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Taylor Bennett and Birchwood Knight merge to create new international search firm leader, Taylor Birchwood

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Taylor Birchwood becomes largest specialist executive search firm, in the world, for organisations wanting to source exceptional talent in corporate affairs, communications, government relations, investor relations and adjacent disciplinesMerged firm will be jointly led by Taylor Bennett’s Managing Partner, Matthew Wall and Birchwood Knight’s founder and Managing Director, Wayne ReynoldsTori Cowley, former London Stock Exchange Group, Mitie PLC and Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) Corporate Affairs Director, joins the business as Non-Executive Chair

LONDON, Sept. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Taylor Birchwood has more than 55 years of executive search and recruitment experience in corporate affairs. This gives the expert team at Taylor Birchwood a unique ability to support ambitious organisations as they hire for leadership roles across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Together with its global network of partners – Heyman Associates in North America, Barber Search in Asia and GK Consulting in Germany – Taylor Birchwood provides insight and access to exceptional talent around the world.

Matthew Wall, Founder and Managing Partner, Taylor Birchwood said, “Our two businesses together are greater than the sum of our parts – as Taylor Birchwood we are uniquely placed to support Boards, CEOs and Management Teams in securing the very best global corporate affairs and communications talent. I have admired Wayne and his team’s drive and commitment to innovation for more than a decade, and I am tremendously excited about what we can do together as we continue to build on our shared long-held reputations for excellent service, strong delivery and unparalleled market insight.”

Wayne Reynolds, Founder and Managing Partner, Taylor Birchwood said, “Taylor Bennett set the standard for others to aspire to when I launched Birchwood Knight in 2009 and the firm has gone from strength to strength under Matt’s leadership. In joining forces, I know that we will continue to offer our clients across geography and industry access to the very best talent, delivering for them and our candidates, as well as building a great place to work for our people. We look forward to working with all our clients as Taylor Birchwood.”

Tori Cowley, Chair, Taylor Birchwood said, “In a complex world, perception is everything and reputation matters. Every ambitious company, in every industry, needs expert Corporate Affairs counsel at the table. Whether navigating critical aspects of strategy or culture, anticipating or responding to crisis, driving through change or building trust, CEOs and Boards need specialist practitioners to support them so that they can lead with authority and clarity: you don’t have to think too hard for examples where this was not prioritised.”

She added, “I have known Matt and Wayne for many years as both candidate and client, and I am extremely excited to be joining them. They are brilliant at finding and securing exceptional talent, as well as being genuinely great people. As we combine their highly-regarded businesses to create a new market leader, I look forward to working with them, the full Taylor Birchwood team, our global partners and our clients and candidates around world in the months and years ahead.”

Taylor Birchwood are specialists, offering executive search for permanent and interim roles in the UK and globally. In addition to hiring Chief Communications Officers, Corporate Affairs Directors and Heads of Investor Relations, Taylor Birchwood also recruits for senior management and leadership roles in media relations, financial communications, government affairs, public policy, internal communications, employee insight and engagement, digital communications and content, executive communications, speechwriting, brand and marketing.

The experienced Taylor Birchwood team also offer organisational design and succession planning services, helping leaders to shape their functions and prepare for the future; as well as coaching and career planning advice for C-suite leaders and next-generation corporate affairs leaders.

Taylor Birchwood has a market-leading approach to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, underpinned by the work of the Taylor Bennett Foundation, an award-winning charity which encourages people from ethnically diverse backgrounds to pursue a career in corporate affairs and communications.

Contacts: 
Matthew Wall
Wayne Reynolds +44 (0)207 580 4300
hello@taylorbirchwood.com

Whether you are a candidate looking to find your next role, or an organisation looking for outstanding talent, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Taylor Birchwood www.taylorbirchwood.com
Taylor Bennett Foundation www.taylorbennettfoundation.org

A copy of this press release is available in Arabic and Mandarin Chinese on the Taylor Birchwood website. 

