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FOOTBALLER, FRAN KIRBY, LAUNCHES VISA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP CAMPAIGN, WITH $500K FOR SMALL BUSINESS ‘SUPPORT SQUADS’
- Superstar footballer Fran Kirby shines a spotlight on the importance of support networks in life, in business and on the pitch as part of new Visa campaign
- Female entrepreneurs more than twice as likely to experience business growth if they have a strong support network, with 91% admitting it’s key to achieving goals
- As official partner of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™, Visa will also be awarding women entrepreneurs and small businesses with $500,000 total grant funding throughout the tournament
- Visa has championed women’s football for over 15 years, including being the first worldwide FIFA Women’s Football Partner, and the first standalone sponsor of UEFA Women’s Football
LONDON, July 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Visa, a world leader in digital payments and Exclusive Payments Technology Partner of FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™, today launches a new campaign with England hero Fran Kirby to celebrate the power of ‘support squads’ helping elite female footballers and entrepreneurs achieve their professional goals, on and off the pitch.
New research commissioned by Visa finds that women small business leaders who have a very strong ‘support squad’ (a group of friends, family or colleagues) are almost twice as likely to report business revenue growth in the last year, than those who say their squad is not strong at all (67% vs 32%).
Just over nine out of 10 (91%) women small business leaders surveyed in the UK say that their support network is key to achieving their professional goals, according to the study, with more than three quarters (78%) saying their business wouldn’t be where it is today without one.
These networks play an incredibly important role, in life, in business and on the pitch, which is why Visa is championing the importance of having a strong, diverse support group while shining a spotlight on Team Visa footballers, small business owners and its own workforce.
England and Team Visa footballer Fran Kirby comments: “My own support network has been instrumental in my journey, celebrating my successes and picking me up during the tough times, such as my current injury. It’s so rewarding to see the women’s game going from strength to strength, and be that powerful platform for promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls to achieve their dreams. That’s why I’m partnering with Visa to put ‘support squads’ at the heart of this celebration of women on the world stage.”
Building a supportive squad
According to the research, trustworthiness (51%), honesty (42%) and positivity (40%) are the three top attributes women business leaders look for when building their ‘support squad’. Diversity of thought was also found to be key, with more than three in four (78%) of women business leaders saying that they value different perspectives and viewpoints when it comes to achieving their professional goals.
Visa has teamed up with renowned business psychologist, Dr Lynda Shaw, who has provided the following advice for women to take when building their squads, and how they can make the most of them to achieve their professional goals:
- Enlist open communicators – to build a support squad based on honesty and positivity, consider how people interact with others. They should not feel threatened by other people’s successes because they recognise their own strengths and weaknesses. They will often be enthusiastic but, at the same time, focused. Their optimism will be realistic and sensibly brave.
- Encourage mutually beneficial goals – an effective support squad shouldn’t need micro-management. Instead, openly discussing the best way to move forward with bumps in the road, and trusting other people’s judgement is more beneficial. Remember also, that intrinsic motivation often trumps extrinsic motivation, so find out what each member of your squad is motivated by and identify how this can support your goals too.
- Embrace diverse opinions – crucial to building a successful support network is ensuring that each member respects and relishes different points of view, and that they will want to learn from one another. Diversity of ideas and thoughts is extremely beneficial to organisations, so it’s wise to support your squad in ways that they get to know one another well.
As the world gears up for what’s anticipated to be the biggest women’s football tournament to date, Visa is inviting countries across the UK and Europe to join its celebration of support networks, focusing on the individuals behind-the-scenes that are helping women reach their full potential.
Supporting women at every stage
Visa’s new Celebrating Squad Goals campaign underscores its commitment to elevating women while driving excellence, equality and inclusion across the whole economy. As part of this, Visa is putting small business owners centre-stage, highlighting the important role they play in powering our economies. Supporting this, Visa will use its sponsorship of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ Player of the Match Award to recognise women-owned small businesses. The winners will be announced live at the athlete trophy presentation across 64 matches awarded with $500,000 in total grant funding.
Visa was the first FIFA Women’s Football partner and became the first standalone sponsor of UEFA Women’s Football in 2018. Team Visa is proud to be supporting 37 professional female footballers globally, which includes those participating in the tournament, providing them with tools, resources and support. Visa also founded The Second Half, a career development programme, in collaboration with Karen Carney MBE and Kim Little MBE to help female professional players plan for a smooth career transition beyond the football pitch, in the UK and Spain.
