Between autonomy and alliance: Akkodis and POLITICO convene decision-makers for the future of AI made in Europe

Europe’s debate on AI is shifting from ambition to execution. At the first European Innovation & Tech Summit, hosted by Akkodis in partnership with POLITICO, policymakers, industry leaders and researchers examined one of Europe’s most urgent challenges: how to turn world‑class AI research and regulation into scalable, trusted real‑world deployment.

Akkodis, a Europe based global digital engineering consulting leader – part of The Adecco Group - together with POLITICO, brought senior decisionmakers to Brussels at the invitation-only summit to address a central question shaping Europe’s competitiveness: How can AI bridge human ingenuity and machine precision?

Discussions highlighted that Europe’s future competitiveness will depend on deploying AI at scale across four strategic sectors: healthcare & life sciences, the public sector, autonomous driving & robotics, and defense. 

These areas combine high societal value, strict regulatory demands and strong deployment potential, making them essential to Europe’s AI leadership and sovereignty. As a result, participants focused on concrete implementation strategies, noting that progress in these sectors will determine Europe’s ability to turn AI into a driver of competitiveness, resilience and public trust.

Responsible AI as Europe’s Competitive Advantage

Across sessions, speakers reaffirmed that responsible AI is no longer an abstract principle but a baseline requirement. Speakers emphasized that trust in AI systems cannot be achieved through principles alone, but will require:

Clear accountability frameworks

Transparent and explainable decision‑making

Robust governance structures

Human-in-the-loop approaches

Deployable operational models for compliance

Sovereign and secure data infrastructures

Many argued that Europe’s regulatory leadership can become a competitive advantage – if paired with practical deployment templates that organizations can adopt quickly.

Autonomy vs Alliance: Europe’s strategic crossroads

POLITICO’s Spotlight session, “Between Autonomy and Alliance: Can Europe still shape the rules?” illustrated the geopolitical dimension of AI. In February, the world’s focus converges on two key high-level policy gatherings: The Munich Security Conference will set the tone on defense and the India AI Impact Summit is expected to advance a Global South-led vision for digital development. On the future of AI, Europe finds itself caught in the crossfire of this geopolitical apex. The debate exposed growing tensions in Europe’s AI strategy: while calls for technological sovereignty are increasing, European companies and public institutions remain heavily dependent on non-European foundation models and infrastructures. Speakers highlighted the potential of balanced global partnerships to truly unlock innovation at scale.

"The European Innovation & Tech Summit made one thing very clear: Europe does not lack AI ambition. With strong alliances we will accelerate and innovate for measurable impact,” said Jo Debecker, President & CEO of Akkodis, told That's Business.

“If Europe wants to lead in trustworthy and human-centric AI, regulation must be matched with scalable solutions, sovereign data infrastructures and AI gigafactories, as well as governance models that organizations can actually use. Akkodis sees its role as bridging research, policy and real-world application."

Jamil Anderlini, POLITICO Regional Director, Europe outlines the discussions of the summit: “What makes AI such a consequential issue for Europe is not just the technology itself, but the economic and policy choices around it. Decisions made in Brussels increasingly influence how AI is governed globally, which is why these discussions are so important for both Europe and the wider international system.”

“AI is but one of the key factors that will reshape the world order sooner and more thoroughly than we are prepared for. Brace yourselves for an interesting second quarter of the 21st century”, said Jacques Pitteloud, Head of the Mission of Switzerland to NATO & Ambassador of Switzerland to the Kingdom of Belgium.

“Ports are the perfect proving ground for autonomous technologies – our role is to enable innovators to test, learn and scale solutions that will transform the entire logistics ecosystem”, said Jonathan Van Cauwenberge, Port of the Future Advisor, Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

“New technology is offering us today, more than ever, remarkable tools to provide a better patient care. The 2026 European Innovation & Tech Summit in Brussels was a fantastic opportunity to discuss with experts and decision makers how we could collectively drive forward the healthcare model for the best interest of patients and for the best support of healthcare professionals”, said Ziad Matta, General Manager Servier BELUX, Board Member, Chamber of Commerce France-Belgium.

