October 2025

Corporate Vision October 2025 CorporateVision The future of better business Tom Robinson’s Story: Why Manufacturers Need to Back Youth Careers Dalilk Academy: Leading Pioneer in English Language Education 2025 (MENA): Abdur Rahman Hijazi & Artificial Intelligence Innovation Excellence Award 2025 Featuring:

AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. Welcome to the October 2025 issue of Corporate Vision Magazine. A monthly publication dedicated to delivering the latest visions and news from across the corporate landscape. We’re delighted to bring you another one of our monthly issues where we showcase a fine assortment of award-winning businesses and the individuals driving them. Covering success stories from English language education to dog training and rehabilitation, health and wellness consulting to bespoke payment solutions, and so much more, this issue is as interesting as it is inspirational. We deliver insights of those innovative companies behind their own intricate movements, and there’s an exciting time on the horizon. We hope you thoroughly enjoy this month’s instalment and we will be here again in November, ready to provide you with another issue to peruse at your leisure. Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Website: www.corporatevision-news.com Editors Letter Editorial Team Sofi Parry, Senior Editor | Kita Thomas, Writer | Joshua Beardsmore, Writer Design Team Emma Hunt, Creative Team Manager | Lauren Baldwin, Graphic Designer

Contents 4. News 6. Working Ourselves Sick: Employers Need to Do More to Battle Presenteeism 7. Tom Robinson’s Story: Why Manufacturers Need to Back Youth Careers 8. Dalilk Academy: Leading Pioneer in English Language Education 2025 (MENA): Abdur Rahman Hijazi & Artificial Intelligence Innovation Excellence Award 2025 10. Rescue Dogs Training LLC: Best Dog Training & Rehabilitation Company 2025 – New Mexico 11. Roboroots: Engineering a New Era of Pre-Roll Production 12. LIT Wellness Solutions: Ignite the Change Within 13. Ecommpay: Grow With Bespoke Payment Solutions 14. Fraser Legacy Holdings: Best Commodity Trading Company 2025 – MEA

Corporate Vision Marketers bet big on AI – but over half fear it will take their job No Brainer’s 2025 Marketing Trends Report reveals industry professionals’ optimism as AI begins to prove its value Over half of marketers plan to boost AI investment by up to 50% with many seeing clear ROI already Data collected from more than 500 respondents shows an undercurrent of job loss concerns, as 53% fear creative roles will be replaced Artificial Intelligence (AI) is delivering ROI for marketers across the UK – but fears remain that the technology will take their jobs, a new study has found. No Brainer’s 2025 Marketing Trends Report has revealed that the industry is fully embracing AI and machine learning. After a hesitant start, AI is now predicted to be the biggest digital marketing trend for the next year, with more than half (56%) planning to increase spending on AI tools by up to 50%. Additionally, 52% said the hype around AI will “flourish” over the next year, while half (50%) said the technology was already demonstrating ROI for them. The report, which has been officially launched by searchdriven content agency No Brainer, uncovers secrets, hopes and fears from C-suite to senior marketing managers. Data was collected from more than 500 respondents and covered a wide range of sectors in the UK, including ecommerce, health & wellbeing and education. Laura Rudd, No Brainer’s AI lead, said: “Our survey shows the industry is at a real crossroads, with marketers asking whether AI will be our biggest ally or toughest competitor. “From automating time-consuming tasks to generating data-driven insights at scale to aiding content creation and reporting, it presents a huge opportunity for marketers to be more efficient, strategic, and creative than ever before.” But while AI enhances productivity, it also raises concerns about the future of creative roles and the skills marketers will need to stay ahead. The report found: • Fears remain over the risks the ever-evolving tech may bring – with anxiety of being replaced by AI named the second biggest challenge for the year ahead, behind growing visibility on search. • 53% fear AI tools will replace more traditional creative roles in marketing. • 52% are “overwhelmed” by the speed of change in digital marketing. • Responses from ecommerce-specific marketers drew similar conclusions, with the vast majority (73%) planning to boost spend on AI, but 52% concerned it will replace more traditional creative roles. Laura Rudd, who is also No Brainer’s Head of SEO and Content, added: “The fear of being replaced by AI is real, especially with the rapid pace of change. However, rather than seeing it as a threat, marketers should view AI as a collaborator that enhances creativity and efficiency. “AI on search platforms has disrupted many businesses hard, but it’s part of the evolution of search that’s also reshaping user behaviour - making it vital for brands to understand, test and learn, and build into their strategies now. “With AI budgets set to increase and marketers feeling the pressure to adapt, the next 12 months could be a real turning point for the industry. “Those who embrace and adapt to the various shifts will be the ones who thrive in the future of marketing.” In-house and agency marketers looking to download the 2025 Marketing Trends Report can request a copy here.

