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Calisen and LCP Delta: Switching up smart meters to serve the nation better could save up to £1.9bn every year

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Latest data shows the country’s smart meter system can strengthen energy resilienceBetter identification of vulnerable customers could create an additional £250m of savings

MANCHESTER, England, June 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The UK’s smart meter system is an under-utilised tool that has the potential to serve the nation in new and important ways, according to latest research from LCP Delta, the expert energy consulting firm. Calisen, the UK’s largest smart meter provider commissioned the report ‘Switching up the smart system:  How the smart system can transform energy resilience’, to investigate how smart meters could better support the UK and look at the benefits of full rollout. Latest Department for Energy, Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) figures show 72% of UK homes have smart meters (electric and gas).  The LCP Delta report identifies operational and system interventions with a range of potential benefits from base case to best case – its upper most at a £1.9bn annual saving, with an additional lifetime saving of £250m from better identification of vulnerable customers.

Highlights from the report:

–  Dynamically balancing supply and demand: Smart meters can better match supply with demand – this presents huge value when renewables such as wind are abundant and reduces overall constraint costs (around £1.8bn for 2025 according to NESO).  They also allow consumer-led flexibility by providing near real-time data, which gives people the opportunity to shift when they use power. Smart meters enable services such as the Windy Day Fund, Power Up or Turn Up, which seek to distribute excess energy to customers, and the Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) which can reward households for reducing demand – a potential value of £560m in lower customer bills annually.
–  Voltage controls: Smart meter-enabled voltage control improves energy efficiency and grid resilience by providing visibility of voltage levels beyond substations. Trials show smart meter data can help identify and even predict voltage issues. Separate trials have shown smart meters can also be used to adjust voltage across a distribution network – a potential value of over £900m in lower customer bills annually.
–  Operational savings from full smart meter roll out: According to DESNZ, smart meters met their business case savings in 2019 in terms of reducing costs to industry such as site visits, customer calls and debt handling.  With domestic supply profits in the low single digits and capital adequacy concerns, reducing metering costs helps energy companies invest in product innovation and better customer service – full smart meter roll out has a potential value of £420m in industry savings a year.
–  Vulnerable customers: Recent pilots by distribution network operators (DNOs) have demonstrated smart meters’ ability to help identify vulnerable customers through consumption data patterns.  Better identification of vulnerable customers has a broad range of benefits including better health from warmer homes in winter and more efficient support for customers on the Priority Services Register.  There are also reduced costs in serving customers during power cuts and emergency situations – potential saving across the current system of £250m.

Realising the fuller benefits of the smart system also underlines why the Government’s bold target to reach 100% uptake is such an important commitment.  More meters working more of the time is also critical – latest DESNZ figures show over 7% of smart meters are non-communicating.  However, advances in data and analytics mean industry can more effectively tackle non-communicating meters to ensure the system is fully functioning and giving consumers and the grid better visibility to make the most of precious resources.

Commenting on the research, Catherine O’Kelly, CEO of Calisen, said:

“Smart meters are now part of everyday life for the majority of people in the UK.  Cheaper flexible tariffs and the transition to low carbon technologies like solar, batteries and EVs are driving increasing uptake as consumers see more tangible benefits to this clever bit of kit. 

“The first stage of the smart meter rollout brought convenience and savings to consumers and industry alike.  A maturing smart meter system opens up even more possibilities that could save Britain billions and bolster our grid as we move to cleaner power sources.  The research paints a picture of an important piece of national infrastructure, connecting near real time data and flexible demand side management for the benefit of us all. Importantly, we know from the 4 million home visits a year the Calisen field force makes, smart meters present an opportunity to improve the lives of vulnerable customers – ensuring better identification of those in need and opening up a pathway to support.”

Tom Veli, Partner at LCP Delta, added:

“The UK was one of the first countries to adopt smart metering to bring in a whole range of demand side benefits – reducing manual reads in homes and making it easier for consumers to switch supplier. While the rollout has been slower than hoped, a more comprehensive smart meter system now presents value creating opportunities for the nation at a time when energy bills are causing real pain. Our report considers a range of options across data and analytics such as improving meter health and outage detection but really focusses in on areas where there are substantial tangible gains to be made if industry and policy makers are prepared to work together. Beyond this, there is so much more we can do with our smart metering system.  It is an underutilised piece of grid infrastructure and now is the time to flip the switch from reactive to proactive.”

