Latest news with #Smillie
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
States of Guernsey to axe IT provider
The States of Guernsey is set to axe its contract with IT infrastructure company Agilisys by the end of July - half way through its 10-year tenure. It follows a critical report of Agilisys' digital services across a range of government departments, published earlier this year. The move will see IT provided by multiple providers which the States said would improve accountability and the reliability of services for islanders. Agilisys has been approached for comment. The Policy & Resources Committee (P&R) said the decision to terminate the current contract was unanimous and in the "best interests of the States, and the wider community which relies on the many IT systems we have for the effective delivery of public services". Boley Smillie, chief executive and head of the public service, said the move would ensure better value for money for taxpayers. Mr Smillie said switching to a "multi-vendor model" would deliver better specialist services. He said: "We must keep pace with digital solutions that the community not only expects but deserves, solutions that make our services more efficient, and responsive to the needs of the Bailiwick." Agilisys signed a £200m contract for the delivery of the majority of States IT services in 2019 but faced major IT outages and concerns over the number of staff with technical expertise to deliver service. Gé Drossaert, The States' chief digital and information officer, said: "This new model will increase supplier accountability to deliver, unlike the current model where we have been reliant on one provider only, as we will have relationships with a range of providers." The States said it was currently in discussions behind the scenes with a range of providers to take on the work and this would be announced at a later date. Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to 'Serious mistakes' in handling of IT contract Old kit and lack of maintenance behind IT outages Policy & Resources Committee
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Activist marks 2 weeks in tree to protest logging near Port Angeles, WA
The Brief A tree sitter has spent two weeks protesting the "Parched" timber sale in the Elwha watershed near Port Angeles, living 60 feet up a fir tree. The sale targets mature state forestland, drawing backlash from conservationists and tribal members concerned about environmental impacts. Logging has been temporarily halted by court order, while public support for the blockade and calls for forest protection continue to grow. CLALLAM COUNTY, Wash. - A local activist has now spent two weeks living in the canopy of a fir tree on state-managed lands in the Elwha River Watershed, near Port Angeles, protesting a controversial logging project approved by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The unnamed activist, only known to be affiliated with the Olympic Forest Defenders, ascended the tree in the early morning of May 7, rigging their perch about 60 feet high and using a blockade system that prevented authorities from removing them without risking collapse. Keep reading to learn more about this tree-sit protest taking place in Clallum County, and if there's an end in sight. What we know According to social media posts on Instagram, the action is in protest of the "Parched" timber sale, which includes 183 acres of mature low-elevation forest near Little River Road in Clallam County, forest that conservationists argue should be protected as legacy habitat. In an Instagram post on May 10, the activist gave an update on their efforts, and said law enforcement tried to coax them down during a windstorm, but they didn't budge. What we don't know It is unclear if the activist now remains alone in the forest canopy or is still surrounded by supporters. According to Joe Smillie, aspokesperson for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, the perch is "rigged by cables to the ground and would collapse if that rigging is disturbed." "We closed off the recreation area out of concerns someone would trigger that rigging; and because of later crowds of sympathizers who visited the site." said Smillie. "That initially prompted concerns it would interfere with the Dry Hills mountain bike race last weekend, but after further investigation we determined the race was out of the way enough to proceed as planned, which it did without incident." A round-the-clock guard from DNR law enforcement officers is on site, according to Smillie. "We hope the demonstrator will come down soon. Smillie told FOX 13 Seattle in an email Wednesday. "Their safety, being on a platform high in a tree, remains our top concern. They have told us they will come down if Clallam County Superior Court issues an injunction to stop activities within the Parched sale area." The protest has grown into a broader community-backed blockade, drawing dozens of supporters to march past police lines on May 9 and rally at the site. The logging plan has sparked widespread backlash, especially from members of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, who launched a petition signed by over half the tribe's members and more than 7,000 people demanding protection of the watershed. The Earth Law Center and Legacy Forest Defense Coalition have filed suit, and a court order has temporarily halted logging pending further hearings later this month. Dig deeper The Elwha River is considered one of the most important ecological restoration sites in the country, following the removal of its dams in 2011 and 2014. Conservationists argue that cutting down mature trees in its watershed threatens decades of recovery work aimed at restoring salmon runs and reducing erosion. Despite Commissioner Dave Upthegrove's campaign promises to pause logging of legacy forests, activists argue that sales like "Parched" — approved before he took office — undermine the spirit of that pledge. The Commissioner has issued a moratorium on future sales but has allowed some previously approved plans to proceed. Forest defenders vow to continue the tree-sit protest indefinitely. This is a developing story; check back for updates. Is Tacoma's Teekah Lewis cold case finally coming to a close? Here's what we know Nordstrom to go private after acquisition with family, Mexican retail group Marymoor Park announces 2025 summer concert series lineup in Redmond, WA Olympia, WA man dies at Grand Canyon after lengthy hike Washington raising price of Discover Pass To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Press and Journal
18-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Step forward for Gordon & MacPhail's transformation work and takeaway plans for former Elgin High Street bakery