News HR is feeling the strain as responsibilities soar - now it’s leadership’s turn to step up, new survey shows • Nearly all HR teams (98%) have taken on new responsibilities in the past year, yet 64% say they’re stretched beyond their limits • Mental health support, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and employee experience and engagement are the biggest casualties, as HR faces an impossible balancing act • HR’s evolving role offers huge potential if leaders can match ambition with action HR teams are stepping up to play a bigger role in the modern workplace but many are feeling the strain as leadership support falls short, according to new research from PayFit. In a survey of 302 senior HR professionals, nearly all (98%) have had new strategic responsibilities added to their workload in the past 12 months, with mental health support (57%) and AI employee usage policies (56%) topping the list. With these business-critical priorities joining the day-to-day operations they already manage, nearly two-thirds (64%) say they’re now working beyond their limits, with 88% admitting at least one area of their role has suffered as a result. Forced to make difficult trade-offs, mental health support (28%), DEI (25%), and employee experience and engagement (25%) were found to be the first initiatives to slip when workloads become unmanageable. The emotional toll is also a cause for concern, with more than half (53%) reporting increased stress levels, almost a third (32%) experiencing reduced work-life balance, and 29% saying their job satisfaction is declining. One in five (20%) are also looking to exit the profession altogether, revealing a HR exodus could be on the cards. While the statistics are worrying, Marie-Alice Tantardini, Chief People and Fulfilment Officer at PayFit suggests leaders now have the chance to step up and help ease the strain. “HR teams have earned their seat at the table, driving some of the most meaningful changes in business today,” she comments. “New initiatives - from mental health and inclusion to AI adoption - are landing on HR’s desk. While this reflects the growing trust and influence they hold, it comes at a cost. At the current rate, something - or someone - might suffer unless the right resources and support are given. This is not about taking responsibilities away, but recognizing that HR and leadership should work hand in hand and ensuring the right tools and team capacity is in place to make people-led change sustainable. Leaders should see this as an opportunity to lighten the load while amplifying impact, giving HR teams the space they need to focus on what really matters without feeling overwhelmed.” The data from PayFit shows there is room for improvement, with 42% saying their managers expect them to handle the new responsibilities without additional resources. While only 31% of leaders have increased HR headcount and 30% have provided extra budget for technology to handle core operations, many HR teams are already turning to automation to create breathing room. Digitisation is now common in payroll (62%), time and attendance tracking (44%), recruitment and applicant tracking (42%) and benefits administration (39%).

Feature Working Ourselves Sick: Employers Need to Do More to Battle Presenteeism As the seasons change, many Brits will be experiencing colds, coughs and flus over the next few weeks. Working while sick, otherwise known as presenteeism, costs employers around £24bn annually, according to Deloitte, due to reduced productivity, prolonged illnesses and leaving employees to work through a reduced capacity. Brenig Moore, public health expert at workplace training provider, Astutis, issues an urgent warning to employers and businesses as we enter a season of increased illnesses among employees. “Too many employees still feel pressured to push through illnesses, whether that’s a generic winter cold or something more serious. The problem is that presenteeism isn’t just harming the individual; employers are also paying far more than if the employee were to take a few days off to rest and recover. Changing the culture around sick leave is still one of the simplest tasks an employer can do, yet one of the most effective.” Brenig adds five actions that all employers and businesses must take now as flu season creeps upon us. 1. Review sick leave policies “You need to ensure that any absence policies are supportive and flexible, and make it clear that short-term sickness is preferable to long-term reduced performance. It’s worth redistributing the policy to staff members so that they know where to find it, what it says and what your company’s stance is on sickness. It’s also important to remind people who work from home that just because they’re at home, not infecting the rest of the office, doesn’t mean that they aren’t entitled to a few days’ rest to ensure that they come back fighting fit. A lot of people see ‘working from home’ and ‘working from bed’ as their time to rest, when they really need to shut off.” 2. Lead by example “Managers and senior staff should model healthy workplace behaviour by taking time off when they’re unwell. This will give employees, particularly those with less seniority than them, confidence that they will be able to do the same when they’re unwell without the fear of judgment. 