Press release: ITF: US refusal of shore leave to Hanjin crews 'a denial of human rights'

Please find this release attached and below.

Yours,

Sam Dawson

ITF

28 September 2016

ITF: refusal of shore leave to Hanjin crews 'a denial of human rights'

The ITF (International Transport Workers' Federation) today described the refusal of shore leave to seafarers on board Hanjin ships in the USA as a denial of human rights – and praised the actions of dockers in Seattle who have drawn the problem to public attention.

 

The issue was revealed when a visit to the chartered vessel Hanjin Marine by ITF inspector Jeff Engels to check on the crew's welfare on Monday (after they had waited three weeks for a berth) revealed that, although the crew are being paid and there is two months' food onboard, the US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) were refusing them shore leave.

 

"I phoned them several times," Jeff Engels explained, "and had others phone them but they still insisted that the crew was a possible threat to try and jump ship due to the Hanjin situation. I countered with the fact that shore leave was a human right and that the seafarers should not be made to suffer due to the Hanjin situation, which had nothing to do with their simple desire to walk around, smell a tree and visit the local seafarers center'. They still did not budge."

 

At their 18:00 crew shift change the despairing crew decided to make the situation public and stood at the gangway flying a banner stating 'We deserve shore leave'. When they learnt of what the seafarers were being put through, outraged members of ILWU (International Longshore and Warehouse Union) Local 19 staged a spontaneous demonstration of support for the seafarers from the dockside, cheering them and sounding horns.

 

ITF president and chair of the ITF dockers' section, Paddy Crumlin, commented: "The dockers' action was the type of urgent expression of solidarity that ILWU members are known for taking to help any worker who is in distress. It not only showed the seafarers that their voice is being heard, but also helped reveal that these entirely innocent workers are being denied that most basic of rights – to step on land after weeks or months at sea. It should be inconceivable that they are being denied that right. We hope that wiser heads at the CBP will now prevail and they will be allowed ashore."

 

He continued: "We understand that the last three Hanjin vessels that called in Southern California all had similar issues with shore leave. This is morally and legally unacceptable. These are professional seafarers, working in a professional manner, carrying out all their tasks responsibly, and hoping that the situation with Hanjin will be rectified without the loss of jobs. Denying them an escape from their work environment is an abuse of humanity. The CBP needs to reconsider and fix this problem now."

 

ITF seafarers' section chair Dave Heindel commented: "So far the welfare of crews on Hanjin ships has received the urgency it demands. In particular the Korean government, our affiliate the FKSU (Federation of Korean Seafarers' Unions) and the Korean Shipowners' Association have acted quickly and in concert to look after crews. Within days they formed a joint taskforce whose first priority was to ensure that provisions and water were put onboard all ships, and we understand that insurance has also been taken out to cover three months' wages for all crew as well as three years' pension entitlements.

 

"The ITF continues to monitor the situation, and ITF inspectors have visited Hanjin ships, unasked, in many countries. Thankfully  they have been able to report that so far crews are being paid, hoping to retain their jobs, and are in good spirits. The only serious exception to this is in the USA where those crews are being refused their legal right to shore leave while in possession of a bona fide visa. It is an additional stress at a stressful time, and frankly it's indefensible."

 

ENDS

 

For more details please contact

Sam Dawson in London. Email: dawson_sam@itf.org.uk. Tel: +44 (0)20 7940 9260. Mobile: +44 (0)7850 736146

Jeff Engels in Seattle. Email: engels_jeff@itf.org.uk. Tel: +1 360 379 4038. Mobile: +1 206 331 2134

 

 

ITF communications: getting the message out - when and where it matters

www.itfglobal.org 

www.facebook.com/ITFglobal 

Twitter: @itfglobalunion

This email is confidential and may be privileged. If you have received it in error, please notify the sender and then delete it immediately. You should not copy it or use it for any purpose nor disclose its contents to any other person. Any views or opinions expressed within the email are solely those of the sender and do not necessarily represent those of the ITF or the Seafarers' Trust.

