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COMCAST'S INTERNET ESSENTIALS PROGRAM AND SERJOBS ANNOUNCE TECHNICAL SKILLS TRAINING PARTNERSHIP AND $30,000 DONATION

Comcast Houston

Comcast's Internet Essentials program today announced the award of a $30,000 financial grant and donated 1,000 laptops to SERJobs, whose mission is to help individuals from low-income communities transform their lives through education training, employment, and financial empowerment services. The grant and donation are part of a new partnership to fund technical skills training and readiness certifications for clients of SERJobs. This program will offer digital skills training opportunities, including Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Excel and professional development. “SERJobs is excited to celebrate 10 years of Comcast's Internet Essentials program,” said Sheroo Mukhtiar, CEO, SERJobs. “The Workforce Development Rally highlights the importance of digital literacy in our increasingly virtual world—especially as technology and the needs of our economy evolve. We are grateful to Comcast for their ongoing partnership and support of SERJobs’ and our members.” The announcement is part of Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities; and coincides with the 10th anniversary of its Internet Essentials program, which has connected a cumulative total of more than 10 million people to the Internet at home – most for the very first time. Comcast’s expanded eligibility for Internet Essentials, now including all Federal Pell Grant recipients within its service area, will enable even more students to stay connected as they continue to pursue degrees at colleges, universities, and technical schools. “Ten years is a remarkable milestone, signifying an extraordinary amount of work and collaboration with our incredible community partners across Houston,” said Toni Beck, Vice President of External Affairs, Comcast Houston. “Together, we have connected hundreds of thousands of people to the power of the Internet at home, and to the endless opportunity, education, growth, and discovery it provides. Our work is not done, and we are excited to partner with SERJobs to ensure the next generation of leaders in Houston are equipped with the technical training they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.” Comcast’s top priorities are connecting people to the Internet at home, equipping safe spaces with free WiFi and working with a robust network of nonprofit community organizations, city leaders, and business partners to create opportunities for low-income Americans. As the nation’s largest internet provider, Comcast supports cooperation between communities, businesses and non-profit organizations to enhance digital equity. Comcast’s $1 billion commitment will include investments in several critical areas, including: additional support for the Lift Zone initiative, which establishes free WiFi access in 50 community centers in Houston, and 1,000+ community centers nationwide, for students and adults by the end of 2021; new laptop and computer donations; over $100,000 in digital equity grants for local Houston nonprofit community organizations to create opportunities for low-income Houstonians – particularly in media, technology, and entrepreneurship; and continued investment in the company’s landmark Internet Essentials program. Project UP & Comcast’s $1 Billion Commitment to Advancing Digital Equity: For over a decade, connecting more people to the Internet and the technology they need to participate and excel in an increasingly digital world has been a core focus for the company. Looking toward the next ten years, Comcast is building on that foundation and expanding its impact through Project UP, a comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. Backed by a $1 billion commitment to reach 50 million people, Project UP encompasses the programs and community partnerships across Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Sky that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators. For more information on Project UP and the latest news on efforts to address digital inequities visit https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up. 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 57 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, Peacock, NBC News, 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. About SERJobs: SERJobs Houston, a regional affiliate of SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc., is a nonprofit organization empowering individuals to transform their lives through education, training, employment, and financial empowerment services. Founded in 1965 as a volunteer job bank for Hispanic veterans, SERJobs has evolved, and now operates offices in Houston, Galveston and Fort Bend. SERJobs serves individuals in 13 Texas counties and assists more than 4,000 members access better opportunities every year. For more information, visit serjobs.org Contact Details Comcast Foti Kallergis +1 832-986-0196 Foti_Kallergis@comcast.com SERJobs Christi Vasquez +1 832-890-3606 Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