3. Encourage open conversations about mental health “Training line managers to recognise early signs of stress, anxiety, and burnout can help stop any issues before they escalate further. There are many mental health training resources available online, and it’s worth sharing a few of these with employees, and reminding them that leaders are there to help with workload and stress.” 4. Small cultural shifts “Remind employees that they need good rest and vital screen breaks while they’re working. You can, and should, implement small cultural shifts such as encouraging lunch breaks away from desks, digital switch-off after hours, and not feeling obliged to respond to emails once they’ve closed their laptop for the day. All of these can make huge differences to someone’s work life.” 5. Invest in workplace wellbeing programmes “From mental health first aid training to employee assistance programmes, proactive support reduces stigma and shows their staff that wellbeing matters. If your HR professional has had mental health training, then they could give this to other employees, too. It doesn’t all have to be external and paid-for, but sharing knowledge in a group situation.” For more information on mental health in the workplace, Astutis has analysed the Burnout Report 2025, along with comments from Steve Terry. Tom Robinson’s Story: Why Manufacturers Need to Back Youth Careers This year’s edition of National Manufacturing Day is here (September 25th) – and with the event aiming to shed light upon career options for young people, it’s a timely reminder that the sector’s future depends on our ability to support pathways into long-term careers. Manufacturing’s need for long-term direction is welldocumented. Information from World Skills UK showed that 83% of young people felt they faced barriers to pursuing a career in manufacturing, with 48% having never received any information about a career in the sector. A 2024 Barclays study further highlighted our sector’s needs. 75% of manufacturers cited the skills shortage as their largest barrier to growth, while recruitment and talent retention ranked second and third respectively, at 36% and 32%. Investing in youth pathways is the answer – and while the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy has set out support for young people to get into the sector, manufacturers that are adopting a youthfirst hiring process are beginning to reap the benefits. At Basingstoke-based custom cable assemblies manufacturer GTK UK Ltd., the company’s policy of investing in graduates and young people is already yielding fantastic results. One career journey in particular – that of Business Manager Tom Robinson – highlights the impact that investment and mentorship can have on young talent. We spoke to Tom about his experience working at GTK, and how, with the company’s support, he’s helping to drive change and create a positive impact. So, Tom, when did you start working at GTK? “My time working at GTK started back in 2023, when I was studying Economics at Bournemouth University. During my penultimate year of study, I spent a placement year with GTK, working as a Manufacturing Technician. “When the placement year ended and I resumed studying, the company kept me on a zero-hours contract, which was really helpful in terms of keeping my knowledge up-to-date and staying in the loop with everything that the company was doing. When I finished studying, I moved to my current role, which is Business Manager for Cables and I/O.” Was it a challenge moving into the new role? “Of course, but it felt like a natural progression! My placement gave me a strong foundation in how the business operates and where I could add value. Moving into the Business Manager role felt like a natural step because I already understood our processes and had built relationships within the team. “It was a bit of an adjustment at first, making the move from the engineering department into my current role but I’ve always felt I was more commercially minded than engineering minded. I’ve moved from a position that’s closer to the back end of the product timeline to being at the very start of every customer enquiry. From

October 2025 | 7 that perspective, the company’s support in giving me the chance to experience different parts of the business and diversify my skillset early on has been invaluable.” How important has mentorship been in guiding your progress? “It’s been hugely important. Having experienced colleagues to learn from – whether it’s technical knowledge, communicating to customers or simply how to approach a challenging situation – has definitely accelerated my growth. Their guidance has given me confidence and perspective when making decisions. “From a vocational perspective, I’ve had lots of guidance from our Technical Sales Manager, Tom Hennessey, who has offered me invaluable experience and advice. We had regular catch-ups and meetings to check in on my progress, which was really helpful, especially early on. I’m also grateful to have had extensive mentoring from John Morath, GTK’s Managing Director, and Matt Eden, the Engineering Director, who have both been really generous with their time and support.” Is there anything you’re particularly proud of during your time with GTK so far? “I think that coming into the business with a fresh set of eyes, having not worked in the manufacturing sector before, helped me put new initiatives into place that have benefitted the wider company. “When I