ACID has announced the appointment of Laura Newbold Breen as its new Chief Executive Officer.
With a background in IP, Laura will open a new chapter of growth, development, and innovation for ACID.
ACID is dedicated to safeguarding the original work of creators, providing robust support and advocacy to ensure their intellectual property rights are protected. The organisation's approach has been a trailblazer in the IP landscape, establishing it as a trusted ally for designers, IP creators, and entrepreneurs.
Dids Macdonald OBE., ACID's Co-founder said, "I am confident that Laura will bring a wealth of experience and a dynamic vision to ACID. With her impressive experience in intellectual property, including leadership roles in the famous "Trunki" brand, she is well-equipped to build on ACID's legacy."
Posted: 4 June 2024
The Gift Card and Voucher Association (GCVA) has announced the appointment of Dr Hannah Shimko as its new Managing Director.
Dr Shimko brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role, having served as Chief Executive Officer at the Online Dating and Discovery Association and Head of Policy and Communications at The Heritage Alliance.
Dr Hannah Shimko's selection for this pivotal role was based on her extensive skills and experience in managing the diverse activities of trade associations. Her track record of successfully leading teams, growing memberships, and championing initiatives aligns seamlessly with the GCVA's vision for the future.
Commenting on Dr Shimko's appointment, Siobhan Moore and Adam Hobbs (GCVA Executive Co-Chairs) stated, "Hannah's skills and experience were just what we were looking for."
Posted: 20 May 2024
ACID CEO Dids MacDonald has been recognised on the Women in Trades Association Powerlist 2024.
The Trade Association Forum (TAF), the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) joined forces to champion the role of women in trade associations and celebrate their achievements.
TAF, FSB and CBI are led by strong female champions and are supported in their respective organisations by brilliant women at all stages of their careers.
In a joint statement they said: "It is our shared ambition to support our own staff and other inspirational women in trade associations to be powerful advocates for diversity and inclusion in their sectors and more widely to support and encourage female business leaders and entrepreneurs."
Posted: 2 May 2024
Anti Copying in Design (ACID) is delighted to announce the appointment of Laura Newbold Breen as Chief Operating Officer. Laura began her new role on 4th December 2023. Having previously been Head of Legal for Magmatic Ltd, which owned the Trunki brand prior to its successful transition to new ownership earlier this year, Laura brings a wealth of relevant experience through her incredible journey on the inside track of a company which, despite its incredible success, had to battle many copycat storms along the way. What better experience could she bring to ACID than being at the coal face of what many in the UK face.
Posted: 19 December 2023
Women's power is at work in the next episode of the Digital Academy: three top international designers and architects share their views on the challenges, opportunities and successes of women in architecture and design-related fields. Esha Gupta, Founder and Editor, Design Pataki, India, Molly McGowan, Management Partner, Ennead Architects, USA, and Shida Salehi, Founder and Principal, Customs Bureau, England talk about their different experiences and share their requirements for the future. The discussion will be hosted by Mike Chapman, co-founder and executive producer of the television series ByDesign TV.
Posted: 1 September 2023
Ben Massey has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), with the announcement made at the NAJ Summit.
Ben Massey's appointment comes after sustained growth for the Association across membership and its education offering. Ben transitioned to Principal Officer last year, helping lead the NAJ's Senior Management Team, building stronger links within industry and in government and ensuring the effective implementation of the Association's strategy. He now becomes CEO with immediate effect.
NAJ President Gary Wroe said: "I would like to express my gratitude to Ben on behalf of the National Committee for his dedication and hard work during the recent structural and strategic changes. His contribution has been vital to the Association's progress and accomplishments."
Posted: 29 August 2023
Recent data highlights a striking trend among those aged 18-25 revealing that three quarters of young adults want to work in the UK's booming creative industries, but career pathways are not clear. A study conducted between 1,000 young adults and commissioned by Ravensbourne University London – a specialist university for the creative and digital industries – revealed two in three (43%) young adults are either employed in creative industries (17%) or actively seeking employment in them (26%), with another third (33%) expressing interest in working in the creative sector[i]. The top five industries that young adults are interested in are TV and film (33%), Design (28%), Fashion (25%), Music (23%) and Games (22%)1.
Posted: 18 August 2023