Latest news with #Cinch
Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Daily Record
Iconic Scottish road trip ranked among world's most Instagrammable destinations
It ranked an incredible fifth in the world with 694,511 Instagram mentions A breathtaking Scottish route has driven its way into the global spotlight, after being named one of the most picturesque road trips on Earth in a new study of Instagram data. The North Coast 500, a spectacular 516-mile loop through the Scottish Highlands, has been ranked fifth in the world and second in Europe by cinch, the UK's largest online used car retailer. Researchers analysed 40 iconic road trips across six continents, looking at how often each was shared on Instagram using popular hashtags. Scotland's NC500 racked up 694,511 hashtag mentions, largely under #nc500 (519,000) and #northcoast500 (175,000). Cinch said: "Completing the top five is Scotland's North Coast 500, clinching 694,511 Instagram hashtag mentions. Most tend to accompany their scenic Scottish snaps with #nc500 (519,000 uses) and #northcoast500 (175,000)." Beginning and ending in Inverness, the NC500 winds through remote beaches, majestic Munros, rugged cliffs and ancient castles. It typically takes five to seven days to complete and has earned a 4.7-star TripAdvisor rating, beloved by photographers, nature lovers and road trippers alike. But taking the top spot worldwide was a truly iconic route: Route 66. Route 66 takes first place with over 2.4 million Instagram hashtag mentions, proving that you just can't beat the classics. The legendary 2,448-mile highway connects Chicago to Los Angeles, cutting through America's heartland and offering an unforgettable blend of big cities, small towns, diners, deserts and ghost towns. Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way ranked just behind at number two globally, claiming the top spot in Europe. The route boasts over 1.9 million Instagram mentions, thanks to stunning coastal images posted under hashtags like #wildatlanticway. Spanning an astonishing 1,600 miles from the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork, it holds the title of the world's longest defined coastal route, offering breathtaking cliffs, remote beaches and endless Atlantic views. The Wild Atlantic Way and the NC500 were the only European road trips to make the top 10, but four more bagged spots in the top 20. The Ring Road in Iceland had 295k Instagram posts, while Ireland's second entry was the Ring of Kerry with 262k. The Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland (232k) and Germany's Romantic Road (42k) rounded out Europe's inclusion in the top 20. Cinch's motoring editor Sam Sheehan commented: 'There's something unmatched about exploring the world from behind the wheel – stopping when you like, chasing views, discovering unexpected places. "These drives capture the imagination of millions because they offer freedom, beauty and a bit of adventure. 'Whether you hire a car to go from Chicago to California or take your pride and joy around the NC500, a little research can help you set up the road trip of a lifetime.' The top ten most Instagrammed road trips in the world: Route 66, USA, North America – 2.4 million hashtags Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland, Europe – 1.9 million Great Ocean Road, Australia, Oceania – 1.6 million Blue Ridge Parkway, USA, North America – 722K North Coast 500, Scotland, Europe – 695K Garden Route, South Africa, Africa – 634K Carretera Austral, Chile, South America – 581K Silk Road, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & China, Asia – 512K Pacific Coast Highway, USA, North America – 453K Hana Highway, USA, North America – 431K
Business Upturn
11 hours ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
FDH Electronics Expands Agreement with Cinch Connectivity Solutions
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oklahoma-based FDH Electronics, a unified FDH Aero division focused solely on serving the mil-aero market's electronic component needs, has expanded their product support distribution agreement with Cinch Connectivity Solutions, a division of Bel Fuse Inc. The agreement establishes FDH Electronics' aftermarket division, Stealth Aerospace, as the primary aftermarket distributor for Cinch's range of high-reliability specialty connectors and assemblies, tailored to meet the demands of airlines and maintenance centers worldwide. The agreement significantly expands FDH's product offering to include Cinch's proprietary FQIS assemblies and BACC connectors. These components are critical to flight operations and are relied upon by operators and maintenance centers globally that require fast delivery and responsive service. 