A forum for Europe’s technology & innovation decision-makers in the intelligent age

The European Innovation & Tech Summit represents a strategic step toward deeper European cooperation and broader global engagement on AI. Akkodis plans to continue the format as a platform for cross-border dialogue, with a clear focus on implementation, measurable impact and responsible innovation.

http://www.adeccogroup.com

HEIDELBERG achieves significant improvement in profitability after nine months of FY 2025/26 – strategic realignment proceeding as planned

After nine months of financial year 2025/26 (April 1 to December 31, 2025), developments at Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) are in line with expectations. 

The company has achieved a considerable improvement in its profitability and is also resolutely pressing ahead with its strategic transformation, moving into new areas of business that are enjoying strong growth. 

Notwithstanding the challenging environment, sales after three quarters climbed to € 1,602 million – some 6.1 percent higher than the previous year’s figure of € 1,509 million – despite negative exchange rate effects amounting to around € 44 million compared with the equivalent period of the previous year.

 Business in Europe and with packaging and label printing presses saw particularly positive development during this period.

 At € 617 million, the sales figure for the third quarter was around 4 percent higher than in the equivalent quarter of the previous year and continued the quarter-on-quarter sales growth so far in the current financial year.

heidelberg.com

One in Five Renters ‘Ghosted’ After Viewing, as Build-to-Rent Pipeline Hits 300,000 Homes

UK-wide mystery shopping study exposes gap between ‘hotel-style’ marketing and reality in rental operations

Nearly one in five prospective residents (18%) who view UK rental properties are never contacted again – a conversion leak worth many millions of pounds in lost revenue for a sector whose total pipeline has just surpassed 300,000 homes.

The findings come from a UK-wide mystery shopping study by specialist consultancy MORICON, which conducted over 300 audits across Build-to-Rent, Later Living and Single-Family housing sites throughout 2025, assessing the full lettings journey from initial enquiry to post-viewing follow-up. 

Download the Full Report - The 18% Revenue Leak Most Asset Managers Never Notice: Lessons Learned from 300+ Mystery Shopping is available at: web.moricon.net/asset-managers-report?

“We talk about hotel-style living in every marketing brochure, but if I’m honest, our operating model hasn’t caught up with that promise,” one BTR operations director told MORICON. “We’re so focused on the physical product that we’ve underinvested in the lettings journey around it.”

The Lettings Journey Gap

The audits identified consistent failures at every stage of the customer journey:

18% of prospective residents received no follow-up after viewings.

56% of tours failed to explain what made the brand different from competitors.

54% of prospects had to find reception themselves on arrival.

Only 22% discussed security, despite 50% of renters citing safety as a top three priority.

Only 48% were offered a drink during their visit.

At a premium development, a mystery shopper was shown an apartment without toilet seats in either bathroom, even though the unit had been vacant for 2 weeks. 

Another female shopper reported: “Even when I prompted about being a lone woman and asked about safety, there was no information or engagement about security” underscoring the gap between stated renter priorities and frontline employee behaviour.

Seb & Susan Moritz, MORICON co-founders

The Good News

The study also learned operators are investing heavily in the physical product – and it shows.

93% of building exteriors were damage-free.

91% of lobbies were clean and welcoming.

88% of staff were described as warm and friendly.

At best-in-class sites, agents sent personalised video walkthroughs, remembered pet preferences, and created genuine emotional connections that supported higher conversion and loyalty.

“Operators are investing heavily in beautiful buildings, and it shows,” said Susan Moritz, MORICON co-founder. “But when over half of prospects leave a tour without understanding what makes a brand different, that’s not just a training gap – it’s a conversion gap.”

“The gap between average and exceptional is often about attention to detail rather than significant investment,” added Sebastian Moritz, MORICON co-founder, who led the opening of One Hyde Park. “Using someone’s name, offering a drink, ensuring show apartments are spotless – these touches cost almost nothing but create the emotional connection that drives loyalty and long-term value. This is bringing hospitality home.”

Bridging the Gap

MORICON was founded to help operators close this lettings journey gap through its 3600 Diagnose, Design, Develop approach:

Diagnose: Independent mystery shopping audits that benchmark performance across enquiry handling, tour experience, and follow-up.

Design: Hospitality-led bespoke services and operating standards that align “hotel-style” promises with real-world processes and training.

Develop: A scalable digital learning platform to address performance shortfalls, embed new standards, improve conversion, and protect brand equity.

