Latest news with #JohnLunn
Daily Record
14-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Stirling pensioner at front of swimming lessons drive - and says age no barrier
The 74-year-old says an early experience of almost drowning as a youngster shaped his attitude - and has spoken of the benefits of getting into the water. A 74-year-old who swims every week at Stirling University is backing a campaign telling people it's never too late to learn the skill. John Nicolson is a real advocate of learning to swim - but an early experience almost shaped his attitude for life. 'I nearly drowned when I was three years old in a pond and it put me off swimming for many years – my school experience was not great either. 'I came back to swimming later in life and now gain huge amounts from swimming every week. 'Once I came to the first class I found it really challenging. The whole coaching process was excellent and I began to realise I was doing things and it just clicked. It was an improving journey all the time and I've still got a lot to do, but the journey has been fantastic. 'Swimming enables me to be fitter, it enables me to have a sort of platform and that is my way of keeping fit, keeping healthy and being able to do all the things I couldn't do when I was arthritic. 'I think if anyone's got doubts about learning to swim because of age or capability or health, I think they've got to try it. 'They will find learning to swim will enable them to do other things as well that you want to do in life like getting about, and that I think is essential.' Scottish Swimming has seen a 152 per cent increase in adult swimming programmes as reported by National Learn to Swim Framework lesson providers across the country. On the back of the launch of #NeverTooLate last year – a campaign to get more adults learning to swim and taking up aquatic sports - lesson providers delivering the National Framework (a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water), have reported a substantial increase in adult involvement from 729 adults in 2024 to 1840 in 2025. Staggeringly one in three adults in the UK cannot swim the length of a pool yet 63 per cent of Scots say it is important to them to have access to a swimming pool, the sea or a loch on holiday. Learning to swim is an essential life skill and never more so than in the summer months. John Lunn, CEO of Scottish Swimming said: 'The recent good weather makes water all the more appealing for a swim or paddle and this is when people need to be fully aware of the dangers. 'Our drowning statistics in Scotland are more than double those of the UK and our unique geography with 11800 km of coastline and 30,000 inland waters means that danger is never far away. 'My hope is that the #NeverTooLate campaign continues to have an impact and persuades even more adults to learn this vital life skill. 'Swimming is a fantastic activity, when done safely, for family enjoyment, individual fitness and all round health. 'It's great to see John and others like him gaining so much enjoyment from swimming as well as the important health benefits.' According to the Scottish Household Survey in 2023, 13 per cent of adults swim regularly – the highest participation sport after going to the gym and weight training. For women participation rates are even higher - 14 per cent of women swim regularly – the same percentage who do keep fit and aerobics, and for adults with disabilities swimming is the highest participation sport.
Edinburgh Reporter
09-05-2025
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
Adults encouraged to learn to swim to boost water safety this summer
Each summer, families across Scotland flock to pools, lochs, and beaches – yet a familiar pattern emerges. Children splash and dive while many parents, grandparents or other older family members watch from the side-lines, smiling but staying dry. For a surprising number, that isn't a lifestyle choice – it's the result of not ever learning to swim. Now adults across Scotland are being encouraged to take the plunge, thanks to a campaign confronting deep-seated fears and outdated assumptions. The #NeverTooLate campaign, run by the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework – Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water – is encouraging more adults to lead by example and learn to swim, not simply watch from afar. Backed by the National Learn to Swim Framework, the campaign highlights how building water confidence among adults is not only a step towards personal growth but can also dramatically enhance water safety for the entire family. Delivered through a network of 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers, the framework supports lessons in 165 pools nationwide. While the programme has already helped more than 100,000 learners gain confidence in the water, the adult-focused campaign marks a bold expansion. The Learn to Swim programme is committed to creating supportive and quality environments in which individuals can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability or skill level. John Lunn, Chief Executive of Scottish Swimming, said: 'We hear it constantly – parents telling us they wish they could join their kids in the pool, but they feel held back. 'Many never had the chance to learn when they were young. Now they're held back by fear, embarrassment or the belief that it's too late to start. 'We're challenging that idea head-on. It's never too late to learn to swim – and there's never been a better reason to do so. From building lasting memories with your family members or friends to feeling safer on holiday, swimming is a skill that enriches lives.' Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: 'Learning to swim is such an important safety skill no matter what your age or ability – everyone should be able to enjoy Scotland's miles of rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines, and do so safely. 