'Our agreement with Cinch demonstrates FDH's commitment to the aftermarket through our Stealth Aerospace division, which focuses exclusively on supporting organizations involved in aircraft operations and maintenance,' said Mitch Enright, President of FDH Electronics. Alon Glickstein, Executive Vice President of FDH Electronics' aftermarket division and leader of the Stealth Aerospace business unit added, 'Stealth Aerospace is widely recognized as the premier source for electronic, electrical and electromechanical components for airlines, MROs, repair stations and brokers in the demanding aftermarket space. This agreement is a successful outcome of the purposeful collaboration and commitment of our teams to achieve this partnership. We are excited to offer the full range of Cinch's high-reliability products that support Boeing aircraft operators worldwide. The addition of the Cinch FQIS line will enable faster deliveries and help reduce downtime due to AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situations.' Andy Calloway, Director of North America Sales & Business Development at Cinch Connectivity Solutions, commented on the expanded relationship: 'The partnership between FDH Electronics, Stealth Aerospace and Cinch has been vital to the success of all three companies going back 10+ years. Stealth Aerospace is well known for its customer service in this demanding sector of the aerospace industry and this expanded agreement signifies our trust and confidence in FDH and Stealth to support a critical portion of our customer base.' About FDH Electronics FDH Electronics is a global one-stop shop with one of the most expansive inventory levels in the industry, built on FDH Aero's industry-leading supply chain solutions. It supplies a variety of interconnect, wire and cable, and electromechanical components for the aerospace, defense, and space markets. FDH Electronics is your go-to resource for value-added connectors, 1553 Data Bus interconnect products, custom harnesses, high-performance aerospace-grade wire and cable, and high-frequency RF connectors. When you need critical interconnect or electromechanical components, you can rely on FDH Electronics to deliver. To search by part number, please visit: About FDH Aero FDH Aero is a trusted global supply chain solutions partner for aerospace and defense companies, helping to shape the industry by simplifying the supply chain. With over 60 years of experience, it specializes in hardware, electrical, consumables & expendables, licensed products, and value-added services for global OEM and aftermarket customers. FDH is headquartered in Commerce, California, and has operations across the Americas, EMEA and APAC. FDH Aero – named a Best Place to Work in Aviation in 2024 – has locations in 15 countries across the globe, with more than 1,500 best-in-industry employees and over 650,000 square feet of inventory space. For more information, please visit About Cinch Connectivity Solutions Cinch Connectivity Solutions, a Bel group company, designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of high-quality connectivity products. Our portfolio includes connectors, cable assemblies, and custom solutions for diverse industries, including space, defense, harsh environment, and commercial aerospace. The Company serves a global market with operations and facilities located around the world. ContactHeather RosenowExecutive Vice President, Marketing & Communications [email protected]
New Paper
6 days ago
- Business
- New Paper
Singapore start-up on a green mission to keep mobile phones in use for longer
Singaporeans are replacing their phones every 2.7 years, contributing to some 2.9 million mobile phones being stowed away, a new study shows. But one Singapore start-up is hoping to change this and keep phones in circulation for five years here. This will be even longer than the global smartphone replacement cycle of 3.5 years on average. Cinch plans to meet this target by renting out instead of selling the devices to consumers, ensuring that the returned units at the end of the rental period are refurbished to get a new lease of life with another user. "We're trying to extend the useful life of these devices beyond the average refresh rate," said Mr Mahir Hamid, chief executive and co-founder of Cinch, which commissioned the study to better understand consumer behaviour. Its study, conducted between late 2024 and early 2025, involved interviews with firms that handle e-waste and used devices, as well as a survey of 500 Singapore-based respondents. Fresh from raising US$28.8 million (S$37 million) in funding led by Monk's Hill Ventures, Cinch is now actively pursuing consumers, letting them pay a monthly fee to rent the latest premium models of phones, laptops and other devices. Cinch will also foot 90 per cent of the repair cost of devices damaged due to accidents. For instance, the latest Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge with 512GB storage is available from Cinch for a rental fee of $70 a month over two years. At the end of two years, consumers would have