was still on placement, I worked on a new ticketing system that allowed our production team leaders to log tickets via their computer and send them to the office, increasing their efficiency and making traceability simpler than ever. To which I beat out over 50 applicants and 9 other winners to win the overall Innovation award at my university’s employability awards program that runs yearly. “Now, in my new role, myself and the team have been working on a forecasting tool that gives us more visibility over scheduling, the hourly impact that new orders could have to operations and what that could mean to the business’s lead time. We’ve now got greater integration of different business functions, allowing the team to make more accurate decisions in terms of what their headcount in production should be, in order to maintain consistent lead times for our customers. A lot of effort has gone into developing a system that can be used to make crucial operational decisions, and I’m very proud of the improvement that I’ve brought to this system. However, like most things, I could not have done it without the ideas of experienced individuals around me.” What advice would you give to someone thinking of pursuing a career in manufacturing? “I’d say be curious and open to learning. Manufacturing is broad and varied, so the more you understand different parts of a business’s process, the more valuable you’ll be. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get stuck in, because hands-on experience is the best way to grow your skillset and earn more responsibility. “Starting a senior role with line management obligations at 21 was definitely a challenge, but I have massive appreciation for being trusted with this level of responsibility so early on in my career. “I would say if you’ve got the right support system around you, anything’s possible. Be dedicated, be patient, don’t be too proud to ask questions and grasp the opportunity when it’s presented to you – a career in manufacturing can be incredibly rewarding.” Tom’s career so far serves as a great example of how manufacturers can stand to benefit from investing in youth; putting time and effort into supporting young people to explore different aspects and different roles is already delivering great rewards. And for young people, it’s proof that not every route into the sector is the same – there are plenty of ways to forge your own path. Find out more about National Manufacturing Day (September 25th).

Corporate Vision Leading Pioneer in English Language Education 2025 (MENA): Abdur Rahman Hijazi & Artificial Intelligence Innovation Excellence Award 2025 Dalilk Academy The education and training industry in the Middle East is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by Vision 2030 to prioritise skill development, English proficiency, and youth empowerment. As students and professionals alike seek pathways to global opportunities, demand for test preparation and professional training is at an all-time high. Dalilk Academy is an AI-powered learning platform responding to this shift with innovation and unrivalled ambition, expertly steered by Founder Abdur Rahman Hijazi. Following recent recognition for both Abdur Rahman and Dalilk Academy in the Education and Training Awards 2025, we spoke to Abdur Rahman to learn more. The visionary Founder and public face of Dalilk Academy, Abdur Rahman Hijazi has been instrumental in transforming how millions of Arabic-speaking learners approach English language education. Abdur stands out in the education sector for his communication style, resonating deeply with young Arabic-speaking audiences to motivate, empower, and create a sense of possibility for learners who often feel excluded by traditional systems. Dalilk Academy is a pioneering education platform dedicated to empowering learners across the Middle East and beyond with high quality English language training, test preparation, and future skills development. The academy has served over 20 million learners across more than ten years of operations, quickly establishing itself as one of the GCC’s most trusted names in Arabic-language education. Within the education and training space, Dalilk Academy’s role is twofold. The academy strives to connect global standards with local needs, specialising in preparing students for internationally recognised exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, STEP, and Qudrat, ensuring they meet the requirements for higher education, scholarships, and professional growth. At the same time, it focuses on innovation in learning delivery; by leveraging AI-powered placement tests, interactive online platforms, and strategic partnerships with global publishers, Dalilk Academy makes world-class learning accessible, affordable, and culturally relevant. One of Dalilk Academy’s core innovations is an AI-powered speaking tool that allows users to practice real conversations with real-time feedback, bridging the gap between knowledge and confident communication. Built using natural language processing and speech analysis, the tool evaluates pronunciation, fluency, and grammar in context, offering tailored corrections that simulate the experience of speaking with a live tutor. This functionality is particularly valuable for learners preparing for exams that assess spoken English, such as IELTS and STEP, where confidence and clarity are essential.