Mandy Lamb, Managing Director, UK & Ireland, Visa comments: “When it comes to women’s football, Visa has been in it for the long game, championing women every step of the way – during their playing career and in life afterwards. As our research shows, support networks are really the unsung heroes of the economy and for this reason, we’re urging everyone to join us in putting the individuals that help them thrive in the spotlight.
“We at Visa are determined to grow the sport at all levels, driving acceptance, increasing visibility, and future-proofing the women’s game, and by celebrating squad goals, we hope to elevate their success in business, sport and life.”
For more information about Visa’s sponsorship of FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™and initiatives helping women to thrive, visit: https://www.visa.co.uk/about-visa/sponsorships-events/fifa-womens-world-cup.html
About Visa’s sponsorship
Visa became the first ever UEFA sponsor dedicated to women’s football in 2018, having supported the women’s game for over 15 years. Its sponsorship of FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ is a platform to champion female players and the wider community of supporters to achieve their dreams. Our Team Visa football programme, beginning in 2018, provides female footballers with the tools, resources and support they need to thrive on and off the pitch. Visa is also sponsoring the Player of the Match Award at the FIFA Women’s World CupTM which recognises and celebrates individual excellence throughout the tournament. The Second Half, a career development programme built by Visa in collaboration with former-England International, Karen Carney MBE and former-Scotland International Kim Little MBE, helps support female footballers in Europe, as they consider their careers beyond the football pitch.
About the research
Research commissioned by Visa and conducted by Censuswide with 4,028 women business leaders across Europe, including 1,002 in the UK, who either currently own a small or medium sized business or have a key role in decision-making at small or medium sized business, between 19th June 2023 and 27th June 2023. The data was collected using an online survey in the UK, Portugal, Germany, Italy and Spain.
About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.co.uk
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Akkodis Named ‘Enterprise Innovator’ in HFS Horizons Sustainability Services, 2024 Report
The study underscores Akkodis’ integration of AI across its sustainability solutions and the incorporation of diversity and inclusion into its business model as key differentiators.
ZURICH, Jan. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Akkodis, a global digital engineering company and Smart Industry leader, is delighted to announce that it has been named an ‘Enterprise Innovator’ in a report by HFS Research, a leading global research and analyst firm. The report titled, “HFS Horizons: Sustainability Services, 2024” examined 25 service providers across value propositions, innovation capabilities, GTM strategies, and market impact criteria.
After an analysis of service capabilities including advisory, frameworks, tools, and solutions as well as services through various delivery models, Akkodis was designated as Horizon 2 – “Enterprise Innovator”. Enterprise Innovators are not only recognized for delivering functional (primarily compliance based) transformation but also enterprise transformation, driving distinct sustainability services that link sustainability to all parts of an organization.
The report highlights market trends where emerging technologies are helping companies enhance data management, streamline ESG reporting, and implement net-zero strategies. It underscores Akkodis’ comprehensive sustainability offerings, which integrate technologies such as AI, GenAI, IoT, and blockchain, positioning these as key differentiators. The report also emphasizes the company’s strong focus on circular economy principles and extended producer responsibility, including resource reuse, recycling, and designing products for disassembly and longevity. Additionally, it notes how Akkodis has embedded diversity and inclusion into its business model, particularly in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and the gig economy.
The study also acknowledges Akkodis’ growth in sustainability services across industries such as energy, healthcare, manufacturing and financial services, its expansion of partnerships with firms such as Salesforce, Microsoft, and Siemens as well as its ability to offer tailored sustainability solutions, increasing its impact and expertise in this space.
Jan Gupta, President, Akkodis said, “This ranking reflects Akkodis’ expertise and advisory-led approach to sustainability. Our sustainability offerings deliver key outcomes, such as reduced lifecycle emissions, improved resource efficiency, CO2 tracking, and better regulatory compliance. He continued, “At Akkodis, we believe ‘Tech for Good’ is essential, and that the Smart Industry transformation must be a driver of sustainable transformation. Smart Industry can serve as a powerful change agent, bridging the digital divide and fostering a more inclusive world. Our clients trust us to innovate with purpose, helping them make a positive impact on both the planet and society.”
