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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Rewardian Announces New Partnership with Switchfly to Expand Employee Reward Offerings to Include Travel Experiences
ATLANTA, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rewardian, a global leader in employee recognition technology, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Switchfly, a global travel loyalty technology provider, enabling Rewardian to offer its users one of the largest global travel experience inventories and API loyalty integration. Rewardian customers can now access seamless travel booking capabilities with worldwide inventory options for hotels, car rentals, airfare and experiences, such as guided city tours, food tours, wine tastings and more. The partnership also supports enhanced personalization and user engagement through Switchfly's AI-powered travel recommendations engine. "Recognition is about creating lasting memories, not just handing out points," said Andrew Mitchell, CEO of Rewardian. "By plugging Switchfly's global travel platform into Rewardian, we're turning 'thank–you' into plane tickets, hotel stays and once–in–a–lifetime experiences. These are the rewards employees remember long after the shout-out on Slack fades. It's a leap beyond gift cards and a bold step toward what matters most. Personal, meaningful moments keep top performers energized and loyal." Switchfly brings more than 20 years of experience in powering loyalty-based travel booking for some of the world's most recognized brands. Its technology supports white-label booking engines, dynamic packaging, and a global inventory network, helping organizations deliver personalized travel options that drive engagement and revenue growth. "We are thrilled to partner with Rewardian to redefine how companies engage and reward their employees with travel," said Nowell Outlaw, CEO of Switchfly. "By combining Rewardian's innovative employee engagement platform with Switchfly's powerful travel rewards technology, we're creating a seamless and inspiring way for organizations to recognize their teams with meaningful, memorable experiences. This partnership represents a bold step toward elevating employee satisfaction and loyalty through the transformative power of travel." For more information on Rewardian's new travel offerings, visit or contact Luke Kreitner at luke@ About RewardianRewardian is a global employee recognition and engagement platform designed to help companies build a culture of appreciation, connection and performance. With a flexible and customizable approach, Rewardian offers tools that support recognition at every level of the organization, from peer-to-peer praise to enterprise-wide reward strategies. Its secure, scalable technology platform empowers clients to increase engagement, reinforce values and drive measurable business impact. For more information and to request a demo, visit and follow on LinkedIn. About SwitchflySwitchfly is travel loyalty technology that drives revenue. We help loyalty programs, airlines, and HR tech platforms convert travel into a competitive advantage. Our platform supports dynamic packaging, white-label booking engines, and AI-driven recommendations—helping brands deliver memorable travel rewards while boosting engagement, redemption rates, and margins. With over two decades of experience and a global network of inventory, Switchfly delivers a seamless experience for both businesses and travelers. Whether you're looking to reduce point liability, grow ancillary revenue, or add aspirational rewards fast, Switchfly makes it easy. Rewarding travel never booked so easy. Visit Media Contact:Rewardian Media Team4236055553396141@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Rewardian Sign in to access your portfolio
Edinburgh Reporter
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Edinburgh Reporter
Edinburgh cab drivers given one-year reprieve from needing to sell off old vehicles
Cab drivers in Edinburgh have been given a one-year reprieve from possibly needing to sell off their old vehicles. Councillors voted on Monday to approve a waiver to the city's hire vehicle age and emissions policy, meaning cabs older than a decade are still allowed to travel on city streets. Under the city's hire car regulations, as of 2021, any petrol cabs or private hires need to be 10 years old or less, and either comply with Euro 6 emissions standards or be Euro 5 and retrofitted to meet council requirements. However, every year since 2020, the council has approved a four year extension to this time period, meaning the maximum age of a cab or private hire car on city streets is 14 years. Every six months after a vehicle passes ten years old, it needs to go through an inspection to make sure it is still in compliance with the city's regulations. A report by officers to councillors said that some members of the taxi trade had found difficulty in finding vehicles that meet the city's current age and emissions standards. SNP councillor Norman Work asked council officer Andrew Mitchell: 'Was there any sort of timescale for this? There have been these extensions. Was there any idea how long it would go on for?' Mr Mitchell said: 'The initial target was 2021. The pandemic intervened, and the committee quite rightly gave an adjustment to the timeline. 