October 2025 | 9 Amongst Dalilk Academy’s most popular free learning experiences is the 7-Day English Challenge, a viral flagship campaign that attracts thousands of learners every week. Designed to help users take action quickly and consistently, the challenge combines short daily tasks, AIguided speaking activities, daily motivational prompts and learning goals, and real-time feedback through integrated AI systems. What makes this product truly unique is its psychological design; the challenge format builds learner confidence gradually, reduces procrastination, and creates positive reinforcement through tangible daily wins. With an AI engine evaluating answers, tracking progress, and offering adaptive follow-up exercises, many students report feeling “unstuck” after months of hesitation, gaining a renewed motivation to continue their English studies. The academy’s broader learning ecosystem includes a suite of structured conversation programmes and teen-focused platforms designed to meet learners at every stage of their development. For absolute beginners, the Foundational English Conversation Course offers a practical, confidence-building pathway through short video lessons, guided speaking drills, and AI-powered pronunciation support – all delivered in Arabic-friendly formats that feel accessible and non-intimidating. For more advanced learners, the Professional Conversation Course simulates real-world scenarios such as interviews, academic discussions, and workplace interactions, using AI to refine fluency, tone, and cultural nuance. Complementing these offerings is 13English.com, a dedicated platform for teenagers aged 13-17, which combines gamified learning paths, adaptive diagnostics, and realtime feedback to create a personalised and engaging experience. These services represent the foundation of Dalilk Academy’s educational innovation, each driven by artificial intelligence, built for real-world learner needs, and designed with a deep understanding of the Arabic-speaking learner. Whether catering to a college applicant preparing for an English exam, a shy student wishing to speak up in class, or a teenager building foundational skills, these tools deliver personalised, intelligent, and practical support, making the academy truly deserving of the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Excellence Award 2025. “Dalilk Academy goes beyond conventional training by inspiring ambition,” Abdur Rahman told us. “Our initiatives, including largescale live workshops, ambassador programmes, and motivational events, connect academic achievement with career development, enabling young people to unlock life-changing opportunities.” At its core, Dalilk Academy serves as more than a digital platform; it is an educational movement driven by Abdur Rahman’s commitment to making English a tool for opportunity – whether it is helping a university student prepare for a scholarship or enabling a job seeker to pass a language requirement. Under Abdur Rahman’s leadership, Dalilk Academy has reached millions of learners worldwide, and has achieved more than 300 million views across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms. With a background in both education and digital strategy, Abdur Rahman has built a brand that blends professionalism with relatability. His ability to combine emotional storytelling with smart educational design is what enables the academy to keep learners engaged, positioning it as a leading voice in language learning innovation. Today, he continues to lead Dalilk Academy with a clear mission: to remove barriers, simplify English learning, and help countless learners to unlock new academic and career pathways. At Dalilk Academy, Abdur Rahman serves not just as its Founder but as the strategic architect of every innovative feature the platform offers. He is personally involved in every aspect of Dalilk Academy, from testing AI outputs and refining learning flows to engaging directly with users to understand how to continuously improve their learning experience. Each innovation introduced by Abdur Rahman to Dalilk Academy reflects an ambitious vision: opportunities unlocked through language, and a future of education that is powerful, personal, and, most importantly, possible. “What truly sets Dalilk Academy apart is our holistic vision,” said Abdur Rahman. “We don’t stop at teaching; we equip learners with the mindset, confidence, and ambition to thrive in a rapidly changing world. We are proud of the journey so far, but even more excited about the road ahead – continuing to innovate, inspire, and lead in shaping the future of education in the Middle East and beyond.” The future of Dalilk Academy is guided by its mission to combine academic excellence with ambition-driven growth, ensuring that learners not only achieve their immediate education goals but also unlock their long-term potential for a successful future. With plans for AI-driven learning expansion, strategic collaborations, and regional growth, Dalilk Academy is poised to serve as a regional hub for ambition, innovation, and societal impact, preparing learners for the opportunities presented by a rapidly evolving world. What began as a platform has grown into a movement. Over the course of a decade, Abdur Rahman has become a trusted figure for millions of learners who were previously disengaged, overwhelmed, or underserved by traditional education routes. His inspirational content, voice, and teaching philosophy have been instrumental in making an education in English feel relevant, achievable, and even enjoyable for a new generation across the Arab world. It is for this monumental achievement that Abdur Rahman Hijazi has been recognised as the MENA region’s Leading Pioneer in English Language Education 2025. Contact: Abdur Rahman Hijazi Company: Dalilk Academy Web Address: https://dalilk.com