Josh Matthews, Practice Leader for Sustainability, HFS Research, said, “Akkodis is carving a path for technology-driven sustainability. It embeds circular economy principles with data-driven strategies and a blueprint of technologies such as blockchain, AI, and IoT into the product lifecycle.” Nandini Tare, Associate Practice Leader, HFS Research, added: “Akkodis optimizes and integrates sustainability in every phase of the value chain across industries. This allows the company to empower enterprises and industries to have a scalable impact on their ESG commitments.”
Learn more about Sustainability at Akkodis on https://www.akkodis.com/en/about/sustainability.
Media contacts
Anne Friedrich
SVP, Global Head of Communications, Akkodis
E. anne.friedrich@akkodis.com
Lisa Bushka
VP, External Communications, Akkodis
E. lisa.bushka@adeccogroup.com
About Akkodis
Akkodis is a global digital engineering company and Smart Industry leader. We enable clients to advance in their digital transformation with Consulting, Solutions, Talent, and Academy services. Headquartered in Switzerland and part of the Adecco Group, Akkodis is a trusted tech partner to the world’s industries. We co-create and pioneer solutions that help to solve major challenges, from accelerating the clean energy transition and green mobility, to improving user and patient centricity. Empowered by a culture of inclusion and diversity, our 50,000 tech experts across 30 countries combine best-in-class technologies and cross industry knowledge to drive purposeful innovation for a more sustainable tomorrow. We are passionate about Engineering a Smarter Future Together. akkodis.com | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X
About the Adecco Group
The Adecco Group is the world’s leading talent company. Our purpose is making the future work for everyone. Through our three global business units – Adecco, Akkodis and LHH – across 60 countries, we enable sustainable and lifelong employability for individuals, deliver digital and engineering solutions to power the Smart Industry transformation and empower organisations to optimise their workforces. The Adecco Group leads by example and is committed to an inclusive culture, fostering sustainable employability, and supporting resilient economies and communities. The Adecco Group AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN). www.adeccogroup.com
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Fintech PR
Global Supply Chains Forced to Change Rapidly As World Trade Enters New Era According to Economist Impact and DP World
Non-aligned nations fast emerging as vital intermediaries in mitigating trade risks, filling gaps created by global conflicts
DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Three quarters of businesses worldwide are overhauling their supply chains by working with more rather than fewer suppliers to mitigate risks in an increasingly fragmented global environment.
Research unveiled by Economist Impact and DP World at the World Economic Forum highlights this strategic pivot, driven by geopolitical uncertainty which is likely to grow with the ‘America first’ policies of the new administration in the United States.
The fifth annual Trade in Transition study surveyed over 3,500 supply chain executives across the world. The findings reveal firms are being forced to adapt at speed to rising protectionism and shifting geopolitical alliances.
Countries perceived to be non-aligned, such as Vietnam, Mexico, India, the UAE or Brazil, are emerging as vital trade hubs. A significant 71% of executives agree these countries mitigate trade risks, while 69% view them as critical for addressing gaps created by global conflicts.
Around 40% of firms are increasing their US-based sourcing and a further 32% are adopting dual supply chains to mitigate against geopolitical risks. Friendshoring—relocating supply chains to politically aligned countries—complements these strategies, with about 34% of businesses pursuing this approach to navigate tensions between global powers.
Economic challenges remain a priority, with 33% of executives citing prolonged inflation and high interest rates as chief concerns. By leveraging neutral hubs, diversifying suppliers and adopting advanced technologies like AI, businesses are better positioned to navigate this era of economic and geopolitical complexity.
Speaking at the launch of the report at the World Economic Forum in Davos today, DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, said:
“Global trade today is more complex than ever, demanding agility, resilience, and innovation. At DP World, we empower businesses with the global infrastructure, local expertise, and advanced technology needed to thrive in this evolving landscape across fragmented markets. The latest research by Economist Impact provides invaluable insights into the future of trade in this new era. With it, we aim to foster dialogue, innovation, and resilience within the global supply chain ecosystem, empowering businesses to adapt and thrive in an increasingly dynamic world.”
John Ferguson, Global Lead, New Globalisation, Economist Impact, added:
“In 2025 and the foreseeable future, global trade will be shaped by three forces: shifting geopolitics, climate change, and a new wave of AI and automation. Yet, businesses are not retreating from international trade but are stepping up to the challenge. Firms that stay agile and cost-efficient will have the edge. Firms that also combine risk management with AI experimentation and openness will be best placed to win in this new chapter of globalisation.”
