Latest news with #SEPA
Finextra
a day ago
- Business
- Finextra
Solidgate taps Tuum for global money movements
Tuum, a next generation core banking provider, is proud to announce its partnership with Solidgate, a leading payment processing and orchestration platform, to power Solidgate Treasury – a solution that gives online businesses global access to their funds, without the traditional bottlenecks. 0 This strategic collaboration allows global digital companies to seamlessly manage cross-border payments through business accounts and cards, simplifying global B2B transactions and providing faster, more secure services for rapid growth. At the core of Solidgate Treasury lies a strong, industry-leading infrastructure and direct connection to global transfer rails, such as SEPA and SWIFT. Tuum's cutting-edge core banking platform forms the backbone, providing Treasury with necessary, ready-to-go solutions to enable money movement via multiple channels, including global transfers, card payments, and direct integrations with leading service providers in the fintech world. 'We are excited to work with such a strong network of partners to make Solidgate Treasury happen,' said Andrii Stas, PM at Solidgate Treasury. 'Thanks to Tuum's ready-to-go solutions, we can ship multiple payment rails like SEPA, SWIFT, and services like mass payouts to cards and accounts to our customers in a very short period of time.' The ability to scale and handle high volumes of transactions is crucial for Solidgate. Tuum's proven track record of powering LHV's Banking-as-a-Service platform, which supports over 200 fintechs worldwide and processes 7% of all European Instant Payments, demonstrates its ability to scale alongside growing businesses. This made Tuum the perfect partner for Solidgate to launch Treasury and support increasing transaction volumes as its merchants scale their businesses globally. Tuum's modern, cloud-native architecture, built on microservices and API-first technologies, was a key factor in Solidgate choosing Tuum as its partner. Tuum's flexibility supports Solidgate's goals for innovation in the payments space, which allows it to introduce new services and ensure secure and efficient payout infrastructure for it's clients as they expand into new markets. 'At Tuum, our mission is to provide the technological foundation that allows our partners to innovate without limits,' said Miljan Stamenkovic, Chief Revenue Officer at Tuum. 'With Solidgate's ambition to introduce Treasury for its merchants, we're proud to deliver a platform that not only supports rapid product launches but also expands its capabilities through seamless integration with best-in-class providers. This collaboration demonstrates how our flexible, API-first architecture empowers businesses to meet current market demands and scale for future growth in the evolving payments landscape.'
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Health
- Express Tribune
Hospitals told to follow protocol in waste disposal
The environment watchdog in Sindh has warned clinics and hospitals in Hyderabad to dispose of hospital waste in incinerators per laid down rules and regulations. Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) Director General (DG) Waqar Hussain Phulpoto has issued a stern warning to public and private hospitals across the district for failing to dispose of medical waste in accordance with SEPA regulations. During his visit to Hyderabad, he chaired multiple meetings at the SEPA regional office with hospital administrators, kiln owners, factory operators, and municipal officials from various districts. He directed hospitals to follow scientific protocols for medical waste disposal using incinerators and to ensure strict compliance with Hospital Waste Management Rules. Expressing displeasure during individual hearings, the DG reprimanded kiln owners for not using eco-friendly fuel and instructed them to adopt environmentally safe alternatives in line with SEPA laws. Municipal officers of Hyderabad were also directed to ensure proper disposal of municipal waste at designated landfill sites. Violations of the SEPA Act 2014 will result in strict legal action, the DG warned. DG also held individual hearings with owners of ice factories, various industrial units, and construction firms, emphasizing the need for full compliance with environmental regulations. Responding to public complaints, the DG ordered the sealing of an ice factory located in Thatta for non-compliance.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
Exact date Scotland will battered by rare ‘pollen bomb' as temperatures set to hit 22 degrees