MORICON recently completed an operational standards project for a leading global hospitality group’s branded residences division, translating luxury hotel know-how into a residential operating framework.

https://www.moricon.net

The Hidden Dangers of Stuffing Press Releases with Too Many SEO Keywords

Bad news. He'll not use your SEO bloated press release

Search engine optimisation matters. Visibility matters. But when it comes to press releases, trying to force SEO too hard can quietly undermine everything you’re trying to achieve.

Keyword-bloated press releases don’t just look clumsy – they can actively damage credibility, reach, and results.

Press Releases Are for People First

A press release has one primary job:

to communicate news clearly to journalists, editors, and real readers.

When a release is crammed with repeated keywords, awkward phrasing, and unnatural sentences, it becomes obvious that it wasn’t written for humans.

Editors notice immediately – and once credibility is lost, the release is far more likely to be ignored entirely.

Keyword Stuffing Signals Low Quality

Search engines have moved on. They now prioritise clarity, relevance, and genuine usefulness.

Over-optimised press releases often trigger red flags:

Repetitive phrases that add no value

Sentences written around keywords rather than having meaning

Paragraphs that feel padded rather than informative

Instead of helping SEO, excessive keyword use can 

 reduce visibility by making content appear spammy or low quality.

Journalists Will Simply Skip It

Most journalists skim first. It's all they have time for, especially on deadline day. If the opening paragraph reads like a shopping list of keywords rather than a clear news hook, the release won’t survive the first few seconds.

Whilst working as the new editor for a print magazine I received a press release via email that was stuffed full of SEO keywords that actually had url links embedded within them. Utterly pointless as the magazine copy was saved as a text file and then loaded into InDesign for page creation. And would not have survived the process of converting to use on a website, either due to formatting issues.

Eventually after wasting a considerable amount of time on the press release I realised that it was pretty much junk, so I deleted it.

Especially when working to a deadline an editor or journalist has no time to deal with press releases bloated with keyword logorrhoea. 

A press release should answer:

What’s happened?

Why does it matter?

Who is it for?

If those answers are buried under keyword clutter, the story is lost.

It Dilutes Your Actual Message

Ironically, the more keywords you force in, the less memorable your message becomes.

Strong press releases focus on:

One clear angle

One main announcement

One compelling reason to care

When every sentence is bent to serve SEO, the story itself gets watered down.

It Can Harm Brand Perception

A badly optimised press release doesn’t just affect that one announcement – it reflects on your business as a whole.

Over-stuffed content can make a brand appear:

Inexperienced

Desperate for attention

Unprofessional

That’s not the impression most businesses want to leave with the media.

The Smarter Approach to SEO in Press Releases

SEO doesn’t need to be abandoned – it just needs restraint.

A better balance includes:

One primary keyword used naturally

A small number of related terms where they genuinely fit

Clear, readable sentences written for humans first

Headlines that inform, not over-optimise

If the press release reads well aloud, you’re usually on the right track.

Final Thoughts

Press releases are not blog posts. They’re not landing pages. And they’re definitely not keyword dumping grounds.

When clarity, relevance, and genuine news come first, SEO tends to follow naturally. When SEO is forced, both humans and search engines tend to push back.

Sometimes, saying less – but saying it well – is the most effective optimisation of all.

Fire Safety Solutions at Forefront of Building Protection

As fire safety continues to be a paramount concern in construction and building management, FireResist is proud to announce a series of cutting-edge solutions aimed at ensuring buildings meet the highest safety standards. 

From fire-rated doors to advanced fire-retardant spray insulation, FireResist is dedicated to providing both innovative products and educational resources to support fire safety compliance across the UK.

The owner of FireResist told That's Business: “The company’s mission has always been to offer clients not just superior products, but also the critical knowledge they need to ensure their buildings are safe. The latest updates to FireResist’s product offerings and educational content further solidify the company’s role as a leader in fire safety solutions.”

Comprehensive Educational Resources for Building Professionals

FireResist recognizes that knowledge is the first line of defense when it comes to preventing fire-related incidents. The company has launched comprehensive articles featuring insights on the latest fire safety regulations, innovations, and best practices. 

This resource serves as a crucial guide for architects, engineers, and facility managers who need to stay up-to-date on fire prevention methods.