December 02, 2021 09:01 AM Central Standard Time

Kitchen Magic Announces 2022 Kitchen Design Forecast

Kitchen Magic

Kitchen Magic, a family-owned and operated kitchen remodeling company with over 41 years of experience under its toolbelt, announced today its forecast for what the top trends in kitchen design will be in 2022, keeping homeowners informed on how to stay on the cutting edge of remodeling in the new year. According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, elevated spending on residential remodeling projects will continue well into 2022. After a time of unprecedented change that spurred an exponential increase in the time homeowners spent at their homes and in their kitchens, kitchen design as we knew it, changed forever. Homeowners are still looking to further improve their kitchens, inspired by a renewed appreciation for the most used room in the home. With the new year presenting a much-needed fresh start for many, Kitchen Magic is committed to keeping clients on the forefront, uncovering ways to refresh the kitchen by way of remodeling, thus, helping them achieve their renovation resolutions. “In 2022, homeowners will be looking to optimize space and service areas in the kitchen,” said JT Norman, Product & Design Innovation Lead for Kitchen Magic. "Building up these functional areas sets the stage for a sleek and clean kitchen aesthetic.” The company’s design and innovation experts have pulled together a forecast that truly coincides with the clutter-free and practicality often associated with a new beginning. A small sampling of the 2022 Kitchen Magic design trends forecast includes: Knobs & Pulls: The Jewelry of the Kitchen Brass, gold, and champagne tone fixtures are the latest in kitchen hardware. A gold finish is one of the best ways to a add a touch of glamour to the kitchen. Forest Bathing This trend brings the outside inside using materials such as wood, stone, and greenery. When deciding on a palette, think deep, rustic hues and use of color in unexpected places such as appliances and hoods. Scandinavian Influence This trend can be described in 3 words: Clean. Minimalist. Simple. This motif features smooth, straight lines; open floor plans; large glass windows; low profile cabinetry; and geometric shapes. Vinyl is in Vogue Product manufacturing technology has come a long way with homeowners impressed by the fact that they are unable to distinguish vinyl flooring from real wood or stone. It’s one of the more cost-effective flooring options on the market. This product trend will continue past 2022 because of vinyl flooring’s durability and designs. While many homeowners are waiting for January 1 st to commence any remodeling projects, Kitchen Magic hopes that this kitchen design forecast will inspire clients to be “out with the old, in with the new” ahead of the new year. Kitchen Magic’s full 2022 kitchen design trends forecast can be downloaded here. Kitchen Magic has teams of consultants across the Northeast to help homeowners in these regions envision their upcoming projects. To learn more and schedule your free consultation, visit www.kitchenmagic.com. About Kitchen Magic Kitchen Magic is a kitchen remodeling company with headquarters and manufacturing facilities located in Nazareth, PA. Kitchen Magic has been family-owned and operated since 1979. Using an exclusive cabinet refacing process, Kitchen Magic has transformed nearly 60,000 kitchens. Today, Kitchen Magic serves CT, DE, MA, NJ, NY, PA, and RI. Kitchen Magic is recognized by Qualified Remodeler as #1 in kitchen remodeling nationwide, an 11-time Angie's List Super Service Award winner, a Best of Houzz winner for design & service 10 times, and an honored 8-time winner of The Morning Call's Top Workplace Award. Contact Details Kitchen Magic LInda Fennessy +1 800-237-0799 linda.fennessy@kitchenmagic.com Direct Linda Fennessy +1 610-217-0964 Company Website https://www.kitchenmagic.com

December 02, 2021 09:13 AM Eastern Standard Time

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How One Artist Merged Man and Machine