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTS are facing a 'pollen bomb' affecting half the country over the next 24 hours - as the mercury rises to 22C. Around 2.2million residents are under the threat from the hay fever-inducing grains on Thursday, causing potential misery for many. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 A pollen bomb is set to hit parts of Scotland The Met Office prediction covers major cities and towns including Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth and Stirling. Fife and Dumfries and Galloway also fall within the warning zone. Weather experts indicate grass pollen concentrations will reach elevated levels on Thursday, registering between 50 and 150 grains of grass pollen per cubic metre. Hay fever reactions typically commence at 50 grains per cubic metre. The remainder of Scotland will maintain low grass pollen readings, with both areas dropping back to minimal levels on Friday. Saturday will witness Grampian and Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders experiencing moderate conditions, while all three eastern coastal areas will register moderate readings on Sunday, July 27. Max Wiseberg, airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax allergen barrier balm, said: 'The grass pollen season hasn't finished yet in Scotland.' He explained the 'pollen bomb' – an unofficial phrase describing a sudden brief surge of intense pollen release – will spark hay fever reactions in numerous individuals. He added: 'With the latest pollen bomb forecast for the Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders and Central, Tayside and Fife regions, many people will get symptoms again as 95% of hay fever sufferers are allergic to grass pollen.' We previously reported how Scots are still recovering from last weekend's deluge of torrential downpours and thunderstorms, which caused flooding chaos over the last few days. Parts of the country saw two weeks' worth of rain fall in just one hour as extreme weather gripped the nation. The Met Office issued three back-to-back yellow warnings that lasted from Friday through to Tuesday, and on Monday SEPA issued a total of 16 flood alerts and three flood warnings. Forecasters warned there was a chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater as thunderstorms posed 'a danger to life'. The torrential rain was so severe in some areas that roads and rail lines were left completely submerged, and in other places some locals were forced to use paddleboards to get around towns. So it's no wonder that many Scots will be hoping to see some more sunshine now that we're at the peak time of summer.
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Mystery behind neon green burn at beauty spot solved
Locals were left puzzled after the water at Milndavie Glen in Strathblane took on an unnatural fluorescent green hue on Tuesday, July 22. The glen, a well-known beauty spot popular with dog walkers and nature lovers, quickly became the focus of local speculation. READ MORE: Environment Secretary urged to apologise for 'misleading' Scottish water claims One social media user asked: "Am I seeing things or is the burn in Milndavie Glen bright green?" Others jumped in with their own theories, ranging from light reflection and algae bloom to more concerning suggestions such as chemical contamination. One person commented: "Could be an algae bloom, or just light reflection." Another added: "That looks like contamination." A third speculated: "Could be tracer dye used to trace leaks." To uncover the truth, The Glasgow Times contacted both the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Scottish Water for clarification. SEPA confirmed that they had received reports from local residents and, following these reports, conducted an investigation. They concluded that the green colour was indeed caused by dye testing. The substance used is commonly employed in water tracing and poses no lasting harm to the environment. READ MORE: Scottish Water issues safety warning as warm weather expected this weekend (Image: Sourced) A SEPA spokesperson said: 'SEPA has received reports of a green substance in the water at Milndavie Glen, Strathblane, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. "Initial investigations suggest dye testing has been carried out, which can leave colouring in the water for a short period, but has no adverse effect on the environment. 'We would like to thank the public for reporting this and encourage anyone who is concerned about a potential pollution incident to contact SEPA as soon as possible on 0800 80 70 60 or by submitting an online report at with as much information as possible.' READ MORE: Scottish Water warning after fire hydrants set off in Glasgow Scottish Water also confirmed the discolouration was the result of dye testing and not due to pollution. A spokesperson added that they had investigated after receiving public reports and confirmed there was no threat to [[pub]]lic or environmental health. The reassurance comes as a relief to locals and highlights the importance of prompt public reporting in protecting local natural spaces.
