The Business Narrative: Building An Energy Future

Business News

Harry Sideris Steps into CEO Role Leading Duke Energy, Joins Board of Directors(Harry Sideris Photo courtesy of Duke Energy)Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) announced Harry Sideris has assumed the role of chief executive officer and has joined the company’s board of directors.His appointment was part of a planned transition announced earlier this year.Sideris has served as president since April 2024 and will retain that role.He succeeds Lynn Good, who is retiring from Duke Energy after more than two decades of leadership, including nearly 12 years as CEO.”I am honored to step into this role at such a pivotal time for our industry,” said Sideris. “Thanks to Lynn’s leadership, Duke Energy has become an industry-leading, fully regulated utility that is ideally positioned to seize the opportunities in front of us.”Officials said Sideris will focus on shaping the future of Duke Energy by overseeing an $83-billion five-year capital plan and advancing critical infrastructure investments that support economic development and meet customers’ energy demands.Under Sideris’ leadership, the company will continue prioritizing safety and operational excellence, delivering meaningful value to shareholders, and providing superior service to customers and communities, the officials said.Sideris, a 29-year veteran of the company, has been a longstanding member of Duke Energy’s senior management committee.In his role as president, Sideris has successfully led Duke Energy’s electric and gas utilities, including all aspects of customer service and operations.Prior to becoming president, Sideris held leadership roles as executive vice president of customer experience, solutions and services, president of Duke Energy Florida, and vice president of environmental, health and safety.His career began at Progress Energy (formerly Carolina Power & Light), before it merged with Duke Energy in 2012. Sideris will join boards of directors for the Edison Electric Institute, the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations and the World Association of Nuclear Operators.He also will serve on the Business Roundtable and Charlotte Executive Leadership Council.Also effective April 1, Ted Craver, formerly lead independent director, becomes chair of Duke Energy’s board of directors.Craver, who has served on the board since 2017, is the former chairman, president and CEO of Edison International.  Solaia Capital Acquires Interest in Modjoul, Inc.Solaia Capital Advisors LLC, through its affiliates, announced on April 3, 2025, the completion of an investment in Modjoul, Inc., a Greenville, South Carolina-based provider of hardware, software, and AI solutions that enhance workplace safety and productivity for industrial companies.Modjoul’s effectiveness in reducing workplace injuries and costs has led to increased customer demand.Officials said Solaia’s undisclosed investment provides Modjoul with the necessary capital to expand and diversify its customer base and to finalize development and rollout of its latest AI Manager productivity offering.“Partnering with Solaia will fuel corporate growth and provide us with the necessary capital and operational resources to expand and strengthen our capabilities to meet the rising need for industrial workplace safety,” said Modjoul CEO, Eric Martinez.Martinez added, “By combining Solaia’s strategic expertise with Modjoul’s innovative solutions, Modjoul is uniquely positioned to expand its installed base and offer significant cost-saving and productivity add-ons for our customers.”“Modjoul’s success in reducing workplace injuries, coupled with cost-savings and operational benefits make Modjoul a compelling investment opportunity for Solaia,” said Michael Carrazza, Solaia Capital’s CEO.Robinson & Cole LLP provided legal counsel to Solaia Capital. Davis Wright Tremaine LLP provided legal counsel to Modjoul.Founded in 2016 and based in Greenville, South Carolina, Modjoul’s mission is to eliminate injuries in the workplace while making it safer and able to run more efficiently.Solaia Capital is an investment management firm that invests in middle-market companies to create long-term value.Capital resources, combined with value-enhancing operational expertise, are used to complement experienced management teams in the execution of business plans, operational improvement strategies, growth initiatives, industry consolidation and select turnaround and recapitalization plans.IndySoft Acquires Longtime UK Partner IndySoft Europe LTD Daniel Island, South Carolina-based IndySoft (www.indysoft.com), a global leader in measurement-driven asset management software, announce the acquisition of its UK distributor, IndySoft Europe LTD, effective April 1, 2025.Financial terms weren’t disclosed.Officials said the acquisition marks a major milestone in the two-decade relationship between the companies and reflects IndySoft’s ongoing commitment to international expansion and deeper support for its global customer base.”For over 20 years, IndySoft Europe has represented our brand with integrity, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the calibration industry across the UK and Europe,” said Rhett Price, CEO of IndySoft Corporation. “This move brings us even closer to our customers in the region and allows us to deliver even more consistent service, support, and innovation moving forward.”Officials said existing customers will experience a seamless transition and will continue to work with the same dedicated team, now operating as an integrated part of the IndySoft global organization.The officials said the acquisition will allow IndySoft to leverage the established relationships and expertise of IndySoft Europe to further expand its reach and capabilities within the European market, contributing significantly to the company’s broader global expansion strategy.They said the move further strengthens IndySoft’s leadership position in enterprise calibration and measurement-driven asset management, reinforcing its focus on innovation, customer success, and global service excellence. Truist Names Claudia Davis Adamson As Head of Small Business Banking  Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE: TFC) said it has hired Claudia Davis Adamson as head of small business banking.As part of Consumer and Small Business Banking, Adamson will lead strategic execution for all areas of small business banking including deposits, lending, and payments solutions, data and analytics, operations and governance, and client experience for more than 1.2 million small business clients through Small Business Direct, Business Connect, and SBA lending solutions.Adamson will join Truist this summer, reporting to Chief Consumer and Small Business Banking Officer Dontá Wilson and serve as a member of the Truist Operating Council.”As a dynamic leader with extensive knowledge of the business sector, Adamson’s proven track record of building highly successful teams and creating success for clients makes her a natural fit for this important leadership role at Truist,” said Wilson.With more than 20 years of experience focusing on small and midsize enterprise, middle market, and large corporate sector clients, Adamson most recently was managing director, U.S. head of business banking, and as part of the executive committee for the U.S. commercial bank at HSBC.During her 10-year tenure, she also served as regional executive of corporate banking and U.S. head of sales intelligence for U.S. commercial banking along with championing culture and employee engagement as U.S. head of people excellence.Previously, Adamson was director and regional executive for London corporate banking at Barclays.Adamson holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science from Converse University in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and studied at the London Business School.Truist Consumer and Small Business Banking serves more than 14 million retail, premier, and small business clients with deposits, lending, payments, and investment solutions through digital banking, virtual service centers, and more than 1,900 community banking branches across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Texas.It also includes national consumer lending businesses LightStream, Dealer Financial Services, Regional Acceptance Corporation, Sheffield Financial, and Service Finance Company as well as consumer capital markets.Allow us to tell your company’s Business Narrative. Send your press release to David Dykes or for more information email [email protected]