The Kirby Foundation

Nestled in Loveland, Colorado, is artist Paul Kirby’s studio. Inside that studio stands a 10-foot by 10-foot AI-powered robot named Dulcinea, capable of producing masterful paintings with exquisite brushwork in the manner of the Renaissance virtuosos. Kirby created Dulcinea, named after a character in Don Quixote, as his partner, muse and medium — a delicate dance between man and machine. Unlike other efforts to recreate art with artificial intelligence, Kirby didn’t design Dulcinea to think like a human being. He designed her to paint like a human being, relying on both his artistic skills and his coding prowess in a process he calls “ fusioneering, ” the pursuit of a single vision while combining multiple passions or interests. “My mission was to combine my expertise and passion for technology, science and invention, with my love of art and aesthetics,” said Kirby. Now Dulcinea has a different mission. In hopes to inspire others, Kirby produced a film documenting Dulcinea’s creation and his 40-year journey to embody fusioneering. Entitled “ Brushstroke,” the short documentary film chronicles the pain and passion that fueled him, his work, and Dulcinea’s creation. In his story, we realize that art and science can become one, that our disparate strengths can all work together and that a steadfast commitment to our dreams will make them a reality —no matter how unconventional. "While I remain passionate about creating in collaboration with Dulcinea," he says, "my focus for the work has changed. She stands as a role model now, the manifestation that anyone can carve out a unique path for themselves by cultivating and combining their strengths and passions.” The film has been included in both the Vail Film Festival and the Portland Film Festival, with more appearances scheduled for early 2022. Viewers can also watch “Brushstroke” by visiting Kirby’s website: www.thefusioneer.com. The Kirby Foundation Guided by the belief that all of us can fuse our interests, skills and passions into a unique vision of innovation and purpose, The Kirby Foundation inspires others through the example of its founder Paul Kirby. He was the first "fusioneer," combining his interest in science, technology, and art to create Dulcinea, a 10-foot by 10-foot, AI-powered, painting robot. Unlike efforts to recreate art with artificial intelligence, Dulcinea — using paints, brushes and canvas — creates singular masterpieces based on Kirby’s vision, artistry and coding skills. Today the foundation’s vision is to encourage and empower all to become "fusioneers" and pursue their dreams. Learn more about Kirby's vision and the work of the foundation at www.thefusioneer.com. Contact Details Center Reach Communications Tracy Henderson +1 720-989-3530 tracy@centerreachcommunication.com Company Website https://thefusioneer.com/

December 02, 2021 09:13 AM Eastern Standard Time

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A world first: SmartFrame and Adobe-led CAI work in collaboration to validate image provenance and protect images from misuse online

