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World’s largest product discovery platform RangeMe opens UK retailers to over 750,000 products

RangeMe

The world’s largest product discovery and sourcing platform RangeMe has launched in the UK today. Buyers at British retailers will now be able to source over 750,000 products and connect with more than 200,000 suppliers to fill their shopping aisles and online stores with curated products meeting consumer demand. Buyers at high street chain LloydsPharmacy are currently partnering with RangeMe. RangeMe first launched in 2013 and is used today by over 12,000 retailers in the U.S., including Walmart, Ulta Beauty, Walgreens, and Albertsons. It has quickly established itself as the industry leader for retail product discovery and sourcing by becoming the world’s largest source of brands and products purchased by buyers in the US. RangeMe helps retailers and their buying teams scale product sourcing efforts with streamlined submissions, simplified discovery tools, and the industry standard digital sell sheet. RangeMe enables buyers to filter searches to find brands meeting exact sourcing needs, enables seamless connectivity and collaboration with suppliers and provides curated collections to help identify and understand category trends and emerging brands. “Consumers are looking for a variety of products from all over the world and sourcing them online. The British public is no different, yet high street retailers have struggled to offer these products in store or online principally because they don’t have sight of all that’s available in the market. RangeMe will change this for retailers bringing more choice to shopping aisles and a significant revenue opportunity,” said Nicky Jackson, CEO of RangeMe. “We will pick up the heavy lifting for buyers and present the global product market opportunity in one screen”. LloydsPharmacy which caters to the medical, lifestyle and well-being needs of millions of people in the UK is an early adopter of the RangeMe platform. “We pride ourselves on offering the widest range of products that meet the highest standards for consumers. RangeMe is already helping us to identify a wider spread of products for our customers. Equally importantly, we will quickly scale our buying operations through the platform and reduce the time to get more products on our shelves” added John Acland, Head of Category Management and eCommerce at McKesson UK, parent company to LloydsPharmacy. RangeMe also invites British suppliers to join the platform for a front-row audience of the biggest high street retailers. It is a single place to represent their brand and products to a network of thousands of retail buyers. RangeMe helps suppliers grow their retail relationships with a platform that gives them the tools and insights to manage their products, market their brand, and build awareness. RangeMe is the global online platform where retailers and suppliers can discover, connect, and grow their business. Suppliers can showcase their range, bring new products to market, increase brand visibility, and grow sales, while buyers use RangeMe to discover new products, search trends, and communicate directly with brands. “Our mission has always been to empower retailers and suppliers to be productive and successful. The world has become a smaller place but it remains distant for forging strong cross border buyer and seller relationships. RangeMe will bridge this gap for buyers and sellers around the world and ensure extraordinary products hit store shelves, faster than ever before” added Nicky Jackson. About RangeMe RangeMe, an ECRM company, is the leading online platform that streamlines new product discovery between suppliers and retailers. The platform empowers retail buyers to efficiently discover innovative and emerging products, while streamlining the inbound product submission process. For product suppliers, RangeMe enables them to grow their retail relationships with a platform that gives them the tools to manage their products, market their brand, and build awareness. Now integrated into the ECRM product offering, RangeMe adds increased breadth and depth to the industry's most complete sourcing solution for top retailers and product suppliers. Contact Details RangeMe Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://www.rangeme.com/

June 09, 2021 04:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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SCIENTISTS WORLDWIDE PLEDGE THEIR TRUST IN SCIENCE IN CELEBRATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LIGHT

