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LGBTQ+ businesses contribute over £106 billion to the UK economy despite huge challenges, report finds

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Based on largest-ever survey of UK LGBTQ+ entrepreneursSector focus on tech, fintech, biotech and sustainabilityChallenges include disclosure issues, discrimination and doubt

LONDON, Oct. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In partnership with OutBritain, the UK’s first LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce, Open Political Economy Network (OPEN), a leading think tank focusing on diversity and tech, has today launched its LGBTQ+ Businesses Count report, which examines the contribution, challenges and characteristics of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs across the UK. In the absence of official UK data on LGBTQ+ businesses, this pioneering report presents the results of the largest-ever survey of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in the UK.

The report, sponsored by Accenture, Dow and Goldman Sachs, estimates that there are at least 250,000 LGBTQ+ businesses in the UK, which employ at least 750,000 people, many of them LGBTQ+, and have a combined turnover of at least £106 billion. The largest business founded by an LGBTQ+ entrepreneur that the report identifies is Global Media and Entertainment, which owns Heart, Capital, LBC and many other radio stations, whose founder and CEO Ashley Tabor-King is openly gay.

Most LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in the report’s survey pointed to particular challenges that they have faced in business because of being LGBTQ+. The most prevalent was doubt, followed by disclosure issues, notably invasive or inappropriate questions and a lack of role models. Next were discrimination and disconnection from mainstream business networks.

At the same time, most entrepreneurs mentioned benefits to their business from being LGBTQ+. Some 68% said it made them more determined to succeed and overcome adversity and 67% that their diverse perspectives and experience yielded business benefits, while 42% gained from an LGBTQ+ customer base.

To mitigate some of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, OPEN proposes three recommendations on collecting better data, providing distinct support and developing supplier diversity:

Better data. Good public policy, sound business decisions and broader public understanding all require solid data. Companies House therefore ought to ask (but not require) company directors to disclose their sexual orientation and gender identity.Distinct support. To ensure that LGBTQ+ businesses have a voice in government, an LGBTQ+ business envoy should be appointed. Mainstream business networks should also be more pro-active in attracting, including and representing LGBTQ+ businesses. OutBritain also has a crucial role to play.Supplier diversity. Both large corporates and public authorities ought to do more to enhance equality of opportunity for diverse businesses, notably LGBTQ+ ones, in their procurement decisions. This would help LGBTQ+ businesses overcome the entrenched disadvantages they face, while providing corporates with more diverse and resilient supply chains.

Philippe Legrain, Founder of OPEN and lead author of the report, said: “While the UK has made huge progress in tackling legal injustices and social prejudices against LGBTQ+ people, the past leaves scars. Moreover, business tends to lag behind society as a whole in its acceptance of LGBTQ+ people; among the chief executives of the FTSE 100 leading companies, only one is openly gay. So, it is hugely important to document both the contribution and the challenges of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in the UK, which is why we have produced this report as a call to action to the government, mainstream business organisations and large corporations.”

Matt Dabrowski, Founder of OutBritain, said: “OutBritain has become a beacon in the UK’s business landscape, demonstrating how diversity is not merely a tagline but a potent catalyst for unprecedented change. Supporting LGBTQ+ businesses and seamlessly integrating them into the global economic ecosystem is at the heart of our organisation. This report not only celebrates the vibrant and dynamic contributions our community make to the UK’s economy, but more importantly, it will allow us to focus and align our efforts in driving a fairer, more diverse UK economy where LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and businesses are given fair representation and the opportunity to thrive.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

ABOUT THE REPORT #LGBTQBusinessesCount

The report is based on an online survey of 1,517 self-identified LGBTQ+ business founders and owners conducted between January and May 2024.

ABOUT OUTBRITAIN 

OutBritain, the UK’s first LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce, connects, supports and grows the UK LGBTQ+ business community, while connecting it with the rest of the world.

ABOUT OPEN @open2progress

OPEN is an international think tank that focuses on diversity and other openness issues. Its previous reports include Minority Businesses Matter: The Contribution and Challenges of Ethnic Minority Businesses in the UK.

DISCLAIMER

OPEN gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the sponsors of this report, Accenture, Dow and Goldman Sachs. At the same time, the content, words, opinions and views are solely its own and do not necessarily reflect the institutional views of said sponsors or any of their affiliates.