Discover actionable insights and detailed strategies for thriving in the evolving global trade landscape. Click here to view the full report.
KEY INSIGHTS FROM TRADE IN TRANSITION 2025 |
||
Metric |
Percentage |
Notes |
Businesses diversifying supplier bases
|
75 %
|
Spreading risk and increasing resilience by working with more partners |
Neutral hubs as stability anchors
|
71 %
|
Examples of Vietnam, Mexico, India, UAE, and |
Neutral countries filling trade conflict gaps
|
69 %
|
Cited as critical for mitigating geopolitical risks
|
Increased US-based sourcing
|
40 %
|
Adapting to a Republican-led administration
|
Dual supply chain adoption on the rise
|
32 %
|
Mitigates region-specific risks
|
Rising friendshoring adoption
|
34 %
|
Reducing exposure to great-power rivalries
|
Chief concern: prolonged inflation and rates |
33 %
|
Economic pressure remains a key issue |
Source : Economist Impact |
For media enquiries, please contact:
|
|
Adal Mirza Group Vice President +971 50 628 7856 |
Hakam Kherallah Group Senior Manager +971 50 552 2610 |
Follow DP World on: X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/DP_World |
About DP World
DP World is reshaping the future of global trade to improve lives everywhere. Operating across six continents with a team of over 100,000 employees, we combine global infrastructure and local expertise to deliver seamless supply chain solutions. From Ports and Terminals to Marine Services, Logistics and Technology, we leverage innovation to create better ways to trade, minimizing disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.
WE MAKE TRADE FLOW
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Fintech PR
DeFinity Markets Joins EY Ahead of Series A
LONDON, Jan. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DeFinity Markets®, the first full-stack institutional digital asset matching and settlement platform for fiat and digital assets has become an EY client and completed the EY FinTech growth programme, aimed at supporting the most promising scaling FinTechs in the UK.
After a rigorous selection process, participants were invited to engage in sessions and cover crucial topics for scaling companies including tax, regulation, international expansion, and fundraising, delivered by EY professionals. These are designed to help companies grow smarter and connect impactfully. EY believes the companies have what it takes to scale exponentially and shape the UK FinTech and Financial Services sector in the years ahead.
Tom Bull, EY FinTech Growth Leader comments: “EY is committed to helping founders of start-ups and scale-ups as they advance in the FinTech industry. The UK’s FinTech sector is a source of exceptional talent and innovative businesses, including those we’ve welcomed into our fourth cohort. We’re proud of the potential within this group and look forward to providing the support they need to grow and succeed. I’m personally excited to collaborate with these companies and see how they will shape the future of FinTech.”
Having achieved it’s Jersey VASP status recently, DeFinity Markets has all the elements of its innovative market leading solution in place and is now going live with its full operating model. This delivers a fit for purpose solution catering to the need of the Institutional Markets.
Chris Park, Chief Risk Officer of DeFinity Markets, said “We are delighted to be part of this exciting program and we believe being an EY client can help fully prepare our organization for the next stage of growth. The path of development for the digital asset markets is strong and exciting for our business which is laying the foundations for asset class expansion.”
DeFinity Markets has worked with the world’s leading Financial Institutions, Regulators and Financial Institutions since inception to help create an ecosystem to accelerate the adoption of digital assets. The opportunity to engage with EY is another exiting step on this path towards series A and a focused global expansion.
About DeFinity Markets
DeFinity Markets® is the Institutional Standard in Digital Assets Trading and fiat rails. DeFinity is built on institutional-grade technology offering unprecedented digital assets market access to globally leading Financial Institutions seeking to diversify their portfolio. The DeFinity management team has applied decades of knowledge of traditional financial markets to create the DeFinity ECN with direct market access. Platform participants can transact fiat FX trades with the digital asset’s component completed on the DeFinity ECN. The ECN is custody-agnostic and provides FIX API access, a standardized rulebook powered by an embedded AML/KYC framework. We aggregate quotes from market makers on which qualified clients can transact digital assets. DeFinity offers access to liquidity across all major digital assets, including stable coins. The DeFinity ECN supports fiat currencies including GBP, EUR, USD crosses supported by an integrated fiat on and off-ramp gateway.
Contact:
media@definitymarkets.com
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