International Day of Light Steering Committee

The UNESCO International Day of Light on May 16 th celebrated the worldwide campaign promoting the importance of science and the scientific process for society and sustainable development. The Trust Science pledge saw supporters of science worldwide join together to affirm their appreciation for science. Notable signatories include Nobel and Breakthrough laureates, UNESCO prizewinners, CEOs, representatives from scientific societies and academies, individual scientists and students from nearly 100 countries. “After a year in which we have seen science lead the global response to the coronavirus pandemic, we thought it was essential to highlight the importance of trusting its methods in guiding decisions,” said Steering Committee Chair John Dudley. “The pledge focuses particularly on science’s role in improving quality of life, a sentiment that clearly resonates around the world.” The International Day of Light recognizes the value of light science and technology and its role in providing clean energy, clean water, high-speed connectivity and medical treatments. The day was celebrated with events and hands-on activities in more than 55 countries. The International Day of Light also highlighted the achievements of a number of Champions of Science, individuals from all fields whose work is changing the world. “As a scientist, seeing this kind of support for the scientific process is inspiring,” said Neysha Lobo-Ploch, FBH Berlin, UVphotonics NT GmbH, Germany and LightDay 2021 champion. “I’m honored to have my work acknowledged in this way.” After its initial launch with the International Day of Light, the #TrustScience campaign will continue throughout 2021, and scientists worldwide will be organising targeted actions throughout the year. Dudley explains, “A central aim of this initiative has been to remind members of the scientific community that we share a responsibility to ensure that the public has confidence in science and its outcomes. It is up to us to explain how science works and why it can be trusted.” The Trust Science campaign is organized by the IEEE Photonics Society, SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, and The Optical Society (OSA), together with the International Day of Light Steering Committee. To sign the pledge and to learn more, please go to https://www.trust-science.org Contacts For questions about how you can engage with the campaign, please contact: info@trust-science.org For media inquiries, please contact: pr@trust-science.org Social media: please share using #TrustScience and #LightDay2021 Social media links: Facebook; Instagram; Twitter About the International Day of Light The International Day of Light (LightDay)is a worldwide initiative that provides an annual focal point for the continued appreciation of light and the role it plays in science, culture and art, education and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications and energy. The International Day of Light is administered from the International Basic Science Programme (IBSP) of UNESCO by a Steering Committee that includes representatives from a broad range of international partners: the American Institute of Physics (AIP), the American Physical Society (APS), Bosca, the China International Optoelectronic Exhibition (CIOE), Chinese Optical Society (COS), the European Centres for Outreach in Photonics (ECOP), the European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC), the European Physical Society (EPS), the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), the IEEE Photonics Society (IPS), the International Commission on Illumination (CIE), lightsources.org - the international network of accelerator based light sources, Light: Science and Applications, The Optical Society (OSA), Tampere University, SPIE, the International Society for Optics and Photonics, SESAME, Signify, Tampere University, Thorlabs, Transitions, the Université de Franche-Comté and Velux. For information about the International Day of Light, please visit www.lightday.org Contacts for IDL: John Dudley and Joseph Niemela Bethany Downer 2021 Steering Committee Chairs 2021 Communications Coordinator Email: contact@lightday.org Email: contact@lightday.org Media Contact for Trust Science: pr@trust-science.org About IEEE Photonics Society The IEEE Photonics Society is the professional home for a global network of scientists, engineers and allied professionals who advance laser, optoelectronics, and photonics technology. As a technical society representing the IEEE, it is a vital part of the world’s largest technical professional organization of more than 400,000 members dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, educational activities, and humanitarian initiatives, the IEEE Photonics Society provides its members in more than 160 countries the opportunity to grow professionally and stay on the forefront of transformational breakthroughs in photonics. PhotonicsSociety.org About SPIE SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, was founded in 1955 to advance light-based technologies. Serving more than 255,000 constituents from 183 countries, the not-for-profit society advances emerging technologies through interdisciplinary information exchange, continuing education, publications, patent precedent, and career and professional growth. SPIE annually organizes and sponsors approximately 25 major technical forums, exhibitions, and education programs in North America, Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific. In 2020, SPIE provided more than $5 million in support of education and outreach programs. www.spie.org About The Optical Society Founded in 1916, The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional organization for scientists, engineers, students and business leaders in light science and technology. The society serves over 432,000 customers and 22,000 members from more than 100 countries who fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate achievements in the field. OSA provides quality research, inspired interactions and dedicated resources for its extensive global network of optics and photonics experts through world-renowned publications. For more information, visit osa.org. Contact Details pr@trust-science.org +1 703-907-0010 pr@trust-science.org Company Website https://www.trust-science.org

June 08, 2021 09:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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June is National Candy Month – Unwrap the Sweetness This Summer