The report was launched at a cross-public and private sector event in Westminster, hosted by Calisen and LCP Delta, as part of London Climate Action Week.

Notes to editors

About the research

‘Switching up the smart system:  How the smart system can transform energy resilience’

Calisen commissioned LCP Delta to investigate ways in which the UK’s smart meter system could be harnessed to support the energy transition in new ways.  Experts at LCP Delta have produced the report in two sections.  The first report analyses grid resilience in the UK and around the world to show how systems seek to build strength across four areas: technical, operational, societal and systems.  This report also identifies new ways data and analytics could be used to improve the existing system.  The second report homes in on specific and practical opportunities, with potential values.  Each is actionable by industry, with some Government policy support required.

About Calisen

Calisen Group Holdings Limited (“Calisen”) has been operating in the modernisation of metering systems for over a decade, originating in Manchester and Wigan in the UK. Calisen has grown substantially in this time and is now the leading owner and operator of essential energy infrastructure assets, with 16m meters, including around 40% of all smart meters in UK homes. Calisen’s purpose is to contribute to the transition of the country’s energy and water systems from analogue to intelligent technology, making them more efficient, more resilient and giving people the power to connect to market innovations like flexible tariffs and home generation like solar.

The Group employs approximately 1,500 people from its offices in Manchester, Market Harborough, London, Wigan, and Portsmouth. Calisen also announced the launch of its first international business in Germany in November 2025.

For further information, please visit www.calisen.com 

About LCP Delta

LCP Delta™ is a trading name of Delta Energy & Environment Limited and Lane Clark & Peacock LLP (LCP). LCP Delta™ combines the expertise of LCP Energy and Delta-EE to provide a single partner across the whole energy value chain. We are a team of passionate people using data, primary research, insights, analysis and models, embracing advanced technology and innovation to accelerate the energy transition globally. Find out more here.

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Best AI Tools for Marketing Content (2026): CapCut Recognized for Faster AI-Powered Video and Image Creation by Better Business Advice

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NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Better Business Advice has recognized CapCut in its 2026 coverage of the best AI tools for marketing content, highlighting its collection of AI-powered features for creating and editing videos, images, audio, and other campaign assets. The recognition reflects growing interest in tools that help transform creative concepts into usable marketing materials while reducing the manual work involved in production.

Best AI Marketing Tools

Seedance 2.0 – an AI video generation model that creates videos from text prompts or imagesSeedream – an AI image generation model that creates high-quality visuals from text prompts

AI-powered content creation is changing how businesses develop digital marketing campaigns. From promotional videos and product imagery to social media graphics and branded audio, organizations face growing demand for creative assets across multiple digital channels. Tools that simplify production and support faster experimentation are becoming an increasingly important part of modern marketing workflows.

CapCut offers a range of AI-assisted capabilities covering several stages of content creation. These include text-based video generation, AI image generation, background removal, image expansion, music generation, and photo animation. Together, the tools provide options for producing marketing assets for social media, digital advertising, product promotions, and other online campaigns.

AI Video Generation Supports Promotional Campaigns

Video is an important format for communicating product information, presenting services, and building audience engagement. However, producing video content regularly can require significant planning, editing, and creative resources.

CapCut’s Seedance 2.0 AI video generator supports prompt-based video creation. Users can describe a creative concept and generate video content that serves as a starting point for further development.

The capability can support promotional videos, product showcases, educational content, and social media campaigns. It also gives creators a way to explore different visual approaches during the planning stage before refining the selected direction.

For businesses producing content across multiple channels, AI-assisted video generation can help reduce the effort required to develop initial concepts. Generated material can then be reviewed and edited to align with campaign objectives, brand guidelines, and platform requirements.

Image Generation Helps Develop Marketing Concepts

Visual assets influence how products, services, and campaigns are presented to audiences. Developing suitable imagery often involves several rounds of brainstorming and creative testing before a final direction is selected.

CapCut’s Seedream AI image generator enables users to create images from text prompts. The tool can support concept drafts, campaign planning, and experimentation with different visual styles.