Lawrence Tech in Southfield Launches Online Doctoral Degrees in Business and Health

Technology

Lawrence Technological University has launched of two fully online doctoral degree programs in health sciences and business administration. // Stock photoLawrence Technological University in Southfield has announced the launch of two fully online doctoral degree programs, the Doctor of Health Sciences (DHS) and the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).Officials at LTU said the new programs reflect the university’s long-standing commitment to advancing knowledge, leadership, and innovation through its longtime motto, “Theory and Practice.”Designed for driven professionals ready to lead in a digital world, both programs blend flexible online delivery, technology-infused curricula, and real-world research to prepare students for the highest levels of impact across healthcare and business.Created for clinicians, educators, and administrators, LTU’s DHS program emphasizes digital health, data-informed decision-making, and equity-driven leadership. Graduates will be equipped to transform patient outcomes, lead systemic innovation, and advance health policy—from wherever they are in the world. The DHS program is the first in Michigan.In turn, the DBA is tailored for executives, entrepreneurs, and consultants who want to lead organizations through technological disruption and digital transformation. With a focus on applied research, emerging technologies, and strategic leadership, the program teaches professionals to solve complex business challenges and shape the future of industry.Features of the two programs include:100 percent online delivery: Learn anytime, anywhere with asynchronous, flexible coursework.Technological eminence: Deep integration of AI, big data, digital platforms, and innovation strategy.Applied research: Dissertations or capstone projects grounded in real-world issues and impact.World-class faculty: Courses taught by experienced scholar-practitioners and industry leaders.Global learning network: Collaborate with a diverse cohort of professionals from around the world.“These new doctoral programs represent the next chapter in LTU’s 92-year legacy of producing industry-leading, transformative professionals,” says Tarek Sobh, president of LTU. “They are designed not just to prepare individuals for a changing world, but to empower them to lead that change, whether in health care systems or global enterprises.”The DHS program is 54 credit hours spread among 18 courses, with modules lasting eight weeks. The courses build toward the completion of a quality improvement project to develop research skills aimed at improving healthcare while also ensuring students develop critical thinking, decision-making, and project management skills.The DBA program is a 54-credit hour doctoral degree structured over three years, consisting of 30 credits of coursework and 24 credits of dissertation research. The curriculum is designed to enhance leadership, strategic thinking, and evidence-based decision-making, while equipping students with the research and analytical skills to address complex business challenges and contribute to academic or industry knowledge.Applications are now open for the Fall 2025 cohort at ltu.edu/apply/. For more information on health sciences, visit here and for business administration, visit here.To sign up for virtual open houses for either program, visit here for the DBA and here for the DHS.LTU, founded in 1932, is one of only 13 independent, technological, comprehensive doctoral universities in the United States. The university offers more than 100 programs through its Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Engineering, and Health Sciences, as well as Specs@LTU as part of its growing Center for Professional Development.