'So the final timeline for Euro 6 then became 2023. The vast majority of the fleet has been compliant for quite some time. 'A smaller number [of drivers] have struggled, either for financial reasons or various other reasons.' Regulatory Committee convener, Liberal Democrat councillor Neil Ross, asked: 'Over two thirds [of vehicles over ten years old] have failed their first presentation for testing. 'I know there have been efforts made to encourage compliance with these older vehicles, but I'm wondering if there's anything else that could be done to incentivise better presentations?' He said: 'You're in the territory of, if you repeatedly fail, then you bring the operators to committee. 'It's not something we've done except in fairly extreme examples. But if you're testing them twice a year, and they're still turning up for their annual tests and failing, I struggle to see [what can be done].' Another council officer, Catherine Scanlin, added: 'What we're finding on testing is that it's wear and tear of the rest of the vehicle. And with the best will in the world, it's very very difficult, and very expensive in the main, to keep on top of that. 'So when they're coming for tests, even when the vehicles are prepped, they can't forsee some of the issues. 'Historically, older vehicles were passed down the line to new people coming into the trade. That's not possible with these vehicles. 'Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the operator to ensure that vehicle is fit for public service. It is a challenge, and it's difficult. Even the best maintained vehicles – it's a challenge for them as well.' The report also said that a report would come to the committee in the near future updating on the council's progress towards a 100% wheelchair accessible taxi fleet. By Joseph Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Live
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh taxi drivers granted extra extension on age and emissions limits
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Cab drivers in Edinburgh have been given a one-year reprieve from possibly needing to sell off their old vehicles. Councillors voted on Monday to approve a waiver to the city's hire vehicle age and emissions policy, meaning cabs older than a decade are still allowed to travel on city streets. Under the city's hire car regulations, as of 2021, any petrol cabs or private hires need to be 10 years old or less, and either comply with Euro 6 emissions standards or be Euro 5 and retrofitted to meet council requirements. However, every year since 2020, the council has approved a four year extension to this time period, meaning the maximum age of a cab or private hire car on city streets is 14 years. Every six months after a vehicle passes ten years old, it needs to go through an inspection to make sure it is still in compliance with the city's regulations. A report by officers to councillors said that some members of the taxi trade had found difficulty in finding vehicles that meet the city's current age and emissions standards. SNP councillor Norman Work asked council officer Andrew Mitchell: 'Was there any sort of timescale for this? There have been these extensions. Was there any idea how long it would go on for?' Mr Mitchell said: 'The initial target was 2021. The pandemic intervened, and the committee quite rightly gave an adjustment to the timeline. 'So the final timeline for Euro 6 then became 2023. The vast majority of the fleet has been compliant for quite some time. 'A smaller number [of drivers] have struggled, either for financial reasons or various other reasons.' Regulatory Committee convener, Liberal Democrat councillor Neil Ross, asked: 'Over two thirds [of vehicles over ten years old] have failed their first presentation for testing. 'I know there have been efforts made to encourage compliance with these older vehicles, but I'm wondering if there's anything else that could be done to incentivise better presentations?' He said: 'You're in the territory of, if you repeatedly fail, then you bring the operators to committee. 'It's not something we've done except in fairly extreme examples. But if you're testing them twice a year, and they're still turning up for their annual tests and failing, I struggle to see [what can be done].' Another council officer, Catherine Scanlin, added: 'What we're finding on testing is that it's wear and tear of the rest of the vehicle. And with the best will in the world, it's very very difficult, and very expensive in the main, to keep on top of that. 'So when they're coming for tests, even when the vehicles are prepped, they can't forsee some of the issues. 'Historically, older vehicles were passed down the line to new people coming into the trade. That's not possible with these vehicles. 'Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the operator to ensure that vehicle is fit for public service. It is a challenge, and it's difficult. Even the best maintained vehicles – it's a challenge for them as well.' The report also said that a report would come to the committee in the near future updating on the council's progress towards a 100% wheelchair accessible taxi fleet.
