportunities for showcasing the Kingdom’s unique identity on the world stage.

Contact: [email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2564659/SCEGA.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2564658/International_MICE_Summit_Logo.jpg