PRESS CONTACTS
info@opennetwork.net
matt@outbritain.co.uk 

Report https://www.opennetwork.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/OPEN_LGBTQ-Businesses-Count-final_hi-res.pdf
Photo https://www.opennetwork.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/slide-cover-hi-res.png

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2540471/LGBTQ_Businesses_Count.jpg

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Fangzhou Inc. Honored as an “Outstanding Innovation Firm” by Yangcheng Evening News

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December 27, 2024

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GUANGZHOU, China, Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Fangzhou Inc. (“Fangzhou” or the “Company”) (06086.HK), a leader in Internet healthcare solutions, was honored as an “Outstanding Innovation Firm” at the “Precision Engineering: 2024 Technology Pioneers Gala” held by Yangcheng Evening News on December 13th. Fangzhou garnered recognition for its significant milestones in 2024, including a successful listing on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and its role in spearheading the ongoing digital transformation of China’s healthcare sector.

Dr. Xie Fangmin, founder, chairman, and CEO of Fangzhou, remarked, “We are thrilled to receive this award from Yangcheng Evening News as an ‘Outstanding Innovation Firm’. Adhering to our corporate mission of ‘Better Health for All’, we will continue to cultivate a bold vision for the future of the Internet healthcare sector.”

2024 has been a significant year in Fangzhou’s development journey. Following its IPO in July 2024, the Company received commendation from the Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government for its contributions in advancing the digital transformation of the healthcare industry and enhancing public health. In October, Fangzhou was featured on the 2024 Guangdong “AI Catalyst” Enterprise Billboard at the 2024 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Artificial Intelligence Industry Conference. More recently, the Company launched its ” AI Agent Solution” in November 2024 in partnership with Tencent Healthcare and Baidu Health, providing more efficient access to healthcare information and analysis for both consumers and healthcare professionals.

About Fangzhou Inc.

Fangzhou Inc. (06086.HK) is China’s leading online chronic disease management platform. With 45.6 million registered users and 217,000 registered doctors on its platform (as of June 30, 2024), the Company provides tailored medical care and precision medicine for a growing population of chronic disease patients. For more details, visit https://investors.jianke.com.

About Yangcheng Evening News

Yangcheng Evening News, first published in October 1957, was among the first broadly distributed evening newspapers established after the founding of People’s Republic of China. Produced in Guangzhou as the flagship publication of the Yangcheng Evening News Group, the newspaper has built a strong reputation for its critical and independent perspective, delivering engaging news coverage on a variety of topics that resonate with people’s daily lives.

Media Contact

For further inquiries or interviews, please reach out to:
Xingwei Zhao Associate Director of Public Relations Email: pr@jianke.com 

Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated due to various factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements

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SOURCE Fangzhou Inc.

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XCMG Launches Used Equipment Certification to Drive Sustainable Development in Construction Machinery

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December 27, 2024

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XUZHOU, China, Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — XCMG Machinery (“XCMG”, SHE: 000425) has officially launched the XCMG Certified Used Equipment brand, marking a significant milestone in the development of its circular business. This initiative reflects XCMG’s commitment to addressing industry challenges, promoting green circular economy principles, and accelerating the transition toward sustainable development and carbon neutrality.

In recent years, China’s construction machinery industry has made remarkable strides. Leveraging its deep technological expertise, extensive manufacturing experience, and well-established brand influence, XCMG has established its official certified used equipment brand. This initiative aims to empower industry transformation, enhance the lifecycle value of signature equipment, and offer customers comprehensive quality and service guarantees across the value chain.

At the recent bauma China Exhibition, XCMG and Ritchie Bros. co-hosted a used equipment auction, showcasing over 300 fully inspected and refurbished units from 16 XCMG product categories, including cranes, excavators, mining equipment, compactors, loaders, concrete machinery, and piling equipment. These units were launched on the Ritchie Bros. website, symbolizing a new chapter in the used equipment market.

In line with its vision to become the world’s premier service brand, XCMG also introduced the XCMG TrueCare (“TrueCare”) service brand. TrueCare embodies XCMG’s unrelenting pursuit of integrated solutions, aligning with the Solid to Succeed brand philosophy. The service brand is designed to deliver cutting-edge innovations, stringent quality control, and efficient services, empowering customers to maintain a competitive edge in global markets.

“This initiative will extend the value chain, foster innovation, and elevate XCMG to new heights as a globally recognized brand,” said Liu Jiansen, vice president of XCMG.