COP22: Climate champions mobilize coalition, unlocking climate finance for vulnerable countries

Moroccan and French Climate Champions mobilize investor coalition in NYC to unlock climate finance for vulnerable countries ahead of COP22   New York, September 22: Moroccan and French High-Level Climate Champions Hakima El Haite and Laurence Tubiana announced preparations for a global investment initiative on climate adaptation and resilience in a meeting held in New York on September 22, during Climate Week, with nearly 70 impact investors, philanthropic organizations and development thought-leaders from the United States.   The meeting was held to support Morocco's goal of making COP22 one of action and innovation, with an important emphasis on innovative approaches and mechanisms to unlocking the flow, and access to, climate finance through catalyzing private sector investment in mitigation and adaptation initiatives around the world.   To help unlock climate finance, Morocco convened this global coalition of investors, entrepreneurs, foundations, philanthropists, family funds and other private sector actors to discuss how to best collaboratively develop and fund bankable adaptation projects, in order to benefit the world's most vulnerable populations.   This coalition will work closely in the coming weeks to announce a large and broad scale mechanism during COP22 to address their goals, as well as to convene at the Global Climate Finance Action Summit in Marrakech, November 12-13.   This action-oriented summit during COP22 seeks to bring together a diverse cross-section of stakeholders to answer the question of how to best drive climate finance innovation to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

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Industry Prospects for Big Water Business in MENA Region

American OEMs and SMEs will exhibit innovative equipment, product and service solutions at WETEX 2016
  Dubai, U.A.E. and Waldwick, N.J./ September 25, 2016  — As economic development transforms the landscape of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) — generating a corresponding large-scale demand for safe, sustainable water — U.S. companies that build, supply or service water infrastructure and equipment are competing for long-term contracts in the region.
  Many of those companies will exhibit innovative technologies, products and development strategies at the Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) 2016, October 4-6 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. WETEX 2016 is the largest show of its kind in the region, and is expected to attract more than 1,500 exhibitors from 42 countries and 20,000-plus attendees.
  The centerpiece of the national effort will be the U.S. International Pavilion, organized by Kallman Worldwide, Inc., in coordination with numerous government agencies and advocates, notably the Department of Commerce. The Pavilion will be a primary destination for buyers looking to meet U.S. industry leaders, an on-site business hub for U.S. exhibitors looking to maximize their exposure and impact at the event and a forum for all to share industry information and insights.
  “When U.S. companies commit to exhibit at WETEX, they’re saying they believe in the power of this event to attract real business prospects and customers,” said Kallman Worldwide President and CEO, Tom Kallman. “Our team is proud to work directly with the organizers to help our exhibitors succeed at this show, whether as prime contractors or subcontractors in support of MENA manufacturers, service partners and their end-user customers in energy, waste, utilities and adjacent sectors.”
  To heighten awareness and drive more trade attendees to visit Pavilion exhibitors, Kallman will promote the national presence at WETEX 2016 with its “Ask America” on-site advocacy campaign. The message will be placed prominently around the U.S. International Pavilion, integrated into official events and media during the show, and highlighted in social media (follow on Twitter @kallmanEWC).
  “The United States may be one of the world’s most innovative water industry suppliers, but that’s no guarantee buyers in the MENA region will look to work with U.S. companies over others,” said Kallman. “As the organizer of the U.S. International Pavilion, we have a responsibility to advocate not only for our exhibitors, but for our nation in this highly competitive global marketplace.
“We want every show visitor to ‘ask America’ because we are listening, and we can help them gain a competitive edge in any market sector, anywhere in the world,” said Kallman. “The United States is committed to our international trade partnerships, we bring the best technology and innovation to the table and we have the most-skilled professionals ready to do the work.”
  U.S. INTERNATIONAL PAVILION WETEX 2016 EXHIBITOR MEDIA SPOTLIGHTS
  The following exhibitors in the U.S. International Pavilion at WETEX 2016 invite media to inquire about their products and services:
  BOOTH #CM-7 SnowPure Opens Middle East Sales Office SnowPure Attending WETEX 2016 in Dubai, UAE
  USA's SnowPure Water Technologies announces the opening of its new Sales Office in Amman, Jordan aimed at the Middle East. SnowPure will have representatives from the new office at WETEX 2016 in UAE. Visit them at the US Pavilion, Water Hall 7, booth CM-7, and meet with the new Middle East representatives and the owner Dr. Michael Snow. SnowPure manufactures membrane-based components for industrial pure water.
  TARGET MARKETS: Pharmaceutical Pure Water, Power Generation Ultrapure Water, Industrial Ultrapure Water
BOOTH # CM-12 Find It All Underground with a SCHONSTEDT Newly Appointed Authorized Dealer in the Middle East and Africa
  Located in Dubai, GLOSYS Electronics has been appointed as an authorized dealer for SCHONSTEDT Instrument Company. GLOSYS partners with SCHONSTEDT in order to provide underground locating equipment for surveying and utility industries (including, but not limited to, water and sewer, electric, cable TV, and fiber optics) throughout the Middle East and Africa.
BOOTH#CN-7 Joseph Sabel Joins Energetics as Chief Strategy Officer Energetics announces addition of a new Chief Strategy Officer
  Energetics Incorporated is pleased to announce the addition of Joseph Sabel to our leadership team. Mr. Sabel has more than 30 years of experience working as an energy conservation and environmental expert in government and private industry. He will serve as both the leader of Energetics’ Building Energy Solutions Division and Energetics’ Chief Strategy Officer. In his dual roles, Mr. Sabel will focus on developing innovative solutions to our clients’ energy and efficiency challenges.