Kintyre schools celebrate World Book Day with successful book fairs

Arts & Culture, Books

Some of Castlehill’s pupils with the school’s new books.March 6 was World Book Day and two Kintyre schools took the opportunity to collaborate with Catherine Wilson of Campbeltown-based Bookworm Adventures to organise book fairs.

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Spain, Greece and Portugal tourist tax rules and how much you’ll have to pay

Travel

Many British holidaymakers eyeing up a getaway this Easter, during the summer months or further into the year should prepare for extra costs. A vast number of UK citizens are expected to travel abroad this year, but the financial burden of such holidays keeps mounting.Some may be hit with unexpected additional costs, due to tourist taxes that have been implemented across numerous popular resorts and holiday hotspots.Greece has a “high season” (from April to October) tourist tax which comes to 8 euros per room daily. For those planning a seven-day stay, this means you’ll need to spend an extra 56 euros per room.During the off-peak season, the tax is reduced to two euros per room each day.As for Spain, although there isn’t a blanket tourist tax applicable nationwide, Barcelona visitors need to cough up both a regional tourist levy and a city-specific tax, costing four euros nightly.The exact amount of the regional tax hinges on where you stay. A four-star hotel will cost you an extra €1.70; while with a private rental like Airbnb, the fee climbs to €2.25; and with a five-star hotel it’s €3.50 – all charged per night, respectively.Exploring beyond Barcelona into broader Catalonia means only the regional tourist tax needs covering: three euros nightly for those ensconced in five-star hotels. For four-star it drops to €1.20 per night, and for other types of accommodation, it’s between 60 cents and a euro.If you’re planning a getaway to the Balearic Islands – Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca, or Formentera – get ready to factor in a “green tax” into your holiday budget. Consumer champions Which? reveal that visitors will be charged four euros per person per night for five-star accommodation.This fee decreases progressively, with four-star lodgings collecting three euros, three-star establishments two euros, and for those staying in hotels or campsites, the rate stands at one euro.Bear in mind these tariffs are valid from May 1 through October 31. Outside these peak dates, the rates will be between 25 cents and one euro each night, depending on where you’re staying.As with Spain, tourist taxes in Portugal will depend where you go. In 2024 over 20 municipalities imposed a levy on travellers.Lisbon has seen a surge in its tax, jumping from one to two euros this year. Meanwhile, those visiting Faro during the high season were asked to fork out €2 last year, doubling the previous rate.

Birmingham named third best city in England to start a small business, study finds

