Latest news with #BME
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
It's time to treat BME unpaid carers fairly
This week, the Minority Ethnic Carers of People Project (MECOPP) is publishing Where Are We Now? the first major research in 30 years into the lives of unpaid carers from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities in Scotland. The report comes just ahead of Carers Week, whose theme this year, Caring about Equality, couldn't be more timely. Because right now, equality is exactly what's missing. Unpaid carers are the invisible network holding Scotland's communities and economy together. But while all unpaid carers deserve greater reward and recognition, this new research shows that BME carers are being especially failed, pushed into poverty, struggling in silence, and facing major barriers to support that works for them. The most recent data shows the number of BME unpaid carers has more than doubled in a decade, with over 35,000 people now looking after someone. Yet nearly seven in 10 carers we spoke to said their caring role was pushing them into financial hardship. Some are skipping meals or switching off the heating just to get by. Around half live on less than £20,000 a year. The toll on carer's own health is just as serious. Half live with pain or exhaustion. Four in ten face worsening mental health. Three-quarters say they don't have a single moment to care for themselves. As one Pakistani carer told us: 'Caring is 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. The only respite I get is when my son goes to bed. Then I start the laundry.' In 2006, the Scottish Government said it recognised the challenges facing BME unpaid carers. Yet here we are, nearly two decades later, and too little has changed. Carers are still struggling to access support that speaks their language, meets their cultural needs, or even recognises them in the first place. Our new research, carried out by Heriot-Watt University and supported by Oxfam Scotland, sets out not just what's going wrong, but what needs to be done. We need respite breaks that actually work for BME carers. A Carer Support Payment that reaches and supports those who need it most. Annual health checks and proper mental health support. And services designed with, not just for, the communities they're meant to serve. These changes aren't optional extras: they're the bare minimum. BME carers are simply asking to be seen, heard and supported. They're asking for what every unpaid carer deserves: fairness. BME unpaid carers are doing their bit, more than their bit. It's time politicians did theirs. Caring shouldn't come at the cost of your health, your income or your identity. The Scottish Government have long known the problems. It's time to fix them. Margaret Chiwanza is CEO of the Minority Ethnic Carers of People Project (MECOPP) Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@
STV News
6 days ago
- General
- STV News
New report a ‘wake-up call' for ministers over struggles faced by BME carers
The Scottish Government has been told 'the time for excuses is over' as a new study showed black and minority ethnic (BME) unpaid carers still face the same kind of difficulties they did almost two decades ago. A new report said evidence gathered by the Minority Ethnic Carers of People Project (MECOPP) and others highlighted how BME carers 'continue to face disproportionate barriers to accessing support'. Meanwhile, a survey included in the report revealed that two-thirds (67%) of unpaid BME carers said their caring role caused them financial difficulties, causing 52% to cut back spending on food and household utility bills. The report said that Carer's Allowance and other benefits 'are often insufficient or difficult to access, adding stress'. Meanwhile, 70% of 173 unpaid BME carers surveyed said they felt lonely 'sometimes or always' – with the report adding that 'cultural stigma or lack of understanding about caregiving and disability in some communities can prevent carers from seeking support or even discussing their struggles'. Almost three quarters of those surveyed (74%) said they did not have time to look after themselves properly, with 50% reporting physical health issues such as fatigue or pain, and 40% saying they suffered from mental health issues such as stress or depression. The research comes almost two decades on from a 2006 Scottish Government report on unpaid care, which 'explicitly acknowledged the barriers faced by black and minority ethnic carers in accessing and using care services'. But the Where Are We Now? study, published by MECOPP and Heriot-Watt University with the support of Oxfam Scotland, said little had changed. The report, published ahead of Carers Week next week, said: 'It has now been nearly two decades since that report, yet many of the challenges it identified remain largely unaddressed, highlighting a persistent gap in policy attention and structural change for BME carers in Scotland.' It added that BME carers 'face unique difficulties in accessing support', adding that a cultural heritage where 'caregiving is viewed as a natural family duty' can cause people to delay seeking help from outside sources. This is part of the 'disproportionate barriers to accessing support' BME carers can face, with these also including language issues, a stigma around accessing formal care, and low levels of awareness about rights and entitlements. Speaking as the research was published, MECOPP chief executive Margaret Chiwanza said: 'This report is a wake-up call that can't be ignored. 