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Secta Finance innovates the £10b private school fees model, making affordable finance options for parents

Stockwood Strategy

Fintech business Secta Finance has launched today to transform how private school fees are paid. Families are spending circa £10b every year to pay school fees for over 620,000 children and over the years there has been no innovation on the termly bill payments. Secta Finance has set out to change this and become an enabler for many more families considering private schooling but feel it is currently unaffordable. In collaboration with a number of financial institutions, Secta Finance has created a range of flexible and highly competitive finance plans that enable parents (and would-be parents) to spread the cost of private school fees over many years in a simple affordable way. The Secta Flexiplan enables parents to use the equity in their home to secure a facility that allows parents to draw funds flexibly within the first 5 years. Parents only pay interest on the amount they actually drawdown. If they don’t need to draw funds there is no cost. Parents can decide how much they draw; their monthly repayment amounts (subject to a minimum) and the term they repay over (up to 30 years). Also, there are no early repayment fees if they choose to repay in full. Below is an example* of how a Secta Flexiplan could be used to finance 5 years of private education. This example is based on one child, annual school fees of £15,000 per year and with the Secta Flexiplan being repaid over a period of 10 or 20 years. However, the amount borrowed, the term over which it is repaid and the monthly repayments can be adjusted to suit individual circumstances and preferences. Secta Finance has made it quick and simple for parents to get indicative quotes from their online platform. Thereafter they can engage with a qualified advisor to discuss their options and tailor a plan to suit their needs. Joe Hill, founder and CEO of Secta Finance commented: “How parents pay for private school fees is no longer fit for purpose. They are still paying large lump sums, sometimes, with expensive and inflexible means using credit cards or unsecured loans, that simply is not sustainable. Secta has set out to challenge this approach with a fresh lens and a clear pathway for parents to handle this significant expense. We want to create manageable and affordable finance solutions for school fees, much like the financial products people consider when buying a house or a car.” Contrary to popular belief, private education is not confined to the wealthy, but many middle class parents place a very high value on it and want to provide the benefits of a private education for their children. However, the costs can be prohibitive, especially for families with more than one child. Annual average school fees are in excess of £15,000 for day schools and in excess of £30,000 for boarding schools. Factoring in additional costs, a private education can cost an average of £325,600 per child for day school and £469,700 for boarders starting their schooling in 2019. Unsurprisingly, many parents find this a struggle. Research completed by Killik and Co suggests that private day school fees have increased by 403% since 1990. “Many parents make significant sacrifices to give their children a private school education. But it doesn’t have to be that way. It makes sense to have a solution whereby parents can spread the cost over a longer period of time if they wish (up to 30 years), to reduce the strain on their finances, but still be able to give their children a private education,” added Joe Hill. There are more than 2,500 independent schools in the UK catering for approximately 620,000 pupils. This represents about 7% of all UK school children and 18% of pupils over aged 16 years and older. The estimated school fee market value is approximately £11 billion. Secta Finance is working closely with schools who are keen to offer meaningful finance options for their parents. The company is also collaborating with independent financial advisors who are seeking flexible, efficient options for their clients. Parents are also directly engaging with the online platform to find out more about the options available to them. Looking ahead Joe Hill added: “We are creating opportunities for parents, for schools and for children. By offering finance solutions which are affordable, simple to understand, we will create a sustainable path for better outcomes. Our strategic aim is to expand the opportunity of private education to many more families and enable a sustainable relationship for parents and schools through the products that we offer”. ENDS *This is an indicative quote and does not constitute an offer or advice. Interest rate and solution terms will depend on your circumstances and the amount of the loan. Before you make a loan application, we will carry out a full review to establish your needs and preferences and if you meet the criteria, we will give advice and make a recommendation to you. All loans are subject to status. Please note that our product calculators show an indicative rate only and may not be suitable for you. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with your repayments. About Secta Finance Our mission is to relieve the pressure of private school fees by providing innovative, affordable finance solutions to parents. In doing so, we bring the outstanding benefits of private education within the reach of many more families, everywhere. Secta Finance Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Contact Details Secta Finance Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://www.sectafinance.co.uk/

June 15, 2021 04:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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University Heights Center Education Programs, Community Workshops, and Arts and Culture Events Benefit from Free Comcast Internet

