Latest news with #SarahShaw
BBC News
5 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Penzance aims to make town more pedestrian friendly
Penzance will spend some of the £21.5m awarded from central government on changing Market Jew Street with works starting in Town Fund (PTF) said it aimed to improve accessibility for pedestrians, people with reduced mobility, cyclists and public investments would include a climbing centre in a former supermarket and a street food hall in the town's historic Market House, it PTF boss said some people had complained "because everyone romanticises the past" and asked residents to "bear with us" while the changes were made. 'People hate change' Business owner and Business Improvement District (BID) manager Sarah Shaw works with the Penzance Town Fund and she said: "The ultimate goal is to have a user friendly, highly populated, busy thriving town of Penzance."There's certainly plenty of people grumbling about it but in fact Penzance has always been quite hostile to pedestrians."I think people romanticise the past - 'the old days were always better, the town was busier and we all took more money'."I think people hate change but we ask them to bear with us." Following a trial period the banning of cars in the town between 11:00 and 16:00 has been made permanent. Morgan Lewis who works at Ride on E-Bikes in the centre of the town said: "Local Facebook groups have plenty of moaning about it, but there will always be lovers and haters."We need to reinforce pedestrianisation and calm the traffic coming up and down Market Jew Street."I think it will help fill the empty shops with new businesses and bring more people into Penzance." There are three different projects to transform the town planned to take place between July this year through to early 2026 and these will be combined with upgrades to the gas and West Utilities programme controller Abby Smith said: "We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, which is why we're working collaboratively to agree the best way to get this important work done while causing the least disruption to the community."
Mid East Info
23-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Majra–National CSR Fund hosts new ‘Impact Lab' session, highlighting key climate action and sustainability advancements in UAE
MAJRA – National CSR Fund, in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), hosted an interactive session as part of its ongoing 'Impact Lab' initiative to explore notable developments within the domains of climate action and sustainability in the UAE. The event reflects Majra's long-standing vision to instil the values of social responsibility as well as environmental and social governance within the nation's private sector. The session, titled 'Smart Environments and Thriving Communities: Best Practices in Climate Resilience and Sustainability', convened thought leaders, innovators, and representatives from leading government and private institutions across critical sectors like agriculture, food, water systems, environmental technology, and climate innovation, among others. It served as a dynamic platform to exchange key insights on best practices for addressing climate change, environmental protection, promoting biodiversity, and driving sustainable development. During the session, H.E. Eng Amal Abdulrahim, Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector and CEO of AI and Innovation at MOCCAE, underscored the critical role of private-public partnerships and impactful policymaking in nurturing a prosperous future for all Emiratis. Her Excellency further stated: 'This strategic collaboration with Majra symbolises a critical milestone in the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment's ongoing efforts to achieve sustainable food and environmental security. Bolstered by the event's success, we look forward to forging similar partnerships and contributing to more such initiatives, which aim to preserve ecosystems and achieve sustainable development.' Sarah Shaw, CEO of Majra – National CSR Fund, highlighted Majra's ongoing efforts to drive sustainable development and support the implementation of ESG principles in the private sector, aligning with the 'Green Agenda 2030' vision, which aims to advance sustainable development goals. She also remarked : 'At Majra, we remain steadfast in our efforts to address various climate change challenges by developing green solutions and strategies that promote sustainability across priority sectors, in cooperation with the private sector. In line with this, we strive to strengthen cross-sectors collaboration within the nation. We also aim to launch highly targeted national priority initiatives which can usher in a qualitative shift in the way companies operate, expediting progress in the field of environmental sustainability.' The event featured several specialised roundtable discussions on four critical themes, including 'Environmental Governance and Compliance,' 'Sustainable Agriculture and Food Innovation,' 'Nature, Biodiversity, and Data,' and 'Community-Based Ecotourism'. Participants examined both the progress and challenges in these areas, showcased successful strategies, and identified key enablers and partnerships that have supported impactful outcomes. The goal was to foster a shared understanding of scalable initiatives that can strengthen climate resilience across communities in the UAE. Notable companies, such as Silal – UAE's leading Agri-Tech Food company, 4 Earth Intelligence (4EI), Khalifa University, Alpha Dhabi Holding, UAE Food and Beverage Manufacturers Group, Dnata, Camelicious – Emirates Camel Milk Factory, Sxill, Agthia Group, Novel Foods, DP World, Soma Mater, and the National Central Cooling Company PJSC – Tabreed, participated in these discussions. The 'Impact Lab' served as a dynamic platform for sharing expertise and aligning public and private sector efforts in climate action and sustainable development, further strengthening the UAE's leadership in environmental governance. It concluded with the development of a series of strategies, promoting effective communication between relevant stakeholders, achieving the shared vision for a safe community based on sustainability, diversity, and innovation.