'For far too long, BME unpaid carers have been overlooked – unseen, unheard, and unsupported. 'We heard from people battling poverty, burnout and breakdowns, worn out and worn down by a system that keeps failing them.' She continued: 'The Scottish Government has known about these problems for nearly 20 years ago but little has changed. 'The same barriers are still there – services that don't understand different cultures, information people can't access and policies that haven't delivered. 'It's not enough. BME carers deserve to be seen, heard and properly supported, and not face more decades of delay. This is about fairness, and the time for excuses is over.' A 39-year-old Pakistani carer spoke out about her experiences, saying: 'I have never had any respite. Caring is 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. 'The only respite I get is when my son goes to bed. Then I start on the laundry and preparing his care needs for the next day.' Jamie Livingstone, the head of Oxfam Scotland, said: 'Unpaid carers are caring day in, day out, behind closed doors and often without the support they desperately need and these challenges are particularly acute for those from black and minority ethnic communities. 'Many already face deep-rooted poverty and inequality, and unpaid caring is simply pushing them beyond breaking point. 'They're exhausted, isolated and being failed by a system that should be there to help. Politicians must stop paying lip service to inclusion and start delivering the real change BME unpaid carers in Scotland have already waited far too long for.' Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: 'We work closely with the charity MECOPP and are already acting to address issues raised in their report. 'We are also working with them alongside other carers groups as we look to legislate for a right to breaks from caring, for carers from all backgrounds. 'In the meantime, we have increased our voluntary sector Short Breaks Fund to £13m, which includes funding for several short breaks projects which aim to support BME carers.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
LLYC transforms its 2024 annual report into an immersive sound experience with generative AI
A nine-episode podcast — scripted and narrated using artificial intelligence — recaps the firm's activity over the past year Transformation, integration and sustainable growth were the Corporate Affairs and Marketing firm's key pillars in 2024 MADRID, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LLYC (BME:LLYC) is embracing AI and synthetic voices for the launch of its 2024 Annual Report. Two AI-generated voices, IAn and MaIA, guide listeners through a nine-episode podcast summarizing the company's year, showcasing its ability to deliver innovative formats it already offers clients. The result transforms the traditional reading experience into a richer, more fluid, and more conversational sound journey — moving beyond standard text narration. The report highlights 2024 as a year defined by transformation, integration, and sustainable growth — three pillars that point toward a promising future for the global Marketing and Corporate Affairs firm. It also reaffirms LLYC's strong financial performance, its continued investment in talent, innovation, and creativity, and its deep commitment to both sustainability and social impact through the work of Fundación José Antonio Llorente. 'To transform is to move forward," said Francisco Sánchez Rivas, Chair of LLYC's Board of Directors. 'We're committed to continued growth with vision, purpose, and measurable return—and we'll do it with our greatest asset: our talent.' 