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Business Upturn
8 minutes ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
Cancer Support Community Announces New Board Leadership: Jonathan T. Marks Named Vice Chair, Scott Barr Appointed Secretary
Washington, D.C., June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Washington, D.C. — June 3, 2025 — The Cancer Support Community (CSC), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting and strengthening people impacted by cancer, proudly announces the election of Jonathan T. Marks as Vice Chair and Scott Barr as Secretary of its Board of Trustees. 'We are thrilled to welcome Jonathan and Scott into their new leadership roles,' said Sally Werner, CEO of Cancer Support Community. 'Their combined expertise in compliance and technology will be invaluable as we continue to evolve and meet the needs of our community. Their leadership reinforces our mission to uplift and strengthen those impacted by cancer.' Jonathan T. Marks, CPA, CFF, CITP, CGMA, CFE, and NACD Board Fellow, brings over 35 years of experience in forensic accounting and compliance. As a partner in BDO USA's Forensic Services practice, Marks has led numerous global investigations into fraud, bribery, and misconduct, while advising organizations on governance, risk management, and compliance strategies. He has served on CSC's Board of Trustees for several years and is also a longtime board member at CSC Greater Philadelphia, where he has helped strengthen local impact and programming. Read more about Jonathan T. Marks Scott Barr, a seasoned technology leader, has also served on CSC's Board of Trustees for many years. He has led technology practices at Booz Allen Hamilton, Maximus, Sierra7, and now serves as the COO of a large technology and engineering company. With more than 25 years of experience, Barr's strategic vision and technological insight will help CSC enhance and expand its digital infrastructure and services. Read more about Scott Barr 'Jonathan and Scott have already demonstrated their deep commitment to CSC's mission,' said Rich Mutell, Chair of the Board of Trustees. 'Their thoughtful perspectives and strategic insight will help guide our organization forward as we work to expand access, deepen impact, and uphold the values that define our community.' As CSC continues to build on its mission to uplift and strengthen people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care, the guidance of Marks and Barr will be pivotal. Their leadership helps advance CSC's vision: Everyone impacted by cancer receives the support they want and need throughout their experience. About Cancer Support Community CSC is a global nonprofit network with over 200 locations in 50 markets, including CSC and Gilda's Club centers as well as healthcare partnerships. These locations, along with a toll-free helpline, digital services, and award-winning education materials, provide more than $50 million in free support services to patients and families each year. Our Mission: CSC uplifts and strengthens people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care. Our Vision: Everyone impacted by cancer receives the support they want and need throughout their experience. For more information, please visit . Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
The National
18-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Harbour Energy under fire over nearly £1bn in dividends amid job cuts
The North Sea oil and gas firm recently revealed plans to axe around 250 jobs in Scotland – about a quarter of its workforce in Aberdeen. The job losses are on top of 350 roles that were cut by the firm in 2023. The firm and union leaders have suggested the Energy Profits Levy – widely known as the windfall tax – is largely to blame. The tax was introduced in 2022 after companies recorded skyrocketing profits due to a sharp rise in energy prices. It was then increased in last year's Budget and means oil and gas producers are paying a headline tax rate of 78%. READ MORE: Keir Starmer to close legal route that allowed Palestinian family to settle in UK Scott Barr, managing director of the firm's UK business, said of the expected job losses: "The review is unfortunately necessary to align staffing levels with lower levels of investment, due mainly to the Government's ongoing punitive fiscal position and a challenging regulatory environment." Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, meanwhile, said it's clear that the UK Government policy is 'directly leading to thousands of jobs being axed and to decommissioning plans being accelerated'. But doubts have now been cast on these claims, with campaigners and the Scottish Greens questioning why Harbour Energy has paid out $1.2bn (roughly £910 million) in dividends to shareholders and share buybacks in the last three years alone. Next week, a proposed dividend of $227.5 million on ordinary shares is also set to be paid out according to a Trading and Operations Update in which the firm reaffirmed its $455m annual dividend policy. It was dated May 8 – the day after the job cuts were announced. Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie MSP told the Sunday National it was 'yet another example of fossil fuel executives pocketing vast sums of money at the expense of Scottish workers and our planet'. 'Time and again, we've seen that fossil fuel companies are just as willing to abandon their workforce as they are to wreck the climate,' he said. 'It's no secret that the fossil fuel industry is in decline, but instead of moving with the times, these companies would rather scrape the barrel for their own profit than be part of Scotland's green industrial future.' Harvie (above) went on: 'Fossil fuel workers deserve better, they need the opportunity to transition to green jobs in renewables, construction or any of the other vast new career paths opening in Scotland, but that can only happen with support from the Scottish and UK Governments. 'In 2024 alone, there were more than 28,000 green jobs advertised in Scotland, that's more than the total jobs currently directly filled in the North Sea oil sector. The direction of travel is clear for Scotland's industry, and it's time for governments to back a just transition for Scottish workers and communities.' Rosie Hampton, oil and gas campaigns manager at Friends of the Earth Scotland, also hit out at the firm. 