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Fresha Cements Its Position as the Leading Software Powering The Global Barbering Industry

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LONDON, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fresha, the world’s leading AI-powered booking platform for beauty and wellness, is now the leading software powering barber businesses globally, backed by 108% year-on-year growth in active barber partners and a rapidly expanding barbering community across major markets including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia and Europe. Fresha’s leadership extends beyond its technology, with some of the industry’s most influential barbers, educators and entrepreneurs representing the platform internationally, alongside long-term partnerships with major barbering events and communities around the world.

Fresha’s growing barbering community spans independent professionals and barbershops through to some of the industry’s most recognized franchises, including MENSPIRE, Rascals, Ted’s Grooming Room, Gould Barbers, and Blackbox. Its global ambassador network reflects the increasingly international nature of the profession, bringing together leading barbers and educators from the UK, Europe and North America, including Josh Lamonaca, Sam Bentham, Thaddeus Jayaseelan, Andrea Amighetti, Alexi Michael and US-based Yadiel “A-Rod” Rodriguez. The network continues to expand, with barber and educator Cal Newsome and Sheldon Edwards, educator and owner of HD CUTZ, among the latest industry names to join Fresha as global ambassadors.

Beyond the platform, Fresha now supports a global calendar of more than 25 trailblazing professional hair and selfcare events and activations. This includes a landmark five-year partnership with HairCon Powered by Fresha in the UK, a multi-year exclusive global partnership with HAIRFEST, and an expanding presence across North America, where Fresha has brought its barbering community together through major industry moments in Toronto and continues to deepen its presence across the United States. Fresha’s wider barbering footprint now stretches from London and Manchester to Toronto and the US, as well as Australia, Bali, Romania and beyond.

That international momentum reflects a barbering industry that is becoming increasingly ambitious, entrepreneurial and commercially sophisticated. Across established barbering markets such as the UK and fast-growing communities across North America, independent barbers are building powerful personal brands, established shops are expanding into multiple locations, and some of the profession’s biggest names are developing academies, education businesses, products and international communities alongside their work behind the chair. Fresha has grown with that ambition, giving businesses the infrastructure to manage bookings, payments, clients, teams, commissions, marketing, reporting and online discovery from one connected platform, while continuing to introduce AI-powered technology designed to take more of the operational workload away from professionals.

For barbers, where the person delivering the service is often also responsible for managing and growing the business, that technology has a particularly important role to play. Fresha allows independent professionals to manage their entire operation from one place, while giving larger barbershops and multi-location groups the controls and visibility required to manage increasingly complex businesses. Newer capabilities, including AI Concierge, can answer client calls while barbers are busy behind the chair, helping clients book, reschedule and manage appointments using live information from the business. Professional Profiles, Online Reputation and Smart Website Builder give barbers powerful ways to showcase their work, build their reputation and grow their presence beyond the shop itself.

“Barbering is one of the most entrepreneurial communities within the global selfcare industry, and the growth we’re seeing reflects just how quickly these businesses are evolving,” said William Zeqiri, Founder and CEO of Fresha. “We want Fresha to give barbers the infrastructure to build serious, enduring businesses, whether that means running one chair exceptionally well, growing a team, opening multiple locations or building an international brand. Seeing our active barber partners more than double in a year is incredibly exciting, but for us this is only the beginning. We intend to keep investing in the technology, people and communities pushing barbering forward.”

“Barbering has changed enormously, and the opportunity for the next generation is so much bigger than simply becoming great behind the chair,” said Josh Lamonaca, Co-founder of MENSPIRE Salon and MENSPIRE Academy and Head of Hair Education at Fresha. “Barbers are building teams, opening locations, educating internationally and creating brands with global audiences. As those ambitions grow, the systems behind the business become incredibly important. What excites me about Fresha is that it isn’t looking at barbering from the outside. It is listening to the people within it and building technology that can grow alongside where we want to take this industry.”

The rapid growth of Fresha’s barbering community reflects a wider ambition to become more than the software used behind the chair. From its established barbering community across the UK and Europe to its expanding presence throughout the United States and wider North American market, Fresha is investing in the technology, people and communities shaping the profession at a global level. From independent professionals building loyal local client bases to established brands expanding teams, locations and academies internationally, Fresha is building the infrastructure to support a barbering industry that is becoming more ambitious, connected and influential around the world.

About Fresha

Fresha is the world’s leading AI-powered booking platform for beauty and wellness, trusted by over 140,000 partner businesses across more than 120 countries. Its fully integrated ecosystem spans scheduling, payments, marketing, team management and a global consumer marketplace, giving beauty and wellness businesses everything they need to operate, grow and scale. The Fresha Marketplace connects millions of consumers with salons, spas, barbershops and wellness studios worldwide, with over one million monthly downloads and more than $1.4 billion in monthly transaction value. To learn more, visit fresha.com.