paid $1,680. The same model can be bought from Samsung for $1,808. An Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max with 512GB storage can be rented from Cinch for $120 a month over 12 months. This will amount to a total of $1,440 at the end of the year. The same model costs $2,199 upfront from the Apple store. Customers can also buy direct from Samsung and Apple with an interest-free instalment plan, but it would require them to have a credit card from specific banks such as DBS, OCBC or UOB. "There is a massive segment of the population for which a $2,000 to $3,000 purchase can be a significant proportion of their monthly salary," said Mr Hamid. "A subscription model allows them to access the premium device." Cinch, which has been operating here since 2023, has been leasing mostly to businesses such as those in the retail, logistics, information technology and public relations sectors. Around 10,000 devices such as laptops, smartphones and tablets have been leased, most of which were returned and refurbished for a second or third customer. "Every refurbished unit needs to be as good as new," said Mr Hamid. "If it doesn't meet our standards, it doesn't go back into circulation." He said that all returned devices undergo a professional diagnostic sweep and complete data wipe so users do not have to worry about privacy leaks. Customers can buy their rented devices from Cinch if they wish, but it would likely cost more than buying from retailers such as Shopee or Lazada, said Mr Hamid, urging users to rent instead. Cinch has also partnered with waste management firm Alba Group since the start of 2025 to collect and recycle devices that can no longer be refurbished for new leases. During recycling, valuable materials such as precious metals and plastics are extracted from the e-waste. Singapore generates more than 60,000 tonnes of e-waste a year, according to a report by the National Environment Agency in 2018. This is equivalent to 73 mobile phones disposed of per person in Singapore. Slowing down the device replacement cycle will reduce the overall volume of electronic waste that needs to be collected, sorted and processed, an Alba spokesperson told The Straits Times. "Alba supports efforts like Cinch's to keep electronic devices in circulation for a longer period, as it aligns with our mission to reduce e-waste and promote a circular economy in Singapore," said the spokesperson. The leadership team of Cinch, which has been operating in Singapore since 2023. PHOTO: CINCH The leasing of laptops, smartphones and tablets has become a standard practice among some businesses, as it allows them to access the latest technology without incurring huge upfront costs. Leasing is also a way of reducing depreciating assets. Leasing firms typically cover a device's configuration, maintenance, repair and eco-friendly disposal. Telcos Singtel and StarHub have been leasing devices to businesses since 2020 and 2021 respectively, while M1 does so only as part of a more comprehensive suite of tech services. Singtel started leasing devices to consumers in 2018, but ceased the programme in 2022. Mr Keith Leong, Singtel's managing director of enterprise, said consumers find that they get better value from buying devices bundled with mobile plans. But businesses in sectors such as government, infocomm and aviation continue to lease from Singtel. While the device leasing meets the specific needs of some businesses, many consumers still choose to buy devices as it gives them full ownership and control, which can be cost-effective over the long run, said Mr Leong. "Ultimately, both models provide valuable pathways to equip a mobile workforce effectively," he said. Other rental firms such as Circular and have also been in the market since 2021 to wean consumers from device ownership. Apart from renting out phones, laptop, and gaming consoles, also rents out home appliances such as digital door locks and washing machines. Leasing an iPhone 16 Pro Max with 512GB storage space would cost between $69 and $82 a month for two years from Circular, depending on the phone's condition. The same model would cost between $92 and $99 a month for two years from Cinch's adviser Arvin Singh said that Netflix and Grab have proven that ownership of storage discs and cars, respectively, is not essential. "Netflix for many years now has disrupted ownership of DVDs and hardware... So I think it's not a strange concept for consumers. When it comes to phones, maybe a bit more education is required," said Mr Singh. However, Ms Tracy Tsai, vice-president analyst of consulting firm Gartner, said that phones cannot be compared to DVDs, cars or bicycles as phones carry confidential personal data. The cost-effectiveness of renting also comes into question if users upgrade frequently, she added. "But if users want to chase the latest phone every year, renting might be less of an issue."
