Latest news with #FSF
Agriland
04-08-2025
- General
- Agriland
HSENI: 'Farming has poorest safety record of any industry'
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has given its full support to the Farm Safety Foundation (FSF) in its efforts to change farming's poor safety record. Today (Monday, July 21), marks the first day of Farm Safety Week 2025, which is now in its thirteenth year. HSENI, a member of the Farm Safety Partnership, said the message to the farming community has always been consistent: take extra care when working with animals, machinery, and moving vehicles. HSENI said that farmers, workers and farming families need to prioritise looking after their own health, safety and wellbeing to be fit and continue being involved in participating in the farm business. This year's Farm Safety Foundation objectives are: To continue challenging and changing the attitudes to risk-taking and working safely; Share evidence and real experiences of the past 13 years to remind audiences to take positive steps to improve their attitudes and behaviours; To highlight the importance of wearing PPE (personal protective equipment), especially eye protection, when carrying out a variety of farming tasks; To highlight the critical importance of safe operation of agricultural vehicles and, in particular, quad bikes; To celebrate the Farm Safety Heroes from each of our partner countries working to drive a positive change in the industry. Speaking at the launch of Farm Safety Week, Robert Kidd, chief executive of HSENI said: 'Farming continues to have the poorest safety record of any industry in the UK and Ireland, but we have made significant strides in raising awareness and encouraging safer practices, particularly among the younger generation. "Nevertheless, in this thirteenth year of our Farm Safety campaign, we'll shine a light on less obvious, but equally critical, issues affecting the safety and wellbeing of those who live and work on farms." Kidd said HSENI are proud to support the annual Farm Safety Week campaign. "Farming is more than a job, it is a way of life so keeping it safe is a responsibility we all share. "Whether new to the industry or farming for years, we all have a role to play in improving the safety record within the farming community. "There is no acceptable level of serious injuries or fatalities in farming, as each incident affects a family, a farm business and a local community," he added. As part of the new HSENI occupational health campaign, the authority will be highlighting key areas of concern in farming such as agricultural dust; skin cancer through over exposure to UV rays, and musculoskeletal disorders. The Farm Safety Partnership also includes the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU), NFU Mutual (NFUM), the Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster (YFCU), the Farm Safety Foundation (FSF), the Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers Association (NIAPA) and Rural Support. The partnership is tasked with assisting Northern Ireland's farming community to work safely and tackle the problem of work-related fatalities and injuries on farms.
Scoop
30-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Financial Hardship Cases Up In June, What Does It Mean? Specialist Lenders Break It Down
Consumer credit insights released today by Centrix include a decrease in arrears, in line with what Financial Services Federation (FSF) members are seeing on the ground. The FSF membership comprises specialist lenders such as UDC Finance, Turners, Avanti, American Express, and MTF, with a combined New Zealand customer base of 1.7 million consumers and businesses, representing 49% of personal consumer loans in New Zealand. The latest Credit Indicator Report from New Zealand credit bureau Centrix (which combines data from both non-bank and bank customers) also reports an increase of financial hardship cases for June, up 300 from the previous month. What qualifies for financial hardship generally refers to a situation where an individual or household is experiencing significant difficulty meeting essential financial obligations due to a sudden or unexpected change in circumstances. Almost half of those cases, 46%, were due to difficulties paying mortgages, 28% related to credit card debt, and 18% related to personal loan repayments. 'It is no surprise that lenders – specialist or traditional – would prefer to see the opposite trend when it comes to hardships, but to avoid oversimplifying what this means in a broader context we need to consider several contributing factors, and where borrowers can go for help,' says FSF Executive Director, Lyn McMorran. Complexity of financial situations: Borrowers' financial situations can be complex, and financial hardship is often multifaceted, stemming from an unforeseen change in personal circumstances such as job loss, health issues or disruptions to whanau and living situations. These factors can also be exacerbated by wider economic conditions. Economic factors: An increase in arrears indicates that consumers are still struggling against economic headwinds that picked up in 2021-2022, bringing inflation, challenging job market conditions, consumer uncertainty, and global supply chain disruptions which can impact an individual's ability to repay a loan. Proactive Lender-Borrower Engagement: FSF members are actively engaging with borrowers whose financial situations may have changed to ensure options are discussed early on. This proactive approach could include offering repayment plans, refinancing options, or other forms of assistance to avoid defaults and a plan forward which may or may not result in a hardship application. Awareness and Education: We are seeing an increased awareness among consumers about the importance of communication with their lender, which we see as a good thing. Seeking help early on could mitigate the severity of financial hardship cases by addressing issues before they escalate. What to do if things go wrong: 'What is important is to talk to your lender at the first sign that there may be difficulty in making loan repayments,' says McMorran. 'FSF members genuinely want to help their customers, both consumer and small business, and the earlier the conversation is had the earlier it can be worked through together.' Consumers can also discuss concerns with a financial mentor by contacting the free financial helpline MoneyTalks on 0800 345 123 or by visiting