SmartFrame Technologies

SmartFrame Technologies, the first-to-market image-streaming technology provider, today announced the world’s first test of end-to-end image authentication and protection in collaboration with the Adobe-led Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI). It’s estimated that over 2.5 billion images are either stolen or have their copyright infringed every day, which robs content creators of their livelihood and empowers those intent on spreading fake news and misinformation on social media platforms and elsewhere online. With trillions of digital photographs readily available online, no meaningful protection, and the proliferation of easy-to-use editing software, image theft, manipulation, and misrepresentation has become a very real threat to our society. That’s why SmartFrame has been working with the Adobe-led CAI to create a solution that combines robust image protection with provenance authentication, fit for a digital world that has become like the Wild West when it comes to image theft and misuse. Putting the technologies to the test The CAI is showcasing what the eventual future of trusted image capture for consumers will look like through use of a prototype device. This device uses Truepic’s groundbreaking native integration of hardware-secured photo capture, powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 865 5G Mobile Platform. The device was given to renowned photographer David Yarrow, who shot to fame with his iconic image of soccer player Diego Maradona holding aloft the World Cup in 1986, to test out the enhanced end-to-end image authentication and protection systems resulting from the collaboration between SmartFrame Technologies and the CAI. “The shoot was in Dinokeng Game Reserve with Kevin Richardson, who’s known as the lion whisperer,” says Cameron Yarrow, who was part of the production team on the shoot. The aim was to create a powerful portrait of a lion’s face. However, wild animals don’t always pose for photographs, so having Kevin on hand was key. By selecting ‘Secure Mode’ on the CAI-enabled device, the team could easily attach essential data to the image at the point of capture, proving the image’s origin. It’s also possible to add further details to this through the CAI function found within image-editing software, recording edits made in post-production. Such seamless integration meant the process of creating the image was exactly the same as what the team was already used to. The difference became apparent when publishing the image as a SmartFrame, as demonstrated in the link below. With a simple tap of the info icon in the top-left-hand corner of the SmartFrame, it’s possible to view the image’s attribution and history data, with the option of viewing further details on a dedicated verification page. The CAI data function combines seamlessly with SmartFrame’s interactive image-streaming interface. This new way to display images online supports high-quality images up to 100MP in resolution, and uses a wide range of immersive functions to present them in all their glory. These include a full-screen viewing mode, together with the ability to zoom in to explore the finest details, all without affecting page-loading times. More importantly, however, SmartFrames provide advanced security against image theft. Dragging and dropping is made impossible, while right-clicks and screenshots are met with image-obscuring copyright warnings. Furthermore, built-in captions ensure permanent attribution. This not only helps to prevent image piracy, but also raises awareness of copyright restrictions. Through the use of deterrent messages, users are reminded that the image they are viewing is subject to copyright and are instead encouraged to share it legally using the Embed and Share functions. By sharing images in this way, they will carry all the enhanced viewing and security features, together with permanent attribution and CAI provenance data outlined above, wherever they are embedded. This means publishers can benefit from increased engagement and dwell times, image owners can monitor and control their valuable assets, and users can enjoy an extra level of protection against disinformation, leading to a higher level of trust. This pioneering collaboration is taking sure steps towards a safer online environment. Rob Sewell, CEO of SmartFrame Technologies, comments: “This marks the beginning of a new era in image publishing, where users have greater transparency and photographers can once again ensure their art is being used in the way it was intended. By working together, we can create a digital world where it’s okay to believe what you see.’’ Read more about the test and see the first ever CAI-enabled SmartFrame here SmartFrame applications outside of image protection: SmartFrame offers numerous additional benefits, such as its in-image contextual and cookie-less advertising system. Content owners can capitalise on the interest in their images and get paid when these are viewed, while publishers can embed images on their sites and gain a share of the revenues from the display of these ads. Advertisers, meanwhile, can reach new and relevant audiences, with ads that are contextually targeted to the image content, webpage and location of the viewer, all within a highly viewable premium ad unit placement. About SmartFrame Founded in 2015, SmartFrame Technologies is a London-based software provider with an aim to redefine the digital image standard. Its SmartFrame platform allows content owners and brands to protect their assets and present them in the best possible way, while also allowing publishers to source and embed high-quality images, and for everyone involved to generate new revenue streams by way of in-image advertising. About Adobe Adobe is the global leader in digital media and digital marketing solutions. Our creative, marketing and document solutions empower everyone – from emerging artists to global brands – to bring digital creations to life and deliver immersive, compelling experiences to the right person at the right moment for the best results. In short, Adobe is everywhere, and we’re changing the world through digital experiences. About the CAI The Content Authenticity Initiative is a group working together to fight misinformation and add a layer of verifiable trust to all types of digital content, starting with photo and video, through provenance and attribution solutions. We’re creating a secure end-to-end system for digital content provenance through open-source development, cross-industry collaboration, and interoperability of tools. Additional image access information. To get images associated with the article follow link below: https://smartframe.io/blog/smartframe-and-cai-working-together-to-validate-provenance-and-improve-image-protection/ Contact Details SmartFrame Technologies Jill Kent +44 7760 470309 info@prsuperstar.co.uk

