Latest news with #Pollard
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
POLLARD BANKNOTE SECURES LICENSE TO SUPPLY GAMING-RELATED GOODS AND SERVICES IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
WINNIPEG, MB, July 28, 2025 /CNW/ - Pollard Banknote Limited ("Pollard Banknote") (TSX: PBL) is pleased to announce that it has been approved as a licensed gaming-related vendor by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority ("GCGRA"). The GCGRA is the federal authority that oversees the regulatory framework for all lottery and commercial gaming activities in the United Arab Emirates ("UAE") and is responsible for ensuring the industry's integrity and promoting responsible gaming. This license authorizes Pollard Banknote to provide gaming-related goods and services and reflects the company's interest in supporting regulated lottery operators within the UAE. As a full-service lottery and gaming provider with operations in North America and Europe and lottery clients across the globe, Pollard Banknote's family of companies offer a wide array of products and services to maximize revenue potential. This portfolio of offerings includes an array of impactful retail merchandising solutions from Schafer Retail Solutions +, engaging print products designed for non-traditional lottery retailers from American Games/International Gamco, and forward-thinking digital products across a number of its companies. This is all in addition to Pollard Banknote's innovative instant ticket products and manufacturing operations. "We are very excited for the wide variety of opportunities this new license will afford Pollard Banknote," said Doug Pollard, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Pollard Banknote. "We are eager to foster a strong partnership in the UAE and introduce our portfolio of proven, innovative lottery and gaming products and services that will help boost revenue and support charitable causes." About Pollard Banknote Pollard Banknote is a leading lottery partner to more than 60 lotteries worldwide, providing high-quality instant ticket products, licensed games, in-lane ticket options, and sales-driving merchandising solutions from its Schafer Retail Solutions + portfolio. It also offers a full suite of digital offerings, ranging from world-class game apps to comprehensive player engagement and iLottery solutions, including strategic marketing and management services. The company is a proven innovator and has decades of experience helping lotteries to maximize player engagement, sales, and proceeds for good causes. Pollard Banknote also provides pull-tab tickets, bingo paper, ticket vending machines, and its Diamond Game and Compliant Gaming electronic games and devices to charitable and other gaming markets in North America. Established in 1907, Pollard Banknote is owned approximately 64% by the Pollard family and 36% by public shareholders, and is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: PBL). For more information, please visit our website at Forward-looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking" statements and information, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. When used in this document, such statements include such words as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "plan," and other similar terminology. These statements reflect management's current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this document. There should not be an expectation that such information will in all circumstances be updated, supplemented, or revised whether as a result of new information, changing circumstances, future events, or otherwise. SOURCE Pollard Banknote Limited
Techday NZ
2 days ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
NZ civil construction sector faces confidence drop, workforce shortage
New research from Civil Contractors New Zealand and Teletrac Navman shows that New Zealand's civil construction industry is contending with a drop in business confidence and shrinking workforce numbers, but many businesses remain focused on finding solutions. The 2025 Construction Industry Survey, now in its ninth edition, compiles feedback from sector professionals and reveals a mixed picture. Of those surveyed, 16 percent reported a positive business outlook - a significant decrease from 50 percent in 2021. Alongside this decline, 42 percent of businesses reported downsizing or laying off staff over the past 12 months, with 73 percent citing a lack of work as the industry's predominant challenge, compared to just 15 percent in 2021. Despite the difficult operating environment, almost half (47 percent) of civil construction businesses expressed confidence in their ability to withstand and overcome current challenges. Many are responding by investing in new technology and climate-resilient projects with the aim of supporting business growth and meeting community needs. Government pipeline concerns Industry leaders point to uncertainty surrounding the project pipeline as a critical factor in declining business confidence. Alan Pollard, Chief Executive at Civil Contractors New Zealand, said: "New Zealand's civil construction industry is facing a confidence crisis where a lack of work, and uncertainty is placing the long-term health