Scoop
26-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
FSF Turns 60, Minister Acknowledges Invaluable Work As Voice Of The Specialist Lenders
Press Release – Financial Services Federation In his address, Minister Simpson thanked the FSF for its commitment to the sector. He also spoke of the Government's policy reforms towards a more streamlined financial services regulatory environment, commending the FSF on its valuable input into the … The Financial Services Federation (FSF) has commemorated 60 years driving New Zealand's economy forward as the industry body for specialist lenders and fleet leasing providers. The milestone was marked with a celebration at Parliament this week attended by members and esteemed guests including Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson and Financial Markets Authority Chief Executive Samantha Barrass. The event highlighted the evolution of the FSF, from its inception in 1965 as the NZ Finance Houses Association with 10 members — to what is now a thriving, $20 billion industry serving more than 1.7 million New Zealander consumers and businesses. 'Specialist lenders are no longer on the periphery,' Executive Director Lyn McMorran said. 'The membership today spans 100 consumer and commercial lenders, non-bank deposit takers, fleet leasing firms, credit unions and building societies, insurers, and credit reporting agencies – all unified by their role in enabling financial access and injecting competition into a market long dominated by large, registered banks. 'From vans powering small Kiwi businesses to large commercial fleets servicing the primary sector and national infrastructure, our members give businesses the tools to grow, to keep New Zealand moving, and provide the flexible finance options that consumers increasingly rely on.' In his address, Minister Simpson thanked the FSF for its commitment to the sector. He also spoke of the Government's policy reforms towards a more streamlined financial services regulatory environment, commending the FSF on its valuable input into the consultation process. Don Atkinson, CEO of UDC Finance (FSF's founding member organisation in 1965) commended the FSF on its dedication to members. 'Through education, advocacy, and high standards of conduct, the Federation has lifted the bar for our industry and given us a unified voice and a seat at the table which has proved especially valuable with the regulatory upheaval of the last few years.' Atkinson spoke of what sets specialist lenders apart, and why the sector matters for New Zealand such as its ability to reach underserved communities, take risk, and drive innovation. 'From online working capital to buy-now-pay-later, insurance premium funding to the challenge of guaranteeing electric vehicle values – specialist lenders have consistently delivered first-to-market, transformative products.' The anniversary highlighted key milestones in FSF's history, including pivotal legislative reforms like the Credit Contracts Act and ongoing advocacy for proportional and common-sense regulatory frameworks. Challenges and opportunities were also acknowledged such as the 2008 Global Financial Crisis which caused 67 finance companies to fail – two of which were FSF members. This time of huge change for financial services emphasised FSF's ethos to only admit companies it truly believes are committed to responsible practices — an approach to membership that remains today. The event also recognised FSF's role in pioneering educational initiatives like the NZQA Level 5 Micro-Credential in Consumer Credit, aimed at raising industry standards and promoting professional development. 'In our journey from humble beginnings to today's vibrant sector, FSF has played a pivotal role in shaping New Zealand's financial landscape,' concluded Lyn McMorran. 'We're committed to leading the charge to ensure that New Zealanders have access to diverse and practical financial solutions that meet their evolving needs, and contributing to a financial ecosystem that fosters growth and opportunity.' About the Financial Services Federation: The (FSF) is the non-profit industry association for specialist financial services providers who are not registered banks. Its members collectively reach 1.7million New Zealanders, and support both businesses and consumers across the country with competitive and innovative options from traditional finance providers. FSF's 99 members include finance, leasing and credit-related insurance providers, and include the likes of Turners, UDC, MTF, several credit unions and building societies, and the finance arms of global motor vehicle brands including Toyota, Nissan, Honda, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz (see the full member list here). With 60 years of history, FSF has stringent membership criteria and enforces a Code of Conduct to maintain high standards in responsible non-bank lending. FSF members prioritise compliance, support consumer protection enforcement, and advocate for balanced regulations that ensure New Zealanders have access to responsibly-provided credit.