December 02, 2021 06:10 AM Eastern Standard Time

Oprah’s Favorite Things with Gayle King and Adam Glassman

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/5zdxoXdJxYg 2021 marks the 25 th anniversary of Oprah’s Favorite Things and Gayle King, co-host of " CBS Mornings " and editor-at-large of Oprah Daily and Adam Glassman, creative director of Oprah Daily conducted a nationwide media tour to discuss highlights from this year’s list. Spotlighting small businesses and the inspiring stories of the owners behind the products has been part of the mission of Oprah’s Favorite Things from the very start. This is the biggest list ever with 110 items and most of the items selected are from small businesses, women-owned brands or companies owned by people of color. Some of the highlights include: Rebel Girls Books, Crayon Case Notepad iShadow Palettes, Fab Fête White Corn & Truffle Cheese Soufflé, Henry Masks and Oprah’s The Life You Want Planner. Part weekly planner, part intention journal, this beautiful book created by the Oprah Daily editors and Oprah will inspire you to make self-reflection and setting intentions a daily practice—and help you answer the ultimate question, “How do I become more of me?” Starting in January 2022, Oprah will host monthly livestream events exclusively for Oprah Daily Insiders to guide us through each of these topics. We’ll have surrounding content and conversation on OprahDaily.com every single day to support your journey. Oprah Daily Insiders receive unlimited access to OprahDaily.com, as well as special deals and discounts on Oprah-related events, access to their favorite stories and interviews from the magazine archives of O, The Oprah Magazine, and the chance to connect with other readers. Access to the membership program is $50, which also includes a subscription to the new O Quarterly. We have more fun surprises planned in the coming months so head to OprahDaily.com to join now or become an Oprah Daily Insider here. You can pick up the Winter Issue of O Quarterly featuring Oprah’s Favorite Things on newsstands now or head to OprahDaily.com to sign up to be an Oprah Daily Insider or shop the list on Oprah Daily and Amazon. To see the full list of items please visit https://www.oprahdaily.com/oprah-favorite-things-2021. For more information, visit oprahdaily.com/oprah-favorite-things-2021 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. About Oprah Daily: Building on the mission and legacy of O, The Oprah Magazine — which for two decades guided its loyal audience toward living their best lives — Oprah Winfrey and Hearst Magazines introduced Oprah Daily, which includes OprahDaily.com, a new destination with thoughtful digital storytelling; O Quarterly, a new print edition that will publish four times a year; and Oprah Daily Insider, a special membership-only community, where readers can connect live with Oprah other O personalities, including Editor-at-Large Gayle King, Creative Director Adam Glassman and more. Follow Oprah Daily on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

December 01, 2021 05:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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iTradeNetwork Features Blue Book Ratings and Scores in iTradeMarketplace

iTradeNetwork

As a recently established Blue Book Registered Developer, iTradeNetwork, the food and beverage industry’s largest network with over 8,000 food and beverage trading partners, is delivering real-time access to Blue Book Ratings and Scores through the iTradeMarketplace platform. Now iTradeMarketplace users who are also Blue Book Services subscribers can view a company’s Blue Book Rating and Blue Book Score within the iTradeMarketplace platform. This integration provides maximum efficiency for end-users to view critical Blue Book information before a business transaction. “As we worked with our produce customers to build the iTradeMarketplace features, we repeatedly heard the need to have quick, easy access to Blue Book Ratings and Scores. This integration delivers on that vital industry need,” said Nathan Romney, chief product officer of iTradeNetwork. “We welcome iTradeNetwork as a Blue Book Registered Developer,” said Mark Erickson, Senior Vice President of Blue Book Services. “Our mission is to provide Blue Book content where, when and how members need it. So, the arrangement with iTradeNetwork is a very good fit and provides a useful complement to the suite of content, analytics and tools now available via Blue Book Online Services.” A free 30-day trial of the data integration is available for iTradeMarketplace users who do not currently subscribe to Blue Book Services. About Blue Book Services, Inc. Since 1901, Blue Book Services, Inc. has been the leader in providing the domestic and international fresh produce and exempt transportation industries with timely, accurate and reliable credit and marketing information. Produce suppliers, buyers, brokers and transporters alike rely on Blue Book ratings, reports, and information to make safe, informed and profitable business decisions. Blue Book Service also includes a full range of dispute resolution services, including collections, mediations, and arbitrations. About iTradeNetwork iTradeNetwork, Inc. is the leading global provider of supply chain management solutions for the food and beverage industry. Built upon deep industry expertise, a rich data foundation and the industries’ most extensive trading partner network, iTradeNetwork’s collaborative solutions allow distributors, manufacturers, operators, retailers, suppliers and wholesalers of all sizes to reduce cost, grow revenue and strengthen trading partner relationships. Today, iTradeNetwork’s growing customer list includes more than 8,000 companies globally. For more information, visit: www.itradenetwork.com. Media, please note: Visual assets, including photos, are available. To interview ITN’s CEO Rhonda Bassett-Spiers or for other interview requests, please contact Robin Carr at (415) 971-3991 or itn@landispr.com. ### Contact Details Landis Communications Inc. Robin Carr +1 415-971-3991 itn@landispr.com Blue Book Services, Inc. Jeff Lair +1 630-668-3500 jlair@bluebookservices.com Company Website https://www.itradenetwork.com/