COP22: Climate Change dominates opening of 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly

New York, September 20, 2016: The United Nations General Assembly kicked off yesterday, September 20 in New York City. Over 140 Heads of State were expected to attend in a yearly tradition of speeches made to the 193 members States of the chief deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations. This year marked the 71st session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) convened under the theme "The Sustainable Development Goals: a universal push to transform our world," including Goal #13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.  This high-level week with world leaders is an opportunity for the Kingdom of Morocco to promote the 22nd Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP22) set to take place in Marrakech, November 7 to 18, 2016. Salaheddine Mezouar, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation will be on hand for a series of side-events and bilateral meetings aimed to reinforce and promote Morocco's climate initiatives including those on energy, agriculture, capacity building, adaptation and finance, to discuss global warming issues affecting the most vulnerable countries and island states, and to mobilize the international community for an ambitious global climate action agenda in Marrakech to implement the Paris Agreement.   On September 21, the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will host a special event to encourage Parties to ratify the Paris Agreement.  The Kingdom of Morocco will be among approximately twenty countries to deposit their instruments of ratification to the Agreement here in New York.  For the Paris Agreement to enter into force legally 55 countries equaling 55% of global emissions must deposit their ratification documents.  According to the UNFCC, as of today, 29 Parties have ratified the Agreement accounting for 40.12% During his opening remarks, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon underscored the importance of the climate change agenda. "With the Paris Agreement we are tackling the defining challenge of our time. We have no time to lose. I urge you to bring the Agreement into force before the end of year.  We need 26 countries more countries equaling 15% of global emissions for entry into force," he stated.   US President Barack Obama, during his last speech to the UNGA, called on the international community to keep working together to solve global issues including climate change.  "The Paris Agreement gives us a framework to act, but only if we scale up our ambition," he stated. UNGA President, Peter Thomson, the first from a Pacific Island nation (Fiji) underscored the need to act on climate change to avoid its negative impacts. "We are steadily moving towards the ratification of the Paris Agreement.  We must not delay any further." Brazilian President, Michel Temer affirmed his country's commitment to fighting global warming, 'Tomorrow I will deposit Brazil's instruments of ratification of the Paris Agreement." As the first African Head of State to address the UNGA, Idriss Déby Itno, President of Chad highlighted the importance of working with the international community to fight global warming on the continent. "It's not about giving charity to Africa, it's about true partnership with Africa to tackle climate and global challenges." The traditional roll call of speeches to the UNGA start with United Nations Secretary General followed by the President of the UNGA, President of Brazil (first Member State to speak in the general debate since the 10th session of the General Assembly) and President of the United States (host country). For all other Member States, the speaking order is based on the level of representation, preference and other criteria such as geographic balance. ‬‬‬