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Our famous seaside town is being torn apart by ‘monstrous' eyesore that will dwarf historic skyline
PROUD residents of a picturesque seaside town are 'dismayed' after plans for a 'monstrous' hotel were approved. The 90-room Premier Inn will replace St Ives' last remaining residential care home. 3 Despite Cornwall Council initially refusing planning permission, parent company Whitbread has now been given the green light after it appealed the decision. The planning inspector said: "The juxtaposition of the new building in relation to neighbouring properties would be such that a building of the size and scale proposed would not be unduly harmful to the immediate townscape within which it sits". The decision has been met by anger from St Ives Town Council and a Cornwall councillor. Councillor Ken Messenger, deputy mayor and chair of the town's council's planning committee, said: "We are totally shocked and dismayed by this decision. "I would personally like to pay tribute to the campaign team - you have been fantastic but as a local elected representative, I wonder what is the point of a planning process where the community's views and 600 objections are not taken into account in such an important decision. "Local democracy has been thrown out of the window." Councillor Andrew Mitchell, who represents St Ives West & Towednack on Cornwall Council, said: "The town council was unanimous in its resolve against this development. "I have never seen such a well-organised and dedicated group that mounted a brilliant case against this outrageous over-development. "We now need to work together to make the best of this poor development and at least be vigilant and ensure the company delivers on its promises in terms of jobs and good local management." The group of 600 who fought against the hotel said the build would "ruin the landscape and streetscene of this charming fishing village." They also raised the question of where the 39 residents of the Cornwallis Nursing Home would be moved to. "Why should those people have to move to Penzance or elsewhere in Cornwall? St Ives desperately needs care places for its elderly population," the campaign read. The group added: "St Ives suffers from over-tourism in the summer months and lacks the infrastructure and permanent housing for residents to cope. This hotel offers nothing that doesn't exist already." They also complained that the hotel would cause more congestion and believed the building would result in "a significant loss of privacy". The protesters, who called themselves the 'Davids' in the fight against 'Goliath', also pointed out that the 90-room hotel will only have 20 parking spaces. St Ives is known for being one of the UK's most picturesque harbour resorts and is popular with tourists as a holiday destination. Under the approved plans, the care home will be demolished and replaced with the hotel, landscaping, car parking and other infrastructure. Louise Woodruff, from Whitbread, said: "We are very pleased that our planning appeal to bring Premier Inn to St Ives has been allowed. "We will now work with the owner of Trewidden Care Home to complete the purchase of the site. "This process is expected to take at least six months, enabling time for Cornwallis Care to support the residents and their families to transition to appropriate accommodation within their group." 3 3
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Fury as council agrees plans for new 90-room Premier Inn on site of idyllic seaside resort's last residential care home
Controversial plans for a new hotel in an idyllic seaside resort have been approved by a planning inspector. Cornwall Council had originally refused planning permission for the 90-room Premier Inn at St Ives last year. Trewidden Care home, with its panoramic views of St Ives Bay, specialises in dementia care and has 39 rooms for patients. The plan would see the harbour town's last remaining residential care home replaced by the hotel. Parent company Whitbread appealed the decision, and it has now been approved by a planning inspector. The planning inspector said 'the juxtaposition of the new building in relation to neighbouring properties would be such that a building of the size and scale proposed would not be unduly harmful to the immediate townscape within which it sits'. The decision has been met by anger from St Ives Town Council and a Cornwall councillor. Councillor Ken Messenger, deputy mayor and chair of the town's council's planning committee, said: 'We are totally shocked and dismayed by this decision. 'I would personally like to pay tribute to the campaign team - you have been fantastic but as a local elected representative, I wonder what is the point of a planning process where the community's views and 600 objections are not taken into account in such an important decision. 'Local democracy has been thrown out of the window.' Councillor Andrew Mitchell, who represents St Ives West & Towednack on Cornwall Council, said 'The town council was unanimous in its resolve against this development. 'I have never seen such a well organised and dedicated group who mounted a brilliant case against this outrageous over-development. 'We now need to work together to make the best of this poor development and at least be vigilant and ensure the company delivers on its promises in terms of jobs and good local management.' St Ives is known for being as one of the UK's most picturesque harbour resorts and is popular with tourists as a holiday destination. Under the approved plans, the care home will be demolished and replaced with the hotel, landscaping, car parking and other infrastructure. Louise Woodruff, from Whitbread, said: 'We are very pleased that our planning appeal to bring Premier Inn to St Ives has been allowed. 'We will now work with the owner of Trewidden Care Home to complete the purchase of the site. 'This process is expected to take at least six months, enabling time for Cornwallis Care to support the residents and their families to transition to appropriate accommodation within their group.'