'Encouraging anyone in later life to learn to swim is just as important as encouraging younger generations – ensuring people of all ages and abilities have access to learn such an essential life skill and how to be confident and competent in or around water is hugely important from a safety perspective, plus they will also get to experience the wider social, health and fitness benefits that swimming can offer.' That message is resonating. Each week, more than 1,600 adults across Scotland are taking part in Learn to Swim sessions, a figure the campaign is hoping to grow. Many are parents or grandparents motivated by their children's safety and a desire to participate more fully in shared experiences, whether on holiday, during school swim lessons or simply enjoying a day at the beach. The #NeverTooLate campaign also touches on deeper issues of health, inclusion and access. Water-based activity is widely regarded as one of the most inclusive forms of exercise, ideal for building strength and confidence at any age. For many learners, these sessions represent much more than mastering a stroke, they're about reclaiming confidence, overcoming past fears, and modelling resilience for younger generations. While Learn to Swim is primarily recognised for helping children reach key aquatic milestones, the adult arm of the programme is quickly gaining traction, thanks in part to wider conversations around health equity and active lifestyles. Figures show that 63% of Scots prefer holidays near water, yet a significant proportion remain unable to swim – something the campaign is determined to change. With hundreds already benefiting and momentum building, Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water are hoping their message makes a splash: it's not just about learning to swim – it's about reconnecting with the water, with confidence, and with family. Like this: Like Related
Scotsman
08-05-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Adults urged to learn to swim to stay safe this summer
Every summer, families across Scotland flock to pools, lochs, and beaches – yet a familiar pattern emerges. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Children splash and dive while many parents, grandparents or other older family members watch from the side-lines, smiling but staying dry. For a surprising number, that isn't a lifestyle choice – it's the result of never learning to swim. Now adults across Scotland are being encouraged to take the plunge, thanks to a campaign confronting deep-seated fears and outdated assumptions. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The #NeverTooLate campaign, run by the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework - Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water – is encouraging more adults to lead by example and learn to swim, not simply watch from afar. 63% of Scots prefer holidays near water, yet a significant proportion remain unable to swim Backed by the National Learn to Swim Framework, the campaign highlights how building water confidence among adults is not only a step towards personal growth but can also dramatically enhance water safety for the entire family. Delivered through a network of 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers, the framework supports lessons in 165 pools nationwide. While the programme has already helped more than 100,000 learners gain confidence in the water, the adult-focused campaign marks a bold expansion. The Learn to Swim programme is committed to creating supportive and quality environments in which individuals can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability or skill level. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad John Lunn, Chief Executive of Scottish Swimming, said: 'We hear it constantly – parents telling us they wish they could join their kids in the pool, but they feel held back. Adults urged to learn vital water safety skills 'Many never had the chance to learn when they were young. Now they're held back by fear, embarrassment or the belief that it's too late to start. 'We're challenging that idea head-on. It's never too late to learn to swim – and there's never been a better reason to do so. From building lasting memories with your family members or friends to feeling safer on holiday, swimming is a skill that enriches lives.' Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: 'Learning to swim is such an important safety skill no matter what your age or ability – everyone should be able to enjoy Scotland's miles of rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines, and do so safely. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Encouraging anyone in later life to learn to swim is just as important as encouraging younger generations - ensuring people of all ages and abilities have access to learn such an essential life skill and how to be confident and competent in or around water is hugely important from a safety perspective, plus they will also get to experience the wider social, health and fitness benefits that swimming can offer.' That message is resonating. Each week, more than 1,600 adults across Scotland are taking part in Learn to Swim sessions, a figure the campaign is hoping to grow. Many are parents or grandparents motivated by their children's safety and a desire to participate more fully in shared experiences, whether on holiday, during school swim lessons or simply enjoying a day at the beach. The #NeverTooLate campaign also touches on deeper issues of health, inclusion and access. Water-based activity is widely regarded as one of the most inclusive forms of exercise, ideal for building strength and confidence at any age. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For many learners, these sessions represent much more than mastering a stroke, they're about reclaiming confidence, overcoming past fears, and modelling resilience for younger generations. While Learn to Swim is primarily recognised for helping children reach key aquatic milestones, the adult arm of the programme is quickly gaining traction, thanks in part to wider conversations around health equity and active lifestyles. Figures show that 63% of Scots prefer holidays near water, yet a significant proportion remain unable to swim – something the campaign is determined to change.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How one startup coordinates your payments