'Harbour Energy bosses have been shedding crocodile tears about the windfall tax, laying off oil workers with one hand and paying out billions to shareholders with another,' she said. 'The numbers show that the money for a fair energy transition is there, but Harbour Energy is more interested in spending it in the boardroom than on their workers in the North Sea. Time and time again, private companies have shown that they cannot be trusted to lead the energy transition, yet both the UK and Scottish Governments are allowing them to run rampant at the expense of workers and the climate.' Hampton added: 'We urgently need to see the Government step in and lead the North Sea transition. That means investing in publicly owned wind manufacturing, upgrading and taking equity stakes in our ports, and creating a training fund that properly supports oil and gas workers to move to secure, unionised renewables jobs.' Harbour Energy managing director Barr, meanwhile, said: 'Harbour is launching a review of its UK operations, which we expect to result in a reduction of around 250 onshore roles in our Aberdeen-based business unit. 'The review is unfortunately necessary to align staffing levels with lower levels of investment, due mainly to the Government's ongoing punitive fiscal position and a challenging regulatory environment. 'We are also reviewing the resourcing required to support our Viking carbon capture and storage project, where progress beyond front-end engineering design and the recent securing of a Development Consent Order has been hindered by repeated delays to the Government's Track 2 process. 'Harbour remains among the largest producers in the UK North Sea and, while our dedicated and highly skilled people will continue to produce vital energy safely and responsibly, we must take these difficult steps in response to the challenges presented by the current external environment.'
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Harbour Energy announces 250 job cuts at Aberdeen UK unit
Harbour Energy, the largest oil and gas producer in the British North Sea, has reportedly announced plans to cut its UK workforce by a quarter, equating to around 250 jobs, citing government policies. The decision, affecting the Aberdeen unit, is driven by reduced investment due to the UK Government's stance on the North Sea fossil fuel industry, according to a report by Reuters. The company's UK managing director, Scott Barr, was quoted by the news agency as saying: 'The review is unfortunately necessary to align staffing levels with lower levels of investment, due mainly to the Government's ongoing punitive fiscal position and a challenging regulatory environment.' This move is another setback for Scotland's oil and gas sector, following Petroineos' recent cessation of crude oil processing at the Grangemouth Refinery. Harbour Energy, which reported a loss of £93m in 2024 after a net profit of £45m in 2023, has called for UK Government reforms to the windfall tax, which is set to expire in 2030. The tax rate was increased last October to 38%, bringing the total sector tax to 78%, one of the highest globally. The UK Government aims to fund renewable energy projects with the revenue from the Energy Profits Levy. However, since the levy's introduction, North Sea producers have been divesting assets, consolidating operations and looking to invest elsewhere. A government spokesperson expressed its intention to support workers and communities affected by these commercial decisions. In addition to workforce reductions, Harbour is reassessing the resources for its Viking carbon capture and storage project. Delays in the government's Track-2 process, which seeks to establish two new carbon capture usage and storage clusters by 2030, have impeded progress. Viking is one of the projects awaiting a decision on government funding. 'We must take these difficult steps in response to the challenges presented by the current external environment,' Barr added. In a separate development earlier this year, EnQuest agreed to acquire Harbour Energy's Vietnam business for a headline value of $84m, with an expected payment of $35m upon completion. This acquisition aligns with EnQuest's strategy to expand its international presence with assets that promise quick returns, low capital expenditure and reduced carbon intensity. "Harbour Energy announces 250 job cuts at Aberdeen UK unit" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
The Herald Scotland
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Poll: 68% back UK oil and gas amid rising NE job losses
Earlier this week, Harbour Energy — the UK's largest oil and gas producer — announced 250 job losses, on top of 350 redundancies made in 2023. Scott Barr, managing director of the Aberdeen-based firm, blamed the cuts on 'the government's ongoing punitive fiscal position and a challenging regulatory environment'. READ MORE At an emergency press conference in Aberdeen, Russell Borthwick, chief executive of the Chamber, said nearly 600 jobs had been lost across the region in recent weeks. He warned these were not isolated incidents but part of a wider trend driven by political and fiscal instability. Mr Borthwick said: 'We are witnessing the start of deindustrialisation in the UK's energy capital. This is not what the public voted for, and this is reflected in our polling published today.' The Energy Profits Levy — widely referred to as the windfall tax — was introduced in 2022 by then Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Initially set at 35%, it was raised to 38% in last year's Budget by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The headline rate of tax on upstream oil and gas activities is now 78% — among the highest in the world. Mr Borthwick said: 'The Energy Profits Levy is starving the sector of investment and damaging the very supply chain we need to deliver net zero. The country did not vote for lost jobs, rising imports and higher emissions.' He added: 'Since the windfall tax was first imposed in May 2022, the price of Brent Crude oil has nearly halved. Meanwhile, the levy has been increased by successive governments. 'As the industry faces this punishing tax rate — coupled with uncertainty over environmental assessments and a closed door on exploration — these findings show the UK has become a difficult place to do business. 