Western Telegraph
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Fishguard Folk Festival brings four days of music to Pembs
Fishguard Folk Festival returns for its 24th year running from today, Friday, May 23 to Monday, May 26 and bringing with it a vibrant celebration of folk music and culture. Set in the twin towns of Goodwick and Fishguard, the festival aims to preserve, share, and develop the folk traditions of Wales and beyond. (Image: Western Telegraph) Alongside timeless traditional sounds, the festival highlights the exciting evolution of folk music — reflecting Wales' dynamic and diverse cultural landscape. With top-quality musicians, artists, and educators, the festival offers performances, sessions, and workshops for all ages and abilities. This year includes bilingual programming, family-friendly activities, and open spaces for learning and creativity — from Welsh singing workshops and storytelling, walks to open mic slots and Tiny Twmpaths for little ones. (Image: Western Telegraph) The festival is mainly free with just three ticketed headline concerts and donations welcomed for other events. Workshops are a mix of drop in or pre-booked. Claire Quinn, festival development manager, said: 'What makes Fishguard Folk Festival truly special is the variety of ways to experience folk music and culture—whether you're enjoying live performances, joining sessions and workshops, trying something new, or simply soaking up the atmosphere. (Image: Sarah Shaw) 'It's a welcoming space to have fun, connect with others, and create lasting memories.' Sunday's concert by Welsh acts Alaw and Cynefin is now sold out, but tickets are still available for the two other headline concerts. Friday's gig at Bethel Chapel features BBC Radio 2 and RTE folk singer of the year Ríoghnach Connolly with John Ellis, who has worked with the likes of Corinne Bailey Rae, Lily Allen, Tom Jones, Mica Paris and John Squire of the Stone Roses. They will be supported on the night by a lively set from the London Irish SGH Trio. UK festival favourite 3 Daft Monkeys, from Cornwall, headline on Saturday at Theatr Gwaun. (Image: Western Telegraph) There are lots of free performances, the Barti session trail - featuring live music sessions at 11 venues across town (just take along your acoustic instrument to join in), engaging talks, an art exhibition at Trove from Meinir Matthias and Quayside festivities in Lower Town featuring local food, music and environmental activities. There will also be a visit by Celtic Sail and Trade's beautiful sailing ship. The festival committee thanked all sponsors supporters and volunteers who make the festival possible including main sponsor The Royal Oak (home to the festival's famous all weekend session), Fishguard Folk Singers, Barti rum and Stenaline. Support this year has also come from Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council, The Oakdale Trust and Pembrokeshire County Council. (Image: Western Telegraph) For more information go to linked above, or find the festival on Facebook and Eventbrite (Friday night concert and workshops). Tickets for 3 Daft Monkeys are available from Theatr Gwaun and its website.