The Role of Steel Framing in Fire Protection

With the growing use of steel framing systems, FireResist offers in-depth resources on how steel walls contribute to fire safety. Steel-framed buildings are becoming more prevalent, and understanding the fire-resistive properties of these materials is essential for any construction project. 

FireResist explains the advantages and standards of steel in fire-rated building systems.

Fire Retardant Spray Insulation for Enhanced Safety

To meet the rising demand for effective fire-resistant materials, FireResist also emphasizes the importance of fire retardant spray insulation in commercial and residential buildings. This innovative spray insulation can help slow the spread of fire, providing additional time for evacuation and reducing property damage. Its specification and safety features are explained in detail, helping users make informed decisions on insulation choices.

Leading Fire Safety Products for Buildings

Fire safety requirements are particularly critical in urban areas like London, where building density and fire risks are higher. FireResist offers specialised products such as fire doors designed to meet rigorous safety standards while blending seamlessly into the building’s aesthetic. 

The company’s expertise in fire-rated doors ensures that businesses and residential buildings remain compliant with the latest fire safety regulations.

Likewise, fire windows are becoming increasingly important as part of comprehensive fire safety strategies. FireResist provides a variety of window options that not only enhance building protection but also comply with local safety codes, ensuring a secure environment for all occupants.

Building a Safer Future Together

At FireResist, ensuring the safety of people and property remains at the heart of everything Fire Resist does. As part of the ongoing commitment to advancing fire safety standards, Fire Resist continues to lead the way with top-tier products, resources, and expertise. To explore the full range of solutions and stay informed on the latest industry trends, visit the official website.

For more information please visit www.fireresist.co.uk

That's Green: H2? Oh! Daimler Buses teams up with FEV to launch ...

That's Green: H2? Oh! Daimler Buses teams up with FEV to launch ...: FEV has teamed up with Daimler Buses to create the first coach with a hydrogen fuel cell drive system .  The starting point for the “ H₂ C...

Zinc and Octopus Energy Officially Open New White Label Contact Centre Floor

Zinc Group is proud to announce the official opening of a newly refurbished, Octopus Energy-branded customer service floor, marking a significant new phase in partnership with Octopus Energy.

The new floor is part of a White Label Outsource solution, through which Zinc delivers customer care and account resolution services under the Octopus Energy and Zinc brands. 

As part of this initiative, an entire contact centre floor has been fully refurbished and transformed to reflect Octopus Energy’s distinctive branding, colour scheme, and customer-first ethos.

Besides the new Octopus Energy-branded floor, Zinc has further capacity to onboard additional client brands, operating four customer contact centre floors within its expanding Glasgow operation.

The floor was formally opened on 21 January during a visit from the Octopus Energy leadership team, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the momentous occasion. 

Attendees included Simon Bell, Head of Credit Operations, Imran Patel, Head of Collections, Neil Silgoe, Team Lead, and Ailsa Jones, Team Lead, alongside Dougie McManus, Chief Executive Officer at Zinc, Jim Aitken, Operations Director at Zinc, and Adam Pitcher, Head of Operations.

The launch represents a major milestone in the Zinc–Octopus Energy relationship and reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to delivering high-quality, empathetic customer care and effective account resolution. The White Label element model enables Zinc to seamlessly embed Octopus Energy’s culture and values into day-to-day operations, ensuring a consistent and customer-centric experience.

Speaking at the opening, Dougie McManus, CEO of Zinc Group, said: “This new floor is far more than a physical refurbishment — it’s a statement of trust, partnership, and ambition. Working with Octopus Energy in several capacities 

"White Label capacity demonstrates the strength of our relationship and our ability to operate as a true extension of our clients’ brands. It also underlines Zinc’s growth plans for 2026 and beyond, as we continue to invest in our people, our environments, and the quality of service we deliver.”

The investment in the new floor forms part of Zinc Group’s wider growth strategy, supporting increased capacity, deeper client partnerships, and continued innovation across its outsourced customer operations. It also reinforces Zinc’s core values of integrity, collaboration, and customer-first service delivery within highly regulated environments.

This partnership with Octopus Energy stands as a testament to both companies Zinc’s reputation for high-quality customer care, operational excellence, and Zinc’s ability to scale alongside some of the UK’s most progressive and customer-focused organisations.

https://www.thezincgroup.com