Corporate Vision belief that every dog deserves a chance, places Rescue Dogs Training in a category of its own. At the heart of Rescue Dogs Training is a commitment to education – not just for dogs, but for their humans, too. Megan works closely with each client to build understanding, communication, and confidence, often drawing parallels between canine and human psychology to deepen empathy. At Rescue Dogs Training, dogs are not the only ones to learn something new; owners leave empowered with a new understanding of their animals, and how to interact with them. A number of clients remain in close contact with Megan long after their sessions end, a testament to the trust and transformation that defines the work undertaken by Rescue Dogs Training. Looking ahead, Rescue Dogs Training is preparing to expand its impact through facility growth, mentorship programmes, and continued advocacy for dogs in vulnerable situations. Megan’s vision includes creating space for more rescues, mentoring young women in trauma-informed training, and challenging misconceptions around what it truly means to save a dog. Her research highlights the emotional toll of separation and the systemic gaps that often fail both animals and their owners. As Megan works towards securing funding and building out new initiatives, Rescue Dogs Training’s mission remains unchanged: to protect, educate, and rehabilitate with empathy and insight. This is a philosophy that not only transforms the lives of dogs but reshapes the communities surrounding them, earning Rescue Dogs Training the title of New Mexico’s Best Dog Training and Rehabilitation Company 2025. Contact: Megan Perkins Company: Rescue Dogs Training LLC Web Address: www.rescuedogstraining.com Best Dog Training & Rehabilitation Company 2025 – New Mexico As awareness grows around canine mental health and trauma-informed training, more dog owners are seeking approaches that go beyond obedience and address the root causes of behavioural challenges. From anxiety and fear to behavioural reactivity, the need for rehabilitation-focused education is reshaping the training landscape. At the forefront of this shift is Rescue Dogs Training, a New Mexico-based company offering science-led, relationship-based programmes that help atrisk rescues and their owners build lasting trust and communication. Founder Megan Perkins told us more below. Based in Tijeras, Rescue Dogs Training is a specialist provider of rehabilitation-focused dog training, working with at-risk rescues and their owners to build trust, communication, and long-term behavioural change. Founded by Megan Perkins, the company takes a science-led, relationship-based approach to canine education, offering tailored programmes that address trauma, reactivity, and aggression with empathy and expertise. Rescue Dogs Training was founded on a deeply personal mission: to transform the way humans understand and interact with dogs. Drawing from lived experience and the latest canine behavioural science, Megan has developed a rehabilitation-first approach that prioritises trust, communication, and emotional insight. Her methods challenge outdated conventions, focusing instead on silent cues, physical positioning, and instinctive connection. With no initial funding, infrastructure, or resources, Megan built the business from the ground up, driven by a commitment to help animals and their owners build relationships rooted in mutual respect and understanding. “Ever since I was a little girl, all I wanted to do was help people and animals. And I do that every day,” she shared. “I never intended on making money; I did it because I wanted to help. I do this in memory of all the dogs that I loved and that loved me when I needed it the most.” Diverging from mainstream dog training, Rescue Dogs Training focuses particularly on cases where fear, trauma, or aggression prevents dogs from responding to typical rewardbased methods. While many trainers rely on immediate positive reinforcement, Rescue Dogs Training analyses how attention itself shapes behaviour, and how misapplied praise can reinforce instability. This work is rooted in trauma-informed science, rejecting outdated curricula and unregulated certifications that often dominate the field. “No training programme is ever the same,” Megan added. “Every private training or board-and-train client has different triggers, different fears, and different behaviours, so I have to be creative and use different tools. Just like children, not all dogs learn the same way or at the same speed.” Rather than forcing obedience, Rescue Dogs Training allows space for trust to develop organically – waiting, observing, and using subtle cues to build connection. This intuitive method has proven especially effective with dogs deemed “untrainable,” offering a lifeline where many saw no hope. “A lot of my competitors assume that if they can’t do it, then the dog must die. No,” Megan told us. “If I don’t have the knowledge, I reach out to the right professional. This elitism leads to a lot of unnecessary euthanasia.” This refusal to give up, driven by the AIS-Sep25116