Welcome to Planning Ahead – our weekly round-up of the latest proposals across Moray. Sit back and enjoy all of the most interesting planning news of the week. In this week's edition, work could take place at a Batchen Street shop. A new pharmacy could be on the way for Elgin town centre. We look at the latest on the transformation of a former Elgin bakery into a takeaway. There is also an update on the major makeover taking place at the Gordon & MacPhail building on Elgin's South Street. But first, we look at the latest regarding plans to breathe new life into a derelict Elgin pub site. Last month, we revealed how Springfield Properties wanted to build eight new flats on the site of the former Pinegrove Hotel site in Elgin. The land in the east of the town has been empty for almost six years. Each apartment will have an open plan kitchen and living area, two large bedrooms and plenty of storage. Now a neighbour has described the flats proposals as 'excessive'. However, they neither object or support the plans. They added: 'Also, I am concerned who these flats are to be allocated to. 'I can only hope, if this planning goes ahead, that families or couples are given the opportunity of housing and not young single people.' In March, Ramsdens opened a new Elgin store at 12 Batchen Street. The store was previously home to the LCTG hairdressers. The pawnbroking and jewellery chain opened up the new shop after being made homeless by the closure of the St Giles Shopping Centre. The firm has had a presence in the town for 10 years. Now building papers have revealed proposed £30,000 worth of internal alterations to the layout of the shop. In 2010, Smillie's bakery closed down at 212 Elgin High Street. The original shop, which faces Elgin High Street, has already been been converted and presently operates as a nail studio. Meanwhile, the back premises have been under-utilised for storage. It was used for deliveries of raw materials and packaging until the bakery shut down. Three years ago, Jennifer and Neil Taylor of Sanus Moor Limited had their plans to transform the storage section into a takeaway refused. Planning chiefs argued the proposal failed to comply with the local plan requirements. The Taylors appealed the decision. However, councillors voted 4-3 on the Moray Local Body Review to uphold the decision. Last year, plans for the takeaway were approved after they were resubmitted . Now a building warrant has been approved for the £30,000 worth of work which will include upgrading floors, walls and ceilings. It is a shell warrant which focuses on the framework of a building before the interior fit-out. Architectural And Planning's Martin Archibald represented the pair. A new pharmacy could open in the Elgin town centre. NHS Grampian has been consulting with Elgin Pharmacy, which is the proposed name of the business, who have applied to open a new pharmacy on the High Street. The proposed opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8.45am to 5:45pm. Meanwhile, on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm. Elgin Pharmacy has defined the community area they would serve as being within the town of Elgin in its entirety. If the application is approved, the proposed NHS services include unscheduled care, clinical space rental, Naloxone training and supply and much more. The local health board will assess if the residents feel a new pharmacy is necessary or desirable. The consultation is currently being run until Wednesday, September 17. In December 2022, we exclusively revealed Gordon & MacPhail wanted to carry out a multimillion-pound makeover of their South Street shop. It will incorporate displays, tasting rooms and a liquid library of some of the world's rarest whiskies. Around three years on, scaffolding is still up on the iconic building. Now the whisky giants have been given permission to replace the sash and case timber windows as well as gutters and downpipes. In the meantime, the firm have a new retail shop and whisky tasting rooms at The Courtyard on Newmill Road at the site of Johnstons of Elgin. Retail manager Fraser Robson previously revealed to councillors on the licensing board that the firm needs the premises for at least 18 months and maybe up to two years.
New York Post
15-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Gen Z homeowners ‘give up' on classic renovation project: ‘It's tough work'
An Aussie woman and her partner have just bought their first home in Queensland – but what should be cause for celebration has turned into a major headache. Maddison Smillie, 23, told her social media followers that she decided to 'give up' on a tricky renovation chore, to which many Aussies echoed her sentiments. Advertisement 'We have decided to give up painting our own home,' she announced in a TikTok video. 'We just bought our first home and to save money we thought it would be a good idea to paint the house ourselves.' 'I'm here to tell you that it is not a good idea,' she said. An Aussie woman said she decided to 'give up' on a tricky renovation chore. Syda Productions – Advertisement Amid the cost-of-living crisis it's become increasingly common for Aussies to undertake tasks usually done by professionals to save some cash. In 2023, Aussies ranked third globally for their love of home renovation with over 57 percent of Australians considered to be 'DIY-ers.' A massive 44 percent of respondents said their reason for doing the tasks themselves was to 'improve their home in a more affordable way.' Advertisement 2022 saw Aussies put $12.3 billion into renovating their homes, up 33 percent on 2020, reported the ABC. Smillie revealed they bought a two-storey house and had endeavored to paint the top level first. 'We started the top-storey so we're going to finish that ourselves and then hire a professional to do the rest,' she said. 'The idea of painting your own home sounds good, but when you're actually doing it, it's tough work.' Advertisement She warned her followers that it's definitely a lesson learnt and that sometimes it's better to just hire a professional. 'I will in fact be putting this on my resume though,' she joked. 'The idea of painting your own home sounds good, but when you're actually doing it, it's tough work,' she said. aetb – The clip, which has over 30,000 views, saw Aussies flood to the comment section to share her pain. 'I couldn't think of anything worse,' said one viewer. 'I'm a painter myself and I feel you,' added another. 'Painting is the worst. Especially the ceilings,' echoed a third. Advertisement Others pulled through with helpful suggestions for the couple. 'Dad's a painter by trade, don't hesitate to message and ask if you guys want to keep doing it yourself and need any advice,' offered one kind commenter. 'Nah, spend two days prepping and then buy a spray gun. takes you less than a day,' suggested one. 'We went to pay a professional until we were quoted $6k and then decided we'd suck it up,' said another. In a separate video, Smillie revealed she was 'so happy' with how the professional paint job turned out.