December 01, 2021 07:51 AM Pacific Standard Time

VBOX ATSC 3.0 ANDROID TV GATEWAY

VBox Communications

Presenting at CES® 2022 – January 5-8, 2022 Venetian Expo/Eureka Park – Booth #61708 (TECH WEST) VBox Communications, an expert in live broadcast TV streaming and recording, announced the expansion of capabilities for its ATSC 3.0 Android TV Gateway —which now includes clear, seamless and high-quality streaming of live or recorded ATSC 3.0 broadcast signals to companion devices running Android TV OS. VBox Communications will be presenting at CES ® 2022 in the Venetian Expo/Eureka Park section of Tech West – Booth #61708, from January 5-8, 2022. VBox’s quad-tuner ATSC 3.0 Android Gateway enables any Android-compliant companion device with Dolby AC-4 decoding capabilities to receive, record and play ATSC 3.0 broadcast signals over any local network, including these notable enhancements: Streaming HEVC 4K video and Dolby AC-4 audio to companion devices Content recasting to multiple network-connected devices (e.g. mobile phones, tablets, PCs, and TV screens) DVR-recorded content access and viewing from any Android-compatible connected device Enhanced Electronic Service Guides (ESG) Advanced Emergency Alerts Broadcast applications testing environment. SDK provision to enable 3 rd -party development In addition, the company has also launched a testing kit that includes an ATSC 3.0 broadcast receiver device, accompanied by an SDK. “We invite broadcasters, service providers, application developers, and system integrators to participate in our new ATSC 3.0 Testbed program, designed to help evaluate the performance and test the latest developments in the ATSC 3.0 market,” said Jonathan Rind, VBox’s Marketing Director. VBox devices – including SDKs – are available for testing, evaluating and analyzing both linear ATSC 1.0 & 3.0 broadcast signals, as well as “beyond TV” ATSC 3.0 functionality, such as ESGs, advanced emergency alerting, broadcast apps, etc. The company has also a planned product for the evolving 5G Broadcast standard. More information about the ATSC 3.0 Android Gateway can be found at: https://vboxcomm.com/landing/landing-atsc3/ or by contacting VBox: marketing@vboxcomm.com. About VBox: VBox Communications (https://vboxcomm.com/) is an expert in Digital TV, offering products that deliver live TV broadcasts (e.g. DVB-T/T2, DVB-C, DVB-S/S2, ISDB-T/ATSC) to IP, combined with OTT video streaming services, for home and business use. VBox’s innovative, end-to-end firmware, software, and hardware solutions empower telcos, STB/streamer OEMs, and integrators to harness the benefits of converged live broadcast and IP- based TV – while helping grow revenues, streamlining communications and reducing costs. Contact Details VBox Communications Jonathan Rind +972 9-950-2821 jonathanr@vboxcomm.com Company Website https://vboxcomm.com/

December 01, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

UK SMEs forge ahead with cautious optimism as post-pandemic business confidence grows

