As part of its “Stations of Joy” programme, IKEA has furnished and equipped the new nursery in Limassol district’s Souni-Zanatzia community, contributing to efforts to support and rebuild the area following the devastating wildfires of July 2025.

Guided by its vision of creating a better daily life for all and recognising the especial importance of safe and functional spaces for children, IKEA undertook the furnishing, equipping and interior design of the nursery.

Specifically, three rooms in the infant section were equipped to accommodate 18 babies, alongside one room for 16 toddlers aged two to three and another for 24 toddlers aged three to four. The director’s office was also furnished, creating a functional, safe and welcoming environment that supports early development, learning and daily care.

The project was completed in July, enabling the nursery to welcome its first kids in time for the start of the new school year.

The importance of the project to the local community was also highlighted at the official opening ceremony, held on October 18, 2026 and officiated by President Nikos Christodoulides, in the presence of local authority representatives and residents.

Koula Gavriel, Vice-President of the Souni-Zanatzia Community Council, thanked IKEA for its practical support and contribution to creating a warm and welcoming space that meets the needs of the community’s children.

IKEA believes children are the most important people in the world. Every child deserves to play, learn, grow and dream in a safe and beautiful environment. Through community initiatives that respond to the real needs of local communities, IKEA continues to help create better daily conditions for children and their families.

#ikea #zoumemazi #dimiourgoumemazi

Action Global Communications celebrated an impressive achievement at the Carob Awards 2026, taking home 15 awards for its creative, strategic and results-driven communications campaigns.

At the ceremony held on October 20, 2026 at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre, Action secured three Gold, six Silver and six Bronze awards. Its particularly strong performance in PR and Digital accounted for 14 of the 15 distinctions.

Among the highlights was KEAN’s “NOT JUST HER FIGHT” campaign, which earned two Gold awards in Digital & Influencer PR and Social Media – Activation Campaigns, together with a Silver award in Social Purpose. The campaign used powerful human stories to raise awareness about breast cancer and engage audiences in a meaningful conversation.

AFIS Cyprus’ “Toxic Relationship” campaign also stood out, winning Gold in Social Media – Seasonal / Tactical Campaigns, as well as two Silver and one Bronze award. Its unconventional creative approach transformed an environmental message into compelling content that captured public attention.

Recognition extended across a broad range of clients and communications disciplines. KEAN’s “The Signs. Look After Your Oranges” received two awards, while Coral Cyprus’ Shell GO+ campaign earned two Bronze awards. Action also received distinctions for AFIS Cyprus’ social media and PR activities, as well as communications initiatives developed for CYTA and COSMOS Insurance.

The awards reflect Action’s commitment to combining bold creative ideas with strategic thinking, drawing on public relations, digital platforms and engaging content to build meaningful connections between brands and their audiences.

The 15 distinctions recognise the collective talent and dedication of the Action Global Communications team and the trust of its clients, whose support continues to bring ambitious communications ideas to life.

“Winning 15 awards at the Carob Awards 2026 is a significant achievement for our team. Beyond the number of awards, what makes us truly proud is seeing ideas recognised for combining creativity with strategic thinking and delivering meaningful communications impact,” noted Natasa Perdiou, Country Manager of Action Global Communications in Cyprus.

“This success belongs to the people at Action, who bring their talent and passion to every project, and to our clients, who trust us and give us the freedom to push creative boundaries. We move forward with the same energy and ambition to create campaigns that do more than stand out — they make a lasting impression.”

Organised by the Cyprus Communication Agencies Association (SDEK), the Carob Awards celebrate creativity and excellence across advertising and communications in Cyprus.

The American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo (AUB Mediterraneo) will host “The Development of Family Businesses”, a public conference bringing together academic expertise and business experience to examine how family firms grow and the challenges they face along the way.

According to a 2025 KPMG Cyprus analysis, only 30 per cent of family businesses successfully transition to the second generation, and just 10-12 per cent reach the third, which makes succession and professionalisation central to how these firms develop.

The conference will take place on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 10 am to 2 pm in the AUB Mediterraneo Auditorium in Paphos, with registration opening at 9.45 am.

The programme will open with a welcome by Dr Alain Daou, Dean of the Faculty of Business at AUB Mediterraneo. Professor Panikkos Poutziouris, Visiting Faculty and Professor of Entrepreneurial Management at the European Institute of Management and Finance (EIMF), will then deliver a presentation titled: “How Do Owner-Managed Family Businesses Develop—or Derail?”.

