Varun Beverages, one of PepsiCo’s largest franchise partners, has announced plans to invest $50 million in a new Pepsi production facility in Kiswishi City, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The investment marks one of the most significant foreign direct investments (FDI) in the country’s consumer goods sector, creating thousands of jobs and expanding PepsiCo’s footprint in the fast-growing African market. The new Pepsi facility will be located in Kiswishi City, the DRC’s first private Special Economic Zone (SEZ), covering 15 hectares (37 acres) along the N1 Highway. This strategic location provides easy access to Lubumbashi’s growing population and the…
Author: Humanima
A new study from Cigna Healthcare has highlighted the detrimental impact of financial stress on global health and well-being, with more people turning to social support systems for help. The Cigna Healthcare International Health Study 2024, which surveyed over 10,000 people across 11 countries, reveals that overall health and vitality have declined, with financial well-being emerging as the weakest area of people’s lives. Although stress levels have fallen in most regions, financial concerns such as the cost of living and personal finance remain the most significant sources of anxiety worldwide. The report emphasises that financial pressure is preventing many from…
The Yorkshire division of Ashberry Homes has celebrated not only the arrival of the first family to its Pilgrim’s Way development in Beverley but also the emergence of what may be the world’s tiniest housebuilder. Laura Dodds and Scott Manterfield have recently moved into their new four-bedroom detached home, the Trillium, and their two-year-old son, Harry, is already fully engaged in the building process. Shortly after their move, Harry was spotted wearing an Ashberry hardhat and enthusiastically directing construction activities from the living room window. “Harry absolutely loves watching the Ashberry builders at work,” said Laura. “When we mentioned this…
A recent survey by VinciWorks has unveiled significant gaps in emergency preparedness within UK workplaces, despite nearly half of respondents reporting that they have personally encountered an emergency situation at work. Conducted among 202 HR and compliance professionals, the survey highlights a pressing need for organisations to enhance their preparedness measures in the face of increasing workplace emergencies. Among the alarming findings, 49% of respondents admitted to having experienced an emergency at work, underscoring the unpredictability of such events. From the recent robbery at a London jewellery store to surging levels of shoplifting and protests disrupting city centres, emergencies in…
A new study by global video interviewing platform Willo has unveiled how artificial intelligence (AI) is set to transform recruitment processes worldwide. The research, titled “Hiring Humans,” explores the impact of AI on hiring practices and provides a blueprint for how companies can implement the technology ethically and effectively. The report, which involved interviews with talent acquisition leaders from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, reveals that AI’s integration into hiring has become a key priority for businesses. The study highlights that candidates now expect employers to adopt AI technology, and companies that fail to do so could risk being viewed…
Employees from Hull-based engineering firm Spencer Group have completed a 100-mile sponsored cycle ride, raising vital funds for their charity of the year, Teenage Cancer Trust. The company has now surpassed £8,000 in its ongoing fundraising campaign for the organisation, which provides specialist care and support for young people with cancer. Dubbed the “Tour de Spencer,” the charity ride saw a team of 10 employees take on a gruelling route that spanned both sides of the Humber. Setting off from Hull, the cyclists travelled along the north bank of the Humber to Goole before circling back via the south bank…
St Gerard’s School in Bangor has marked the start of the new academic year by bringing its primary and secondary pupils together under one roof for the first time in its 109-year history. The move comes after a summer of significant investment in the school’s facilities, aimed at accommodating a 16% rise in pupil numbers over the past year. The Ffriddoedd Road site has undergone a series of upgrades, including a new car park, toilet block, enhanced access points, improved fencing, and updated signage. Major work has also been carried out on the school’s roof, and a £150,000 heating system…
Ahead of World Heart Day on 29 September, health experts are urging organisations globally to take proactive steps in safeguarding their workforce against cardiovascular disease (CVD). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CVD remains the world’s leading cause of death, accounting for 17.9 million deaths annually, largely due to heart attacks and strokes. With more than 500 million people affected worldwide, companies are being encouraged to introduce heart health initiatives aimed at preventing CVD and improving employee well-being. A sharp rise in workplace cardiovascular issues has been observed by International SOS, which reports a significant surge in requests for…
Ella Brennan, an 18-year-old sports scholar at the University of Derby, has been named in the inaugural England Futsal Lionesses squad. The team will compete in Moldova next month in a UEFA qualifying tournament for the 2025 FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup. Brennan, who is in her first year studying for a BA in Sport and Education, is part of a 14-player squad that will face Finland, Slovenia, and Moldova. A lifelong football fan and Derby County season ticket holder, Brennan is excited to represent England in this historic moment for women’s futsal. “This is such an amazing opportunity, and…
Discovery Education has unveiled a new range of digital learning resources aimed at supporting Black History Month in UK primary schools. The global educational technology leader’s collection is designed to provide teachers with high-quality content to help pupils engage with and learn about Black history, not only during Black History Month but throughout the academic year. The resources, available through Discovery Education’s Espresso platform, spotlight untold stories of Black history and culture, offering pupils fresh perspectives on key historical figures and events. Discovery Education aims to enhance learning by providing dynamic content that both educates and inspires young learners. Targeted…