For example, a seasonal marketing campaign may require several approaches to backgrounds, compositions, and visual themes. AI-generated drafts can help illustrate those options before resources are committed to final production.

CapCut’s GPT Image 2 provides another option for generating images from natural language instructions. The feature can support the development of promotional graphics, campaign imagery, and other visual assets.

These tools help shorten the early stages of creative development by making it easier to turn written ideas into visual references. Human review remains important to ensure the resulting assets accurately represent the product and meet the campaign’s requirements.

Image Editing Simplifies Asset Preparation

AI image generation is only one part of preparing content for publication. Existing photographs and graphics often need adjustments before they can be used across marketing channels.

CapCut’s AI background removal tool helps separate subjects from their original backgrounds. This can be useful when preparing product images, promotional graphics, and other assets that require a different visual setting.

The AI Image Extender addresses the challenge of adapting images to different layouts. By generating content beyond an image’s original boundaries, the tool can help users adjust compositions for different formats without relying entirely on cropping or stretching.

These capabilities can support the preparation of visuals for social media posts, website banners, digital advertisements, and product promotions. They also provide options for repurposing existing creative assets instead of producing entirely new images for every placement.

AI Audio and Photo Animation Expand Creative Options

Marketing content often combines visuals, movement, and sound to communicate a message. Producing these elements separately can add complexity to the creative process.

CapCut’s SeedMusic AI audio generator supports AI-assisted music creation based on creative prompts. Generated music can be used as a starting point for videos, promotional campaigns, and other multimedia projects, subject to appropriate review and usage requirements.

The platform’s Photo-to-3D tool offers another way to adapt still images into more dynamic visual content. This capability can help transform existing photography into animated presentations for product showcases, social media, and digital promotions.

By supporting audio creation and image animation alongside video and image tools, CapCut provides additional options for developing varied marketing materials.

A Connected Workflow for Marketing Content

CapCut’s collection of AI-powered features supports several stages of campaign production within one creative environment. A project could begin with concept images generated through Seedream, followed by visual development with GPT Image 2. Background removal and image expansion can then help prepare assets for different placements.

Selected visuals can be incorporated into video projects using Seedance 2.0, while SeedMusic offers an option for developing accompanying audio. Photo-to-3D can provide another format for repurposing existing images.

Not every campaign requires all these capabilities. Their practical value depends on the content format, production requirements, and intended audience. Reviewing generated assets for accuracy, visual consistency, and suitability remains essential before publication.

Better Business Advice’s recognition of CapCut reflects the growing role of AI-assisted production in digital marketing. As businesses continue to develop content for multiple channels, tools that support video creation, image generation, editing, and multimedia production can help simplify creative workflows while leaving room for human direction and quality control.

The full article can be read at the Better Business Advice website.

About CapCut

CapCut is an AI-powered photo and video editing platform designed to make high-quality video creation accessible across devices. The platform supports creators, businesses, and everyday users with tools for video editing, AI video generation, captions, templates, audio, and visual editing. CapCut is available across mobile, web, desktop, and iPad experiences, helping users create, edit, and prepare video content for social media, marketing, education, and personal projects.

About Better Business Advice: Better Business Advice covers the news and strategies driving modern business success. The information provided by Better Business Advice does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials are for general informational purposes only. As an affiliate, Better Business Advice may earn commissions from services mentioned in the links provided.

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SOURCE BetterBusinessAdvice.com

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Bio-Thera Announces Promising Clinical Data for BAT8008 in Combination with BAT1308 in First-Line Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer at ESMO 2026

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GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bio-Thera Solutions, Ltd. (688177.SH), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies and biosimilars, today announced the presentation of clinical data for BAT8008, a TROP2-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), in combination with BAT1308, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, at the 2026 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress. Professor Shaodong Hong of Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center delivered a rapid oral presentation highlighting results from the combination regimen in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Further details are available on Bio-Thera’s official website.

In the first-line, mutation-negative NSCLC population (N=104), treatment with BAT8008 in combination with BAT1308 achieved an objective response rate (ORR) of 61.2% and a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 12.42 months. In the non-squamous NSCLC subgroup, the ORR was 65.2%, while median PFS had not yet been reached at the time of analysis. The combination demonstrated a manageable safety profile consistent with the known safety characteristics of the individual agents, with no new safety signals identified.