This story was originally published on Payments Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Payments Dive newsletter. Payment orchestration firm Gr4vy was founded in 2021 amid the global pandemic, with merchants around the world scrambling to adjust to sales that had rushed fully online, virtually overnight. In this rapid migration to digital and massive new volume online, many retailers found their payment systems lacking, Gr4vy's founder and chief executive, John Lunn, said in an April 3 interview. The company's cloud-based platform supports some 400 alternative payment types, along with anti-fraud and other software tools, he said. Gr4vy (pronounced like the sauce) has about 50 employees in 14 countries, all of whom work remotely. The company, which calls Silicon Valley home, has raised about $27 million and is funding its growth through sales, aiming to avoid further fundraising. Gr4vy isn't profitable yet, Lunn said, declining to specify when the company may achieve that. Gr4y's orchestration tools are used for commerce globally across a variety of industries, including at Grammarly, the San Francisco-based software company; Event Cinemas, an Australian movie theater chain; Corendon Airlines, a Turkish leisure carrier; Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit that oversees Wikipedia; and Wisconsin-based Trek Bicycle, which adopted Gr4vy's platform last month. A U.K. native and former PayPal Holdings executive, Lunn was previously at payments service provider CyberSource, which Visa acquired in 2010. He also worked on launching PayPal's venture capital investment operation and has advised companies in the payments industry. Lest you're curious why Gr4vy carries a '4' in its name, in lieu of the vowel, the reason concerns a cash-strapped startup's need to conserve funds. 'The domain gravy (dot-com) with an A in it was $1.5 million. The domain gravy with a four in it was $5,' Lunn said. Editor's note: This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. JOHN LUNN: We're a technology layer that sits between mainly retailers and the rest of the financial ecosystem when it comes to payments. There's lots of payment service providers (PSPs) out there, anti-fraud companies and payment choices. The traditional way for a retailer to interact is to connect to one or many of those and then manage all of those connections and repayments they need to go through. They usually will build a payments team that manages those connections, manages that technology and that software. What Gr4vy does is provide a piece of technology that steps in and gives you all of that functionality, so your head of payments and your team can essentially move faster because they're not having to build and maintain everything with custom code. They didn't have a choice before. It's very similar to other stories in technology. You probably connected to one PSP to start with, when you were small, and then as you grew, you added more functionality. So maybe you connected to something like a Stripe, and then six months later you go and add PayPal. Then you maybe add a firm, and then you go global, and you need to do that. Traditionally, companies have grown organically by just adding more and more of those connectors. And accordingly, their payments teams have got bigger and bigger, and you've got some companies now that (have) nothing to do with payments, but have 300 plus payment people, payment teams, because they had to grow this group organically from that setup. As I spent a lot of time talking to retailers, and I realized you're all building the same thing, you're all building independently with custom code. This makes no sense. Let's build a tool that does this. We work with them as partners. We'll sit above the PSP or gateways. The gateways themselves will be the ones who are connecting to the acquirers, and the acquirers will be connecting to the Visas or Mastercards. So, we're higher in the process when it comes to motion integration. As we've grown, those schemes have become increasingly more interested in Gr4vy because they now say, 'Look, I could create this new product, and I could go to every PSP in the world and launch it, or I could go to Gr4vy, which is connected up to most of those PSPs, and launch it, and then I get access to those merchants and all those PSPs.' Most U.S. retailers are going to need to process cards, right? They need to accept cards because that's what consumers want. We will make it easier for them to integrate other payment types as well. Things like open banking in Europe or pay-by-bank in Australia. We support over 400 different alternative payment types. So, yes, we make it easy as a merchant to add other things, to give the consumer choice, perhaps to give them pricing advantages. But we can't solve the problem of how much acquirers are charging for Visa or Mastercard transactions or Amex or whoever else, because that's between them and their acquirers. We don't touch the money. We're a technology event. Usually, when a merchant comes to talk to us, it's because something has happened with their status quo that makes them reconsider what they've got. When we started Gr4vy four years ago, I talked to a venture capitalist who said, 'In North America, most retailers are single acquirer. They have one acquirer. That's it. Why would anyone need Gr4vy?' If you saw the stats that came out recently, 60% of North American merchants are considering having a second acquirer right now. So, we've seen that trend change very rapidly over the last few years, where just having one source for everything is changing now. Merchants have realized having two not only increases your chance to get a successful authorization, it gives you increased negotiating power, gives you the ability to optimize, etc, etc. What we've seen is that fundamental change among North America merchants, where they've realized that having more than one is a good thing, and