'We're bigger and better than we were a year ago," added Alejandro Romero, Partner and Global CEO of LLYC, in the report's introduction. "We've proven our ability to overcome new challenges and reach our goals—even in a year of full-scale transformation, all to better meet our clients' evolving needs.' Eight highlights from 2024 Integration and profitability in a demanding environment: LLYC has been restructured to continue leading its sector. In 2024, the firm rolled out a new matrix business model that integrates Marketing and Corporate Affairs. It invested over €30 million in strategic acquisitions in the U.S. (Lambert by LLYC), Colombia (Dattis by LLYC), and Spain (Zeus by LLYC). Operating income rose by 19%, with recurring EBITDA reaching €17.4 million. Innovation driving change: There's no better way to anticipate the future than by inventing it. In 2024, LLYC invested nearly €2.5 million in innovation—up 95% from 2023, totaling close to €5 million over the past five years. The firm led 34 innovation projects last year, including AI Legislab, a tool that helps companies and institutions make smarter public affairs decisions, and AI Media Gen, which automates repetitive tasks and enhances teams' strategic capabilities. Fueling transformation: LLYC's 2024 results were made possible by the efforts of its 1,300 professionals—nearly 8% more than the previous year. Women represent 62.2% of the workforce and hold 50.2% of leadership roles. The team spans 15 nationalities across offices in Europe, Latin America, and the U.S., with workplace flexibility remaining a key pillar of LLYC's model. Creativity, agility, and purpose to grow with clients: In 2024, the firm accelerated the integration of its service offering for greater agility and efficiency. LLYC secured major Marketing contracts (Turespaña, IFEMA Madrid, and the Michigan Development Corporation) and continued to lead standout client campaigns like Free the Voices (Monoceros), Engineering the Future (Indra), and Kid Walkers (Multiópticas). Fundación José Antonio Llorente: Last year, LLYC's foundation officially became Fundación José Antonio Llorente. In 2024, it supported 25 social organizations through three projects that benefited 1,510 people across 12 countries. Four hundred LLYC professionals volunteered 1,180 personal and work hours. Voces Futuras, the foundation's flagship initiative, contributes to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education). Fostering dialogue and sparking conversations: In 2024, LLYC IDEAS solidified its position as a leading voice in thought leadership, sparking meaningful conversations. The firm released 11 global and 19 local reports on corporate communication, marketing, health, sustainability, and public affairs. It also published issue 41 of magazine, which featured 17 essays analyzing social polarization. Recognition for bold ideas: LLYC earned 75 national and international awards in 2024. These included the Grand Prix at Eurobest for the 'Ajedrez' campaign by CHINA part of LLYC, and recognition as Independent Agency of the Year at FIAP. LLYC Peru was named Regional PR Company of the Year at the London International Awards, and Dattis by LLYC was ranked the world's most effective independent agency by the Effie Index. The firm also took home awards from the SABRE Awards EMEA, PRWeek Global Awards, El Ojo de Iberoamérica, The ANDY Awards, El Sol, New York Festivals Health, ASPID, C de C, and the Premios Eficacia. Sustainable growth and impact: LLYC continued working under its Sustainability Policy, which aligns the firm's vision and commitment with key international frameworks. In 2024, the company completed its first double materiality assessment and made progress in carbon footprint measurement, expanding Scope 3 tracking. Its ESG management was recognized by top rating providers like Refinitiv and Clarity AI. About LLYC LLYC (BME:LLYC) is a global Marketing and Corporate Affairs consulting firm that partners with its clients in creativity, influence, and innovation to enhance and protect the value of their businesses, turning every day into an opportunity to grow their brands. Founded in 1995, LLYC is present in the United States (Miami, New York, San Diego, Washington, DC, Grand Rapids, Detroit, St. Louis and Phoenix), Argentina, Brazil (São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro), Brussels, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Portugal and Spain (Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia). In 2023, LLYC's operating revenues exceeded 93.1 million euros. LLYC is ranked as one of the 40 largest communications companies worldwide, according to PRWeek and PRovoke. LLYC was named the Top Communications Consultant in Europe at the 2025 PRWeek Global Awards and Communications Consultant of the Year in Latin America in 2023 by PRovoke. Media Contact:Joe
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
LLYC transforms its 2024 annual report into an immersive sound experience with generative AI