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Oxford professors join opposition of battery storage site
A Clydebank councillor, together with local campaigners and academics from the University of Oxford, has submitted formal objections to the proposed Battery Energy Storage Site (BESS) at Braidfield Farm. After initial concerns were raised over the plan for a 100 MW Energy Storage facility submitted by Intelligent Land Investments Limited (ILI), Councillor William Rooney reached out to professors Peter Dobson and Peter Edwards at the University of Oxford. The proposals are being considered by the Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit (ECU) and have received, to date, a total of 315 public representations have been submitted, 24 in support and 291 in objection. In addition, an online petition titled Say NO to battery storage facility in Braidfield, Clydebank has gathered more than 1,360 signatures. William Rooney, Kilpatrick Councillor, said: 'I find it deeply unsettling that the site is located less than a quarter of a mile from local businesses, residential areas and St Peter the Apostle High School. 'I'm encouraged to see our concerns legitimised by renowned experts from the University of Oxford. 'It's clear that regulations are not keeping pace with technology. I'm worried that if this isn't addressed, it could lead to a serious incident.' READ NEXT: Council respond to concerns over missing alpacas at Glasgow Children's Farm READ NEXT: This is the plan for this iconic Glasgow city centre building Proposals for the site. (Image: Newsquest staff) Professors Peter Dobson and Peter Edwards claim that the consultation from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) had "many flaws" and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was "simply complacent" in their response. Additionally, they suggest that the plan should fall under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) regulations due to the supposed instability of lithium-ion batteries. (Image: Supplied) The ILI Group, in response, have said that if the Health and Safety Executive raised any concerns at all in relation to this development, then they "simply would not proceed." SEPA say they do not have a remit to regulate BESS site operation; however, they are a statutory consultee in the application. Craig Hughes, a local campaigner against the site, said: "If this is approved by the Scottish Government, then expect two years of traffic disruption on Kilbowie Road and Hardgate due to a construction traffic management plan involving slow-moving vehicles. 'Not to mention the extensive roadworks between Hardgate and Windyhill substation, which will involve digging up miles and miles of roads to lay the cables'. 'If you think the traffic is chaotic now, brace yourself.' In regard to traffic concerns and community disruption, the ILI Group say that the council's road department raised no objections. They say they are "committed" to working closely with West Dunbartonshire Council and relevant transport authorities to implement a Construction Traffic Management Plan when traffic is higher than usual towards the end of the construction period. West Dunbartonshire Council planning committee is expected to be discussing a report in August as a statutory consultee. A spokesperson from ILI Group said: "We acknowledge the objections raised by local representatives, campaigners, and academics regarding the proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Clydebank, and we appreciate the opportunity to address these concerns directly and constructively. "The UK Government has reviewed the regulatory framework for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facilities recently, and specifically at the suggestion of academics, into whether these should be included under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) regulations. "The government, along with the Health and Safety Executive, concluded that it did not." The spokesperson continued: "ILI said at the outset that if the Health and Safety Executive raised any concerns at all in relation to this development, then we simply would not proceed. In fact, this important regulatory body has been consulted by the Scottish Government for this proposed development and raised 'no objection'." A spokesperson for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said: 'SEPA provides independent and evidence-based advice directly to planning authorities and Scottish Ministers to inform their decisions. 'Our remit with regards to BESS sites is limited to our role as a statutory consultee at planning stage and our role in regulating construction, water discharges and abstractions. 'We have published information and advice on various matters which relate to our remit. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) do not fall within the Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) regulations or Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) regulations. "This means SEPA does not have a remit to regulate BESS site operation. 'Our consultation response, dated 11 February 2025, covers our regulatory role in regard to pollution prevention and flood risk management. SEPA is a statutory consultee, and the final decision on this application will be taken by the Energy Consents Unit. 'We recognise that there are potential environmental impacts associated with BESS. We will continue to work with planning authorities through the Heads of Planning Groups, directly with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and with the Scottish Government.' A HSE spokesperson said: 'Battery energy storage systems are covered by a robust regulatory framework which applies regardless of the size of the facility. 'The fundamental principle of health and safety law is that those who create risks are best placed to control them. 'Designers, installers, and operators all have a duty to ensure this is the case. 'We expect the duty holder to assess the specific situation and implement necessary control measures.' This is now the second proposed battery storage unit in Clydebank. In 2023, Green energy firm Apatura lodged plans for a battery storage farm at Cochno Farm in Faifley, on the outskirts of the town. This proposal remains ongoing.