it gives us more choice and more power. This is a huge market, in my view. I was at MAG (Merchant Advisory Group) conference earlier in the year and on stage a very senior member of MAG said that every merchant here will be using orchestration in the next five years. I think the market is ginormous. I think you have specialization in orchestration. I don't think there's going to be one winner. I think you're going to end up with a similar situation you have today, where there's some orchestrations that specialize in SMB (small-medium business). There's orchestrators that specialize in enterprise-large merchant. There's going to be some specific to travel and airlines, some are specific to gambling and gaming. I mean, it's a huge, huge market, but yeah, we have competition. We have people doing similar things in different ways. But my largest source of competition is the in-house team who wants to keep on doing it the way they did it. That's my biggest competition. A lot of people call themselves orchestrators. The term has been slightly co-opted in that it got very trendy, very quickly. A lot of companies decided they did payment orchestration when they weren't really doing anything different than they've ever done in the past. The difference between us, where we do pure-play payment orchestration, is what we do in infrastructure — give control to the merchant — is very different than a gateway that has connections to multiple payment types. They'll call themselves an orchestrator because they can do Visa, Mastercard, Affirm and PayPal. That, in our view, is not orchestration. That is a gateway. But it sounds better in your marketing message to call yourself an orchestrator. There's a small (group), maybe 11 or 12 globally, payment orchestrators that do what we would call pure-play payment orchestration. We have got two main parts of the business. We have very, very large retailers, merchants, and that's kind of where we sit. We work with the larger end of the industry that have the harder problems to solve, and we've designed a platform to be very flexible and work for that particular segment. So, we would see ourselves sitting in the large, midsize enterprise space. The second side of our business is we actually serve platforms who serve merchants. We're working with other payment service providers. We're working with (independent sales organizations), we're working with software platforms and people who want to get into the payment business to provide them with infrastructure so they can do that. At the moment, it's early days, but I think the chances of us making it to IPO and not being acquired are pretty slim, because we're becoming increasingly that sort of important piece on the chess board. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sift Expands Partner Program to Deliver Identity Trust Across Global Markets
Continued Program Momentum for the AI-Powered Fraud Platform Now Offers Multiple Partnership Categories and New Partner Portal SAN FRANCISCO, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sift, the AI-powered fraud platform delivering identity trust for leading global businesses, today announced a significant update to its Partner Program, designed to support partners in transforming digital risk into revenue opportunities. On the heels of major program investments including appointing Leslie Lorenco as VP of Channel Sales, the Sift Partner Program now includes multiple partnership categories and deeper ways for partners to engage with Sift. Each partner category is aligned with prescribed annual sales revenue goals, technical capabilities, and product certifications: Influence Partners: Channel experts who can refer customers to Sift, earning revenue by connecting businesses with cutting-edge fraud prevention without complex sales processes. Authorized Resellers: Technology partners who directly sell Sift products, generating customer demand and expanding the platform's reach across diverse market segments. Service Providers: Strategic implementation experts who use deep technical knowledge to help customers optimize Sift's fraud decisioning capabilities, turning complex identity signals into actionable insights. "Our go-to-market partners seek alignment with market leaders who can solve the risk-revenue equation," said Leslie Lorenco, VP of Global Channel Sales at Sift. "Sift's platform addresses the spectrum of consumer journey fraud challenges—from account takeover to payment fraud—with identity trust at the core for hundreds of global brands. Our expanded partner program creates a clear on-ramp for partners to tap into a rapidly expanding $40B fraud prevention market while delivering measurable value to their customers." Key program highlights include: Dedicated partner support with direct access to Partner Managers and Sales Engineering resources Comprehensive marketing tools, including co-branded collateral and Market Development Funds Extensive technical training and certification programs Access to Sift product demo environments and sandbox technologies Collaborative sales systems including deal registration and referral programs "Online fraud continues to evolve and challenge businesses of all sizes,' said John Lunn, CEO and founder at payment orchestration platform Gr4vy. 'Sift brings deep expertise and a strong reputation in the fraud prevention space. Their technology and support have helped us to deliver greater value to our customers." Partners can learn more and apply to the program by visiting the Sift Partner Portal here. About Sift Sift is the AI-powered fraud platform delivering identity trust for leading global businesses. Our deep investments in machine learning and user identity, a data network scoring 1 trillion events per year, and a commitment to long-term customer success empower more than 700 customers to grow fearlessly. Brands including DoorDash, Yelp, and Poshmark rely on Sift to unlock growth and deliver seamless consumer experiences. Visit us at and follow us on LinkedIn. Media Contact: Victor White VP, Corporate Marketingpress@ in to access your portfolio