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press@fresha.com

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Timur Turlov Elected FIDE President, Becomes First Kazakh to Lead World Chess

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September 26, 2026

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Businessman and Kazakhstan Chess Federation President wins runoff vote at FIDE General Assembly in Samarkand, pledges digital transformation and record investment in global chess development

SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan, Sept. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Timur Turlov has been elected President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), winning a second-round runoff vote at the FIDE General Assembly, held in Samarkand alongside the Chess Olympiad. Turlov ran on a joint ticket with five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand as Deputy President.

Turlov becomes the first Kazakh national to lead FIDE, marking a milestone for Kazakhstan’s rapidly growing chess community and for the wider Central Asian chess movement. He takes office for a four-year term running through 2030.

Turlov is founder and CEO of Nasdaq-listed Freedom Holding Corp., a diversified financial services and technology group with operations spanning the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Over nearly two decades, Freedom has built its business around digitalizing brokerage, banking, and fintech platforms. He has served as President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation since 2023.

“The biggest dream we’re all working toward is getting closer to the Olympic program. I want real unity within FIDE, with every federation seeing, over these next four years, the difference we can make together. My goal is for FIDE to become more professional and more modern, more digital, raising its standing and influence, and finding its place in today’s world. I want to bring my own experience in digitalization to that work, helping the organization build a powerful platform and earn recognition as the leader and regulator of this historic and living game,” said Timur Turlov.

His campaign combined direct financial commitment with structural reform. He has pledged more than $8.5 million toward FIDE’s development, including a dedicated multi-year fund kept separate from FIDE’s operating budget, to double the resources available to national federations and simplify access to grants. A central pillar of his program is a unified platform for FIDE that would give every player a single profile spanning ratings, online play, and education tools, alongside modern infrastructure for federations worldwide — echoing the same playbook of connecting international markets through technology that has defined Freedom’s growth. As President of the International School Chess Federation, Turlov has also made chess in education a priority, seeking wider integration of the game into school curricula globally.

On governance, Turlov’s background leading a publicly listed international company shapes several of his commitments: publishing FIDE’s financial statements and major commercial agreements on a regular basis, introducing an independent external audit, appointing specialists on merit, and bringing experts from every continent onto the organization’s commissions.

He has also committed dedicated staff to help national federations secure sponsors, navigate government partnerships, and gain international media exposure, along with strengthened anti-cheating measures.

Anand, FIDE Deputy President since 2022, brings continuity and deep institutional knowledge to the new administration.

The Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) is the Switzerland-based global governing body for chess, with approximately 200 member federations worldwide.

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University of Phoenix research recognized as Editor’s Choice paper by Glacies

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September 26, 2026

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Environmental science education study examining storytelling and AI-supported learning receives Editor’s Choice distinction

PHOENIX, Sept. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — University of Phoenix announces that the peer-reviewed study, “Harnessing AI, Virtual Landscapes, and Anthropomorphic Imaginaries to Enhance Environmental Science Education at Jökulsárlón Proglacial Lagoon, Iceland,” has been recognized as an Editor’s Choice paper by Glacies.

Published in February 2026, the study explores how character-driven narratives and human-centered artificial intelligence can support adult learners in understanding complex environmental science concepts. The article was authored by Jacquelyn Kelly, Ph.D., associate dean, College of General Studies; Dianna Gielstra, Ph.D., full-time faculty, Environmental Science Program, College of General Studies; Tomáš J. Oberding, Ph.D., full-time faculty, Environmental Science Program, College of General Studies; Jim Bruno, MBA, associate dean, College of Business and Information Technology; and Stephanie Cosentino, MAEd, senior instructional designer, University of Phoenix.

The recognition highlights research conducted within the University’s “Principles of Environmental Science,” a course serving non-science majors and adult learners. The study examined the use of character-driven storytelling and AI-generated imagery, developed through a human-centered, faculty-guided design process, to help learners engage with scientific concepts and environmental systems.

“The cryosphere plays a critical role in Earth’s environmental systems, yet it is a topic often reserved for advanced scientific study. We wanted to create an accessible entry point into this important science. By bringing together immersive virtual landscapes, narrative storytelling, and human-centered AI, we designed a learning experience that helps adult learners see scientific processes as connected, dynamic, and relevant to the world around them.”

Innovative approaches to environmental science education

The study describes how the course uses a storybook-inspired format to introduce environmental science concepts through approachable characters and narratives. Characters such as Nico Nitrogen, Remi Rock and Waverly Water personify scientific processes and cycles, providing adult learners with accessible entry points into complex topics while maintaining alignment with course learning outcomes.

“Recognition by Glacies as an Editor’s Choice paper reflects the quality of scholarship being produced by our faculty and academic leaders,” said Briana Houlihan, MBA, dean, College of General Studies. “Research such as this demonstrates how innovative instructional approaches can help make complex scientific concepts more engaging and accessible for adult learners while contributing to broader conversations about teaching, learning and technology’s role in design.”

Researchers reported positive student responses to the instructional approach. According to the study, 87.1% of surveyed students reported enjoying the anthropomorphic narratives, while 82.0% agreed the approach reinforced systems thinking. Qualitative feedback indicated that narrative framing and consistent visuals helped learners visualize relationships among Earth systems and communicate scientific concepts more effectively.