YourUpdateTV

Whether you’re heading to the beach, the pool, out for a hike, or just to your backyard – chocolate and candy can add some sweetness to your summer. Recently, Lauren Boland and Carly Schildhaus, spokespeople for the National Confectioners Association, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the top summer candy types and provide fun ways to celebrate National Candy Month. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/zmhC2qP6y7M A recent survey from the National Confectioners Association revealed that: 94% of Americans who say they’ll go camping this summer will bring chocolate and candy along. 93% of Americans who say they’ll go on a road trip this summer will bring chocolate and candy along. 89% of Americans who say they’ll go to the beach this summer will bring chocolate and candy along. 81% of consumers agree that it is completely fine to treat yourself with chocolate or candy occasionally and 77% of consumers feel physical health and emotional well-being are connected. Top 3 Most Popular Summer Candies 1. Chocolate 2. Gummies 3. Hard Candy Top 3 Most Popular Summer Candy Flavors 1. Strawberry 2. Watermelon 3. Cherry For more information, visit NationalCandyMonth.com About the National Confectioners Association (NCA): The National Confectioners Association is the trade organization that advances, protects and promotes the unique role of chocolate, candy, gum and mints in a happy, balanced lifestyle and the companies that make these special treats. Through advocacy and regulatory guidance, communications, industry insights and retail and supply chain engagement, NCA helps foster an environment that enables candy makers to thrive. Confections are produced in all 50 states, creating jobs for approximately 54,000 workers in more than 1,300 manufacturing facilities across the country. Learn more at AlwaysATreat.com or follow NCA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 07, 2021 05:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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The Summer Travel Rebound is Here: How Airbnb Is Making Travel Easier

YourUpdateTV

As pandemic restrictions gradually lift, travel is looking different. A recent report by Airbnb indicates this travel rebound is not a temporary reaction to these many months of restrictions and isolation. Recently, Communications Leads for North America at Airbnb, Liz DeBold Fusco, teamed with YourUpdateTV on a satellite media tour to discuss major shifts in how people are traveling and how Airbnb is meeting travelers’ new needs. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/aR4n93mrwzk “We believe this will be the biggest travel rebound in a century,” said Brian Chesky, Co-Founder and CEO of Airbnb. According to Airbnb’s recent Report on Travel & Living, the lines between traveling, living and working are blurring in three key ways: first, people are more flexible over when they can travel, especially as remote working upends traditional seasonality. Second, they are traveling to much more diverse destinations, including small towns and rural areas. And third, they are staying longer in places, if they can work anywhere. Airbnb has introduced more than 100 upgrades across every aspect of their service to meet the coming demand and the fundamental shift in travel. It is one of the biggest top-to-bottom upgrades of the Airbnb service in years. Users will have a better guest experience built around Flexibility. The new Flexible Matching feature will show guests listings that lie outside a specified search, so that they don’t miss out on homes just outside their price range or missing an amenity. These new product upgrades also cater to Hosts. Airbnb is launching a brand new, simplified onboarding process where users can become hosts in just 10 easy steps. Aspiring hosts can even sign up for an “Intro to Hosting” online class or directly message an experienced Host with onboarding questions. Airbnb also redesigned the Welcome to Hosting page for new Hosts to make it easier for new and existing Hosts to manage their listings. If you are looking to share your space this summer and want to learn how to become an Airbnb host yourself, check out Airbnb.com/host About Liz DeBold Fusco: Liz DeBold Fusco is a Communications Leads for North America for Airbnb. Prior to that, she was a Vice President at SKDKnickerbocker, a national public affairs firm, where she provided strategic communications guidance to organizations ranging from the NAACP and Demos to The Rockefeller Foundation and AT&T. Liz has also worked for Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City and New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray as well as the New York State Attorney General. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 07, 2021 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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The Dyscommunication Crisis

Post Hill Press

We've only scratched the surface of the more profound impact of digital communication. I'll Get Back to You: the Dyscommunication Crisis, Sam George's new book explains what's causing the connectivity problems and offers concrete remedies for emails and texts. The issue isn't technology. Sam George says the true communication revolution is the end of an immediate feedback loop. Humans have used direct feedback to communicate for millennia. It is necessary for comprehension and understanding others. Everything can be understood and clarified on the spot. It provides a solid foundation for communication critical to relationships. The broken feedback loop causes the Dyscommunication Crisis. Anxiety, uncertainty, and misunderstanding replace the reassuring backbone of direct feedback. We are never sure if our message is read, fully understood, and whether it will be returned. You're waiting for a response from your boyfriend. Your supervisor is taking a long time to respond. You've texted your son all day and received no response. You revert to a worst-case scenario for them. The psychological impact is severe. According to polls, over 66% of people regularly experience anxiety, agitation, worst-case scenarios, and negative loops of thinking because of an unreturned email or text. Even if your message is returned, it is not always a complete loop. The message might be vague, or you may misinterpret it, resulting in similar issues. Unlike in the past, there's no quick input to clear things up. We are not wired for digital communication. Cognitive science supports this. The brain seeks immediate feedback so it can complete the patterns it uses to process information. When it cannot finish the loop, it forces us to resort to the worst-case scenario. It is conclusive and satisfies the mind’s need to complete a pattern. Much of the misunderstandings caused by emails and texts are in relationships. Examples and tips are addressed in chapters, which include dating, couples, family, jobs, and friends. I'll Get Back to you is a digital communication master plan that includes: 1) Tactics to ensure your messages are returned promptly. 2) Examples and tips to prevent miscommunication with partners, family, friends. 3) Tested methods to ensure your email will be read and completely understood. 4) Strategies for following up on unclear and unanswered messages. 5) Proven techniques to quickly stop the anxiety. www.dyscommunication.com If you would like to talk to Sam, or need information, please contact Lori Ames. Lori Ames President ThePRFreelancer, Inc. lori@theprfreelancer.com 631-539-4558 www.ThePRFreelancer.com I’ll Get Back to You: The Dyscommunication Crisis: Why Unreturned Messages Drive Us Crazy and What to Do About It by Sam George Post Hill Press Trade Paperback On-Sale: April 27 th, 2021 ISBN: 9781642937190 $18.00 US / $25.00 CAD Sam George is a writer and media consultant who specializes in digital marketing. He is co-author of the nationally acclaimed, The Great Divide: Retro vs Metro America, which defined the cultural divide between Red and Blue states. And envisioned the culture war of today. The book earned reviews in the New York Times, Newsweek, and the L.A. times. Contact Details President ThePRFreelancer, Inc. Lori Ames +1 631-539-4558 lori@theprfreelancer.com