Stockwood Strategy

Despite lingering anxieties about the pandemic and a variety of economic and commercial issues, the majority of SMEs believe it is now imperative to begin building back from the crisis. They are ready to step up their business investment, with ambitious plans for recruitment, renewal of equipment and machinery, and both domestic and international expansion. Fintech business lender MarketFinance asked 2,000 SME owners across the UK about their outlook for 2022 and beyond, gauging their short and long-term plans for business investment and growth. MarketFinance has today released a comprehensive research report of its findings. Confidence Analysis of the survey results has shown that business confidence amongst SMEs is improving, with many firms now focused on recovery and growth. With pandemic disruptions now largely settled, half of SMEs (48%) expect their turnover to stabilise or to increase over the next 12 months. Similarly, 50% of SMEs expect demand for their products or services to stabilise or to increase over the next six months. MarketFinance’s research has found that the majority of SMEs (63%) expect their business to grow over the next three years Investment With survival mode no longer a necessity and cash flow pressures beginning to ease, the vast majority of SMEs (70%) now feel confident enough to increase business investment over the next 12 months. A quarter of SMEs plan to hire new staff, while 24% expect to purchase new equipment and machinery. When asked how they were factoring borrowing into their investment plans, 23% of SMEs said access to a broader range of borrowing options could enable them to increase investment even further. Borrowing The research findings demonstrate that borrowing will play a key role in recovery and growth with 62% of SMEs saying that prudent borrowing could help them fund growth. However, three quarters (71%) of SMEs do not believe traditional banking products are the most obvious and convenient way to borrow for investment. Despite this lack of alignment between current finance needs and the options available through traditional routes, more than a third of SMEs (37%) are looking to take on new borrowing facilities. Growth With confidence high and a sense of having moved beyond recovery and into a new stage of growth, many businesses are looking forward to seizing a host of opportunities in 2022. Almost all SMEs surveyed (81%) plan to invest in sustainability, while 30% say they are considering merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the year ahead – more than twice as many as those primarily focusing on organic growth (14%). Over a third of businesses (34%) say they already sell overseas, or have plans to begin doing so. That figure is highest amongst the largest businesses surveyed (turnover between £5m and £6.5m) but even amongst smaller enterprises significant numbers are focused on export. Anil Stocker, CEO at MarketFinance, commented: “ It’s clear that the business environment has shifted and SMEs are looking ahead with a quietly confident and cautiously optimistic view. UK businesses intend to ramp up growth through domestic and international expansion, digital transformation and even M&A activity. But as they reset their post-pandemic goals for a post-pandemic, they’ll need to be confident of their funding base. Given that so many SMEs are looking outside of traditional routes in their search for finance, we’re particularly proud to have been accredited by the British Business Bank as one of the few alternative providers under The Recovery Loan Scheme. Schemes like the RLS are a golden opportunity for SMEs looking to gear up for growth, providing easily accessible funding at a lower cost across a wide range of products. We expect to see a large number of SMEs taking advantage of the scheme over the next 6 months as their growth and expansion efforts gain momentum and they invest in ambitious plans for 2022 and beyond.” About MarketFinance MarketFinance is a fintech business lender which believes that SMEs are building the world. By making finance frictionless, they’re solving the cash flow issues getting in the way of progress. MarketFinance uses smart technology to deliver better access to faster, more affordable finance; with one-to-one help whenever businesses need it. Since 2011, MarketFinance has advanced over £2.6 billion worth of invoices and loans, enabling thousands of UK businesses to bridge today’s funding gaps and fuel tomorrow’s big ambitions. MarketFinance is an accredited Recover Loan Scheme lender and has a wide-reaching network of strategic partners including Barclays Bank UK PLC, Tide, Equals Group and Ebury. MarketFinance is backed by Barclays Bank UK PLC, Mouro Capital, Paul Forster (co-founder of Indeed.com) European venture capital fund Northzone (invested in Klarna, iZettle and Trustpilot), Viola Capital and private equity group MCI Capital (also invested in iZettle, Azimo and Gett). Further information visit: www.marketfinance.com Contact Details MarketFinance Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://marketfinance.com/

December 01, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Monteverde’s Joins FreshEdge