Business News

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565Visit Shots! nowStarting a business is a major step, and its success can often hinge on having the right conditions in place. While every venture faces its fair share of challenges, some cities offer more favourable opportunities for small businesses to grow and thrive. So, which cities in England are best placed to support new business owners on their journey?To answer that, researchers at Brandgility carried out a comprehensive study, ranking the best cities in England for small businesses. They evaluated 15 key factors grouped into four main categories: business activity, wellbeing, infrastructure, and talent. These included metrics such as business birth and survival rates, office rent, broadband speed, and access to skilled workers. Each factor was weighted based on its impact on business success, then scored out of 100, with higher scores reflecting better conditions. The data was sourced from trusted organisations including the Office for National Statistics, Numbeo, Coworker, Broadband Genie, National Grid, and the Higher Education Statistics Agency.Birmingham ranked third in the rankings, and when it comes to sheer business activity, it leads the pack. The city boasts the highest number of business births (6,105) and employer births (5,825) in the study, making it a magnet for entrepreneurial ambition. But with that boom comes a dose of reality. Birmingham also records the highest number of business deaths (5,885), and a survival rate of 89%, which places it seventh worst for long-term business endurance.Birmingham named third best city in England to start a small businessStill, for ambitious entrepreneurs, Birmingham has a lot to offer. The office rent is relatively affordable at £1,772.22 per month, ranking eighth overall, and public transport costs are among the lowest, helping to ease day-to-day expenses. The city is also well-equipped with 75 coworking spaces, the second-highest in the country, giving startups and freelancers the flexibility they need to grow.Where Birmingham struggles is in digital infrastructure. Its internet speed is just 41 Mbps, the second slowest in the rankings, and utility bills average £241.31 per month, making them among the more expensive. On the talent front, Birmingham has the largest working adult population, which is a huge plus for growing teams. However, this is tempered by the fact that it also has the highest unemployment rate, suggesting challenges in employment engagement or competition for quality roles.Manchester and Leeds lead the way as the top two cities in England for small businesses. Manchester comes out on top thanks to a powerful mix of high business survival (92%), the highest number of coworking spaces (118), and a thriving startup scene with 3,630 new businesses launched each year. It offers strong digital infrastructure and access to talent, though rent and utility costs are on the higher side. Leeds, in second place, strikes a compelling balance between activity and affordability, boasting the second-highest number of business births (3,805) and a solid 91% survival rate. It also offers cheaper rent and utilities than Manchester, alongside 74 coworking spaces – though slower internet and higher transport costs are drawbacks.Lincoln and York, ranked fourth and fifth respectively, shine with the highest business survival rates in the top ten and low closure numbers, offering calm, stable alternatives to busier hubs. Newcastle and Middlesbrough provide affordability and talent access, particularly through their large student populations, while Salford impresses with the highest survival rate (94%) despite steeper utility bills. Rounding out the top 10, Coventry and Leicester score well on cost-effectiveness and infrastructure, although Leicester lags behind in access to local talent.On the other hand, Nuneaton and Bedworth, Hartlepool, Stockton-on-Tees, Bedford, and Kingston upon Hull ranked in the bottom five.Continue Reading

A24’s ‘Death Stranding’ Adaptation Enlists ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ Filmmaker to Write and Direct

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

It’s been a while since we’ve last received an update on A24’s adaptation of Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding, but today brings a massive update: Kojima Productions and A24 have announced that Michael Sarnoski (Death of Robin Hood, A Quiet Place: Day One, Pig) will write and direct the adaptation.
The announcement arrives as the video game’s sequel, Death Stranding 2, is gearing up for release on June 26.
The game’s title refers to “a catastrophic series of events that blurred the boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead, bringing forth nightmarish creatures into a fragmented world on the brink of collapse.” The adaptation is said to delve into the mysteries surrounding “Death Stranding.”
Hideo Kojima previously said of the film, “A24 was born into this world about 10 years ago, their presence is singular within the industry, they are like no other. The films they are delivering to the world are high in quality and very innovative. I have been attracted to their creations and they have even inspired my own work. Their innovative approach to storytelling aligns with what Kojima Productions has been doing for the last eight years. Now, we are making a Death Stranding movie together.”
“There are a lot of ‘game adaptation films’ out there but what we are creating is not just a direct translation of the game. The intention is that our audience will not only be fans of the games, but our film will be for anyone who loves cinema. We are creating a Death Stranding universe that has never been seen before, achievable only through the medium of film, it will be born.”
Since its release back in 2019 on the PlayStation 4, Death Stranding has earned a cool 10 million sold across PlayStation and PC, garnering several accolades. Featuring an all-star cast including Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, Léa Seydoux, Guillermo del Toro and Margaret Qualley, Death Stranding centres on courier Sam Porter Bridges (Reedus) as he embarks on a mission to deliver hope to humanity by connecting the last survivors of a decimated America.
The live-action adaptation is being developed by A24, Hideo Kojima’s Kojima Productions and Barbarian executive producer Alex Lebovici’s Hammerstone Studios.
Of course, there’s no word on casting for the feature adaptation at this time, but with a director in place it’s only a matter of time.