of the industry at risk, but there is plenty of hope on the horizon." The National Infrastructure Pipeline, managed by the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, currently forecasts projects worth USD $207 billion across central government, local government and private sector contributions. Despite this, Pollard says there is often a gap between forecasted investments and projects reaching the market, with many projects delayed for prolonged periods. He emphasised the need for more transparent communications regarding project opportunities and more stable investment to provide certainty for infrastructure construction workers. The impact is particularly pronounced for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up 60 percent of the sector. The survey found that 27 percent of SMEs expect their revenues to decrease in 2025, which is three times the number from the 2021 survey. Pollard continued: "It's never been more important for central and local government to step up with a clearer, more consistent and visible pipeline of infrastructure construction and maintenance work, rather than just announcements. We see this playing a central role in strengthening business confidence, helping to keep skilled workers in the industry, and ensuring we're ready to meet not just today's needs, but also New Zealand's future infrastructure needs." Skills and workforce challenges The survey highlights that human resources and skills are a significant issue. Seventy-three percent of respondents reported a lack of available work for contractors, up from only 15 percent in 2021. This environment increases the risk of skilled professionals seeking employment overseas or leaving the sector to maintain income security. Looking ahead, 85 percent of civil construction professionals believe that clarity around central and local government projects is needed to restore business confidence and financial stability in the sector. Climate change and infrastructure Resilience to climate change is another matter raised by respondents. Fifty-eight percent are not confident in New Zealand infrastructure's current ability to withstand climate change. Civil construction professionals are unified in calling for greater investment in resilience infrastructure, such as seawalls and stopbanks, seeing these developments as essential for community safety during flood or fire events. Role of technology Technology is increasingly being recognised as a strategy for business efficiency and growth in New Zealand's civil construction sector. More than 40 percent of those surveyed indicated that adopting technology could help improve efficiency and manage ongoing challenges. Over half of business leaders say that mandated technology assists them in securing new work, indicating a shift in how projects are approached. James French, Construction Industry Specialist ANZ at Teletrac Navman, said: "While confidence in the sector is under pressure, our research with CCNZ clearly shows that businesses that embrace digital tools and connected platforms are positioning themselves to win work and navigate today's industry uncertainty. Technology isn't just a nice-to-have for civil construction businesses – It's become a business imperative. This year's Civil Construction Industry Report revealed that 60 percent of business leaders in the sector say that mandated technology helps them win work, so its clear technology is playing a key role in building a more resilient and competitive civil construction industry." The annual report by Teletrac Navman and Civil Contractors New Zealand aims to provide data-driven insights to support the sector as it navigates changing market conditions and prepares for future demands. The 2025 survey was based on 172 responses from civil construction professionals gathered between May and June 2025.
NDTV
4 days ago
- Sport
- NDTV
Ex-MI Teammate On Reason Behind Rohit Sharma's Test Retirement: "He Would've Known..."
Former West Indies captain Kieron Pollard spoke on former Indian Test skipper Rohit Sharma's retirement from the longest format. He believes that Sharma, having achieved a lot, knows what he wants for his career and emphasised that Hitman's pride in his performance will always be a driving factor. Sharma has announced his retirement from Test cricket in May this year, bringing down the curtain on a remarkable journey in whites. He will continue to captain India in ODIs. "It is a personal decision and he would have known why he [Rohit Sharma] wanted to do it. As an individual who has accomplished so much in cricket, he has it within himself to understand and know what he wants going forward. Again, pride of performance is always going to be there." Pollard told ANI. "He's still going to represent India in the 50-over format of cricket. I don't see him changing the hunger and desire not to score runs. He wants to come out and perform and do well," Pollard added. Pollard also expressed his joy in reuniting with former teammates and friends in the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025. He highlighted the excitement of being competitive again and looks forward to these opportunities. "It feels great, again, reconnecting with your old teammates, old friends, persons that you don't see on a