'It leaves the country reliant on imported oil and gas, and has cost jobs from the energy supply chain which is vital for delivering projects in offshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture — all essential for net zero. 'The shift to renewables at scale is the goal, particularly offshore wind, but volatile transmission charges and the risk of zonal pricing are undermining investment plans. Policy should instead seek to put the energy transition back on the front foot.' According to the Chamber's poll, 68% of voters want to meet oil and gas demand from domestic production, rather than relying on imports. Just 27% believe the windfall tax has had any meaningful impact on reducing household bills, with more than 60% describing it as ineffective. When informed that companies operating in the North Sea face a 78% tax rate, three times as many voters said they considered the levy unfair as those who said it was fair. The Chamber has now called for urgent action from both the UK and Scottish governments. It is seeking an emergency summit involving the Prime Minister and First Minister to prevent further job losses and accelerate green job creation. It has also called for the Energy Profits Levy to be scrapped before the next financial year, and for clear funding commitments to support the Acorn carbon capture project at St Fergus. The poll was seized upon by the Scottish Conservatives, who accused both Labour and the SNP of waging an 'ideological war' on the North Sea. Douglas Lumsden, the party's shadow energy and net zero secretary, said: 'This poll is just the latest to confirm that an overwhelming majority of Scots back producing our own oil and gas while we still depend on it — unlike John Swinney and Keir Starmer, who would rather leave us reliant on imports.' He added: 'It is crazy that Labour and the SNP continue their ideological war on the North Sea, even as hundreds of workers at Harbour Energy lose their jobs. They are putting our energy security at risk.' Mr Lumsden said the SNP had 'fought tooth and nail against Jackdaw and Rosebank', and that the First Minister was 'no friend of the industry'. A UK Government spokesperson said: 'The Government has reformed the Energy Profits Levy to support investment and give industry certainty and stability. "The Prime Minister has made clear the UK Government's steadfast commitment to the north east of Scotland's energy sector, which plays a vital role in the UK economy and will continue to do so for future generations. 'By making the UK a clean energy superpower, including launching a world-leading carbon capture and storage industry after years of delay, consenting record amounts of clean power, and ending many years of no new nuclear, we will get the UK off dependence on markets controlled by petrostates and dictators, and drive jobs and growth through our Plan for Change.' The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.
The Herald Scotland
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
FM attacks windfall tax as Harbour Energy sheds 250 jobs
Scott Barr, managing director of the firm's UK operations, attributed the latest losses to the 'government's ongoing punitive fiscal position and a challenging regulatory environment'. The company also raised concerns about UK Government support for its Viking carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in the Humber. In a statement, the company — which is also a financial backer of the CCS Acorn project at St Fergus, near Peterhead — said: 'Harbour remains among the largest producers in the UK North Sea and, while our dedicated and highly skilled people will continue to produce vital energy safely and responsibly, we must take these difficult steps in response to the challenges presented by the current external environment.' READ MORE During First Minister's Questions, Mr Swinney was challenged by Scottish Conservative MSP Douglas Lumsden, who asked whether he would apologise to 'the 250 workers who are set to lose their livelihoods as his government turns its back on the north-east of Scotland'. Mr Lumsden said: 'We have a Labour government at Westminster determined to destroy the north-east and the oil and gas industry. 'But we also have an SNP government asleep at the wheel with no energy strategy, a presumption against new oil and gas, and who are selling out communities all over the north-east.' Mr Swinney said the Scottish Government had 'made clear our concern' about the extension and scale of the windfall tax, and pointed out the levy had been introduced by the former Conservative government. He said: 'The energy profits levy was a product of the last Conservative government. It does not matter how much I get barracked in this Parliament — I will point out the hard realities and implications of the Conservative Party's decisions in the UK Government.' The energy profits levy — widely referred to as the windfall tax — was introduced in 2022 by then Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Initially set at 35%, it was raised to 38% in last year's budget by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The headline rate of tax on upstream oil and gas activities is now 78% — among the highest in the world. The tax is due to remain in place until 2030 unless oil and gas prices fall below a set threshold for six consecutive months. Mr Swinney urged the UK Government to 'engage with the industry and address the fiscal realities and implications of the UK Government's position', and to 'commit swiftly to the Acorn carbon capture and storage project'. The Acorn project is intended to capture greenhouse gas emissions and transport them for permanent storage in geological formations beneath the North Sea. READ MORE Mr Swinney said the project 'would help us enormously', and accused the Conservatives of 'never lifting a finger to make that happen — not one finger'. He added: 'I hope the Labour Party will not do the same.' Meanwhile, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes met with Harbour Energy bosses on Thursday. According to the Press and Journal, an industry-wide ask was made during the meeting for Ms Forbes and other senior politicians to continue raising the impact of the levy on North Sea firms.