Comcast Washington

Comcast Washington today announced it is providing free internet access to visitors at University Heights Center. The broadband service is being provided as part of the company’s effort to roll out WiFi-connected “Lift Zones” in local community centers throughout Washington in partnership with cities, community organizations and local nonprofit partners. UHeights supports 11 resident organizations inside a 1902 historic, landmarked building. Together, they bolster the neighborhood’s well-being through childcare and education, arts and cultural enrichment, beneficial mental and physical activity, food security, and housing solutions. Becoming a Lift Zone enhances the mission of UHeights and those of their resident organizations: Students in the early learning programs and K-12 specialized education classes can more easily access materials online to supplement their schoolwork; the UHeights Theatre Alliance can augment their performances in The Auditorium; and the many local community and arts groups that are a part of UHeights’ programs can host their events through a virtual/in-person post-COVID hybrid model that ensures continued accessibility and inclusion. “At its core, UHeights’ mission is to uplift our community and Lift Zone gives us a practical tool to do just that. With the increased access Lift Zone provides, we can empower our neighbors across generations, abilities, and socioeconomic status, helping us more fully fulfill our vision of being truly inclusive,” said Nicolina Miller, UHeights Development Coordinator Through its Lift Zone initiative, Comcast is establishing WiFi-connected safe spaces for those needing internet access in 80 community centers statewide by the end of 2021. The company has unveiled 30 Lift Zones in King, Snohomish, Pierce, Island and Spokane counties since fall 2020. These locations offer Internet connectivity to students and families that lack broadband access in the home. Lift Zones complement Comcast’s Internet Essentials program and is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to help connect low-income families to the Internet in and outside of the home. Internet Essentials is Comcast’s signature digital equity initiative and the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program. Since 2011, Internet Essentials has connected 560,000 low-income individuals statewide to broadband internet, including 336,000 people in the Puget Sound area. Today’s announcement also comes on the heels of Comcast’s recent $1 billion commitment over the next 10 years to help further close the digital divide and give even more low-income students and families the tools and resources they need to succeed in a digital world. “We are thrilled to partner with UHeights and add robust WiFi coverage to this historic building that is a community-focused center for education, arts and culture, civic involvement and more,” said Rodrigo Lopez, Region Senior Vice President, Comcast Washington. “Whether connecting people to the Internet at home through Internet Essentials or providing free WiFi at community centers with our Lift Zones program, we’re helping to ensure our community members have multiple options to get online.” Internet Essentials has a comprehensive design that addresses each of the three major barriers to broadband adoption. This includes multiple options to access free digital literacy training in print, online, and in person; the option to purchase a heavily subsidized, low-cost Internet-ready computer; and low-cost, high-speed Internet service for $9.95 a month, plus tax. For more information about Internet Essentials and Comcast’s commitment to education and digital equity, please visit https://corporate.comcast.com/education. To apply, visit www.internetessentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376 for English or 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish. About University Heights Center Founded in 1989 by University District residents and businesses who believed this building would serve as a vital gathering place for the community, University Heights Center has been serving the Greater Seattle area since 1902. We continually provide new programs, services & activities to the center aimed at strengthening our neighborhoods while meeting the needs of our diverse and growing communities This includes the addition of many critical human services to support people who are unhoused and those disproportionately affected by COVID-19--the Safe Lot, Vehicle Residency Outreach program, free food truck, Seattle Community Fridge, and the 24/7 hygiene station. Visit https://www.uheightscenter.org for more information about our arts and cultural events, human services, community partners, and find out how you can get involved. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Washington Andy Colley +1 425-248-5438 Andy_Colley@Comcast.com Company Website https://washington.comcast.com/

June 14, 2021 08:55 AM Pacific Daylight Time

New Research from HPL Digital Sport Finds Divide Between Sports Betting Executives and Bettors on How to Acquire and Retain Users