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COP22 // Moroccan initiatives debated on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York

Salaheddine Mezouar, Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and COP22 President chaired a High-Level side-event "Climate Change Centers of Excellence and Think Tanks" on September 20 during the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The event, focused on the Moroccan initiative to increase capacity building and link networks of climate change centers of excellence around the world. The opening session included the participation of Vincent Biruta, Minister of Natural Resources of Rwanda and Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi Minister of Climate Change and Environment for the United Arab Emirates as well as Hakima El Haite, Moroccan Minister Delegate in charge of the Environment and High-Level Climate Champion.   "We support the willingness of this capacity building initiative and look forward to COP22," said Minister Al Zeyoudi during his remarks.   As for the Minister Biruta he underscored that "this capacity building initiative and network of climate change centers is important for developing countries who need assistance and guidance in their climate projects."   The Moroccan initiative, which is aimed to be launched during COP22 in Marrakech, November 7 to 18, seeks to address capacity-building needs in developing countries such as market intelligence, venture finance, business advisory training, government advisory and access to facilities, through a platform of networked climate change centers of excellence. "We must gain knowledge from the North and reinforce South-South cooperation," said Minister Mezouar   Climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of global warming tend to lack the capacity needed to connect bankable projects with climate finance. 16 African countries and 12 countries from the Pacific are seeking assistance. "We have to leave this meeting with an answer," emphasized Minister El Haite.   COP22 Scientifc Committte President Nizar Baraka closed the session by saying, "in Marrakech this November we seek to bring a new vision for the search for global results."   Partners and collaborators on this initiative include: 4C Maroc (Centre de Compétences Changement Climatique), IAI (Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research), BC3 (Basque Center for Climate Change), and IDDRI (Institut du Développement Durable et des Relations Internationales). Further support and collaboration are in the works with the World Bank, African Development Bank, GIZ, EU Green Fund, GEF and the NDC Partnership.

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COP22: Morocco deposits Paris Agreement ratification at UN event in New York

Foreign Minister Salaheddine Mezouar deposits Morocco's Paris Agreement ratification instruments at UN SG Ban Ki-moon special event in New York   Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco and COP22 President, Salaheddine Mezouar joined 59 other countries in depositing their Paris Agreement ratification instruments today in a special ceremony at the United Nations with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.  The high-level event on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly also featured UNFCCC Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa, COP21 President and French Environment Minister Segolene Royal and US Secretary of State John Kerry.   "His Majesty Mohammed VI entrusted me with depositing Morocco's ratification instruments today.  The fact of depositing these instruments reflects the strong commitment of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Paris Agreement. It is a strong message to the international community that we have passed the threshold of 55 countries that have joined the Agreement before COP22 in Marrakech this November.  Morocco is strongly committed to the implementation of the Paris Agreement which will make the Marrakech conference one of action as per the instructions of his Majesty," declared Salaheddine Mezouar   As host country of the 22nd Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP22), Morocco, represented by Minister Mezouar contributed today with their ratification to bringing the number of countries that have joined the Paris Agreement to 60, equaling 47.62% of global emissions.  For the Paris Agreement to enter into force 55 countries accounting for 55% of global emissions must deposit their instruments of ratification to the United Nations.  Today's event is a hug step forward towards early entry into force of the Agreement.   In his opening remarks the UN SG Ban Ki-moon congratulated the 29 countries that had previously ratified as well as the 31 that deposited their instruments today.  He said, "I am happy to declare we have officially crossed the 55 country threshold for early entry into force of the Paris Agreement."   During his remarks, the US Secretary of State, John Kerry said "I thank COP22 incoming President Salaheddine Mezouar on his climate leadership ahead of Marrakech‬.  The US, 2nd largest emitter of global greenhouse gas emissions, deposited its ratification instruments ahead of the G20 Leaders Summit in China on September 3.   Only approximately 8% of global emissions are now need to pass the threshold of 55% required for the Paris Agreement to come into force.  According to the US Secretary of State he is convinced that this is a possibility before the COP22 conference in Marrakech, November 7 to 18.