Scoop
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
FSF Turns 60, Minister Acknowledges Invaluable Work As Voice Of The Specialist Lenders
The Financial Services Federation (FSF) has commemorated 60 years driving New Zealand's economy forward as the industry body for specialist lenders and fleet leasing providers. The milestone was marked with a celebration at Parliament this week attended by members and esteemed guests including Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson and Financial Markets Authority Chief Executive Samantha Barrass. The event highlighted the evolution of the FSF, from its inception in 1965 as the NZ Finance Houses Association with 10 members — to what is now a thriving, $20 billion industry serving more than 1.7 million New Zealander consumers and businesses. "Specialist lenders are no longer on the periphery," Executive Director Lyn McMorran said. "The membership today spans 100 consumer and commercial lenders, non-bank deposit takers, fleet leasing firms, credit unions and building societies, insurers, and credit reporting agencies - all unified by their role in enabling financial access and injecting competition into a market long dominated by large, registered banks. "From vans powering small Kiwi businesses to large commercial fleets servicing the primary sector and national infrastructure, our members give businesses the tools to grow, to keep New Zealand moving, and provide the flexible finance options that consumers increasingly rely on." In his address, Minister Simpson thanked the FSF for its commitment to the sector. He also spoke of the Government's policy reforms towards a more streamlined financial services regulatory environment, commending the FSF on its valuable input into the consultation process. Don Atkinson, CEO of UDC Finance (FSF's founding member organisation in 1965) commended the FSF on its dedication to members. "Through education, advocacy, and high standards of conduct, the Federation has lifted the bar for our industry and given us a unified voice and a seat at the table which has proved especially valuable with the regulatory upheaval of the last few years." Atkinson spoke of what sets specialist lenders apart, and why the sector matters for New Zealand such as its ability to reach underserved communities, take risk, and drive innovation. "From online working capital to buy-now-pay-later, insurance premium funding to the challenge of guaranteeing electric vehicle values - specialist lenders have consistently delivered first-to-market, transformative products.' The anniversary highlighted key milestones in FSF's history, including pivotal legislative reforms like the Credit Contracts Act and ongoing advocacy for proportional and common-sense regulatory frameworks. Challenges and opportunities were also acknowledged such as the 2008 Global Financial Crisis which caused 67 finance companies to fail - two of which were FSF members. This time of huge change for financial services emphasised FSF's ethos to only admit companies it truly believes are committed to responsible practices — an approach to membership that remains today. The event also recognised FSF's role in pioneering educational initiatives like the NZQA Level 5 Micro-Credential in Consumer Credit, aimed at raising industry standards and promoting professional development. "In our journey from humble beginnings to today's vibrant sector, FSF has played a pivotal role in shaping New Zealand's financial landscape," concluded Lyn McMorran. "We're committed to leading the charge to ensure that New Zealanders have access to diverse and practical financial solutions that meet their evolving needs, and contributing to a financial ecosystem that fosters growth and opportunity." About the Financial Services Federation: The (FSF) is the non-profit industry association for specialist financial services providers who are not registered banks. Its members collectively reach 1.7million New Zealanders, and support both businesses and consumers across the country with competitive and innovative options from traditional finance providers. FSF's 99 members include finance, leasing and credit-related insurance providers, and include the likes of Turners, UDC, MTF, several credit unions and building societies, and the finance arms of global motor vehicle brands including Toyota, Nissan, Honda, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz (see the full member list here). With 60 years of history, FSF has stringent membership criteria and enforces a Code of Conduct to maintain high standards in responsible non-bank lending. FSF members prioritise compliance, support consumer protection enforcement, and advocate for balanced regulations that ensure New Zealanders have access to responsibly-provided credit.
Fox Sports
10-06-2025
- Fox Sports
Florida A&M AD arrested on fraud charges, accused of stealing over $24,000
Florida A&M University athletic director Angela Suggs was arrested Monday on fraud and theft charges for allegedly using a corporate credit card for personal use totaling more than $24,000 at her former job. Suggs, 55, turned herself in and was booked at the Leon County Jail. She was later released on a $13,500 bond. She was charged with two felonies: grand theft and scheme to defraud. She was also charged with four misdemeanor counts of false claims on travel vouchers. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said Suggs made wire transfers, cash withdrawals and personal purchases at casinos during business trips while CEO of the Florida Sports Foundation. The investigation began last November after the FDLE received a criminal referral from the Florida Department of Commerce's Inspector General, which audited Suggs' business credit card purchases and corresponding travel reimbursements at the FSF. The FSF is a direct-support organization operating under the Florida Department of Commerce. The audit revealed that Suggs falsified travel vouchers by coding the unauthorized charges as meals, according to the FDLE. When asked about the unauthorized charges, Suggs claimed some were for business meals and others were accidentally charged to the business card. She failed to fully repay FSF for her personal expenditures, the FDLE said. FAMU Interim President Timothy Beard said in a statement that the university is aware of the allegations connected to her work with a "former employer." "While the matter is unrelated to her duties as an employee at FAMU, we are monitoring the situation and will respond in the future as appropriate," Beard said. There was no attorney listed in jail records for Suggs, who in April hired 1993 Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward as the school's men's basketball coach. Reporting by The Associated Press. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily ! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience College Football College Basketball Women's College Basketball recommended Get more from College Football Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