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Singapore start-up on a green mission to keep mobile phones in use for longer
Old mobile phones collected by waste management firm Alba Group, which are sent for sorting and recycling. PHOTO: ALBA GROUP Singapore start-up on a green mission to keep mobile phones in use for longer SINGAPORE – Singaporeans are replacing their phones every 2.7 years , contributing to some 2.9 million mobile phones being stowed away, a new study shows. But one Singapore start-up is hoping to change this and keep phones in circulation for five years here. This will be even longer than the global smartphone replacement cycle of 3.5 years on average. Cinch plans to meet this target by renting out instead of selling the devices to consumers, ensuring that the returned units at the end of the rental period are refurbished to get a new lease of life with another user. 'We're trying to extend the useful life of these devices beyond the average refresh rate,' said Mr Mahir Hamid, chief executive and co-founder of Cinch , which commissioned the study to better understand consumer behaviour. Its study, conducted between late 2024 and early 2025 , involved interviews with firms that handle e-waste and used devices, as well as a survey of 500 Singapore-based respondents. Fresh from raising US$28.8 million (S$37 million) in funding led by Monk's Hill Ventures, Cinch is now actively pursuing consumers, letting them pay a monthly fee to rent the latest premium models of phones, laptops and other devices. Cinch will also foot 90 per cent of the repair cost of devices damaged due to accidents. For instance, the latest Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge with 512GB storage is available from Cinch for a rental fee of $70 a month over two years . At the end of two years, consumers would have paid $1,680 . The same model can be bought from Samsung for $1,808 . An Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max with 512GB storage can be rented from Cinch for $120 a month over 12 months . This will amount to a total of $1,440 at the end of the year. The same model costs $2,199 upfront from the Apple store. Customers can also buy direct from Samsung and Apple with an interest-free instalment plan, but it would require them to have a credit card from specific banks such as DBS, OCBC or UOB. 'There is a massive segment of the population for which a $2,000 to $3,000 purchase can be a significant proportion of their monthly salary,' said Mr Hamid. 'A subscription model allows them to access the premium device.' Cinch, which has been operating here since 2023 , has been leasing mostly to businesses such as those in the retail, logistics, information technology and public relations sectors. Around 10,000 devices such as laptops, smartphones and tablets have been leased, most of which were returned and refurbished for a second or third customer. 'Every refurbished unit needs to be as good as new,' said Mr Hamid. 'If it doesn't meet our standards, it doesn't go back into circulation.' He said that all returned devices undergo a professional diagnostic sweep and complete data wipe so users do not have to worry about privacy leaks. Customers can buy their rented devices from Cinch if they wish, but it would likely cost more than buying from retailers such as Shopee or Lazada, said Mr Hamid, urging users to rent instead. Cinch has also partnered with waste management firm Alba Group since the start of 2025 to collect and recycle devices that can no longer be refurbished for new leases. During recycling, valuable materials such as precious metals and plastics are extracted from the e-waste. Singapore generates more than 60,000 tonnes of e-waste a year , according to a report by the National Environment Agency in 2018 . This is equivalent to 73 mobile phones disposed of per person in Singapore. Slowing down the device replacement cycle will reduce the overall volume of electronic waste that needs to be collected, sorted and processed, an Alba spokesperson told The Straits Times. 'Alba supports efforts like Cinch's to keep electronic devices in circulation for a longer period, as it aligns with our mission to reduce e-waste and promote a circular economy in Singapore,' said the spokesperson. The leadership team of Cinch, which has been operating in Singapore since 2023. PHOTO: CINCH The leasing of laptops, smartphones and tablets has become a standard practice among some businesses, as it allows them to access the latest technology without incurring huge upfront costs. Leasing is also a way of reducing depreciating assets. Leasing firms typically cover a device's configuration, maintenance, repair and eco-friendly disposal. Telcos Singtel and StarHub have been leasing devices to businesses since 2020 and 2021 respectively, while M1 does so only as part of a more comprehensive suite of tech services. Singtel started leasing devices to consumers in 2018 , but ceased the programme in 2022. Mr Keith Leong, Singtel's managing director of enterprise, said consumers find that they get better value from buying devices bundled with mobile plans. But businesses in sectors such as government, infocomm and aviation continue to lease from Singtel. While the device leasing meets the specific needs of some businesses, many consumers still choose to buy devices as it gives them full ownership and control, which can be cost-effective over the long run, said Mr Leong. 