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Universal Robots now certified for applications in cleanroom environments

TÜV SÜD ISO Cleanroom | Universal Robots Odense, Denmark – September 23, 2016 – Universal Robots' lightweight collaborative robot arms can now be implemented in controlled environments: After successful tests in accordance with VDI 2083 Part 9.1, the international industrial guideline concerning the various functions and measures of cleanroom technologies, the robot arms and the accompanying controller boxes made by the Danish pioneer in human-robot collaboration have been awarded the certification for cleanroom applications by the international certification organization TÜV SÜD. In compliance with the industrial norm ISO 14644-1, the robots UR3, UR5 and UR10 are now authorized for the global use in cleanroom environments of the cleanroom class ISO 5. The controller box, in turn, has received authorization for cleanroom class ISO 6. The controller box may be upgraded for deployment in cleanrooms requiring the class ISO 5 with a few technical modifications. In the Federal Standard 209E, often referenced in the USA, ISO 5 and ISO 6 are the equivalent of class 100 and class 1000 respectively. "This certification will pave the way for a great number of new application opportunities for our robots", says Esben H. Østergaard, CTO and co-founder of Universal Robots. "We have taken another important step towards making our affordable and user-friendly collaborative robots accessible for companies of all industries and sizes." TÜV SÜD's test seals for Universal Robots' robotic arms and controller boxes now allow the deployment of UR robots in areas where aspects regarding purity and hygiene – such as particle emission, easy-to-clean surfaces and extreme reliability – are decisive criteria for precise automation processes. "UR robots can now increasingly be deployed in laboratory automation as well as throughout the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. There is also a significant variety of cleanroom applications in the food industry, the production of microchips and semiconductors as well as in the electrical and opto-electronical industries that can now implement our robots", says Østergaard.  We believe that collaborative robotic technology can be used to benefit all aspects of task-based businesses – no matter what their size. Our robot arms are advanced tools that can be used by all levels of production staff to help increase productivity, reduce injury and boost morale. With a Universal Robots robot arm, you can automate and streamline repetitive or potentially unsafe processes, so staff can be assigned to jobs that provide them with new challenges. We believe that the latest collaborative robot technology should be available to all businesses. The nominal investment cost is quickly recovered as our robotic arms have an average payback period of just six months. We're dedicated to making the world a better place, one robot at a time. We're Universal Robots.

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First operational use of public blockchain technology in the global shipping industry announced