Supporting engagement among adult learners

The authors present the work as a practical model for courses serving non-science majors and working adults. By combining narrative-based learning experiences with carefully guided AI-supported visual development, the approach seeks to make abstract scientific concepts more approachable while supporting learner engagement and understanding.

The Editor’s Choice recognition by Glacies acknowledges the study’s contribution to ongoing conversations about environmental science education, instructional design and the thoughtful application of artificial intelligence in higher education learning environments.

Access the study

“Harnessing AI, Virtual Landscapes, and Anthropomorphic Imaginaries to Enhance Environmental Science Education at Jökulsárlón Proglacial Lagoon, Iceland” is available online through Glacies at https://doi.org/10.3390/glacies3010003.

About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is Built for Real Life. 50 Years Strong. The University innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, relevant courses, academic AI pillars, and skills-mapped curriculum for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Active students and alumni have access to Career Services for Life® resources including career guidance and tools. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

 

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Tecpinion Launches Sweepstakes Industry Analysis Report 2026, Covering Market Insights, Growth, Regulation, Technology and Industry Future

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September 26, 2026

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Tecpinion’s 2026 report examines U.S. sweepstakes growth, rules, technology and future scenarios.

MIAMI, Sept. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Tecpinion, a GLI-19 iGaming platform provider delivering technology solutions across iGaming, sweepstakes, prediction markets and other digital gaming verticals, today announced the launch of its new industry report, “Sweepstakes Industry Analysis 2026: Market Dynamics, Trends & Forecast.”

Sweepstakes industry Report 2026 – Latest Insights into Market Growth, Regulation, Technology and the Future of the sweepstakes/social Industry

The report is designed not only to examine where the sweepstakes industry stands today, but also to share practical market insights and contribute to a more informed industry conversation as the sector continues to evolve.

The research provides a detailed assessment of the U.S. sweepstakes ecosystem, covering market structure, consumer behaviour, business economics, regulation, technology, payments, customer acquisition, competitive dynamics and the 2026–2030 outlook. It spans 16 analytical sections, five market segments and 12 U.S. states, supported by nine strategic exhibits and 21 primary, regulatory, standards and company sources.

As the industry moves from experimentation toward greater professionalisation, the report highlights a shift in competitive priorities. Launch speed alone is becoming less important as operators increasingly need to balance customer acquisition, retention, payment reliability, fraud prevention, promotional costs, regulatory requirements and consumer trust.

A Sneak Peek at the Report

One of the report’s key observations is that a single official market-size figure cannot accurately capture the sweepstakes industry. Different estimates can cover very different segments. Rather than presenting an unsupported headline number, the report takes a segmented, scenario-based approach to understanding the market.

The report identifies five key segments: promotional sweepstakes, social casino, sweepstakes casino, prize-based gaming and B2B sweepstakes technology.

Technology is also becoming a major competitive layer. Modern platforms increasingly depend on PAM, payments, identity and age verification, geolocation, fraud detection, CRM, analytics, game aggregation and security. The report also explores practical AI applications, including LTV prediction, churn analysis, player segmentation, fraud detection, forecasting and customer support.

Regulation remains another defining factor. The report assesses 12 U.S. states, examining regulatory attention and legislative activity while highlighting the importance of jurisdiction-specific analysis.

Looking ahead, the report presents four 2026–2030 scenarios – professionalisation, high growth, regulatory constraint and technology-driven growth, and explores how regulation, technology, payments, trust and customer economics could shape the industry’s next phase.

Knowledge Sharing at the Core

For Tecpinion, the report is also about sharing knowledge, not just presenting data.

“We believe the industry grows stronger when knowledge is shared. Sweepstakes is evolving quickly, and operators and technology providers are facing many of the same questions around regulation, technology, payments, customer acquisition, trust and long-term sustainability. By sharing our research and observations, we want to contribute to a more informed industry where businesses can learn from one another, innovate responsibly and build for the long term.” said [Manoj Trivedi, Co-Founder & CSMO, Tecpinion].

The publication forms part of Tecpinion’s broader commitment to industry research, thought leadership and knowledge sharing across the evolving digital gaming ecosystem.

Access the Full Report

The full “Sweepstakes Industry Analysis 2026: Market Dynamics, Trends & Forecast” is now available for operators, technology providers, affiliates, investors and industry professionals looking to understand the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the market.

👉 [Explore the Full Report]

About Tecpinion

Tecpinion is a GLI-19 iGaming platform provider delivering technology solutions across online casino, sportsbook, sweepstakes, prediction markets, social gaming and emerging gaming verticals. Its offerings include full source code, iGaming platform development, PAM, game aggregation, payment solutions, KYC, geolocation, fraud prevention, CRM, bonuses and promotions, affiliate management, analytics, responsible gaming, security and compliance technology.

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Manoj Trivedi, TECPINION, 91 9926504499, sales@tecpinion.com, https://www.tecpinion.com/ 

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