The five core missions of XCMG TrueCare are:

Swift: A global service network ensures rapid response to customer needs to minimize downtime.Optimal: Integration of XCMG’s five advanced digital management systems delivers tailored solutions to enhance operational efficiency.Long-term: TCO service models, including extended warranties and certified pre-owned programs, provide full lifecycle care and build lasting customer relationships.Intelligent: Comprehensive smart solutions address customer-specific requirements through the integration of R&D, production, supply, sales, and service.Dedicated: A global call center and a professional team provide 24/7 support, ensuring efficient equipment operation and 100% customer satisfaction.

With these strategic advancements, XCMG is poised to redefine industry standards, driving the adoption of sustainable practices and reinforcing its leadership in the global construction machinery market.

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Stora Enso Oyj: Notification of Change in Holdings according to Chapter 9, Section 10 of the Finnish Securities Markets Act (25 December 2024)

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2 hours ago

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December 27, 2024

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STORA ENSO OYJ STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 27 December 2024 at 09:00 EET

HELSINKI, Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Stora Enso Oyj received a notification pursuant to chapter 9, section 5 of the Securities Market Act from BlackRock, Inc on 27 December 2024.

On 25 December 2024, BlackRock’s holding in Stora Enso’s shares decreased below the 5 percent threshold.

% of shares and voting rights (total of 7.A)

% of shares and voting rights through financial instruments (total of 7.B)

Total of both in % (7.A + 7.B)

Resulting situation on the date on which threshold was crossed or reached

4.76% shares

Below 5% voting rights

0.27% shares

Below 5% voting rights

5.04% shares

Below 5% voting rights

Position of previous notification (if applicable)

Below 5% shares

Below 5% voting rights

Below 5% shares

Below 5% voting rights

Below 5% shares

Below 5% voting rights

 

A: Shares and voting rights

Class/type of shares

ISIN code (if possible)

Number of shares and voting rights

% of shares and voting rights

Direct

(SMA 9:5)

Indirect

(SMA 9:6 and 9:7)

Direct

(SMA 9:5)

Indirect

(SMA 9:6 and 9:7)

FI0009005961

37,609,170  shares

Below 5% voting rights

4.76% shares Below 5% voting rights

SUBTOTAL A

37,609,170 shares

Below 5% voting rights

4.76% shares

Below 5% voting rights

B: Financial Instruments according to SMA 9:6a

Type of financial instrument

Expiration date

Exercise/Conversion Period

Physical or cash settlement

Number of shares and voting rights

% of shares and voting rights

American Depositary Receipt (US86210M1062)

N/A

N/A

Physical

596,930 shares

Below 5% voting rights

0.07% shares

Below 5% voting rights

Securites lent

N7A

N/A

Physical

1,036,720 shares

Below 5% voting rights

0.13% shares

Below 5% voting rights

CFD

N/A

N/A

Cash

563,510 shares

Below 5% voting rights

0.07% shares

Below 5% voting rights

SUBTOTAL B

2,197,160 shares

Below 5% voting rights

0.27% shares

Below 5% voting rights

 

Stora Enso has two series of shares. Each A share and every ten R shares carry one vote. Stora Enso has 175,664,079 A shares and 612,955,908 R shares in issue. The Company does not hold its own shares. The total number of Stora Enso shares is 788,619,987 and the total number votes at least 236,959,669.

Investor enquiries:
Anna-Lena Åström
SVP Investor Relations
tel. +46 70 210 7691 

Stora Enso

Part of the global bioeconomy, Stora Enso is a leading provider of renewable products in packaging, biomaterials and wooden construction, and one of the largest private forest owners in the world. We create value with our low-carbon and recyclable fiber-based products, through which we support our customers in meeting the demand for renewable sustainable products. Stora Enso has approximately 20,000 employees and our sales in 2023 were EUR 9.4 billion. Stora Enso shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Oy (STEAV, STERV) and Nasdaq Stockholm AB (STE A, STE R). In addition, the shares are traded in OTC Markets (OTCQX) in the USA as ADRs and ordinary shares (SEOAY, SEOFF, SEOJF). storaenso.com/investors

STORA ENSO OYJ

Investor enquiries:
Anna-Lena Åström
SVP Investor Relations
tel. +46 70 210 7691 

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com.

https://news.cision.com/stora-enso-oyj/r/stora-enso-oyj–notification-of-change-in-holdings-according-to-chapter-9–section-10-of-the-finnish,c4086606

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/13589/4086606/3189711.pdf

STORA ENSO Class R_2024-12-25_Issuer

 

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SOURCE Stora Enso Oyj

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