MTI ('Marine Transport International (UK) Limited') today announces the deployment of the world's first public blockchain solution in the global shipping industry.  MTI is an industry-leading freight forwarder based in the United Kingdom and the United States. It provides sophisticated, technology-based freight forwarding solutions for global shipping companies worldwide. Public blockchain technology will connect the supply chain together, in a way which the industry has never seen before. Furthermore, trust and partnership is reinforced with the blockchain, in an industry where such principles can at times be misunderstood. It will allow companies to build efficient business ecosystems between supply chain parties or actors in the public blockchain. The blockchain will also accelerate the flow of data distributed between parties, whilst at the same time reducing reliance on the typical IT architecture that plaque companies today. With millions of transactions processed each day in the shipping industry, the public blockchain will not only increase data efficiency, but also provide long term savings for EDI transmission (Electronic Data Interchange) dependent companies. MTI is using the TrustMe™ public blockchain technology and the services from predictive analytics expert Black Swan Data Limited. The technology will be used within its SolasVGM™ product offering to enable the secure and open dissemination of shipping container information. Since 1st July 2016, Contracting Governments to the International Maritime Organization's SOLAS treaty (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) have been required to implement new requirements related to the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of packed containers. The new regulation puts the responsibility on the shipper to ensure that an accurate VGM is provided to the terminal/carrier for every container loaded prior to it being allowed to be shipped on-board on a vessel. Using the TrustMe™ solution, VGM data is stored on the global blockchain, providing a permanent records visible to port officials, shippers and cargo owners. This replaces cumbersome logs, spreadsheets, data intermediaries and private databases. Previously, data has been deeply ingrained in old legacy systems. This causes delays in the development of new capabilities, hindering the ability for carriers to make rapid changes to services. The blockchain is a data structure makes it possible to overcome these issues, creating a permanent digital public ledger of transactions which can be shared among a distributed network of computers. It uses cryptography to allow each participant on the network to add to a record on the ledger in a secure way without the need for a central authority. Designated parties can record and retrieve data from anywhere in the world using mobile phones, tablets and PCs, eliminating the need for costly, proprietary infrastructure. Blockchain data is verified, immutable, and globally accessible, making it a perfect technology for solutions like the SolasVGM™ product.    Quote (Jody Cleworth – CEO of MTI): "Blockchain has the ability to empower our industry into a true digital age. Instead of a VGM message being delivered sequentially to parties within the supply chain, our platform can provide a decentralized approach to delivering VGM messages. The sheer volume of containers processed per year means that safely decentralizing the management of these containers will radically reduce the complexities of shipping. A grass roots approach in collecting and storing information on the blockchain is how shippers will be able to reap the full benefits of the technology. We are now a public blockchain company and our focus is on delivering tangible benefits to global trade and all the actors within the supply chain." Quote (Antony Abell – MD of TrustMe™): "Sectors such as banking and FinTech are attracting a lot of attention for their steps to adopt blockchain. But what we have here is an example for the shipping industry leading the way in executing a real, proven application of blockchain. We're incredibly excited to be at the forefront of this development." Quote (Richard Mann - COO of Black Swan): "MTI continues to innovate and disrupt Maritime industry. We have been working closely with the MTI team for over 8 years and are delighted to see the direction they are taking at a time when regulatory change is creating significant opportunity for new business models in the industry.  In the face the regulatory change, MTI did not see an obstacle, but an opportunity to think outside of the box, future-proof itself and ultimately stand out from its competitors. The convergence of SolasVGM™ and the TrustMe™ blockchain technology further reinforces this. We are excited with MTI's approach to this and are eager to see what comes next.   -- ---   BACKGROUND     About MTI - ('Marine Transport International (UK) Limited')   See:     www.marinetransportint.com/               http://solasvgm.com/   Marine Transport International (UK) Limited ('MTI') is a freight forwarder focused upon digitalization and streamlining shippers' processes, reducing cost and increasing operational efficiencies within the shipping supply chains.   On July1, 2016, MTI delivered a technological solution for a regulatory change - SOLAS VGM (see: http://solasvgm.com/ ). SOLASVGM™ invites users to create ECOSYSTEMs within the industry to solve their VGM requirements. Since implementation, SOLASVGM™ has over 164 registered companies and over 5,000 transactions. Before the end of 2016 the company plans to deliver COMSHIP an end to end business platform for shippers in container business. The software expands the ECOSYSTEM pulling in all suppliers to the industry to act transparently and seamlessly in executing shippers' requirements.   