The conference will also feature three business leaders, each speaking from a different position within the family firm: Lisa Nemitsa Petevi, Founder-President of L. Nemitsas Ltd, will offer the founder perspective; Thanos Michaelides, CEO of Thanos Hotels & Resorts, the next-generation perspective; and Bilal Zein, Head of Single-Family Office, Averda group, the view of the non-family professional.

A panel and open discussion chaired by Dr Daou will give participants the chance to put questions to the speakers and exchange experiences. The programme will conclude with a light lunch and networking.

Free and open to the public, the conference welcomes family business owners, next-generation leaders, professionals working in family firms, students and anyone interested in the development of family businesses.

The event will be conducted in English. Participants are requested to register by November 2, 2026 through the online registration form.

About the American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo

The American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo (AUB Mediterraneo) in Pafos, Cyprus, is approved by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) as a branch campus of the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Beirut, Lebanon, and operates under a charter granted by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) which registers the university’s degree programs. All departments and programs at AUB Mediterraneo are accredited in Europe and Cyprus through the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Higher Education (CYQAA) and recognised globally. The Faculty of Business at AUB Mediterraneo is the first business education institution in Cyprus to earn EQUIS accreditation from EFMD, a globally-recognised mark of excellence in business and management education. For more information, please visit: www.aubmed.ac.cy

Leonardo Hotels & Resorts Mediterranean announces the opening of Leonardo Boutique Hotel Venetian Nicosia on 21 October 2026, marking the brand’s entry into the Cypriot capital and another significant milestone in its continued expansion across Cyprus and Greece.

Located in the heart of Nicosia, the new hotel introduces the Leonardo Boutique experience to one of the island’s most important business, cultural and administrative centres, offering a distinctive hospitality concept that combines contemporary design, personalised service and urban sophistication.

Designed to reflect the character of its surroundings, Leonardo Boutique Hotel Venetian Nicosia brings together modern comfort and a strong sense of place, creating an inviting destination for both business and leisure travellers seeking to experience the capital.

A prime location in the heart of Nicosia

Ideally positioned near the historic Venetian Walls, the hotel offers convenient access to the Old Town, Ledra Street, Eleftheria Square and the city’s main commercial and business districts.

Its central location allows guests to discover Nicosia’s cultural heritage, vibrant dining scene and contemporary urban character, while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a boutique hotel.

Contemporary accommodation with boutique character

The hotel features 71 elegantly designed rooms and suites, offering a balance of style, functionality and comfort.

From contemporary guestrooms to the distinctive Venetian Penthouse Suite, each accommodation category has been thoughtfully designed to provide a welcoming retreat in the heart of the city, catering to the needs of modern travellers.

Distinctive dining experiences

Dining forms an integral part of the hotel’s hospitality offering, with a selection of venues designed to complement the rhythm of city life.

The Root & Rind Restaurant welcomes guests for breakfast and international all-day dining, while The Conservatory offers an inviting outdoor setting for breakfast and dining in a relaxed atmosphere.

The hotel also features a dedicated Smoothie Factory café, serving freshly-prepared smoothies, juices, brunch selections and light bites, alongside a welcoming Lobby Bar, ideal for casual meetings, refreshments and unwinding throughout the day.

Together, these venues create a versatile dining experience for hotel guests and visitors alike.

Designed for business and leisure

Complementing its accommodation and dining facilities, Leonardo Boutique Hotel Venetian Nicosia offers a private meeting room accommodating up to eight people, ideal for business discussions, small presentations and professional meetings.

Additional facilities include a fully equipped 24-hour fitness centre, complimentary Wi-Fi and a range of guest services designed to ensure a comfortable and seamless stay.

Strengthening Leonardo Hotels’ presence in Cyprus and Greece

“The opening of Leonardo Boutique Hotel Venetian Nicosia represents another important milestone in the continued development and diversification of our portfolio across Cyprus and Greece,” noted Roni Aloni, Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels in Cyprus and Greece.

“Entering the capital allows us to further strengthen the presence of the Leonardo brand in a key destination, while introducing a distinctive boutique hospitality experience that responds to the evolving expectations of today’s travellers.”

Leonardo Boutique Hotel Venetian Nicosia officially opens its doors on October 21, 2026, welcoming guests to discover a new boutique hospitality experience in the heart of the capital.

