Latest news with #AndrewAtherton
CBC
5 hours ago
- Business
- CBC
Halifax auditor general says 'no way to know' if winter crews are doing good job
Halifax's auditor general says the city is not properly managing its winter operations, with no evidence to show how things are going. A report looking at the two winter seasons across 2022-23 and 2023-24 was released to Halifax's audit and finance committee Wednesday. "I don't understand how some basic questions either aren't being asked, or certainly aren't being answered," Andrew Atherton told reporters after the meeting. Municipal crews clear the downtown cores of Halifax and Dartmouth, while the city spent about $30 million annually for those budget years on private contractors that handle the rest of the region. The audit said public works staff could not say how much Halifax Regional Municipality spends on its in-house winter operations crews. Atherton said staff have told him it's difficult to keep track of internal spending because multiple departments are involved during winter storms. But he said it's important to track that money so council and staff can see trends over time, and compare what's spent in-house to what Halifax is paying its contractors. "What if council wants to have a discussion — 'Well, should this new subdivision be in-house, should it be contractor? Which one's the most effective? Do we have excess capacity with our in-house teams?' We have no idea. There's no way to know if we don't start to collect some more information on it," he said. "And it would make me very uncomfortable to be in that position as a manager." The audit showed staff did not monitor whether any crews were meeting the municipality's service standards. These standards outline when roads and sidewalks are expected to be clear, ranging from 12 to 36 hours depending on the type of street and how much snow has fallen. Although public works supervisors complete reports after every weather event, they are simply given a blank text box to fill out with no specific questions about how crews handled their duties. "Each time, the supervisor is saying, yeah, everything was done great and that's the … extent of the information," he said. The audit showed public works management said they can't measure whether the standards are being met because they don't have the "required technology." While Atherton said it would be ideal to have tracking technology in the future on plows, like the province uses, it is very possible now to take a sample of roads and sidewalks to check how quickly they were cleared across each storm. The audit also said that when residents call 311 to report property damage from any crews, Halifax doesn't track when or if the repairs are ever done. Atherton said staff have told him there are informal conversations with contractors on most of these topics, and it's very possible that all crews are doing a great job. But he said it's important to record everything so staff and councillors can see if there are patterns, like a certain neighbourhood being cleared late in every storm. The city has not penalized any companies for not fulfilling their contracts since 2019, and each year Halifax staff gave the private contractors positive evaluations. "I'm at a loss as to understand what information was used to do so," Atherton said. Councillors hope report brings change Coun. Shawn Cleary said he was expecting this outcome based on complaints from residents, especially about property damage not being promptly addressed. "It is damning, but it's also heartwarming in the sense that maybe we can actually change some things," he said during the meeting. "I hope the result of everything that you're suggesting here will wind up actually moving the needle forward so that we can ensure that we're getting the best value for our residents," said Coun. Jean St-Amand. Halifax staff have accepted all 13 recommendations from the audit. The audit and finance committee asked for a plan to address the recommendations within three months.
CTV News
9 hours ago
- Business
- CTV News
HRM isn't effectively managing its winter operations: auditor general
A pedestrian makes their way through a winter storm as high winds and heavy snow blanket Halifax, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese The Halifax Regional Municipality is not managing the winter well, according to a Management of Winter Operations Audit. In a news release Wednesday, HRM's auditor general said Public Works relies on informal monitoring in its assessment of municipal performance. 'Without adequate monitoring it is impossible to know what value HRM is getting for its winter service delivery,' said Andrew Atherton. The audit found snow-clearing contract terms were acceptable, but without accurate monitoring, management cannot assess compliance, said the release. It found public complaints about snow-clearing were closed without analyzing performance trends. The audit showed management does not know the cost of winter operations since some of them are 'captured' in other HRM business units. 'Not knowing the total costs may limit HRM's ability to make appropriate resource allocation decisions,' Atherton said. The report included recommendations to improve seasonal planning, hazard assessment and training, so the city can identify and manage snow-clearing risks. HRM management has agreed to implement the 13 recommendations in the report, said the release. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
Business Upturn
16-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Comviva partners with University of Southampton Delhi to empower tech talent in India
NEW DELHI , May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Comviva , a global leader in customer experience and data monetization solutions, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Southampton Delhi. With its Comviva 2.0 vision of driving innovation, fostering ecosystem partnerships, and empowering the workforce of the future, this collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening industry-academia ties and nurturing a robust pipeline of next-generation digital talent. Through this partnership, Comviva and the University of Southampton Delhi aim to co-develop strategic initiatives focused on talent development, collaborative innovation, and community impact. The engagement will create enriched learning opportunities for students at the University's Delhi campus by enabling them to work on cutting-edge digital technologies and real-world business challenges. As part of the agreement, Comviva will lead a series of structured engagements throughout the academic year, including drop-in sessions for student interaction, employer talks to share insights on industry trends and career