Notes to Editors 

Matthew Wall – Biography

Matthew has more than 20 years’ executive search expertise, finding and placing the best corporate affairs talent with organisations all over the globe. Since 2016, he has been the Managing Partner of Taylor Bennett, an executive search firm specialising in corporate Affairs, communications, investor relations, government relations, policy and brand. He has worked with a huge range of Chairman and CEOs at large corporates, public sector organisations, sports bodies and charities in helping them to secure exceptional talent – enabling them to better manage their reputations, define their corporate culture and support their long-term success.

As a Trustee of the Taylor Bennett Foundation, which he helped establish in 2009, he has also been instrumental in supporting graduates from diverse backgrounds start and build careers in communications roles, championing the need and benefits of diverse thinking in good corporate practices. Prior to working in executive search Matthew was a journalist. He speaks Spanish and is a graduate of the London Business School’s Emerging Leaders Programme.

Wayne Reynolds – Biography

Wayne Reynolds founded Birchwood Knight in 2009, building a highly successful business that became a go-to destination for ambitious organisations seeking excellent senior communications, investor relations, government relations and corporate affairs talent. Recognised for their in-depth understanding of the market and excellent sector research, Birchwood Knight built a reputation for responsiveness and innovative thinking, as well as a practical approach that delivered results for clients around the world. Wayne has a track record of working with CEOs on hiring communications leaders that have delivered real impact, as well as supporting those corporate affairs leaders in building their own high performing teams.

Wayne has worked in recruitment since 1998 and is a former member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederations’ Employment Policy Committee. Wayne speaks fluent Dutch and is also an independent member of the House of Lords Appointments Commission, helping with appointments to the independent cross benches and vetting for propriety for party political members.

Tori Cowley – Biography

Tori Cowley has had an international career as a leading Corporate Affairs executive, sitting on the management team of three large public companies. Most recently she was Group Chief

Communications Officer for Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX), Asia’s largest stock market group where she was responsible for all aspects of corporate affairs, strategic communications, brand, sustainability and philanthropy. Prior to this, Tori was Group Head of Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations at Mitie PLC, the UK-listed facilities management company; and before that, she was Group Head of Communications at London Stock Exchange Group. Tori has overseen awardwinning teams in Europe, Asia and the Americas and has won numerous accolades for branding, design, investor and corporate communications. She is a former M&A investment banker and has also worked in consultancy. She has been a trustee of three corporate foundations, is a passionate advocate for diversity and has regularly been included in rankings of the world’s leading Corporate Affairs practitioners. Tori is a Chartered Accountant and is a graduate of the Corporate Affairs Academy at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.

International partners
GK Consulting https://gk-personalberatung.de/ (Berlin and Frankfurt)
Barber Search https://www.barber-search.com/ (Hong Kong)
Heyman Associates https://www.heymanassociates.com/ (New York and San Francisco)

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2500103/Taylor_Birchwood.jpg

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Global Security & Technology Summit Unveils Month-Long Program of Activities Ahead of December Event

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Organizing Committee of the Global Security & Technology Summit (GSTS) held an introductory session today at the Ministry of Interior’s headquarters in Riyadh, bringing together representatives from the government, private, and nonprofit sectors to introduce the program of activities leading up to the summit. The upcoming summit will be held in Riyadh under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, under the supervision of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior, and organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy.

During the session, the Organizing Committee presented the comprehensive GSTS program, comprising three key components: GSTS Month, running from November 1 to 30, 2026; the Global Security & Innovation Fair (SAIF), taking place from November 24 to 26, 2026; and the main Summit, scheduled for December 18 to 20, 2026, in Riyadh. Together, these events form an integrated program designed to advance security and technology innovation, strengthen national capabilities, and foster international cooperation.

GSTS Month will feature working groups, boot camps, training programs, knowledge-sharing sessions, and technical workshops across Saudi Arabia’s 13 administrative regions, delivered both in person and remotely in collaboration with specialized entities. The month-long program aims to develop national capabilities, identify emerging talent, enrich knowledge-sharing opportunities, and equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative solutions to future security and technology challenges.