MTI Principals:   Jody Cleworth CEO / Director. Jody has been working in Shipping & Logistics for the past 16 years. Jody has been involved in both the Liner side of Container Shipping and Freight Forwarding aspect of the industry. During his career Jody has worked for Maersk Line at corporate level in Copenhagen, Kuehne & Nagel at regional level in the U.K and headed up start -up businesses in the United States for Eagle Trans Shipping and Logistics. Jody will be working closely with shippers, carriers and 3rd party companies to deliver solid digital platforms to the market.   Jonathan Langley CTO. Jono has been working in the Software and Tech industry over the last 16 years. Initially starting off in the Tech Support and Networking realm, Jono then moved into the software engineering arena to take the practical side of technological solutions and apply that to software based solutions in various different industry environments. Jono has been architecting and delivering software platforms for clients such as Vodafone (UK), Skype (Global), Three Mobile (UK), Panasonic Avionics (GLOBAL) and many more over this time. Many of these platforms have customer usages of 1M+ unique daily users. Jono now brings his wealth of Systems engineering and Software architecture skills to MTI which he will use to push the company into the automation world of global cloud computing.       About TrustMe™ - ('Universal TrustMe Engine Limited')   See: www.u-TrustMe.com   The Universal TrustMe Engine Limited ('TrustMe™') is a London (UK) based blockchain solutions company providing public blockchain applications for industries, businesses and consumers to allow them to securely post, process, share and read blockchain information using proprietary software and algorithms.   What is the Blockchain? A blockchain is a data structure that makes it possible to create a permanent digital public ledger of transactions and to share it among a distributed network of computers. It uses cryptography to allow each participant on the network to add to a record on the ledger in a secure way without the need for a central authority. Once a block of data is recorded on the blockchain ledger, it's extremely difficult to ever change it or to remove it. When someone wants to add to a record, participants in the network run algorithms to evaluate and verify the proposed transaction. If a majority of nodes agree that the transaction looks valid (that is, identifying information, timing, location etc… matches the blockchain's history) then the new transaction will be approved and a new block added to the chain. For those with access it provides a permanent and secure record of ownership of all registered items for all parties who use it and it can provide automated systems to remove significant cost overheads in physical and transactional distribution systems.   TrustMe™ Principals:   Antony Abell (Managing Director / Co-Founder of TrustMe™) is a serial entrepreneur and corporate financier based in London. Having studied economics at university he went on to become an army officer and an Olympic coach ('92 Winter Games) before working in logistics and telecommunications. He is now focused on delivering TrustMe™ into the global market. Antony also works behind the scenes with entrepreneurs delivering other cutting edge technologies and innovations to the global marketplace via his corporate finance firm of Variable Pitch.   David Parsons (CTO / Co-Founder of TrustMe™) David is an industry veteran bringing over 20 years of experience in cryptography, big data analytics and telecommunications software development. His work spans infrastructure software design and development for major equipment manufacturers and terrestrial/satellite networks such as IBM, Lockheed Martin, AT&T. David's expertise in the area of peer to peer communications in conjunction with deep skills in secure networks has enabled him to create an innovative platform for anonymous peer to peer trust. He holds a Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration.       About Black Swan ('Black Swan Data Limited')   See: www.blackswan.com   Black Swan Data Ltd One of the UKs fastest growing data science, technology and predictive analytics companies in the UK, founded in 2011. Forging one of the most interesting new propositions to enter the UK and international marketing services space.  Black Swan's unique vision was to build a platform which ingests data from every conceivable source using data science and intelligent algorithms to find patterns of value to brand partners.  The business has grown massively from 2 to 250 in just over 4 years with people in LA, Toronto, NYC, Cape Town, London, Exeter Bristol, Budapest and Szeged, Black Swan has established major client relationships with Pepsico, GSK, Disney, Vodafone, Debenhams, Npower, Tesco and Panasonic.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Outline of business and differentiation Black Swan thinks and acts differently to bring to bear a unique set of data and technology forces to disrupt and burn down the traditional marketing channels and help their brand partners become category leaders.  The Black Swan Nest Data platform surfaces the black swan moments – finding correlations in data which line up over time to identify future events, creating efficiencies and clarity between the left and right hands of marketing and supply chain and manufacturing demand.  Whether that's mapping the tide of cold and flu to trigger programmatic social hazard warning marketing; tracking sea containers in real time; measuring the impact of creativity using a data driven real time visualisation software or forecasting key customer events, listening to the daily pulse of the nation…the Black Swan model factory creates data prototypes covering everything from customer sentiment to econometric modelling. Performance and growth 2012 Founded 2014 0.3m Turnover, 10 Staff, London LA, NYC , Blackstone Series A Investment – Sunday Times Ones to Watch 2015 Acquisition of Digital Jigsaw and Bee Mee, 8.4m Turnover , 220 Staff, Toronto and Budapest – Sunday Times No 1 Start up 2016 Albion and Mitsui Series B Funding 250 staff 10m Turnover (F) – Sunday Times No 1 SME Exporter   Employees 250   Turnover 10m   Black Swan Principals:   Steve King (CEO):   Richard Mann (COO of Black Swan):

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