paths, skill development workshops to equip students with practical competencies. The University of Southampton has established its Indian campus at the International Tech Park in Gurgaon, with the first cohort of students due to start in August. With this move, the University of Southampton has become the first international university to set up a campus in India under the country's new higher education framework. The initial offerings will be undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in business, computing, economics and finance. Over the coming years, the course offering will expand significantly, to include engineering, healthcare, art and design, social sciences and science and technology. The partnership with Comviva was facilitated by the India Business Group, a leading strategic advisory consultancy that has been assisting the University of Southampton with stakeholder engagement for its India campus. On this partnership, Rajesh Chandiramani , CEO of Comviva, said, ' At Comviva, we believe the future of digital innovation lies in building meaningful partnerships that bridge academia and industry. This collaboration with the University of Southampton reflects our commitment to nurturing future-ready talent, fostering a culture of innovation, and supporting inclusive growth. It is a key pillar of our Comviva 2.0 vision to empower young minds and co-create solutions that address real-world challenges. Beyond talent development, this partnership will also serve as a platform for collaborative R&D, capacity building, and community-focused programs, thereby advancing our shared vision of innovation excellence and long-term societal impact.' Professor Andrew Atherton , Vice-President International and Engagement at the University of Southampton, said, 'This partnership with Comviva reflects our ongoing commitment to create meaningful, career-focused opportunities for our students in India . Through this collaboration, we aim to equip our graduates with the skills and experience required to succeed in a global workplace and competitive industry. We look forward to working with a global company like Comviva across talent development, innovation and broader community engagement.' Comviva will also enable paid summer internships for University of Southampton Delhi students and defined opportunities for student placements during the academic year. The university students will also have the access to Comviva's graduate assessment process for eligible students and Comviva has agreed for an intake of graduates for employment, contingent upon successful completion of the assessment centre. About Comviva Technologies Ltd. Comviva empowers organizations to drive transformative growth with measurable business impact. Our AI-driven digital solutions and intelligent platforms enable our customer to unlock new revenue opportunities, enhance customer experiences, and simplify operational complexities to achieve exponential success. From maximizing customer lifetime value to enabling large-scale digital transformation, Comviva is trusted by 200+ global communication service providers and enterprises to solve complex challenges and prepare for the future. With our solutions deployed across 100+ countries, Comviva has brought the benefits of digital innovation and mobility to billions worldwide. As a subsidiary of Tech Mahindra and a member of the Mahindra Group, Comviva is committed to driving growth, efficiency, and transformation for tomorrow. For more information, visit us at About University of Southampton The University of Southampton drives original thinking, turns knowledge into action and impact, and creates solutions to the world's challenges. We are among the top 100 institutions globally (QS World University Rankings 2025). Our academics are leaders in their fields, forging links with high-profile international businesses and organisations, and inspiring a 25,000-strong community of exceptional students, from over 135 countries worldwide. Through our high-quality education, the University helps students on a journey of discovery to realise their potential and join our global network of over 200,000 alumni: . For more information, please contact: Sundeep Mehta DGM, Corporate Communications Email: [email protected] Mob: +91-9910030732
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Comviva partners with University of Southampton Delhi to empower tech talent in India
NEW DELHI, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Comviva, a global leader in customer experience and data monetization solutions, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Southampton Delhi. With its Comviva 2.0 vision of driving innovation, fostering ecosystem partnerships, and empowering the workforce of the future, this collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening industry-academia ties and nurturing a robust pipeline of next-generation digital talent. Through this partnership, Comviva and the University of Southampton Delhi aim to co-develop strategic initiatives focused on talent development, collaborative innovation, and community impact. The engagement will create enriched learning opportunities for students at the University's Delhi campus by enabling them to work on cutting-edge digital technologies and real-world business challenges. As part of the agreement, Comviva will lead a series of structured engagements throughout the academic year, including drop-in sessions for student interaction, employer talks to share insights on industry trends and career paths, skill development workshops to equip students with practical competencies. The University of Southampton has established its Indian campus at the International Tech Park in Gurgaon, with the first cohort of students due to start in August. With this move, the University of Southampton has become the first international university to set up a campus in India under the country's new higher education framework. The initial offerings will be undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in business, computing, economics and finance. Over the coming years, the course offering will expand significantly, to include engineering, healthcare, art and design, social sciences and science and technology. The partnership with Comviva was facilitated by the India Business Group, a leading strategic advisory consultancy that has been assisting the University of Southampton with stakeholder engagement for its India campus. On this partnership, Rajesh Chandiramani, CEO of Comviva, said, "At Comviva, we believe the future of digital innovation lies in building meaningful partnerships that bridge academia and industry. This collaboration with the University of Southampton reflects our commitment to