HPL Digital Sport

Today, HPL Digital Sport (HPLDS), a specialty group within Hot Paper Lantern, that helps sports betting, fantasy sports and sports technology companies create greater brand relevance, released its new study “ 2021 State of the Sports Betting Industry - Executive Perceptions vs. User Realities. ” Two separate surveys were conducted to create the study: the first, developed in partnership with SBC Americas, is a first-of-its-kind report measuring the perceptions and attitudes of nearly 200 sports betting executives; a second survey, facilitated by YouGov, on behalf of HPLDS, questioned more than 800 American sports bettors, asking their opinions on how to best engage with them and retain their business, future betting capabilities needs and their betting habits and preferences. The data found that sports betting executives and sports bettors were not aligned on what is most important in acquiring and retaining users. Executives resoundingly said that having a superior product (55%) was the key to gaining users more than other elements like having strong customer service (13%), content (12%) or brand (11%). Bettors countered that sentiment, indicating that brand reputation and trust (47%) among betting sites/platforms was the most important factor in engaging them and retaining their attention. “The sports betting market in the US is extremely competitive. Our data found that the average sports bettor limits their use to only two to three sports betting platforms. So, it’s clearly important for these platforms to better be in tune with their audiences to create greater appeal to both acquire and retain their business,” said Ed Moed, CEO of HPLDS. “Having a compelling, user-friendly product will always be important to build a larger share of this growing sports betting audience. But, it feels like this could be happening at the expense of investing in their brands. The data doesn’t lie. This is a real problem with any strategy that doesn’t include figuring out ways to create greater brand relevance within this hotly competitive space.” Apart from the divide on the topic of product vs. brand, the study uncovered compelling insights on the future capabilities in sports betting, how different demographics view the importance of certain sports betting elements, how women bettors as an audience are growing and are being overlooked and the constant presence of the illegal sports betting markets. Future capabilities of sports betting Three-fourths (75%) of executives stated that they are planning to launch new products, innovations, technology or gameplay in 2021. Technology providers, content producers and data providers are all signaling a major push towards in-play betting and in-stadium/arena lounges. Bettors indicated that while they are excited about elevated betting experiences like in-play betting, when asked about future sports betting capabilities, having more social betting experiences rose to the forefront. Social betting (31%) and retail betting (31%) outpaced more popular media talking points like in-play betting (26%), loyalty programs (25%) and in-stadium/arena betting (24%). Creating differentiation by targeting specific demographic preferences When asking bettors about their overall experience and ranking the importance of certain sports betting elements leading them to frequently using a betting site or app, users provided a roadmap for how companies should think about targeting them. General Public Retention Roadmap Brand reputation/trust - 47% High level product/experience - 45% Ease of financial transactions - 43% Better odds and promotions - 38% Expert content - 35% Referred by friends or family - 34% Social media content that drives me to engage with the brand - 33% I like their advertisements/celebrity endorsements - 30% Breaking down that road map by age and gender it becomes clear that not all bettors find the same elements important. Gen Z, for instance, doesn’t view brand as important as other groups. While every other demographic listed brand reputation/trust (Millennials - 46%; Gen X - 53%; Boomers - 56%) as its most important retention factor. Conversely, Gen Z views referrals by family or friends (42%) as more important than brand (39%). The social experience of sports betting for Gen Z and Millennials is heightened even more when looking at how they view social media content compared to the Gen X and Boomer markets. Both Gen Z and Millennials (38%) noted social media that drives them to engage with the brand as a leading retention factor. Gen X (22%) and Boomers (14%) however don’t see the value in social media and listed it at the bottom of their priorities. Boomers and Gen X audiences follow traditional thinking surrounding sports betting, which is more functional and practical than the social experience prioritized by Gen Z and Millennials. Both Boomers (50%) and Gen X (47%) feel that odds and promotions are an important part of their experience, while odds seem to be deprioritized by Millennials (38%) and Gen Z (28%). “The potential for in-play betting in the American market is incredible,” said Moed. “While bettors are excited about in-play betting, the data shows that bettors are looking for an immersive social betting experience including retail betting and betting with friends and family. The importance of social interaction, content and sharing capabilities and social betting, should not be downplayed or overlooked.” Women bettors - An underserved market While most sports betting messaging is general or leaning male, women bettors are gaining ground as a significant segment of the market. The study found that one-in-three (33%) bettors are women. That is an increase of 5-points from HPLDS’ State of the New Sports Bettor study released in May 2020. When it comes to the most active bettors, ones that make daily bets, women (17%) are evenly split with men (18%). The data also shows that women bettors show many similarities with male bettors compared to the importance of brand, product, and ease of financial transactions. But women deviate their priorities from men when it comes to the importance of social components in sports betting. Women bettors prioritize friends and family referrals (41% women vs. 31% men) and the use of engaging social media content (38% women vs. 30% men) to keep them interested in frequenting a particular betting site or app. “The industry can’t continue to afford overlooking the growing number of women bettors in the market,” said Moed. “The audience is clearly telling us that they need to be able to trust the platforms they use. And, that trust often comes from referrals and those who are credible through social media. I don’t know if the typical promo advertising that is prevalent will work with this pickier audience. Instead, they will believe brands that are deemed as credible and recommended by many who matter.” The Continued Prominence of the Black and Gray Market Bettors stated that betting through illegal markets is still a prominent channel in 2021. More than a third of bettors are using illegal channels to place a bet (20% of bettors use offshore sportsbooks and 17% use a bookie). “We have a long way to go when more than one-third of our sample is using illegal or off-shore resources to bet,” said Moed. “I think some of this is quite normal and as the industry continues to build momentum and experience enormous growth, bettors will quite naturally turn to platforms that are legal here in the U.S. But, even if this percentage is cut in half, it means that there is still a large part of the betting population who needs to be communicated to, educated and turned towards this marketplace.” For more information on HPLDS and to view the report please visit, hpldigitalsport.com. About HPL Digital Sport Hot Paper Lantern Digital Sport is a specialty group within Hot Paper Lantern (HPL) that works with sports betting, fantasy and sports technology brands to build greater brand relevance and acquire new audiences. The group’s unique value proposition is how it leverages years of deep expertise in this category with the way it integrates specific services such as: strategic branding, customer research/analytics, performance marketing, public relations and social media strategy, experiential and high level creative design to generate results. Contact Details Hot Paper Lantern Michael Adorno +1 212-931-6143 madorno@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://www.hpldigitalsport.com/