Web Release
23-05-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Majra–National CSR Fund hosts new ‘Impact Lab' session, highlighting key climate action and sustainability advancements in UAE
MAJRA – National CSR Fund, in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), hosted an interactive session as part of its ongoing 'Impact Lab' initiative to explore notable developments within the domains of climate action and sustainability in the UAE. The event reflects Majra's long-standing vision to instil the values ??of social responsibility as well as environmental and social governance within the nation's private sector. The session, titled 'Smart Environments and Thriving Communities: Best Practices in Climate Resilience and Sustainability', convened thought leaders, innovators, and representatives from leading government and private institutions across critical sectors like agriculture, food, water systems, environmental technology, and climate innovation, among others. It served as a dynamic platform to exchange key insights on best practices for addressing climate change, environmental protection, promoting biodiversity, and driving sustainable development. During the session, H.E. Eng Amal Abdulrahim, Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector and CEO of AI and Innovation at MOCCAE, underscored the critical role of private-public partnerships and impactful policymaking in nurturing a prosperous future for all Emiratis. Her Excellency further stated: 'This strategic collaboration with Majra symbolises a critical milestone in the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment's ongoing efforts to achieve sustainable food and environmental security. Bolstered by the event's success, we look forward to forging similar partnerships and contributing to more such initiatives, which aim to preserve ecosystems and achieve sustainable development.' Sarah Shaw, CEO of Majra – National CSR Fund, highlighted Majra's ongoing efforts to drive sustainable development and support the implementation of ESG principles in the private sector, aligning with the 'Green Agenda 2030' vision, which aims to advance sustainable development goals. She also remarked: 'At Majra, we remain steadfast in our efforts to address various climate change challenges by developing green solutions and strategies that promote sustainability across priority sectors, in cooperation with the private sector. In line with this, we strive to strengthen cross-sectors collaboration within the nation. We also aim to launch highly targeted national priority initiatives which can usher in a qualitative shift in the way companies operate, expediting progress in the field of environmental sustainability.' The event featured several specialised roundtable discussions on four critical themes, including 'Environmental Governance and Compliance,' 'Sustainable Agriculture and Food Innovation,' 'Nature, Biodiversity, and Data,' and 'Community-Based Ecotourism'. Participants examined both the progress and challenges in these areas, showcased successful strategies, and identified key enablers and partnerships that have supported impactful outcomes. The goal was to foster a shared understanding of scalable initiatives that can strengthen climate resilience across communities in the UAE. Notable companies, such as Silal – UAE's leading Agri-Tech Food company, 4 Earth Intelligence (4EI), Khalifa University, Alpha Dhabi Holding, UAE Food and Beverage Manufacturers Group, Dnata, Camelicious – Emirates Camel Milk Factory, Sxill, Agthia Group, Novel Foods, DP World, Soma Mater, and the National Central Cooling Company PJSC – Tabreed, participated in these discussions. The 'Impact Lab' served as a dynamic platform for sharing expertise and aligning public and private sector efforts in climate action and sustainable development, further strengthening the UAE's leadership in environmental governance. It concluded with the development of a series of strategies, promoting effective communication between relevant stakeholders, achieving the shared vision for a safe community based on sustainability, diversity, and innovation.
Mid East Info
07-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Majra – National CSR Fund hosts innovative workshop to advance UAE's sustainability vision for private sector
MAJRA – National CSR Fund hosted recently the 'National Sustainability Strategy Workshop', convening professionals from federal and local governments, private sector corporates and non-profit. to collaboratively shape a comprehensive sustainability strategy for the private sector. This marks a significant milestone in the UAE's commitment in including all stakeholders to ensure the private sector's the national sustainability strategy is consistent with the aspirations of the wise leadership. H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Majra, stated: 'Sustainability is no longer a distant goal, rather, a strategic imperative driving the growth of diverse sectors. In such a scenario, the 'National Sustainability Strategy Workshop' for private sector plays an important role in uniting stakeholders to drive transformative change and establish a new 'impact economy' that integrates economic vision with elements of corporate citizenship, community responsibility, and transparency. Robust collaboration is integral to the success of such workshops as the final strategy is co-designed with the participants' collective expertise.' Sarah Shaw, CEO of Majra, said: 'The workshop helped convene leading thought leaders and change makers across various industries with an aim to develop a visionary strategy that is both inclusive and avant-garde. It primarily focused on fostering meaningful dialogues to create a practical methodology that integrates economic, environmental, social and governance priorities under a unified national vision For sustainability and community responsibility in the private sector.. Furthermore, strategic objectives and KPIs introduced as a part of the workshop will help track progress and ensure maximum impact, aligning with the objectives of federal and local entities.' The high-level, interactive workshop followed a structured agenda included, principles, vision formulation, strategic framework development, strategic initiatives and objectives, current state assessment, as well as a conclusion session focused on summarising key outcomes and outlining agreements for future actions. Moreover, participants were segregated into working groups representing diverse sectors, to facilitate robust collaboration and insight sharing. Participants were also encouraged to engage openly and contribute towards fostering a highly resilient, inclusive, transparent, as well as impactful nation.