For the sixth consecutive year, Pilakoutas Group is supporting Race for the Cure Cyprus, continuing its partnership with Europa Donna Cyprus as the event’s main sponsor. This collaboration forms part of the Group’s corporate social responsibility initiatives and reflects its longstanding commitment to the fight against breast cancer.

The announcement of this year’s Race for the Cure in Cyprus was made during a press conference held at Char. Pilakoutas Heritage, the Group’s landmark venue which houses a collection of historic and rare car models. Under the slogan “With every step we support each other!”, the event aims to inform and raise public awareness about breast cancer, highlighting the importance of prevention and early diagnosis.

In her address, Klelia Pilakoutas Christoforou, Business Development Director at Pilakoutas Group, spoke about the Group’s longstanding support for Europa Donna Cyprus, which over the past six years has focused on providing practical support for the organisation’s important work. She also stressed that “behind every breast cancer statistic is a person, a family, a personal journey and a difficult fight. That is why awareness, prevention and early diagnosis are so important. Race for the Cure reminds us of something else, too: our strength grows when we come together. Every participant, every step and every voice adds another link to a great chain of solidarity.”

Also speaking at the press conference, Olga Papademou, President of Europa Donna Cyprus, said: “There are certain journeys in life, dear friends, that we do not choose for ourselves. I know this well from my own experience with breast cancer, as do many other women here. During the most difficult moments of our journey, having someone by your side can make an enormous difference. That is exactly what we want to achieve through Race for the Cure: to transform personal adversity into collective strength and show that, when we stand together, even the most difficult journeys become a little easier. That is why, on November 1, we will be counting more than just kilometres.”

Race for the Cure takes place in numerous cities across Europe in partnership with breast cancer organisations. Beyond making a meaningful contribution to raising public awareness, the event highlights the importance of strength and hope.

In Cyprus, Race for the Cure is organised by Europa Donna Cyprus for the 11th consecutive year. This year’s event will take place on Sunday, November 1, starting at the University of Cyprus Sports Centre in Aglantzia, Nicosia. The event will begin at 7.30am.

Pilakoutas Group invites the public to take part in Race for the Cure Cyprus 2026, either individually or as part of a team, by registering at this link.

In this race, some of us will run and others will walk. But we will all stand alongside everyone who is fighting or has fought their own battle, with life itself as the ultimate prize!

Geely is raising the bar in Electric Vehicle (EV) charging technology, unveiling a new system that utilises artificial intelligence to reduce waiting times drastically.

Geely Smart Charging promises exceptionally high charging speeds, without compromising on two critical factors: safety and long-term battery life. The new technology has delivered particularly impressive results; according to tests carried out on the Group’s models, they managed to charge their batteries from 10 per cent to 70 per cent in just four minutes and 30 seconds. Even more remarkable is that charging from 10 per cent to 97 per cent was completed in eight minutes and 40 seconds.

Behind this performance lies Xingrui PowerMind, an advanced artificial intelligence system developed by Geely in collaboration with StepFun. Its operation is based on the continuous coordination of the car, the battery, the charger, the electricity grid and energy storage systems.

Temperature management is of particular importance. The system predicts temperature changes up to 30 seconds in advance, automatically adjusting the charging power. The aim is to keep the average battery temperature below 55 degrees Celsius and the maximum below 65 degrees.

For more effective thermal management, Geely has developed a five-point liquid-cooling system, which covers the entire charging process, from the charging station and cable right through to the car’s charging port and battery.

At the same time, the company debuted the fifth generation of Geely Smart Charging stations, with a maximum power output of 2,250 kW. The Shendun Golden Battery supports a charging rate of up to 12C, enabling these charging times to be achieved. Geely also places emphasis on battery life. According to the company, a new micro-pulse technology helps to restore the function of lithium ions, increasing the number of charge cycles by up to 20 per cent.

Finally, the new Ultra Short Blade Battery has been launched, featuring an improved design that reduces heat by 10 per cent and supports charging up to 6C. This demonstrates that Geely is not only focusing on increasing power, but is also seeking to combine speed, reliability and greater durability, addressing key concerns of EV drivers.

The Vision emphasizes the European Commission’s commitment to addressing challenges of the Common Fisheries Policy through better implementation and makes no reference to reforming the regulation. The strategy also commits to backing low-impact fishers through the upcoming Ocean Act, addressing transparency of ownership of high-risk fishing vessels, and enhancing consumer information on seafood.