June 14, 2021 10:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Cognyte to Announce First Quarter Financial Results on June 22, 2021

Cognyte Software

Cognyte Software Ltd. (NASDAQ: CGNT) will conduct a conference call on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 8:30am ET to review its first quarter financial results for the period ending April 30, 2021. An earnings press release will be issued prior to the conference call. A real-time webcast of the conference call with presentation slides will be available in the Investor Relations section of Cognyte’s website. The conference call can also be accessed live via telephone at (800) 708-4540 (United States and Canada) and (847) 619-6397 (International). The passcode is 50181080. Please dial in 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. About Cognyte Software Cognyte Software Ltd. (formerly a Verint Systems Inc. company) is a global leader in security analytics software that empowers governments and enterprises with Actionable Intelligence for a Safer World™. Our open software fuses, analyzes, and visualizes disparate data sets at scale to help security organizations find the needles in the haystacks. Over 1,000 government and enterprise customers in more than 100 countries rely on Cognyte’s solutions to accelerate security investigations and connect the dots to successfully identify, neutralize, and prevent threats to national security, business continuity, and cyber security. Learn more about how we empower our customers to create a safer world with Actionable Intelligence® at www.cognyte.com. COGNYTE, ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE, and ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE FOR A SAFER WORLD are trademarks of Cognyte Software or its subsidiaries. Cognyte Software and other parties may also have trademark rights in other terms used herein. Contact Details Media Relations - Cognyte Software Amit Daniel amit.daniel@cognyte.com Investor Relations - Cognyte Software Matthew Frankel, CFA IR@cognyte.com Company Website https://www.cognyte.com/

June 14, 2021 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

The Impact of Hearing Loss and What You Can Do About It

YourUpdateTV

Hearing loss has been shown to affect nearly every dimension of human life, including physical, emotional and mental health. Recently, World Champion and Olympic Kayaker, Eric Jackson, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss his own battle with hearing loss and the importance of getting your hearing tested. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/0Ewdu9hNHF8 Hearing loss is the most common neurologic disorder in the world, affecting around 460 million people. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 37.5 million adults report some trouble hearing. Experts note that hearing loss is an undertreated condition, with an estimated 28.8 million U.S. adults with mild to severe hearing loss could serve to benefit from hearing aids. Untreated hearing loss brings higher risk of dementia, depression, memory loss, injury, and cognitive decline. There are several reasons for delay in addressing hearing loss, including recognizing and accepting that one may have hearing loss, having access to Hearing Care Professionals, and misperceptions associated with hearing aids. For Eric Jackson, hearing loss has been a lifelong battle. In 1966 at the age of two, Eric contracted Scarlet fever which caused him to completely lose his hearing in both ears. Eric is now 57 and his hearing has been partially restored over time; however, he still lives with severe hearing loss today and relies on hearing aids like ReSound ONE as necessary tools to help him communicate. All of ReSound’s hearing aids are designed with the person in mind, and is made to be discreet, comfortable, durable and functional. Hearing quality is the foundation for ReSound hearing aids, providing unmatched hearing quality, emulating the way humans hear sound. For more information, visit resound.com/online-hearing-test About Eric Jackson: Eric Jackson is a four-time world champion and an Olympian who has dominated the whitewater kayaking scene for the past three decades. Eric has received numerous accolades for kayaking, including two Everest Awards and the World Paddle Lifetime Achievement Award. He is also an entrepreneur, motivational speaker and hosts his own popular videos on YouTube. In 1966 at the age of two, Eric contracted scarlet fever which caused him to completely lose his hearing in both ears. Eric is now 54 and his hearing has been partially restored over time; however, he still lives with severe hearing loss today and relies on hearing aids and lipreading as tools to help him communicate. Eric has never let hearing loss stop him from enjoying life and pursuing his ambitions. Today, Eric spends his free time helping others achieve their goals, coaching the winners of almost every gold medal winner in freestyle kayaking over the past 15 years, including his two children. Eric’s son, 27-year-old Dane, a world champion kayaker himself, also lives with severe hearing loss which he has had since birth About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 11, 2021 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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MassiveMusic applies science to develop Colgate's smile-inducing new sonic brand identity

