Latest news with #IDS
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Royal Mail boss jumps ship after Czech takeover
Royal Mail's boss has quit weeks after the postal service fell into foreign hands for the first time in its 509-year history. In a move that caught the business world by surprise, Emma Gilthorpe left having been appointed chief executive a little over a year ago. The former Heathrow director will be replaced on an interim basis by chief operating officer Alistair Cochrane. Her departure comes after Royal Mail's parent company International Distribution Services (IDS) was bought by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky for £3.6billion. The energy tycoon nicknamed the 'Czech Sphinx' for his inscrutable approach to business decisions swooped on the firm last year in a move that prompted outrage from politicians and businesses. The controversial deal, which was approved by 80 per cent of shareholders, saw the postal service fall into overseas ownership for the first time since it was established by Henry VIII in 1516. IDS chairman Keith Williams and the rest of the board stepped down as planned when the firm delisted from the London Stock Exchange in May. But IDS chief executive Martin Seidenberg and finance chief Michael Snape will stay in their roles. The company had not publicly confirmed whether Gilthorpe, 55, would continue to lead Royal Mail under its new owner. Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell, said: 'A new owner means a different way of thinking and that normally includes a fresh sweep in the boardroom. 'Daniel Kretinsky is a brave man for wanting to own Royal Mail as it comes with a multitude of challenges. He'll already have a firm idea how to fix it and he'll want to parachute his own choice of leader into the company. 'Gilthorpe might have come to the conclusion that if she did not leave of her own free will now, it was inevitable that she would have been pushed out later on.' As part of the deal, Kretinsky agreed to a series of conditions to secure approval from ministers. The Government will retain a 'golden share' in the business. This means any changes to Royal Mail's ownership, tax residency or where its headquarters are based will need ministers' approval. Kretinsky, 49, must also retain the Universal Service Obligation (USO), which guarantees a first-class postal service to anywhere in the UK for a fixed price six days a week. But these rules are set to be changed by the regulator Ofcom, which has proposed cutting second-class deliveries to every other working day. Gilthorpe said yesterday she 'will always be incredibly proud to have led Royal Mail', adding: 'I look forward to seeing Royal Mail continue to transform in the years ahead.'
Forbes
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
This Brand Is Leveraging Up-And-Coming Interior Designers To Design Custom Curtains
From big-names like Kelly Wearstler and Nate and Jeremiah to brands like LoveShackFancy and Aerin, brand partnerships with high-profile names are nothing new in the interior design world. But as the social media landscape becomes more complex, one of the most popular direct-to-consumer curtain companies is taking a different approach. Known as a go-to for accessible custom curtains, TwoPages boasts an expansive range of options, with 897 premium fabrics and 35 curated collections featuring a wide variety of curtain styles, shades, and accessories. Since its founding in 2015, the brand has outfitted more than 600000 households with curtains. As a brand on the rise, most would assume TwoPages only wants to partner with major names, but the company has taken the opposite approach. This route has proven surprisingly effective and given emerging talent a chance to shine. Here's a closer look at TwoPages and its most recent launch. Switzer and her velvet curtains TwoPages Interior designer Amy Switzer might not be a household name yet, but she's certainly on her way to getting there. For nearly two decades, the Dallas-based interior designer worked for manufacturers designing home textiles for big-box retailers. She even owned a factory-direct bedding company. But in 2022, the designer launched her own studio and the following year, she became an IDS National Winner. After being featured in a variety of publications (without the help of a publicist), she began to make a name for herself. So, it's not a surprise that in 2024, TwoPages reached out to the designer about writing a blog post. A relationship and curtain line was born. 'From there, things just clicked. The collaboration felt effortless,' the designer tells me. Switzer's luxe velvet line. TwoPages Launched in May 2025, Switzer's collection features a generous selection of twenty different curtains, all of which are velvet. From stripes to brush strokes and ombré aesthetics, Switzer's background made her an ideal choice to create this collection. 