daily basis, you get an opportunity to be competitive again, it's just fantastic and we look forward to it," Pollard told ANI. West Indies Champions Team owner Ajay Sethi praised his team's players, highlighting their success in the IPL and T20 formats. He mentioned their wins against England and expressed confidence in their upcoming match against Pakistan. "They have been greatest player of IPL and T20 format, their records and their performance speaks for itself, this is my best team on the paper and they're performing, they won the England game and then we had the game against Australia, we have a big game tomorrow with Pakistan, I'm very confident that we will definitely go to perform and win the game," Sethi told ANI. West Indies Champions will take on Pakistan Champions in the 11th Match of WCL 2025 at Leeds on Saturday.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus' flyhalf options overflow as he ponders Rugby Championship
Manie Libbok's attacking flair could be key in the Springboks' push to beat the All Blacks at Eden Park for the first time since 1937. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix COMMENT There is no shortage of Springbok supporters considering the big question: Who will start at flyhalf for South Africa against the All Blacks in Auckland this September? Few fans have a definitive answer, and it's doubtful whether Rassie Erasmus is entirely certain either. The fact that Erasmus must weigh up the unique strengths of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok and Handré Pollard — and still not have a clear frontrunner — speaks to the Springboks' remarkable depth as they build towards the Rugby Championship. Handre Pollard of the Springboks. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix That campaign kicks off with back-to-back clashes against the Wallabies on 16 August in Johannesburg and a week later in Cape Town. It is during those two Tests that Erasmus must settle on the half-back pairing that gives the Boks the best chance of claiming a historic win at Eden Park — where South Africa last triumphed in 1937. Grant Williams, through excellent recent form, appears to have nailed down the scrumhalf jersey. But flyhalf remains far more contested after mixed performances in the recent matches: Feinberg-Mngomezulu looked out of sorts against Georgia, Libbok dazzled against Italy, and Pollard has calmly closed out matches with trademark assurance. Pollard, the 2019 World Cup hero, remains the most reliable option, though he arguably lacks the attacking flair of the younger duo. With new attack coach Tony Brown looking to sharpen the Springboks' offence ahead of the 2027 World Cup, that difference in playing style matters. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu of the Springboks. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Perhaps Erasmus can have it both ways — start with the explosive Libbok or talented Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and close the game with Pollard's dependable boot and experience. On current form, Libbok should start and Pollard finish. Feinberg-Mngomezulu is undeniably gifted, but still raw. A touch of humility — not arrogance — may help his development. At scrumhalf, Erasmus has opted for a blend of youth and experience. The 34-year-old Cobus Reinach will back himself against Williams and Morne van den Berg, but the latter two are clearly being groomed for 2027. That said, veteran Faf de Klerk reminded everyone of his value with a typically fierce cameo against Georgia. His presence ensures no scrumhalf can afford to relax — especially with a tenacious competitor like Faf snapping at their heels. Meanwhile, Jaden Hendrikse has found himself out in the cold after an underwhelming URC campaign with the Sharks. If he is to force his way back into the Springbok reckoning, he must make the most of the Currie Cup — a competition that remains a vital proving ground in South Africa, unlike in many rival rugby nations. Other recent Boks including Vincent Tshituka, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, Salmaan Moerat, Evan Roos and Neethling Fouché have also been released to the Currie Cup. While no one will write off a warrior like Mapimpi, his release and Edwill van der Merwe's retention signal Erasmus's gaze is fixed firmly on the future. Van der Merwe has scored five tries in three Tests and shown he belongs in the same conversation as Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse. Springbok Squad Forwards: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Jean-Luc du Preez (Bordeaux Begles), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Vincent Koch (Sharks), Siya Kolisi (Sharks), Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Boan Venter (Edinburgh), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Bulls), Cobus Wiese (Bulls) Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks), Aphelele Fassi (Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Ethan Hooker (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Manie Libbok (Hanazono Kintetsu Liners), Canan Moodie (Bulls), Handre Pollard (Vodacom Bulls), Cobus Reinach (Stormers), Edwill van der Merwe (Sharks), Morne van den Berg (Lions), Grant Williams (Sharks), Damian Willemse (Stormers).