'Ultimately, both models provide valuable pathways to equip a mobile workforce effectively,' he said. Other rental firms such as Circular and have also been in the market since 2021 to wean consumers from device ownership. Apart from renting out phones, laptop, and gaming consoles, also rents out home appliances such as digital door locks and washing machines. Leasing an iPhone 16 Pro Max with 512GB storage space would cost between $69 and $82 a month for two years from Circular, depending on the phone's condition. The same model would cost between $92 and $99 a month for two years from Cinch's adviser Arvin Singh said that Netflix and Grab have proven that ownership of storage discs and cars, respectively, is not essential. 'Netflix for many years now has disrupted ownership of DVDs and hardware... So I think it's not a strange concept for consumers. When it comes to phones, maybe a bit more education is required , ' said Mr Singh. However, Ms Tracy Tsai, vice-president analyst of consulting firm Gartner , said that phones cannot be compared to DVDs, cars or bicycles as phones carry confidential personal data. The cost-effectiveness of renting also comes into question if users upgrade frequently, she added. 'But if users want to chase the latest phone every year, renting might be less of an issue.' Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cinch Saloon enters new chapter, preserving SF LGBTQ history
The Brief Cinch Saloon, a historic gay bar on Polk Street, was at risk of closing. New owner Scott Taylor plans to preserve its legacy while keeping it a safe space for the LGBTQ community. SAN FRANCISCO - One of San Francisco's oldest gay bars, the Cinch Saloon, is beginning a new chapter after fears that it might permanently close. The Polk Street bar has long held historical significance in the city's LGBTQ community. Decades ago, Polk Gulch was a bustling hub of gay nightlife, before the Castro District became San Francisco's most recognized LGBTQ neighborhood. The Cinch's future became uncertain two years ago when one of its longtime owners passed away. Most recently, the remaining partner struggled to maintain the bar. That's when Scott Taylor stepped in. "We feel more like caretakers than ownership. We're here, the bar's been around for 50 years. We're going to try to keep it around for another 50," said Taylor, who officially took over ownership of the bar this year. Taylor is no stranger to the Cinch. He first visited the bar as a patron more than 20 years ago, occasionally bartended there, and even had his first date with his partner at the Cinch a decade ago. He also serves as the beverage director at nearby Harris' restaurant. "We want to keep the historical relevance and the cultural relevance of this place intact. It's very important, especially now, for us to have these kind of safe spaces," Taylor said. For longtime patrons, the bar's survival is deeply personal. "This street used to be full of gay bars. This is like the only place left, so I'm happy that it's going to hang on," said Johnny Smith, who moved to San Francisco in 1996. "It's like a little family. You get to know people, because everybody's from everywhere and they come to San Francisco and you make new families," said Ray Thibodaux. Taylor said he plans to make some updates to the space, but won't change the character that's made the Cinch feel like home to generations of San Franciscans. "He has a vision for this place, he's going to keep things as they are. Seriously, he saved this place. People were worried it was going to disappear... so just so grateful that Scott managed to put everything together and save the place," said Ginger Robyn, a San Francisco resident and regular at the bar. "A little bit of pressure to kind of make sure that I maintain the legacy of the business. But, this place has my heart," Taylor said. The bar will be part of this year's Pride Month events. On June 22, drag performer Juanita MORE! will lead the People's March and Rally near the Cinch, an event inspired by the first gay liberation protest held in the neighborhood in 1970.