MassiveMusic

Colgate, the brand found in more homes than any other, wants the whole world humming an optimistic tune. The iconic oral care brand has launched its new sonic brand identity, a suite of sonic assets and compositions, produced by international creative music agency MassiveMusic London, in collaboration with MassiveMusic New York. Whilst reshaping its visual identity, Colgate also saw an opportunity to stand out within the oral care sector by owning the ‘white space’ within sonic branding in FMCG. In partnership with Red Fuse, the global brand chose to work with MassiveMusic London to develop a distinctive and flexible sound that could live across its marketing, have global appeal and relevance, and which offered new opportunities for recall by consumers. Whilst still a relatively untapped asset, sonic branding is increasingly becoming a key way legacy brands can differentiate themselves in a crowded market. Colgate understood the power of sound to help engage with audiences in new ways and entrusted MassiveMusic’s London team with the vision to ‘create a feeling’ and a holistic sonic experience. Backed by strategy and science Colgate needed a sonic brand that was memorable, modern and reflected its core brand promise of 'Optimism in Action,' whilst also being flexible enough to be stretched into different genres and work across all product offers. But what makes a sound ‘optimistic’? MassiveMusic's' big idea’ was to ground the music in science - taking all subjectivity out of the equation, so you are left with a highly impactful sonic brand. Speaking to academics, ethnomusicologists and neuroscientists, MassiveMusic’s research pointed them towards the human hum as the perfect timbre (or sound quality) for the sonic logo. Consisting of a blend of both female and male tones, the sonic logo was meticulously recorded in such a way as to sound very real, close and natural. The choice of key was again based on research, with the key of D Major being widely accepted as optimistic in nature. The choice of notation and the portmanteau bend towards the end of the sonic logo perfectly syncs to the smile visual animation and creates an activating feeling without being overbearing. By creating a new and original sound that better matches who Colgate is as a brand, rather than looking to the sounds of the sector, Colgate has been able to carve out its own area in the market. Colgate’s new sonic DNA speaks to its history as a pioneering and modern brand. Roscoe Williamson, Global Creative Strategy Director at MassiveMusic said: “Colgate is one of the most recognizable brands across the world - a brand many of us have grown up with. It was important that the new sonic experience not only felt fresh and exciting, but that it also embodied the brand's promise of ‘Optimism in Action’. The need was complex - a system of branded ‘watermarked’ music stemming from a sonic DNA and an iconic sonic logo. This needed to work across more than 200 countries via online content, radio, product and TVCs. And so we created a sonic architecture that could handle this complexity and an overarching aesthetic to the new Colgate music and sound that has universal appeal. To do this we worked with a team of academics and experts and were able to define music and sound cues that throughout history have represented optimism. These cues are at the heart of Colgate’s new sonic brand and have enabled a flexible system that represents the optimistic nature of the brand in a highly distinctive and holistic way.” Jared Richardson, Global Head of Design at Colgate said: “It really was an incredible experience developing the Sound of Colgate with MassiveMusic. The process, collaboration and outcome was fascinating and really enjoyable. The result is a strategically valuable asset that will play out across our global marketing campaigns. We look forward to continuing developing this side of our brand.” The new sonic brand was conceptualized and produced by MassiveMusic London, and will be rolled out across North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa-Eurasia, and Asia. Listen to the new Colgate sonic brand experience here: https://www.massivemusic.com/en/work/detail/the-sound-of-colgate About MassiveMusic MassiveMusic is the agency of record for some of the most famous brands in the world. As a trusted partner, MassiveMusic delivers everything a brand needs in the field of music, voice and sound. Impactful strategies, sonic brand identities and best-in-class compositions – the agency creates this and much more thanks to its fervent passion for music combined with craftsmanship and scientific research. The ultimate goal? To make the world sound better, while helping brands and agencies be more effective through the emotional power of sound. The nifty creators and strategic thinkers behind MassiveMusic can be found in offices and studios around the world. Rumour has it they also throw a massive party every once in a while. About Colgate-Palmolive About Colgate-Palmolive: Colgate-Palmolive Company is a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet. Focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition, the Company sells its products in more than 200 countries and territories under brands such as Colgate, Palmolive, elmex, hello, meridol, Sorriso, Tom’s of Maine, EltaMD, Filorga, Irish Spring, PCA Skin, Protex, Sanex, Softsoap, Speed Stick, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Soupline and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet and Hill’s Prescription Diet. The Company is recognized for its leadership and innovation in promoting environmental sustainability and community well-being, including its achievements in saving water, reducing waste, promoting recyclability and improving children’s oral health through its Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program, which has reached more than one billion children since 1991. For more information about Colgate’s global business and how the Company is building a future to smile about, visit www.colgatepalmolive.com Contact Details Jive PR + Digital Maya Sarin +1 818-422-2248 maya@jiveprdigital.com