Oceana welcomes the European Commission’s Vision for Fisheries and Aquaculture 2040 as an important step in defining the future of Europe’s fisheries, aquaculture and seafood sector for the next 15 years. The Vision emphasizes improving implementation of the existing legal framework, supporting small-scale fisheries, enhancing consumer information and supply chain transparency for all seafood products, and tackling EU ownership of foreign-flagged vessels.

Oceana particularly welcomes the recognition that fisheries’ long-term viability depends on healthy marine ecosystems and well-managed fish stocks. Indeed, the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) already gives the EU the tools needed to ensure sustainable, legal, and accountable fishing activities while supporting a fairer future for fishing communities.

Executive Director and Vice President at Oceana in Europe, Vera Coelho, said: “A sustainable future for Europe’s fisheries and seafood system depends on three things working together: healthy fish populations, support for low-impact fishers through the future Ocean Act, and a transparent fisheries sector. The next step is to turn this Vision into results that people can see and that fishers can rely on.”

Regarding action outside EU waters, Oceana applauds the Vision’s commitment to improve transparency over who ultimately owns and profits from fishing vessels, addressing a major gap in the fight against illegal fishing. This lack of transparency often allows EU nationals and companies to use so-called ‘flags of convenience’. These flags can allow fishing operators to exploit weak controls, obscure ownership structures, and evade effective oversight. Oceana therefore calls for mandatory collection of this information and a publicly accessible EU-wide register.

Oceana supports a level playing field for European producers and a more robust information system for European consumers where all seafood products abide by strong transparency requirements regarding their composition and origin. Oceana therefore supports the Vision’s commitment to consider extending mandatory consumer information to prepared and preserved products and believes this is a crucial step toward promoting sustainable fishing and a level playing field. Oceana also welcomes the commitment to ensure traceability for all seafood products, including prepared and preserved products, by 2029, and to apply the same transparency standards to EU products and imports.

Within Europe’s waters, however, Oceana regrets that the Vision does not explicitly reinforce the EU’s commitment to protect 30% of EU seas by 2030, including 10% under strict protection, nor does it further the commitment of the Commission’s 2023 Marine Action Plan to phase out bottom trawling in EU MPAs. However, Oceana welcomes that the Vision calls for the expansion and effective management of MPAs and restoration areas to be fully embedded in maritime spatial planning processes, ensuring effective protection, including measures that address damaging fishing activities in marine protected areas, can help restore ecosystems and fish populations, creating the conditions for more resilient, low-impact fisheries.

Oceana also welcomes the Commission’s intention to support small-scale fishers through the upcoming Ocean Act. The Act should require Member States to include Preferential Access Areas (PAAs) for small-scale fishers in their maritime spatial plans, prioritising those who use low-impact practices and contribute to local employment, sustainable food production, and thriving coastal communities. Concretely, Oceana calls for reserving the EU coastal zone within 12 nautical miles for these fisheries and excluding large-scale, destructive practices such as bottom trawling.

“2040 may seem a long way off, but the decisions that will determine its success are being made now. The CFP already provides the tools to manage fisheries sustainably. The priority now is to make them work: follow scientific advice, rebuild fish populations, and ensure that fishers who operate sustainably have a fair chance to compete. This is what will determine the future of Europe’s fishing industry and the coastal communities that depend on it,” added Coelho.

TOYOTA RACING has secured the World Manufacturers’ Championship with a commanding one-two finish at the 6 Hours of Barcelona, the penultimate round of the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

In challenging conditions at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the team celebrated its fourth victory of the season, securing its eighth World Manufacturers’ Championship title and its first under the TOYOTA RACING name.

Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryō Hirakawa claimed victory in the #8 TR010 HYBRID, extending their lead in the drivers’ standings. Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Nyck de Vries completed the one-two finish in the #7 car, just 0.583 seconds behind.

Kamui Kobayashi, team principal and driver of car #7, said: “Winning at Le Mans and now securing the Manufacturers’ title is a tremendous achievement.”

Nyck de Vries, driver of car #7, added: “It is an excellent result for the team.”

Brendon Hartley, driver of car #8, said: “It is a fantastic day for the team, with a one-two finish and the Manufacturers’ title.”

With victories at Le Mans and Fuji already defining their season, the drivers’ title is now a two-horse race between the two Toyota crews.

The final showdown will take place at the 6 Hours of Monza on November 8, 2026 with a 17-point gap between the two crews.