The main Summit will bring together global leaders, decision-makers, experts, and innovators to explore the future of security and technology, promote the integration of advanced technologies within the security sector, strengthen national capabilities, support innovation, and foster international cooperation, further positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for security and technology.

Showcasing the latest technological breakthroughs and security solutions, the summit will bring together government entities, private sector organizations, academic institutions, and research centers to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration across key fields, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), smart security solutions, emerging technologies, and crisis management. The program will also feature main sessions, specialized discussions, and interactive exhibitions. Registration is available at gsts.sa.

Advisor to HRH the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Ahmed Altowayan, stated that the summit builds on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish an advanced security and technology ecosystem focused on knowledge and innovation, keeping pace with rapid developments and future challenges.

Mr. Altowayan noted that the summit is a global platform for strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise, anticipating future developments in security and technology, and developing strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and readiness of security systems.

Vice Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Eng. Abdulaziz Alhammadi, said that the summit will offer a range of integrated programs and activities focused on enhancing national skills, encouraging innovation, and supporting international cooperation.

He added that GSTS Month will help build national capabilities, discover talent, and develop skills, with SAIF providing a platform for innovators and researchers from around the world to showcase leading technological solutions, while the main Summit will bring together leaders and experts to discuss the future of security and technology and explore new strategic partnership opportunities.

SAIF will take place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, bringing together innovators, researchers, technology talents, and industry experts from around the world to showcase promising innovations and projects across 14 fields of technology and innovation. The fair will provide opportunities to engage with project owners, including students, graduates, and entrepreneurs, and explore the different stages of innovation development through interactive zones, panel discussions on emerging security and innovation trends, and knowledge-sharing workshops led by specialists. Visitor registration is open to participants from within and outside the Kingdom through saifair.sa.

The introductory session also featured contributions from representatives of government, private, and nonprofit sector entities, alongside members of the media. Discussions focused on developing national capabilities in security and technology, strengthening students’ technical expertise, translating scientific research into practical solutions, and supporting Saudi companies in developing security and technology solutions and advancing digital transformation.

Organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy, GSTS is produced by Tahaluf, with the Ministry of Education serving as Strategic Scientific Partner, Tahakom as Founding Partner, and Elm as Principal Partner.

Registration for participants from within and outside the Kingdom is available at gsts.sa.

Click here to view the media kit. 

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Axon Announces Body 5: Next-Generation Camera Built for the AI Era

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Axon Body 5 delivers 25x the AI processing power of earlier-generation cameras, with upgraded connectivity, audio and battery life to support real-time situational awareness in the field

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Axon (Nasdaq: AXON), the global leader in public safety technology, today announced Axon Body 5, its newest body-worn camera designed to bring more powerful intelligence, connectivity and real-time support directly to officers in the field.

For years, Axon body cameras have helped agencies capture critical evidence and create greater transparency. Body 5 is built to help officers during the call, with information, assistance and backup on the spot.

“Officers shouldn’t have to choose between getting information and watching the scene. With Axon Body 5, they don’t,” said Rick Smith, Axon Founder and CEO. “They capture a license or document with the camera, keep their hands free and eyes up, and get information faster than writing it down and calling it in by radio. An officer fully engaged with the person in front of them, not down at a notepad, is a safer officer and a better-served community.”

Axon Body 5: Built for the AI Era

Built from the ground up for the AI era, Axon Body 5 delivers 25x the AI processing power than earlier generation Axon body cameras, alongside advancements in connectivity, audio, video and battery life. Together, these upgrades give the camera the physical power to run smarter AI features — both today and as new AI tools are developed in the future — while also making it more dependable for officers to use every day. 

For the first time, Axon is also introducing two versions of its latest flagship camera: Axon Body 5 and Axon Body 5 Pro.