'I was really intentional about texture, weight, and the way the velvet catches light throughout the day. The ombré fades and bold stripes were inspired by the idea of curtains as statement pieces, almost like functional art.' Switzer and her curtains in a dining room TwoPages The feel of the curtains was also important for the designer, who tells me, 'I obsessed over the hand feel and drape so they not only look elevated but feel luxurious too. These curtains aren't seasonal—they're meant to live in your space year-round, softening edges, adding richness, and playing beautifully with layered, eclectic interiors. They're a true reflection of my design style: soulful, a little moody, and always personal. I worked closely with their team to fine-tune materials, finishes, and scale. It was important to me that the curtains felt artful and custom, not off-the-shelf.' TwoPages currently has two ambassadors in addition to Switzer: Sara Le, who has nearly 100000 followers on Instagram, and Stefana Silber, who has more than 667000 followers on the same platform. While these numbers are certainly impressive, these designers aren't as widely recognized as, for example, Jake Arnold—whose following falls between the two. Stefana Silber and her TwoPages curtains TwoPages Because Switzer has experience that far exceeds her platform, working with TwoPages has been extremely validating. 'I spent years working behind the scenes designing celebrity home lines where the face wasn't doing the designing, and I always knew the real creativity came from the product development side. So to be seen and recognized for my own design voice and given the green light to create something that reflects my aesthetic? That was huge. It felt like the industry finally caught up to what I'd been doing all along.' Sara Le and her curtain line TwoPages For TwoPages, skill and talent trump having a million Instagram followers. Brand Rep Evelyn Tao tells me, 'It all comes down to authentic alignment. We select ambassadors who deeply resonate with our audience and brand values, making the collaboration genuinely impactful.' Switzer shares a similar sentiment. 'Working with TwoPages has been such a refreshing example of a company willing to think differently—open to a designer who's spent most of their career behind the scenes now stepping into the spotlight. They saw the value in my experience and gave me the freedom to bring that full-circle perspective into the collection.' It's also worth noting that TwoPages collaborates with designer content creators who have smaller platforms as well. However, these collaborations aren't just promoted by the designer (as they are with most brands doing collaborations), but are prominently featured on the TwoPages website. This also benefits the consumer. Because TwoPages offers such a vast array of window treatments, it isn't easy for non-designers to decide. So, seeing the finished product in a home can offer both guidance and inspiration, complete with videos and a Q&A. There are currently eleven different collaborations presented on the TwoPages website, with followings ranging from fewer than a hundred to over 300000. So, showcasing true talent is what aligns most with TwoPages. And for many of the brand's collaborators, including Switzer, it's about being given a chance to showcase their ability and work with a popular brand. 'When you're not used to everything being handed to you, you approach it with more intention, gratitude, and hustle. I was deeply involved in every part of the process, from design to development to marketing and I think that kind of all-in attitude is what helps collections like this stand out. It's not just about attaching a name, it's about truly building something.'
Daily Express
6 days ago
- Science
- Daily Express
Whispers in stone: Legends of Sabah's megalithic heritage
Published on: Monday, June 16, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 16, 2025 By: Fiona V Loijin, Anita Limjoon, Paul Canigea Text Size: Building on the momentum of these initial efforts, IDS is also preparing to undertake further studies in several more districts across Sabah where megaliths have been identified, expanding the work of documentation and cultural preservation. IMAGINE A land where stones are more than silent objects. They are guardians of ancient memory, keepers of stories that predate written history. In Sabah, megalithic stones rise solemnly from the earth, each one steeped in myth, mystery, and cultural reverence. These are not merely geological artefacts. They are storytellers shaped by generations of human experience, embodying the deep spiritual and communal values of the people who live among them. Advertisement Driven by a profound cultural curiosity, an ambitious research initiative was launched by the Institute for Development Studies (Sabah) in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah. Two major studies, titled Kajian Pemetaan Jejak Warisan Batu Megalitik Menggunakan GIS di Long Pasia untuk Pelancongan and Kajian Pemetaan Batu Megalitik Menggunakan GIS di Penampang, brought together a diverse team of researchers committed to uncovering and mapping Sabah's megalithic heritage. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article. Support Independant Journalism Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News Exclusive News Invites to special events Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards 1-Year Most Popular (Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
05-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
RM10 million for young women entrepreneurs