June 03, 2021 08:05 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Exclusive “Awesome” First Look at THE LEGO® MOVIE™ WORLD

YourUpdateTV

YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology – Now that LEGOLAND ® California Resort is back open after being closed for 13 months, the family theme park in Carlsbad, CA, is excited to announce the opening of THE LEGO ® MOVIE™ WORLD. Recently, LEGOLAND ® California Senior Media Relations Manager, Jake Gonzales, and Head of Public Relations at Merlin Entertainment, Julie Estrada, teamed up to share an exclusive first look at the new attraction and provide tips on what to know before planning your next trip. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/etg50475M_s THE LEGO ® MOVIE™ WORLD will drop visitors into the quirky, frenetic and manic world of Emmet Brickowski, Wyldstyle, UniKitty and Benny the Spaceman from “THE LEGO® Movie™” film franchise. Attractions include: Emmet’s Flying Adventure - This new flying theater ride is the biggest new attraction in THE LEGO ® MOVIE™ WORLD! Join Master Builders on a triple decker flying couch, as cutting-edge technology transports you all over THE LEGO ® MOVIE™ universe. Surrounded by a full-dome virtual screen, you'll feel like you're flying through a world created completely from LEGO bricks! UniKitty’s Disco Drop - This all-new drop tower ride will take you through a rainbow-filled journey based on Unikitty and her many moods. Swoop to the tiptop of Cloud Cuckoo Land, then drop, spin and bounce back down to earth in sync with Unikitty’s wide range of emotions! Benny’s Play-Ship - Benny’s spaceship has landed right in the middle of Bricksburg! Play on this space-themed playground structure and get ready for takeoff! In addition to the new rides and attractions, guests can choose from a host of food and beverage options in THE LEGO® MOVIE™ WORLD. Enjoy delicious homemade ramen, rice bowls and salads in the land's premiere restaurant, Everything is Ramen! After something sweet? You're sure to be satisfied by Cloud Cuckoo Crepes. Finally, Benny’s Rocket Fuel offers a selection of drinks and snacks, including ice cream, popcorn, and slushies. To learn more and to book your next visit, check out Legoland.com About Jake Gonzales: As a father of two girls and an avid traveler, Jake Gonzales is always looking for the best family travel tips to save money and make the most memorable experiences possible for his family. Gonzales is a Carlsbad native who represents LEGOLAND ® California Resort as an on-camera spokesperson providing his expertise on all the interactive activities, services and events the 22-year-old Resort has to offer. About Julie Estrada: Julie Estrada came to LEGOLAND ® California in 2003 after more than 13 years in broadcast news. A mom of two and world traveler, she currently is Head of Public Relations North America, Merlin Entertainments which owns more than 130 attractions globally and is the second largest attractions operator in the world. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 02, 2021 04:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Agora Data Closes Its Second Crowdsourced Securitization

