Vinnies NSW has unveiled a refreshed brand strategy and visual identity for its retail network, developed with Houston Group. The brand refresh marks an exciting new chapter for Vinnies Shops in NSW, as the not-for-profit focuses on connecting with more audiences and amplifying the positive impact of the work undertaken by Vinnies. The strategic and design agency guided the rebranding process, built around the simple but powerful truth that Vinnies Shops transforms unneeded clothes and other goods into much-needed support for society’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged. As consumers become more aware of the negative effects of fast fashion, Vinnies retail outlets provide an easy way to help more people to do more good, by shopping, donating and volunteering. ‘What a privilege to work on such an important and iconic brand that is truly about everyday people doing good, and helping each other out. Having the opportunity to modernise and adapt the Vinnies Shops brand is all part of that too, and I couldn’t be prouder of the work we’ve been able to develop together,” Stuart O’Brien , founder and CEO of Houston Group, said. “Houston’s strategic work lay the foundation for a creative refresh, which elevates the brand identity to connect to a new audience – while not alienating their existing loyal base – by celebrating the iconic aspects of the Vinnies identity and heritage. “Designed with a more impactful, accessible and inspiring approach for younger audiences, the new visual identity is better optimised for digital platforms like social media and e-commerce,” O’Brien added. The agency’s concept of layering and texture was integral to the new identity, inspired by the three stacked hands depicted in the St Vincent de Paul Society logo. The distinct graphic language weaves in textures and textiles to emphasise clothing as a symbol of help, community and connection – representing the fabric of community that Vinnies supports. The refreshed identity also retained and re-energised the brand’s iconic blue, with a range of secondary colours and textural hues connecting its rich history to its vibrant future. Thomas Morgan, director, communications and marketing of St Vincent De Paul Society NSW, said: ‘We’re all incredibly proud of the new retail brand identity. It’s been crafted with care, is warm and energetic and respects the proud heritage of the Society. “Importantly, the brand refresh strongly connects how shopping at Vinnies funds the Society’s crucial social services which provides a hands-up to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals and families in NSW. We can’t wait to roll out our refreshed identity across our network of 230 shops in NSW and bring it to life in campaigns and across our digital channels,” he concluded. The brand refresh will be rolled out across Vinnies’ extensive physical presence across NSW, as well as in digital channels and campaign messaging – helping those who help others do more good in the community. Credit Client: St Vincent De Paul Society NSW Philip Coyte Executive Director – Commercial Enterprise, Retail and Fundraising Satya Tanwer Executive Director – Strategy and Engagement Thomas Morgan- Director, Communications and Marketing Rachel Lawton-Marketing Manager Claire Hutchison-Designer Samuel Sida-Product Leader Kate Pascoe-Communications Manager Megan Pope-Brand Creative Services Manager Agency: Houston Group Stuart O’Brien – CEO & Founder Alex Toohey – Executive Creative Director Gretel Maltabarow – Managing Director Gabriella Bore – Account Director Guy Mitsopoulous – Director of Strategy Isabelle Robinson – Senior Designer Ting He – Senior Designer Keep on top of the most important media, marketing, and agency news each day with the Mediaweek Morning Report – delivered for free every morning to your inbox.The banks’ boom is expected to slow, and the sale of new apartments is projected to decelerate, but 2025 is shaping up to benefit other sectors, particularly defense, insurance and construction. This is according to a report by the research division of Leader Capital Markets, which reviewed 2024’s market performance and provided forecasts for the coming year. Leader describes 2024 as a strong year for the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, which outperformed many global markets despite significant challenges, including the escalation of war, two credit downgrades, a rising deficit, inflation, supply chain disruptions and the departure of foreign investors. 2 View gallery Tel Aviv Stock Exchange ( Photo: Orel Cohen ) For 2025, Leader strikes an optimistic tone, driven by expectations of an imminent conclusion to the war, alongside speculation that the Trump administration will advance normalization agreements with Saudi Arabia. Domestically, Leader anticipates a substantial return of foreign investors and sees little chance of a repeat of the internal conflicts that characterized 2023. At the close of 2023, Leader warned of potential credit losses for banks stemming from the war. However, by the end of 2024, the sector had exceeded expectations, with credit loss provisions reaching just 0.15% of public loans, well below the 0.75%-1.25% initially forecast. Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play : https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store : https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv This resilience was mirrored in bank stocks, as the Tel Aviv Banks 5 Index surged 39%, outperforming the broader TA-35 Index’s 25% gain. Additionally, credit growth returned, with most banks experiencing over 10% growth by year-end. Looking ahead, Leader expects higher credit loss provisions in 2025 due to the combination of elevated interest rates and rapid credit expansion. The economic impact of post-war policies is likely to weigh on loan portfolios. 