Published on: Thursday, June 05, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 05, 2025 By: Marutin Ansiung Text Size: Azizah said through the Dayang programme, young women entrepreneur can apply for a minimum loan of RM10, 000 and a maximum of RM50, 000. Tenom: The Sabah Government has allocated RM10 million through a collaboration between the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) Sabah and the Sabah Credit Corporation (SCC) to empower young women entrepreneurs in the State. 'The fund is channelled through loans to young women entrepreneurs to help them expand their businesses,' said IDS Director Datuk Seri Azizah Mohd Dun Banir. She said the loan funding is implemented under the Young Women Entrepreneurs Empowerment Programme (Dayang) introduced by IDS and SCC which has been mandated by the Sabah Government to manage the initiative. 'This is an initiative by the Sabah Government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to support young women entrepreneurs involved in various business sectors,' she told the media after officiating the Empowering Young Women Entrepreneurs: Women's Power, Economic Power programme organised by IDS and SCC in collaboration with the Tenom District Office at the Dewan Datuk Seri Panglima Antenom, here, Wednesday. Azizah said through the Dayang programme, young women entrepreneur can apply for a minimum loan of RM10, 000 and a maximum of RM50, 000. She added that with this loan funding, they can expand their businesses while improving the quality of their products. 'We are confident that the products of our young women entrepreneurs can penetrate the international market if they continue to receive support. In fact, some products from young women entrepreneurs have already entered the global market,' she said, referring to entrepreneur Emily Jeneble, a handicraft entrepreneur from Kampung Batu Lunguyan in Sook, renowned for her expertise in bamboo weaving. Azizah said Emily not only produces bamboo-woven products such as handbags and souvenirs but has also successfully assisted over 300 women beneficiaries in her village and surrounding areas. 'Her efforts have helped generate sustainable income for rural women in Sabah. I understand that the annual sales from the Kampung Batu Lunguyan community exceed RM500, 000 per year, a very impressive figure,' she added. Earlier in her speech, Azizah said the programme helps realise the initiatives outlined in the Sabah Budget 2025. She said in the budget, the government announced financial incentives and capital assistance specifically for young women entrepreneurs through the Empowering Young Women Entrepreneurs Programme. 'Among the objectives of this programme is to assist young women in venturing into business, particularly in overcoming capital constraints. This is because the government recognises and respects the role of young women as agents of change in Sabah's socio-economic landscape,' she said. In this regard, she said IDS and SCC have been mandated by the government to manage this programme by introducing the Dayang loan scheme. 'The combination of expertise between a research body and a financial institution will ensure more efficient program implementation, focusing on the impact on young women entrepreneurs. This is the first collaboration of its kind and IDS hopes it will continue to help the Sabah Government enhance various entrepreneurial programs in the State,' she said. She said that after being launched by Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun on Feb 27, 2025, at the Sabah International Convention Centre in Kota Kinabalu, the Young Women Entrepreneurs Empowerment Tour Series 1 was held in Beaufort and Ranau. At the same time, Azizah encouraged young women entrepreneurs to make the most of the opportunities provided. 'You may be eligible for this loan to start a new business or expand an existing one,' she said. She also urged young women entrepreneurs in the district to view entrepreneurship not just as a means of livelihood but as a platform to empower communities, preserve heritage and build a brighter future. Present were SCC Deputy Chairman Datuk Surinam Sadikun, IDS Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Ramzah Dambul, SCC Chief Executive Officer Datuk George Taitim Tulas and Melalap Community Development Leader Simon Mamat, among others. Some 300 women took part in the programme. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Mail
02-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Ex-minister Greg Hands to advise Royal Mail after takeover by 'Czech Sphinx' billionaire
A former trade minister has been appointed as an adviser to the new owner of Royal Mail. Greg Hands, who lost his seat as a Conservative MP in last year's election, will advise Daniel Kretinsky's EP Group on business matters in the UK and Germany. The appointment came as Royal Mail's parent company, International Distribution Services (IDS), formally left the London Stock Exchange after being bought by Czech billionaire Kretinsky. The departure from the stock market also saw a number of IDS board members resign, including chairman Keith Williams. The £3.6billion takeover by Kretinsky saw the more than 500-year-old firm fall into foreign hands for the first time.