“We are very encouraged by these Phase 2 results evaluating BAT8008 in combination with BAT1308 as a first-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer”, said Shengfeng Li, CEO of Bio-Thera Solutions.  “The findings support the potential of this combination approach in First Line NSCLC and reinforce our commitment to advancing innovative oncology therapies for patients with significant unmet medical needs.”

Lung cancer remains a major global health challenge, and NSCLC accounts for the majority of lung cancer cases. Patients with advanced NSCLC who lack actionable genomic alterations continue to face significant treatment challenges, despite advances in immunotherapy and chemoimmunotherapy. New treatment strategies that can improve clinical outcomes while maintaining a manageable safety profile remain an important area of oncology research.

TROP2-targeted ADCs combine tumor-directed delivery of cytotoxic payloads with the potential to modulate the tumor microenvironment. When combined with PD-1 blockade, this approach may offer complementary mechanisms of action, providing a rationale for clinical investigation in NSCLC. The clinical findings presented at ESMO 2026 support further evaluation of BAT8008 in combination with BAT1308 as a potential treatment option for patients with NSCLC.

About Bio-Thera Solutions:

Bio-Thera Solutions, Ltd., a leading innovative, global biopharmaceutical company in Guangzhou, China, is dedicated to researching and developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune, cardiovascular, eye diseases, and other severe unmet medical needs, as well as biosimilars for existing, branded biologics to treat a range of cancer and autoimmune diseases. As a leader in next generation antibody discovery and engineering, the company has advanced multiple candidates into late-stage development, including six approved products: QLETLI® (adalimumab) and BETAGRIN® (bevifibatide citrate) Injection in China, STARJEMZA® (ustekinumab) in the US and USYMRO® (ustekinumab) in the EU, TOFIDENCE®/BAT1806 (tocilizumab) and AVZIVI® (bevacizumab-tnjn) in the US and in the EU, a/k/a POBEVCY® in China, and GOTENFIA® (golimumab) in the EU and IMMGOLIS™ (golimumab-sldi) in the US. In addition, the company has more than 20 promising candidates in clinical trials, focusing on immuno-oncology in the post-PD-1 era and targeted therapies such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). For more information, please visit www.bio-thera.com/en/ or follow us on X (@bio_thera_sol) and WeChat (Bio-Thera).

Bio-Thera Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to BAT8008, BAT1308 or the product pipelines in general of Bio-Thera Solutions. Readers are strongly cautioned that reliance on any forward-looking statements involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements include, among others, those containing “could,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “promising,” “potentially,” or similar expressions. They reflect the company’s current views with respect to future events that are based on what the company believes are reasonable assumptions in view of information currently available to Bio-Thera Solutions, and are not a guarantee of future performance or developments. Actual results and events may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties inherent in pharmaceutical research and development, such as the uncertainties of pre-clinical and clinical studies. Other risks and uncertainties include challenges in obtaining regulatory approvals, manufacturing, marketing, competition, intellectual property, product efficacy or safety, changes in global healthcare situation, changes in the company’s financial conditions, and changes to applicable laws and regulations, etc. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date of their initial publication. Unless required by laws or regulations, Bio-Thera Solutions undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in the company’s views or otherwise.

Bio-Thera Contact:
Bert E. Thomas IV
Phone: +1.410.627.1734
Email: bethomas@bio-thera.com

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SOURCE Bio-Thera Solutions, Ltd

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ASTRI Showcases Pioneering Technologies at InnoCarnival 2026

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Driving Technology Adoption, Shaping a Vision for the Future

HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) is proud to present a range of cutting-edge technologies and practical solutions at this year’s InnoCarnival, spanning communications technology, smart cities, IoT sensing, and renewable energy and energy storage. ASTRI’s innovations address urban development needs and everyday applications, driving diversity in the innovation and technology (I&T) sector.

Organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Hong Kong SAR Government, the InnoCarnival 2026 runs from today through 1 November at Hong Kong Science Park (HKSP) with the theme of “Lead with I&T, Dream to Fly High “, offering the public an opportunity to experience the transformative power and I&T vibrancy.