June 10, 2021 09:07 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Pollen VC launches first live lending facility for app and game makers

Pollen VC

Fintech lender Pollen VC, a leading provider of credit facilities to app and game developers, has today expanded the amount developers can borrow to up to 4x their monthly revenues. Pollen VC’s data driven credit models now have a more granular view of how revenue is generated over time, enabling them to expand credit lines based on live performance metrics. Access to additional capital via a transparent revolving credit facility enables developers to supercharge their growth without relying on venture capital or revenue based loans. In contrast to the increasingly ubiquitous revenue-based lending (RBL) approach, Pollen VC provides a flexible line of credit that is based on a live picture of a developers accounts receivable (AR), plus an estimate of the residual value remaining in live user cohorts. The company had previously provided pure AR financing, but with the addition of the ability to borrow against the value of existing users combined into one simple facility, it’s now possible to borrow more via this model than through RBL, and with a much more transparent structure. App and game developers rely on finance to help them market and promote their products whilst they wait to be paid from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. With more than $120Bn being spent on apps and games globally, these businesses face cashflow squeezes on a regular basis. Martin Macmillan, CEO & Founder at Pollen VC commented: “Developer revenue isn’t just realised at the point of download, monetization occurs over their consumer’s lifetime usage of the app or game. Our ability to base our lending decisions not just on AR, but also now in a developer's existing user base is unique and will be a game changer for the industry. The amount of available credit is recalculated on a daily basis so as marketing performance improves, so the amount available to borrow will grow.” “The revenue-based lending model works well for industries such as SaaS where stable, predictable revenue streams exist. But, in mobile gaming, users can churn much faster, making the model less applicable for the app and gaming sector generally, and opening up both developers and lenders to additional risk if loans can’t be repaid. Our “AR plus residual cohort” model is our take on the revenue-based lending model, but built from the ground up for our vertical” added Martin Macmillan. At the core of Pollen VC’s vision is improving the financial literacy of developers. All too often developers rely just on equity financing to fuel their growth and don’t consider forms of alternative financing, sometimes needlessly diluting their equity instead of considering more capital efficient funding. Pollen VC has launched a range of resources for the app and game developer community to help them better understand their cash flow, financials and user acquisition metrics. The company’s CFO resources page includes a range of free to access calculators, content and templates to help the gaming and app development ecosystem improve their overall level of financial awareness and make more informed financing decisions. Looking ahead, Martin Macmillan added: “We have worked with hundreds of app and gaming developers since 2014 and the industry has changed radically since the early days. Our new lending approach provides a breath of fresh air to the industry which will enable gaming and app founders to really understand their numbers and enable faster growth and the ability to scale in a capital efficient way. We will provide developers with greater access to capital and financial knowledge to really transform the industry”. Pollen VC provides revolving credit lines to game and app developers to help them scale faster. Their finance works alongside venture capital funding as a non-dilutive complimentary funding source. Application criteria: the business must have one or more live apps on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, $20,000 - $5,000,000 in monthly revenue and 3 months or more of transaction history in its business bank account. Notes to the editor Customer example - London based mobile game studio grows revenues 35% month-on-month working with Pollen VC Comment piece - The Paradox of Revenue Based Lending Comment piece - What Supercell's $180M credit facility to Metacore signals to the wider mobile gaming ecosystem About Pollen VC Pollen VC provides flexible credit facilities to app and game developers using a data-driven lending model which is designed from the ground up for the app economy. Based in San Francisco and London, we help developers all over the world to take control of their finances and grow their business in a capital efficient way. Our team includes structured credit, capital markets and performance marketing specialists with in-depth knowledge of the mobile app and gaming market and the growth challenges faced. Pollen VC is backed by a group of leading private and institutional fintech investors, and has diverse sources of liquidity spanning private and institutional capital providers in Europe and North America. Contact Details Pollen VC Bilal Mahmoood +44 7714 007257 bilal@pollen.vc Company Website https://pollen.vc

June 10, 2021 05:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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ForwardPMX Becomes A Fashion Avenger, Joining the Dynamic Movement to Accelerate the Fashion Industry’s Role in Achieving the UN’s Global Goals