Rotunda Capital Partners LLC

FreshEdge, a family of produce and specialty food companies backed by Rotunda Capital Partners, acquired Monteverde’s, a fresh produce distributor located near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Monteverde’s operates out of a 61,500 square-foot facility. The addition expands FreshEdge’s footprint further into the eastern United States and provides space and logistical support to better serve its increasing customer base. Monteverde’s joins a growing alliance that includes Piazza Produce & Specialty Foods, Indianapolis Fruit, Get Fresh Produce, McCartney Produce, Leonardo’s Produce, Valley Produce, Vine Line, Garden Cut, CIBUS Fresh and Papania’s. FreshEdge now operates with 1,775 employees, approximately 731,500 square feet of warehouse space, and a fleet of more than 670 trucks. “We welcome Steve Monteverde and his dedicated team to the FreshEdge family of companies,” said Steve Grinstead, CEO of FreshEdge. “Monteverde’s will be a great addition to our expanding group of ‘best in class’ fresh food distribution companies.” Terms of the deal, which closed on November 30, 2021, were not disclosed. The transaction strengthens the combined business’s presence in western Pennsylvania and the tri-state region that includes Ohio and West Virginia. “We are excited for this great company to join FreshEdge and look forward to continuing Monteverde’s ‘Tradition of Excellence’,” said Greg Corsaro, president and COO of FreshEdge. “By joining FreshEdge, Monteverde’s can continue to be locally managed while enjoying multi-regional distribution advantages and national procurement opportunities,” said Steve Monteverde, fourth-generation owner. Steve Monteverde, the Monteverde family, and Monteverde’s President Gloria Garofalo will continue to lead the company. FreshEdge is backed by Rotunda Capital Partners, a lower middle market private equity firm focused on investments in founder and family held companies. Rotunda seeks to provide opportunities for management teams to reach strategic, financial, and operational objectives. Rotunda entered the food business in 2017 with the acquisition of Indianapolis Fruit and Piazza Produce. FreshEdge was created in 2019 when Get Fresh Produce joined the platform. Monteverde’s represents FreshEdge’s seventh acquisition since Rotunda’s initial investment. Together, Rotunda and FreshEdge intend to continue expanding FreshEdge by welcoming more companies into the group—all focused on high quality produce and specialty food products, along with exceptional service—to create a unique team of complementary entities. About FreshEdge FreshEdge was formed in 2019 through the combination of Get Fresh Produce (founded 1982) and the IF&P Foods family of companies, primarily comprised of Indianapolis Fruit (founded 1947) and Piazza Produce (founded 1970). Collectively, the three leading fresh food distribution companies have nearly 150 years of combined experience serving the grocery and food service industries. In addition, FreshEdge includes two Garden Cut branded fresh-cut processing facilities, a tomato re-packer, a USDA fresh kitchen (CIBUS Fresh), and two transportation companies. FreshEdge’s fleet resource includes more than 670 trucks servicing the Midwest and beyond from twelve facilities totaling approximately 731,500 square feet of warehouse space. Today, FreshEdge is one of the largest independent fresh food distributors in the United States and a category leader in providing both the foodservice and retail industries with fruit, vegetables, proteins, fresh grab-n-go offerings, dairy, floral, and specialty products. About Rotunda Capital Partners Rotunda Capital Partners is a private equity firm that invests equity capital in established, lower middle market companies. Rotunda partners with management to build data-driven growth platforms within its targeted sectors, including value-added distribution, asset light logistics and industrial/business services. Founded in 2009, the firm has a long history of helping management teams achieve their goals for growth. The Rotunda team actively provides guidance and draws on deep industry and financial relationships to contribute to the successful execution of Rotunda’s companies’ strategic plans. The firm has offices in Bethesda, MD and Evanston, IL. For more information, visit www.rotundacapital.com. Contact Details FreshEdge Greg Corsaro +1 317-981-3440 gcorsaro@freshedgefoods.com Rotunda Capital Partners Jill Lafferty +1 847-280-1295 jill@rotundacapital.com Company Website https://www.rotundacapital.com

December 01, 2021 07:34 AM Eastern Standard Time

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