Both models feature several key advancements, including:

25x more processing power for AI: A powerful new computing architecture creates the capacity to support current and future AI features directly on the body camera.Enhanced video: Improved video captures clearer evidence across challenging environments, including better low-light performance.Improved connectivity: Seamless connectivity in urban and remote environments – and more precise location capability – helps officers, cameras and remote support teams stay connected when timely information matters most.Longer battery life: 20% more battery life than the previous generation helps keep the camera ready and connected throughout an officer’s shift.

The Axon Body 5 Pro will continue to gain new AI capabilities as they become available, growing along with the AI Era Plan. Additionally, new hardware features include:

A near-focus camera: An additional dedicated camera lens lets officers scan driver’s licenses to check status and search for wants or warrants in seconds, without returning to the patrol vehicle, with relevant information sent to Axon Fusus to support real-time operations.Front-facing speakers: Four additional speakers project even more powerful audio toward the person an officer is speaking with, helping real-time translations from Axon Assistant carry more clearly over heavy traffic or crowd noise. Additional memory: Extra space lets the camera run several AI tools at once, helping officers stay better informed and work faster.

Bringing More of Axon’s AI Era Into the Field

Axon Body 5 helps officers get more out of the Axon AI Era Plan by bringing smart tools right to the scene. Axon’s portfolio already supports public safety professionals across a growing range of tasks. For example, Draft One helps officers turn body-camera audio into high-quality report drafts and Axon Assistant provides voice-based information access and real-time translation.

Increasingly, Axon is also bringing AI into real-time operations.

Axon Guardian is a new category of AI features within the AI Era Plan that was specifically created to work with an officer’s field-based devices – starting with body cameras and in-car cameras – to improve safety. Guardian is designed to flag potential risks as situations unfold and create alerts when additional attention may be needed. Two of the first features include:

Escalation Detection: When an Axon Body 4 or Axon Body 5 camera is activated and recording, Guardian has the ability to detect potential conflicts in real time and create an alert in Axon Fusus. A human reviews the livestream and decides if additional support or action is needed.Approach Alert: When active on Axon Fleet 3, Guardian can detect if the door of a stopped vehicle opens and alert the officer through the in-car display and their body-worn camera.

Combined, Axon Body 5 and the expanding AI Era portfolio demonstrate the importance of AI as a critical resource to assist public safety professionals before, during and after an incident — reducing administrative burden, improving situational awareness and helping protect more lives.

Innovating Responsibly

Axon’s Responsible Innovation framework guides the development of all of its products. Designed with this in mind, Axon Body 5 and Guardian prioritize human oversight and maintain agency control over data. As a key part of the responsible innovation process, Axon’s independent Ethics and Equity Advisory Council was created to help responsibly develop and deploy new technologies with transparency, while aligning with community expectations.

General availability dates for Axon Body 5 and Axon Guardian will be announced soon. Product features and capabilities vary by configuration. For more information on Axon’s current products and services: Axon Product Catalog – Axon.com.

About Axon
Axon (Nasdaq: AXON) is the global leader in public safety technology supporting state, local, federal and international public safety agencies with technology designed to Protect Life. Complementing its mission, Axon’s growing Enterprise market focuses on protecting critical infrastructure and frontline workers across multiple industries including corporate security, hospitality, retail and healthcare. Founder-led since 1993, Axon builds products with transparency and responsibility. From TASER energy devices to today’s connected network of hardware – including cameras, drones, and robotics – cloud software, sensors, and AI-tools, the Axon ecosystem helps seamlessly protect people and places when it matters most. To ensure these technologies align with community expectations, Axon’s independent Ethics & Equity Advisory Council guides the ethical, inclusive, and accountable design of its products and services. Learn more about the EEAC and Axon’s Responsible Innovation framework at Axon Responsibility. 

Non-Axon trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Axon, TASER and the Delta Logo are trademarks of Axon Enterprise, Inc., some of which are registered in the US and other countries. For more information, visit www.axon.com/legal. All rights reserved.

Please visit https://investor.axon.com and https://www.axon.com/newsroom for more information.