ForwardPMX

Global data and technology driven marketing services company, ForwardPMX, has signed onto the Fashion Avengers campaign, a newly launched global initiative which highlights the critical role the fashion sector has in driving progress towards the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals ( The Global Goals ). As the only agency partner and official Fashion Avenger, ForwardPMX joins a group of global industry leaders and top brands, creators, influencers and media, including Burberry, Rankin, Marie Claire, Pour Les Femmes and PANGAIA. The campaign is also supported by the British Fashion Council (BFC) and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CDFA). On becoming a Fashion Avenger, ForwardPMX Global CEO, James Townsend, said, “Sustainability started as a moral choice, but it is now equally a business imperative. As Fashion Avengers, we will help to inspire a new agenda and facilitate a more strategic conversation with brands about how to ingrain sustainability and social impact within their organizations.” The Fashion Avengers campaign was established by Project Everyone, a nonprofit creative communications agency that is focused on raising awareness, inspiring action and facilitating a cross-industry network to accelerate progress for the Global Goals. The Goals were agreed upon in 2015 by 195 countries, and represent the collective ambitious plan to eradicate poverty, fight inequality and address the climate change crisis by 2030. As a sector, Fashion uniquely intersects with all 17 of the UN’s Goals, which spurred the creation of the Fashion Avengers to serve as a crucial forum and measurable framework for global industry stakeholders to collaborate and drive progress together. Townsend added, “We intend to further invest and lead in this space as we continue to grow our company, while strengthening relationships with likeminded clients who share our values and commitment to social impact and sustainability.” Gail Gallie, Co-Founder of Project Everyone, said, “As we work to positively transform the industry, we’re surrounding ourselves with new partners to help us push for a greater uptake of the Goals. We are thrilled to have ForwardPMX onboard, as they, like the diverse group of leaders joining us as partners, understand why fashion must change and how the Goals can help the sector get there.” In addition to signing on as an official Fashion Avenger, ForwardPMX is supporting Project Everyone with global digital media expertise and other pro bono communications work surrounding the launch of the campaign and beyond. The agency has also selected its own Goals out of the 17 to design its social good frameworks across EMEA, North America, MENA and APAC. “Social impact and sustainability have been deeply embedded within our agency’s culture, our proposition and our way of working over the last decade. As a Fashion Avenger, we’re not only strongly positioned to guide our fashion clients, but we’re also creating a platform to further encourage our global staff base to increase their own self-efficacy and to live a more ethical and sustainable lifestyle,” said Hanna Kubbutat-Byrne, Head of Social Impact and co-lead of ForwardPMX’s social impact arm, TransformFP. The Fashion Avengers campaign has launched at the Forest for Change at the Somerset House in London. Help spread the word beginning June 10 th using #FashionAvengers. And see the Industry launch and Fashion Avengers panel streaming live at the Goals House. About ForwardPMX: ForwardPMX is a global data and technology driven marketing services company, designed to help brands find the change that delivers meaningful growth to their businesses. With over 20 offices worldwide and 1,000 of the industry's most distinguished talent, ForwardPMX brings a unified global vision, with local depth and expertise across a comprehensive set of data, technology, consultancy and performance solutions that reach people all over the world. By pairing people with data-led process and powerful technology capabilities, ForwardPMX is uniquely positioned to deliver scale and accelerate problem solving. ForwardPMX is a proud member of The Stagwell Group. About Project Everyone: Devised by Richard Curtis, Project Everyone is a nonprofit creative communications agency focused on raising awareness, inspiring action and driving accountability for the United Nations’ Global Goals: an ambitious plan to eradicate poverty, fight inequality, and tackle the climate crisis. Project Everyone’s motto is ‘in order to make things happen, you have to make things’ - and so they create advocacy campaigns, content, programmes and events, telling stories that help multiple sectors engage with the Goals. Through a global network of campaigning organisations, philanthropists, private sector partners, governments, UN agencies, public figures, and activists, Project Everyone looks to accelerate progress towards a better future for both people and planet. About the UN Global Goals: In 2015, the 193 Member States of the United Nations agreed to 17 Global Goals (officially known as the Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs), to be achieved by 2030. Recognizing that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and threats to biodiversity, the Goals call on all countries to promote prosperity and social well-being whilst taking ambitious steps to protect the planet. However it is now up to all of us - governments, businesses, civil society and the general public alike - to work together to build a better, fairer future where no one is left behind. With less than 10 years to go, we have more work than ever to do. About Forest for Change From 1 - 27 June 2021, the courtyard of Somerset House will be transformed into a forest, as part of London Design Biennale. Forest for Change – The Global Goals Pavilion, invites visitors to discover the 17 UN Global Goals. The Forest is created from 400 juvenile trees, individually selected for their differing canopy shapes, heights and form. Species have been selected with the aim of ensuring future resilience to the changing London environment, and the trees will be donated to and replanted in London boroughs after they have graced the Somerset House courtyard, creating a living durable legacy. At the heart of the Forest, seventeen mirrored pillars will bring the Goals to life as the world’s To Do List for people and planet. As part of this experience, visitors will be invited to record a short message expressing the change they wish to see in the world. This will be instantly added to a participatory music installation composed by Robert M Thomas, and will become part of ‘Voices for Change’, a Google Arts & Culture Lab collaboration bringing together the voices and passions of people from across the world in an interactive online experience for the Goals. A powerful collective message for change, Forest for Change was designed by leading international artist and designer, and Artistic Director of the Biennale, Es Devlin, in collaboration with Landscape Designer Philip Jaffa and Urban Greening Specialists Scotscape and presented in partnership with Project Everyone. Contact Details ForwardPMX Sara Pollack, VP of Marketing +1 917-438-4923 sara.pollack@fowardpmx.com ForwardPMX Dammi Afolabi, Marketing & Communications Manager +447958069108 dammi.afolabi@forwardpmx.com Company Website https://www.forwardpmx.com/