Agora

Agora Data, Inc., today announced the successful closing of its second crowdsourced securitization, ACAST 2021-1, on May 27, 2021. With the closing of this second transaction, the AgoraCapital program has provided 40 Buy Here Pay Here auto dealers and finance companies with nearly $200 million in subprime auto loans access to efficient, capital markets financing. The ACAST 2021-1 closing marks an important continuation of Agora’s revolutionary developments in the world of structured finance. “Our AgoraCapital program helps subprime originators proactively plan for the future. It levels the playing field by enabling dealers to borrow more money at a lower cost without the restrictions of other lending sources,” said Steve Burke, CEO of Agora Data. Burke continued, “There is simply no other affordable and abundant capital for a dealer to safely triple in size without giving up control or equity in its business.” By participating in an Agora crowdsourced securitization, subprime auto entrepreneurs can now gain access to the capital markets like the large dealer groups and institutions have with low-cost capital to maximize their financial leverage and significantly grow their businesses. Unlike traditional lending sources, not only does Agora provide the needed capital for growth but also helps dealers grow safely. Before Agora’s proprietary data-driven technology and innovative approach, BHPH dealers and small finance companies were unable to access the capital markets and abundant low-cost capital as only senior lenders and larger institutions received the more favorable lending terms. “Our first transaction in December 2020 was groundbreaking. However, in many ways, this second deal is even more significant as it solidifies that AgoraCapital and our ability to deliver for the dealer community is here to stay. Agora is well into its mission to revolutionize how dealers borrow money,” said Chris Hawke, Agora Data’s Chief Revenue Officer. Agora is passionate about revolutionizing the auto industry with innovative financial solutions. The company closed its first-ever crowdsourced auto securitization on December 29, 2020. The second transaction, ACAST 2021-1 is further proof of concept with each planned securitization becoming routine for the dealers. Buy Here Pay Here dealers and subprime originators of all sizes are gaining unprecedented access to the capital markets with a lower cost of funds along with other positive business transformation benefits. About Agora Data, Inc: Founded in 2017, Agora Data’s mission is to provide access to capital for Buy Here Pay Here dealers and small to mid-sized finance companies. Pioneered by Agora Data, AgoraCapital and AgoraCredit provide a new funding channel so small to mid-sized dealers can obtain all the cash they need to fuel growth. Agora’s proprietary, radical, AI-infused technology connects dealers and finance companies with the capital markets. For capital market stakeholders, AgoraTrade and AgoraCapital provide an opportunity to participate in a time-tested asset class previously not available. Agora Data made history by closing the first-ever Crowdsourced Subprime Auto Securitization on December 29, 2020. For more information, visit agoradata.com or contact us at 877-592-4672. Contact Details Shelly Vandeven +1 682-282-4130 media@agoradata.com Company Website https://agoradata.com/

June 02, 2021 09:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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FREELANCER.COM'S 20 MILLION JOBS BY THE NUMBERS

Freelancer.com

Because of the pandemic, more and more people are turning to freelancing to offer their skills, or search for other skilled workers to help them set up their own business. Freelancer.com as a two-sided marketplace is in a unique position because the 52 million registered users means a job poster is almost certain to find a freelancer with the requisite skills. It is the demand side, the job posters with work which needs completing, which indicates where the best job opportunities lie. With that in mind the accompanying graphs paint an interesting picture about the most in-demand jobs and skills where freelancers can be assured there are opportunities. 20 Million Projects By Skill: The proportion of jobs in IT and software development and website building has fallen over time, reflecting the growth in WYSIWYG templated website build platforms. The demand for content to populate those websites has grown over time, as has the demand for design, media (Photoshop skills and the like) and architecture. The freelance economy is characterised by a transfer between developed and emerging economies. Developed countries post jobs which are overwhelmingly done in emerging countries. This provides efficiency and cost-saving to businesses in the developed world while providing income that changes lives in emerging economies. The exchange, when 10% of the world lives on less than US$1.90 a day, is a significant factor in the fight against poverty. The freelance economy is characterised by a transfer between developed and emerging economies. Developed countries post jobs which are overwhelmingly done in emerging countries. This provides efficiency and cost-saving to businesses in the developed world while providing income that changes lives in emerging economies. The exchange, when 10% of the world lives on less than US$1.90 a day, is a significant factor in the fight against poverty. About Freelancer ® Twelve-time Webby award-winning Freelancer.com is the world’s largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace by total number of users and jobs posted. More than 52 million registered users have posted over 19 million jobs and contests to date in over 1,800 areas as diverse as website development, logo design, marketing, copywriting, astrophysics, aerospace engineering and manufacturing. Freelancer owns StartCon, Australia's largest startup conference, expo and entrepreneur community established in 2009, WarriorForum.com, the world’s largest Internet marketing community & marketplace, Escrow.com, the world’s largest provider of secure online escrow and online transaction management for consumers and businesses on the Internet, and Freightlancer, a global marketplace for freight, shipping and transportation. Freelancer Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ticker ASX:FLN and on the OTCQX under ticker OTCQX:FLNCF Contact Details Sebastian Siseles +1 415-801-2271 sebastian@freelancer.com Phil Sylvester +16503342706 psylvester@freelancer.com Helma Kusuma +628121049853 helma@freelancer.com Company Website https://www.freelancer.com