nurturing future-ready talent, fostering a culture of innovation, and supporting inclusive growth. It is a key pillar of our Comviva 2.0 vision to empower young minds and co-create solutions that address real-world challenges. Beyond talent development, this partnership will also serve as a platform for collaborative R&D, capacity building, and community-focused programs, thereby advancing our shared vision of innovation excellence and long-term societal impact." Professor Andrew Atherton, Vice-President International and Engagement at the University of Southampton, said, "This partnership with Comviva reflects our ongoing commitment to create meaningful, career-focused opportunities for our students in India. Through this collaboration, we aim to equip our graduates with the skills and experience required to succeed in a global workplace and competitive industry. We look forward to working with a global company like Comviva across talent development, innovation and broader community engagement." Comviva will also enable paid summer internships for University of Southampton Delhi students and defined opportunities for student placements during the academic year. The university students will also have the access to Comviva's graduate assessment process for eligible students and Comviva has agreed for an intake of graduates for employment, contingent upon successful completion of the assessment centre. About Comviva Technologies Ltd. Comviva empowers organizations to drive transformative growth with measurable business impact. Our AI-driven digital solutions and intelligent platforms enable our customer to unlock new revenue opportunities, enhance customer experiences, and simplify operational complexities to achieve exponential success. From maximizing customer lifetime value to enabling large-scale digital transformation, Comviva is trusted by 200+ global communication service providers and enterprises to solve complex challenges and prepare for the future. With our solutions deployed across 100+ countries, Comviva has brought the benefits of digital innovation and mobility to billions worldwide. As a subsidiary of Tech Mahindra and a member of the Mahindra Group, Comviva is committed to driving growth, efficiency, and transformation for tomorrow. For more information, visit us at About University of Southampton The University of Southampton drives original thinking, turns knowledge into action and impact, and creates solutions to the world's challenges. We are among the top 100 institutions globally (QS World University Rankings 2025). Our academics are leaders in their fields, forging links with high-profile international businesses and organisations, and inspiring a 25,000-strong community of exceptional students, from over 135 countries worldwide. Through our high-quality education, the University helps students on a journey of discovery to realise their potential and join our global network of over 200,000 alumni: For more information, please contact: Sundeep Mehta DGM, Corporate CommunicationsEmail: +91-9910030732 Photo: View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
The Courier
26-04-2025
- Business
- The Courier
6 historic buildings up for sale in Dundee
Several buildings with historical significance are up for sale in Dundee. Some of the sites are available with planning permission for housing, while others are presented as blank slates for developers. A number of the properties have lain empty for many years, having fallen out of use, but played a major role in the city's past. The Courier has taken a look at six historic buildings on the market in Dundee. Custom House on Dock Street is on the market with planning permission to be converted into apartments. The A-listed mansion was once home to the Dundee Port Authority but has lain empty since 2008. The site was later purchased by the neighbouring Apex Hotel but was sold to Dundee-based property developer Alicydon Limited in 2020. Alicydon planned to return the building to its former glory, obtaining planning permission to turn it into 20 luxury apartments. However, he company appointed liquidators in 2023 and the building was put back on the market. Custom House was targeted by vandals earlier this year as the building was covered in graffiti and windows smashed. The property is currently under offer from an unnamed buyer. The old Dundee city centre post office building is for sale at just £125,000 after a 75% price cut. The B-listed building, which is located on the corner of Meadowside, Constitution Road and Euclid Crescent, was originally put on the market last summer for £500,000. However, the asking price has since been cut dramatically to £125,000. The three-storey building, which later became Circus and London nightclubs, is also under offer from an unnamed buyer. The former post office is listed for sale with Shepherd Chartered Surveyors. The Eagle Mills building on Victoria Street was put up for sale last month. The former jute mill dates back to 1864 and has planning permission to become and mix of homes and businesses. It was originally built to house the pattern shop for Baxter Brothers Foundry. Plans by Eagle Mill Capital to turn the 1.7-acre site into 68 homes date back to 2018, but no work has taken place. The building is being marketed for sale by Savills. Dundee University has put a luxury five-bedroom property used by its principals on the market. University House and Elmslea Cottage are up for sale for offers over £825,000 as a financial crisis engulfs the institution. The Perth Road mansion dates back to 1865 and has previously been home to former principals Iain Gillespie and Andrew Atherton. The university spent more than £72,000 refurbishing the pad for Mr Atherton's arrival in the City of Discovery. University House and Elmslea Cottage are on the market with Savills. Taypark House hotel and estate on Perth Road is up for sale with a £3 million asking price. The B-listed property was built in 1863 in a Scots baronial style for Alexander Low, a wealthy flax and jute merchant. It has since become a four-star hotel and wedding venue with beautiful views over Dundee Botanic Gardens and the River Tay. Taypark House is a favourite haunt of TV star Lorraine Kelly also featured in the Channel 4 series Four in a Bed. Christie & Co, which is handling the sale, says the 10-year lease on the hotel – set up in 2021 – is not impacted by the sale. The building that once housed one of Dundee's most notable menswear shops is up for sale. Cooper & McKenzie closed in 2019 after decades in business, and has since lain empty. The entire five-floor B-listed building at 43-45 Reform Street has gone on the market for £295,000. Cooper & McKenzie welcomed many generations through its Reform Street doors.