A nine-episode podcast — scripted and narrated using artificial intelligence — recaps the firm's activity over the past year Transformation, integration and sustainable growth were the Corporate Affairs and Marketing firm's key pillars in 2024 MADRID, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LLYC (BME:LLYC) is embracing AI and synthetic voices for the launch of its 2024 Annual Report. Two AI-generated voices, IAn and MaIA, guide listeners through a nine-episode podcast summarizing the company's year, showcasing its ability to deliver innovative formats it already offers clients. The result transforms the traditional reading experience into a richer, more fluid, and more conversational sound journey — moving beyond standard text narration. The report highlights 2024 as a year defined by transformation, integration, and sustainable growth — three pillars that point toward a promising future for the global Marketing and Corporate Affairs firm. It also reaffirms LLYC's strong financial performance, its continued investment in talent, innovation, and creativity, and its deep commitment to both sustainability and social impact through the work of Fundación José Antonio Llorente. 'To transform is to move forward," said Francisco Sánchez Rivas, Chair of LLYC's Board of Directors. 'We're committed to continued growth with vision, purpose, and measurable return—and we'll do it with our greatest asset: our talent.' 'We're bigger and better than we were a year ago," added Alejandro Romero, Partner and Global CEO of LLYC, in the report's introduction. "We've proven our ability to overcome new challenges and reach our goals—even in a year of full-scale transformation, all to better meet our clients' evolving needs.' Eight highlights from 2024 Integration and profitability in a demanding environment: LLYC has been restructured to continue leading its sector. In 2024, the firm rolled out a new matrix business model that integrates Marketing and Corporate Affairs. It invested over €30 million in strategic acquisitions in the U.S. (Lambert by LLYC), Colombia (Dattis by LLYC), and Spain (Zeus by LLYC). Operating income rose by 19%, with recurring EBITDA reaching €17.4 million. Innovation driving change: There's no better way to anticipate the future than by inventing it. In 2024, LLYC invested nearly €2.5 million in innovation—up 95% from 2023, totaling close to €5 million over the past five years. The firm led 34 innovation projects last year, including AI Legislab, a tool that helps companies and institutions make smarter public affairs decisions, and AI Media Gen, which automates repetitive tasks and enhances teams' strategic capabilities. Fueling transformation: LLYC's 2024 results were made possible by the efforts of its 1,300 professionals—nearly 8% more than the previous year. Women represent 62.2% of the workforce and hold 50.2% of leadership roles. The team spans 15 nationalities across offices in Europe, Latin America, and the U.S., with workplace flexibility remaining a key pillar of LLYC's model. Creativity, agility, and purpose to grow with clients: In 2024, the firm accelerated the integration of its service offering for greater agility and efficiency. LLYC secured major Marketing contracts (Turespaña, IFEMA Madrid, and the Michigan Development Corporation) and continued to lead standout client campaigns like Free the Voices (Monoceros), Engineering the Future (Indra), and Kid Walkers (Multiópticas). Fundación José Antonio Llorente: Last year, LLYC's foundation officially became Fundación José Antonio Llorente. In 2024, it supported 25 social organizations through three projects that benefited 1,510 people across 12 countries. Four hundred LLYC professionals volunteered 1,180 personal and work hours. Voces Futuras, the foundation's flagship initiative, contributes to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education). Fostering dialogue and sparking conversations: In 2024, LLYC IDEAS solidified its position as a leading voice in thought leadership, sparking meaningful conversations. The firm released 11 global and 19 local reports on corporate communication, marketing, health, sustainability, and public affairs. It also published issue 41 of magazine, which featured 17 essays analyzing social polarization. Recognition for bold ideas: LLYC earned 75 national and international awards in 2024. These included the Grand Prix at Eurobest for the 'Ajedrez' campaign by CHINA part of LLYC, and recognition as Independent Agency of the Year at FIAP. LLYC Peru was named Regional PR Company of the Year at the London International Awards, and Dattis by LLYC was ranked the world's most effective independent agency by the Effie Index. The firm also took home awards from the SABRE Awards EMEA, PRWeek Global Awards, El Ojo de Iberoamérica, The ANDY Awards, El Sol, New York Festivals Health, ASPID, C de C, and the Premios Eficacia. Sustainable growth and impact: LLYC continued working under its Sustainability Policy, which aligns the firm's vision and commitment with key international frameworks. In 2024, the company completed its first double materiality assessment and made progress in carbon footprint measurement, expanding Scope 3 tracking. Its ESG management was recognized by top rating providers like Refinitiv and Clarity AI. About LLYC LLYC (BME:LLYC) is a global Marketing and Corporate Affairs consulting firm that partners with its clients in creativity, influence, and innovation to enhance and protect the value of their businesses, turning every day into an opportunity to grow their brands. Founded in 1995, LLYC is present in the United States (Miami, New York, San Diego, Washington, DC, Grand Rapids, Detroit, St. Louis and Phoenix), Argentina, Brazil (São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro), Brussels, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Portugal and Spain (Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia). In 2023, LLYC's operating revenues exceeded 93.1 million euros. LLYC is ranked as one of the 40 largest communications companies worldwide, according to PRWeek and PRovoke. LLYC was named the Top Communications Consultant in Europe at the 2025 PRWeek Global Awards and Communications Consultant of the Year in Latin America in 2023 by PRovoke. Media Contact:Joe in to access your portfolio