June 02, 2021 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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2021 SORCI REPORT REVEALS SOLUTIONS FOR U.S. RESIDENTIAL BUILDERS TO AVOID PREDICTED DOWNTURN IN 2022

Association of Professional Builders

While builders in the United States have seen record increases in revenue and net profit with homeowners seeking to improve their living environments because of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2022 predictions for the residential home building industry aren’t quite as positive. These findings were unveiled in the recent 2021 State of Residential Construction Industry (SORCI) report, which is sponsored by the Association of Professional Builders (APB), a leading business coaching service for custom home builders. “There has been a boom in residential home construction and renovation largely due to the effects of the pandemic,” says Erik Cofield, an Executive Business Coach with APB based in Houston. “However, this unprecedented demand isn’t sustainable and savvy builders will need to think more like accountants. Our new research reveals that custom home builders could be heading for challenging times in 2022.” More than 1,000 builders globally participated in the survey to provide deeper insights into the residential construction industry. Data from the report revealed that 2020 was a bumper year with 46.5% of respondents globally signing more contracts than in 2019; and 50% more in the U.S. market report signing more contracts in 2020 than 2019. However, after signing a record number of fixed-price contracts, the report also found that many are not prepared for the ensuing squeeze on margins caused by the rise in material pricing and other factors. “We’re urging professional builders to plan for the long term so they’ll be able to weather the predicted downturn in 2022,” says Russ Stephens, APB co-founder and business strategy specialist. “This report truly highlights the current pain points for U.S. builders, and shows where they need to focus their efforts to at least meet industry benchmarks and compete to be the best in the industry.” This concern stems from the survey, which shows that more than 55% of the builders in the U.S. never calculate their work in progress accounting adjustment, indicating that they are at significant risk of growing too quickly because they don’t understand their true financial position. Thus, they are likely to pay higher taxes and experience severe cash flow challenges, particularly when sales begin to slow down. Nearly two-thirds of respondents had no formal sales process in place, and the vast majority (78.8%) had no succession plan to future-proof their business should the unthinkable happen. With these findings in mind, it’s no surprise builders have identified systemizing their business as one of the top priorities for 2021. Other findings include: 80% of the U.S.-based home builders don’t charge for quotes; vs. 56.4% in Australia, 79.1% in Canada, 57.5% in New Zealand and 90% in the United Kingdom; 80% of the U.S.-based home builders do not have a business plan covering the next three years, vs. 69% in Australia, 75% in Canada and 57% in New Zealand; 37% of the U.S.-based home builders want to systemize their businesses; vs 36.1% in Australia, 41% in Canada, 45% in New Zealand and 60% in the United Kingdom. The comprehensive report also dives into trends in sales, contracts, social media, marketing and advertising within the industry. Data from the report also covered insights from residential builders for lead generation, team building, project management, planning, owner’s remuneration, financials and self-development. To find out more about the state of the residential construction industry, a copy of the report can be purchased at https://info.apbbuilders.com/sorci. APB’S WORK IN THE INDUSTRY APB has worked with thousands of builders, coaching residential building companies to systemize their business, including Jason Burgess of Burgess Homes based in Central Massachusetts. “The biggest reason I was looking for APB is that I was doing a lot of smaller renovation jobs. I wanted to grow the business and focus on new construction homes, which is what I truly enjoy,” Burgess said. “Before I was with APB, my average project size was probably around $40,000 and since implementing the content from APB, I’m seeing jobs averaging around $400,000. So, it’s been a tenfold increase for me.” You can read more about Jason’s business growth success story as well as others here: https://associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/success-stories/. ABOUT ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL BUILDERS The Association of Professional Builders is a leading business coaching service for custom home builders in the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. It provides tested and proven systems for builders to scale and succeed, based on data, experience, and results. Contact Details Anne Shanahan +1 310-933-6834 ashanahan@hoytorg.com Company Website https://associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/

May 27, 2021 08:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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