Scottish Sun
30-04-2025
- Scottish Sun
Scots Dragons' Den star dodges jail over hammer attack on ex-girlfriend's car
He told cops he had gone to get money that he said he was owed 'STAY AWAY FROM HER' 'STAY AWAY FROM HER' Scots Dragons' Den star dodges jail over hammer attack on ex-girlfriend's car Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SCOTS Dragons' Den star was spared jail after turning up in a balaclava outside his ex-girlfriend's home and smashing her car windscreen with a hammer. Brian Smillie, 47, was warned by a sheriff: 'Stay away from her.' Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Smillie pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening and abusive manner Credit: Central Scotland News Agency Smillie – who was in a 2018 episode of Dragon's Den – had been in a relationship with his victim, Kelly Johnstone, 46, for four years, a court heard. The offence was committed nearly five years after it ended. Stirling Sheriff Court was told that Smillie and Miss Johnstone had not been in contact for some time, until at 5.15am on December 3, 2024, a 'loud bang' was heard outside her home in Cooperage Quay, Stirling. Smillie was seen wearing 'a big jacket and a balaclava' standing with a hammer next to Miss Johnstone's VW Passat Estate, which had a broken windscreen. Prosecutor Ann Orr said: 'Miss Johnstone was awakened by the sound of banging and looked out of her window and saw the accused outside.' Mrs Orr said Smillie began to walk away and Miss Johnstone and a relative who was in the house with her ran after him. Smillie asked them, 'Do you know who I am?' Mrs Orr said: 'Miss Johnstone knew that it was him.' Smillie said to Miss Johnstone: 'Do you know what you've done to me?' He then walked off, and police were called. Shock moment van ploughs into woman's home before driver leaps out and smashes windows with hammer He was detained and told officers he had gone to Miss Johnstone's to get money that he said that he was owed. Mrs Orr, the depute fiscal, said that she did not have a value for the damaged windscreen that she could tell the court. The fact that Smillie had been wearing a balaclava at the time was described at an earlier court hearing as 'sinister'. Smillie, of Stirling, appeared for sentence today after pleading guilty in March to behaving in a threatening and abusive manner. He had originally faced a charge of stalking, but the Crown accepted his plea to the lesser crime. Solicitor Virgil Crawford, defending, said: 'It's a slightly unusual offence in various ways, not least because of the passage of time between the end of the relationship and this behaviour.' Mr Crawford said it was clear from a background report on Smillie that he'd had 'various difficulties in his life'. He said: 'He'd had some ups, some downs, and it is quite clear that various things were playing on his mind, effectively bringing back old memories, which then seemed to cause him to act in what might be referred to as an irrational manner on this occasion.' Sheriff Mark O'Hanlon sentenced Smillie to 135 hours unpaid work, ordered him to attend a domestic abuse harm-reduction programme for two years, and imposed a non-harassment order banning him from approaching or contacting Miss Johnstone for three years. He told Smillie his behaviour had been 'clearly distressing' to Miss Johnstone. He said: 'This is a serious matter. 'Five years after the relationship ended you turned up at her address wearing a balaclava hat and more or less carrying a weapon. 'Stay away from her.' Smillie, who showed no emotion as sentence was passed, left the court with supporters understood to be members of his family. Smillie was the star of an intense 2018 episode of Dragons Den, when he was seeking investment for Edinburgh-based Beezer, a platform that allows anyone to create, distribute, manage and market their own app without any technical skills. He walked away with an offer from Dragon Peter Jones who called the company "a potential unicorn" and agreed to give £125,000 for a 15 per cent stake. In the end Smillie decided a better deal could be found elsewhere and later said he sold his two houses and his Banksy art collection to 'put everything' into Beezer. In 2022 it was announced that he was taking on the role of head of HoloAd at York-based influencer brand platform, 2mee.