2 View gallery ( Photo: Amit Shaal, Reuters ) Furthermore, inflation and interest rates, while still relevant, are expected to exert a more moderate influence on banks’ earnings. Leader also foresees continued pressure on banks to contribute to war-related costs, potentially through extended taxation measures introduced in 2024. Insurance sector: resilience and opportunity In contrast to the banking sector, the insurance industry faces relatively low risks, according to Leader. For 2025, improved underwriting quality and profitability are anticipated, supported by falling inflation and the adoption of the IFRS 17 standard. These factors, coupled with the absence of significant regulatory threats, create a favorable environment for insurers. Leader highlights that a high-interest-rate environment benefits insurance companies by allowing them to invest in low-risk, high-yield assets while requiring less capital allocation. Although interest rates are expected to remain relatively high, they are likely to begin a gradual decline. War-related impacts on the insurance sector have been limited thus far, and low unemployment levels in the economy have contributed to stable activity. This stability reduces the likelihood of significant withdrawals from savings policies or pension plans. Defense sector: sustained momentum The defense sector, which experienced strong growth in 2024 due to increased security budgets, heightened defense procurement and global conflicts, is poised to maintain its momentum into 2025. Leader notes that Israel’s advanced technological capabilities, demonstrated during the war, continue to serve as a key growth engine for the country’s defense companies, particularly the largest players. Sabina Podval Levy, head of research at Leader Photo: Aya Ben Ezri However, Leader warns that the potential conclusion of the war in Israel or Ukraine could slow this momentum in the short term. Despite this, long-term investments in rearmament and the modernization of military capabilities are expected to drive sustained growth. Construction and infrastructure: optimism amid challenges Leader’s analysis points to a cautiously optimistic outlook for the construction and infrastructure sectors in 2025. The anticipated end of the war and a reduction in interest rates are expected to alleviate financing pressures, while ongoing housing shortages and growing infrastructure needs should accelerate project volumes. Leader predicts that significant infrastructure tenders will be renewed in 2025, alongside progress in financial closures for existing tenders. These developments are likely to support the growth of major companies in the sector over the coming years. >Panasonic Installs an In-house Hydrogen based Renewable Energy Power Generation System in Its UK FactoryNew bioprinting technique creates functional tissue 10x faster
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NoneA wealthy couple have appeared in court after a gardener died while working at their £2.5 million country mansion. Former Ministry of Defence chief Nicholas Prest, 71, and his wife Anthea, 70, have both denied being to blame for the death of gardener Paul Marsden, who was working on the grounds of their property at the time. Self-employed Mr Marsden, 47, had been using a quad bike to spray weed killer when he fell from the vehicle in April 2020. An inquest previously heard he was was discovered underneath the "all terrain vehicle" by another worker, and a post mortem examination revealed he had died of asphyxia. Mr Prest and his wife are each accused of two charges under the Health and Safety at Work act in relation to Mr Marsden's death They do not face charges of manslaughter, but instead are accused over charges of failing to check workers had protective equipment and that the quad bike was safe to use, reports Wales Online . Following a prosecution brought by the Health and Safety Executive, the couple appeared together in the dock on Wednesday at Cardiff Crown Court, where they spoke only to confirm their names, dates of birth, and address. They also spoke to plead not guilty to both charges during the brief hearing and will stand trial next October. One charge alleges the Prests didn't check that persons including Paul Marsden "were exposed to risks arising from the failure to provide suitable and sufficient training, plant and personal protective equipment when using all-terrain vehicles." The other charge alleges the couple failed to" take such measures as it was reasonable for you to take to ensure, so far as was reasonably practicable, that plants provided for use, namely that an all terrain vehicle, was safe and without risk to non-employees, namely Paul Marsden, for use on the premises." Mr Prest, previously worked for the MoD before setting up his own companies and is now the chairman of defence technology giant Cohort. He lives with Mrs Prest at the sprawling countryside house close to the village of Llandogo in Monmouthshire, which overlooks the River Wye and across into the Forest of Dean. The couple have previously hosted a number of garden parties at the Pilstone House home as charity fundraising events for causes such as the NHS and Ukraine. The Prests, of Llandogo, were handed unconditional bail. Mr Marsden's brother Gary and father John followed the proceedings on video link after judge Eugene Egan granted them permission to attend remotely.
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