Media Contact:
Kate MacKinnon
Vice President, Communications
press@axon.com

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In HelloNation, Custom Fabrication Expert Mark Coyle Explains a Common Mistake in Custom Aluminum Design

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The article explains why smart geometry, not thicker walls, creates stronger, more efficient aluminum components.

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What early design choice causes many custom aluminum projects to become heavier, costlier, or harder to manufacture? That question is addressed in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Custom Fabrication Expert Mark Coyle of American Custom Metals, Inc. in Rochester, New York, that outlines how misunderstanding aluminum behavior leads designers to rely on thick walls instead of stronger geometry.

The article begins by explaining that many people assume thicker walls automatically make aluminum parts stronger. It notes that aluminum does not respond to wall thickness the way steel does. Instead, its performance is shaped by how the metal flows through the extrusion die. The article states that custom aluminum design is more effective when profiles use ribs, chambers, and flanges to create stiffness without adding unnecessary weight. This guidance helps readers understand why adding material often increases cost without improving strength.

The article also highlights that thicker walls change how aluminum moves during extrusion. When heavy areas fill more slowly, the metal cools unevenly and can develop stress that only appears later. The HelloNation piece explains that well-balanced geometry keeps extrusion smooth and predictable. This consistency makes it easier to maintain dimensional accuracy across long production runs. By focusing on geometry, custom aluminum design avoids the problems that come with slow extrusion speeds and uneven cooling.

Another insight in the article centers on how ribs and internal supports influence stability. It describes how a thin wall supported by a properly placed rib often performs better than a thick wall with no reinforcement. This happens because the rib helps distribute load, improve stiffness, and guide the aluminum as it cools. The article explains that this structural approach makes custom aluminum design more efficient and gives designers more control over how the final part behaves under pressure.

The article also shows why early collaboration between designer and fabricator prevents costly changes. It states that a fabricator familiar with extrusion can catch potential issues before a die is built. Small adjustments to corners or transitions can remove weak points or improve metal flow. The article notes that this teamwork keeps the design aligned with real-world production. By working together early, both sides reduce the risk of redesigning the die after the first test run.

Machining is another area where the article explains how wall thickness affects performance. Features such as deep pockets or sharp internal angles may require slow feed rates or special tooling. When walls are thicker than needed, those areas can become difficult to machine cleanly. The article states that thoughtful custom aluminum design makes machining more predictable. Small changes, such as adding radiused edges or sizing features to match standard tools, help shorten cycle times and prevent tool wear.

Thermal behavior receives detailed attention as well. The article explains that aluminum retains heat differently depending on the mass of each section. Thicker walls hold heat longer, which increases the chance of distortion during extrusion, machining, or finishing. When a design uses geometry to create strength, the material cools more evenly. This reduces warping and helps long profiles stay aligned. The article notes that stable cooling is important for components that require a precise fit and consistent shape throughout an entire production run.

Cost is also a key topic in the article. It states that heavier profiles increase material use, extrusion time, and tooling needs. A custom aluminum design that relies on geometry instead of mass lowers material consumption and keeps the fabrication process efficient. The article explains that lighter parts are easier to handle, ship, and assemble. This saves money across multiple stages of production and supports long-term manufacturing efficiency.

The article also notes that smart custom aluminum design creates profiles that behave predictably during extrusion and machining. Smooth transitions, balanced wall dimensions, and structural features help reduce the chance of distortion or dimensional drift. These elements also lower scrap rates and support reliable performance. By using geometry instead of excess material, designers build parts that maintain strength without compromising manufacturability.

As the article concludes, it emphasizes that avoiding thick walls is one of the best ways to improve performance and lower cost. It states that the most dependable custom aluminum components come from designs that use structural features to strengthen the profile. When designers understand how aluminum behaves at each stage of extrusion and machining, they create parts that are strong, efficient, and consistent from batch to batch. This approach turns custom aluminum design into a predictable process rather than a series of uncertain adjustments.

A Common Mistake in Custom Aluminum Design features insights from Mark Coyle, Custom Fabrication Expert of Rochester, NY, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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