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Irish Examiner
The home interior design trends to tap into now
If you're talking renovations, upgrades and making the most of what you have, it's good to be in the know— after all, there's nothing spontaneous about a considered design brief. Especially when you have the opportunity to create the ideal layout, knowing the latest design trends and exploring "what's in and what's out" means you can make informed decisions — with the potential to add value to your property. To put you on the front foot, home and design platform Houzz has identified the latest home trends gaining traction… 'Based on insights from the 2025 Emerging Trends Report, there's a growing appetite for indulgent upgrades and bold, expressive design, from luxurious bathroom retreats to colour-drenched interiors, highlights Amanda Pollard, senior editor at Houzz. Here's the lowdown on what's key, and influencing our style choices… Wood-drenched interiors 'From wood beams to wooden floors and everything in between, homeowners are embracing wood; thanks to its timeless appeal and ability to add tone and texture to a space,' underlines Pollard. Indeed, she says searches for wood beams are up significantly, and terms like "oak kitchen" and 'wood kitchen' have also been on the rise. Streamlined oak cabinets, an oak island and wood-toned stools add sophistication to this Nordic-inspired kitchen (Randa Kort Interior Architecture & Design/Laura Rupulo Photography/PA) Wooden wall treatments such as slat walls and panels are trending, adds Pollard, and with the help of 3D floor-plan tools, you can see how to integrate these wall treatments. Randa Kort of Randa Kort Interior Architecture & Design says: 'Incorporating natural wood in less conventional ways, such as wall treatments, can add character and visual interest to any space. 'While some of our clients use natural materials like wood to add warmth, others use it to create a more elevated look and choose interior wood cladding for their projects.' Daylighting As Pollard points out, natural light is a commodity, and trending searches for daylighting features show we're in pursuit of airy, sun-filled spaces. With the positive benefits of enhancing light flow and architectural detail throughout the home, she says searches for skylights, orangeries, and glass wall partitions have been climbing. A skylight and glass doors illuminate this contemporary dining room (Snell David Cambridge LTD/Michael Maynard/PA) James Snell, director of Snell David Cambridge Ltd, says: 'It's important to consider all of the potential avenues, as you seek to maximise the natural light throughout your home.' 'Many [people] don't explore the creative and strategic options to brighten up their spaces, and they're missing out,' notes Snell. 'Adding a skylight, for example, can transform a dark space, and internal glass doors can help light flow from one room to the next.' Wall-to-wall design More and more of us are willing to go bold with our interiors, embracing colour and pattern in the home, suggests Pollard. 'Whether they're using vibrant paint, dramatic texture or layered pattern, they're making a statement with creative wall treatments.' More recently, she says searches for a technique known as "colour drenching" — where a single colour, or closely related set of colours, is applied to all surfaces in a room, including walls, ceilings and woodwork — is trending. This colour-drenched living room showcases a vibrant blue hue (Completion Interior Design & Architecture/Kasia Fiszer/PA) And while some may have previously hesitated from making such bold interior decor choices, Pollard says today's visualisation tools help empower them to be more adventurous. 'As it's easier to visualise how it will all come together.' Gilly Foulds, founder of Completion Interior Design & Architecture, says: 'Bold tones and rich textures infuse personality into a space, and homeowners are taking note. 'Not only that, but these more daring choices help to create a space that's uniquely yours, with a distinct personal touch.' Luxurious bathrooms There's a growing appetite for high-end upgrades, and bathrooms offer an opportunity to introduce luxury into everyday life, outlines Pollard. 'This year, interest in luxurious materials has skyrocketed, with 'onyx tile' searches 1,069% higher than last year, and 'marble bathroom' searches up 51%.' She says trends also reveal a growing interest in features that are both luxurious and practical, such as double vanities and double showers. And consistent with Houzz's 2024 Bathroom Trends report, freestanding baths are among the most sought-after bathroom features, says Pollard. A showstopper for sure, this marble-tiled bathroom with a floating double vanity exudes luxury (Snell David Cambridge LTD/Michael Maynard/PA) 'Whether it's a bespoke walk-in shower or high-end materials, our clients are seeking to elevate their bathroom spaces to invoke a spa-like atmosphere,' highlights Snell. Moreover, he says people are increasingly interested in creating dedicated spaces for relaxation and wellness within their homes. 'And many of them are willing to invest in luxury fixtures and features, to transform their bathrooms into sanctuaries.' Pretty in pink 'From the kitchen to the bathroom, pink is back in a big way,' underlines Pollard. She says soft, plaster-pink hues are particularly popular, due to their versatility and subtle sophistication. Uber cool, a delicate pink tile covers the walls of this contemporary bathroom (Francesco Pierazzi Architects/Gianluca Maver/PA) 'Searches for pink bathrooms, pink kitchens and pink bedrooms are all on the rise, which further speaks to pink's adaptability,' she notes. Francesco Pierazzi of Francesco Pierazzi Architects says: 'Considered a neutral by many, soft pink pairs beautifully with a range of colours and styles. 'Beyond that, the shade has warm undertones, which evokes a sense of calm and tranquillity within the home.'