Finextra
03-06-2025
- Business
- Finextra
BME showcases new FX settlement system
BME has presented today, at an event held at the Madrid Stock Exchange Palace, its new foreign exchange transaction settlement system in payment versus payment mode (FXS), which recently received approval from the Bank of Spain. 0 This new system is part of its global project to provide secure and innovative solutions to participants in the foreign exchange market (Forex). In line with this objective, BME has developed a comprehensive set of services that encompasses the entire value chain of foreign exchange operations, from trading to settlement of transactions in this market, which is the largest traded volume globally, with more than 7.5 trillion dollars executed per day. The new FXS settlement system complements these services by improving efficiency and reducing the risks of currency transaction settlement compared to bilateral settlement. The event featured the participation of Banca March, which announced its adherence to this payment system a week ago, and Bankinter, which is the first liquidity provider of this new system. In the opening speech of the event, Xavier Aguilá, General Director of BME Clearing, commented that this project arises from the demand of Spanish banking entities, given the challenges posed by the transformation that the foreign exchange markets are experiencing, driven both by technological development and the entry of new participants, as well as regulatory initiatives such as the FX Global Code. In this context, the entities have identified the need for greater automation of processes and solutions to limit the risks associated with bilateral settlement of transactions as the main difficulties in their operations. Next, José Parga, Head of BME FX, presented the services developed by BME to respond to this demand: a trading platform that includes a technological solution for the digitization of foreign exchange transaction flows in banks and financial entities, facilitating operations in both Spot currency and xRolling FX futures traded on MEFF; and the FXS settlement solution, the payment system operated by BME to eliminate principal risk in the settlement of transactions between these entities. Precisely on the challenges faced in this operation and the solutions that FXS can provide, the panel developed next, moderated by Paula Fernández, head of FXS at BME, focused. In their interventions, Sergio Jiménez, Head of FX&Stir trading at Bankinter, and Jeroni Alomar, Director of Control and Treasury at Banca March, highlighted the difficulties related to the greater need for digitization and control to mitigate the risks associated with settlement, in a clearly competitive environment with an increasing number of counterparties. On the other hand, María José García, Head of the Surveillance Unit of the Payment Systems Department at the Bank of Spain, explained the role that Central Banks play in adopting mechanisms that mitigate these risks. In fact, Sergio Jiménez pointed out that the application of these measures is proving to have other beneficial effects on operations, such as increased transparency and competitiveness, which ultimately result in more efficient price creation. Jeroni Alomar also explained how payment versus payment mechanisms, combined with net settlement, contribute to limiting operational risks and facilitate liquidity management by treasury desks. The last part of the panel focused on exploring the advantages that FXS provides as a payment system under the supervision of the Bank of Spain, in terms of compliance with the PFMI-IOSCO principles for financial market infrastructures, and in relation to the comprehensive management of risks associated with the service. Finally, both participating entities, Bankinter and Banca March, shared their experience in implementing FXS in their operations. Jeroni Alomar, for his part, emphasised the ease of integrating FXS into Banca March's back-office operations and the advantages it provides in terms of security, liquidity management, and risk elimination. For Sergio Jiménez, the adoption of BME's solutions allows Bankinter to provide greater scalability to its currency business, increasing efficiency and competitiveness with the support of a neutral entity like BME.