June 10, 2021 04:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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World’s largest product discovery platform RangeMe opens UK retailers to over 750,000 products

RangeMe

The world’s largest product discovery and sourcing platform RangeMe has launched in the UK today. Buyers at British retailers will now be able to source over 750,000 products and connect with more than 200,000 suppliers to fill their shopping aisles and online stores with curated products meeting consumer demand. Buyers at high street chain LloydsPharmacy are currently partnering with RangeMe. RangeMe first launched in 2013 and is used today by over 12,000 retailers in the U.S., including Walmart, Ulta Beauty, Walgreens, and Albertsons. It has quickly established itself as the industry leader for retail product discovery and sourcing by becoming the world’s largest source of brands and products purchased by buyers in the US. RangeMe helps retailers and their buying teams scale product sourcing efforts with streamlined submissions, simplified discovery tools, and the industry standard digital sell sheet. RangeMe enables buyers to filter searches to find brands meeting exact sourcing needs, enables seamless connectivity and collaboration with suppliers and provides curated collections to help identify and understand category trends and emerging brands. “Consumers are looking for a variety of products from all over the world and sourcing them online. The British public is no different, yet high street retailers have struggled to offer these products in store or online principally because they don’t have sight of all that’s available in the market. RangeMe will change this for retailers bringing more choice to shopping aisles and a significant revenue opportunity,” said Nicky Jackson, CEO of RangeMe. “We will pick up the heavy lifting for buyers and present the global product market opportunity in one screen”. LloydsPharmacy which caters to the medical, lifestyle and well-being needs of millions of people in the UK is an early adopter of the RangeMe platform. “We pride ourselves on offering the widest range of products that meet the highest standards for consumers. RangeMe is already helping us to identify a wider spread of products for our customers. Equally importantly, we will quickly scale our buying operations through the platform and reduce the time to get more products on our shelves” added John Acland, Head of Category Management and eCommerce at McKesson UK, parent company to LloydsPharmacy. RangeMe also invites British suppliers to join the platform for a front-row audience of the biggest high street retailers. It is a single place to represent their brand and products to a network of thousands of retail buyers. RangeMe helps suppliers grow their retail relationships with a platform that gives them the tools and insights to manage their products, market their brand, and build awareness. RangeMe is the global online platform where retailers and suppliers can discover, connect, and grow their business. Suppliers can showcase their range, bring new products to market, increase brand visibility, and grow sales, while buyers use RangeMe to discover new products, search trends, and communicate directly with brands. “Our mission has always been to empower retailers and suppliers to be productive and successful. The world has become a smaller place but it remains distant for forging strong cross border buyer and seller relationships. RangeMe will bridge this gap for buyers and sellers around the world and ensure extraordinary products hit store shelves, faster than ever before” added Nicky Jackson. About RangeMe RangeMe, an ECRM company, is the leading online platform that streamlines new product discovery between suppliers and retailers. The platform empowers retail buyers to efficiently discover innovative and emerging products, while streamlining the inbound product submission process. For product suppliers, RangeMe enables them to grow their retail relationships with a platform that gives them the tools to manage their products, market their brand, and build awareness. Now integrated into the ECRM product offering, RangeMe adds increased breadth and depth to the industry's most complete sourcing solution for top retailers and product suppliers. Contact Details RangeMe Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://www.rangeme.com/

June 09, 2021 04:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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