Ir Dr Ted Suen, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, stated: “Innovation is not just about breakthroughs in the lab – it’s about putting technology into practice, empowering industries, and benefiting society as a whole. At ASTRI, we align closely with the government’s priorities in advancing AI development and accelerating new industrialisation. Through our participation in the InnoCarnival, we showcase various state-of-the-art technologies, some of which have been co-developed with industry partners and are already in commercial rollout. These innovations demonstrate the tangible benefits of technology in daily life and inspire the public to explore their curiosity about science and innovation.”

He highlighted the InnoCarnival as a key platform to bridge the I&T community with the public. “This annual landmark event motivates young people to explore their potential and encourages them to pursue careers in Hong Kong’s growing I&T sector,” he added.

ASTRI’s booth (A08), located at the HKSP’s Atrium Link, features interactive games powered by its groundbreaking technologies “5G-SAT Link” and “Omniguard-All-Weather Multispectral Surveillance System” technologies. Visitors can also explore other advanced solutions on display, including the dual-purpose “SafeStop Dual-purpose Impact Dissipation Bollard”, the “Hybrid-Powered Asset Tracker”, and the award-winning “NIR Secure Anti-Counterfeit Solutions”, which received gold award at the prestigious Edison Awards.

1. 5G-SAT Link
ASTRI’s “5G-SAT Link” technology delivers seamless, comprehensive communications coverage—even in remote areas, emergency scenarios where infrastructure is compromised, or at sea and in the air.

2. Omniguard: All-Weather Multispectral Surveillance System
The “Omniguard” is equipped with exceptional fog penetration capabilities, superior contrast, and crystal-clear signal quality. Leveraging its advanced shortwave and longwave infrared sensors, the system can even detect non-metallic vessels that are difficult for radar systems to identify in harsh coastal environments.

3. SafeStop Dual-purpose Impact Dissipation Bollard
Developed by ASTRI, the “SafeStop Bollard” features a unique material design inspired by the retractable claw structure of cats. Its 3D tension-expansion composition allows it to effectively dissipate kinetic energy from moving vehicles, providing dual protection by blocking vehicles while minimising potential harm to occupants. Certified to meet international crash-test standards, the bollard’s shallow foundation design makes it ideal for fast and efficient installation in high-traffic urban locations.

4. Hybrid-Powered Asset Tracker
The “Hybrid-Powered Asset Tracker” enables efficient, real-time management of airport equipment such as baggage carts over extended periods. Supported by the Airport Authority Hong Kong, the tracker is compatible with airport wireless networks and utilises automatic Bluetooth-GPS switching for seamless indoor and outdoor location updates. With a long-lasting battery combined with an efficient, low-light solar panel, the tracker extends its lifespan from under two years to five years.

5. NIR Secure Anti-Counterfeit Solutions
The “NIR Secure Anti-Counterfeit Solutions” offer an innovative authentication system by embedding covert near-infrared (NIR) absorbing materials into product packaging. Users can verify product authenticity instantly using a smartphone, paired with an NIR reader and mobile app. Highly scalable and robust, this solution combats counterfeit goods while preserving the original product design and production workflow. Co-developed with Zhuhai Print-Rite New Materials Corporation Ltd., this technology sets a new benchmark in secure authentication.

Photos Download: https://bit.ly/4iguifh

About ASTRI

Founded in 2000 by the HKSAR Government, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) is the city’s largest government-funded R&D centre. Committed to transforming high-impact research into practical innovations, ASTRI drives market-driven, interdisciplinary advancements across sectors, including Smart City, FinTech, Digital Health and Life Sciences, New Industrialisation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) and Advanced Electronics, New Energy and Energy Storage, and Green and ESG Technologies. Following its merger with the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute, ASTRI has further strengthened its capabilities, with over 1,500 patents and 2,200 successful cases of technology transfer. Recognised with numerous international awards, ASTRI continues to nurture top I&T talent and foster collaborations among the I&T ecosystem, contributing to Hong Kong’s high-value economic development. For more information, please visit: https://www.astri.org 

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SOURCE Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI)

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