October 2025 | 11 Based in Mississauga, Roboroots is a tech-driven manufacturer that is reshaping how pre-rolled cones are made for the cannabis industry. With proprietary automation at its core, the company has streamlined production to meet the growing demand for consistency, speed, and affordability. Since its founding by Steven Watts in 2019, Roboroots’ focus has been clear: to deliver quality cones and reliable service at a price point that supports scale. Whilst traditional hand-rolled cones are functional, their production creates a variability that threatens to disrupt production at scale. The smallest misalignment in paper or glue placement can alter the shape of a cone, causing jams, product waste, and higher labour costs. These seemingly small errors can lead to significant financial losses, particularly for companies operating within highvolume environments. In recognition of this ongoing challenge, Roboroots has introduced the world’s first machine-made pre-rolled cones – a breakthrough that has set a new benchmark for automated production. By replacing traditional methods with precision engineering, the company has helped cannabis and pre-roll brands move faster, waste less, and grow with confidence across regulated markets. Through its proprietary manufacturing system, Roboroots produces structurally identical cones designed for seamless integration with high-speed filling equipment. This level of repeatability supports uninterrupted production, reduces material waste, and lowers labour demands, allowing processors to maintain efficiency without sacrificing reliability. The company aligns automation with strict quality control, including tests for burn rate, structural integrity, material quality, and machine compatibility. Serving a diverse client base, Roboroots delivers products tailored to a wide range of industry segments, each supporting businesses of varying scale and specialisation. This includes licensed processors requiring bulk volumes of machine-compatible cones; pre-roll brands scaling operations that demand consistently high-quality products; and distributors and wholesalers seeking ISO-certified products that deliver reliability and strong margins. Automation is rapidly redefining cannabis manufacturing, offering producers new levels of speed, consistency, and control. As the sector matures, the need for scalable, precision-engineered solutions has become increasingly clear, especially in high-volume pre-roll production – where inefficiencies can quickly become debilitating. Roboroots is a company addressing this challenge head on, introducing an innovative and one-of-a-kind system that helps processors streamline operations, reduce waste, and scale with confidence. We took a closer look at the company below, following its recent recognition in the Corporate Excellence Awards 2025. Roboroots: Engineering a New Era of Pre-Roll Production AIM-Sep25047 Named the Most Innovative Sector Machinery Manufacturer from 2023 to 2025, Roboroots stands as the trusted partner of choice for countless professionals across the industry, including distributors, licensed processors, and pre-rolled brands. The company operates from an ISO-certified facility and is continually seeking to refine its technology in alignment with industry advancements, ensuring that clients stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market. Ultimately, Roboroots has carved out a distinct position in the cannabis supply chain by focusing on what matters most to processors: reliability, scalability, and cost-efficiency. Its machinemade cones are not only a technical achievement, but a practical solution to production issues that have long plagued its clients’ operations. With a growing global footprint and a reputation for delivering measurable results, Roboroots continues to shape the future by setting new standards for pre-roll production. Contact: Steven Watts Company: Roboroots Web Address: www.roboroots.com

Corporate Vision Tanya Fasnacht Jolliffe, a registered dietitian nutritionist, licensed dietitian, and Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional, has always been passionate about health and wellness. From her days as a college athlete, it felt like Tanya’s calling was in athletic nutrition. However, things changed during the dietetic internship she completed after college, where she discovered a real knack for improving people’s lives – especially those suffering with medical conditions – through nutrition therapy. Fulfilling this newfound desire via a position as a clinical dietician at a teaching hospital, during which she focused on critical-care patients with end-stage organ disease and solid organ transplantation, a transition to weight and health management during a stint as a health coach taught Tanya the real struggles people face with healthy lifestyle behavior change, especially those individuals with chronic illnesses. As for how this led to a career in consulting, Tanya explained: “At the same time, I could see how many corporate wellness programmes failed to improve people’s health or to provide companies with a return on investment. I therefore recognised a need to offer a nondiet approach to health transformation through wellness culture development for individuals and companies and have since set out to fulfil that need.” Thus, LIT Wellness Solutions aims to help individuals, families, and businesses alike to be healthy, whole, and transform the world around them. The key word here is ‘ignite’, with this solopreneur attempting to ignite change within people and companies so that they, in turn, can ignite attuned lifestyles and workplace wellness cultures – leading to increased freedoms when it comes to the likes of food, body, health, and life. It is clear that this approach is something new, and Tanya’s ability to go beyond diet-related tactics to instead encompass the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of wellbeing helps set her apart. This personalised, lifestyle-as-medicine ethos is grounded in sustainable, integrative strategies for behavior change, and every person or company is viewed as a unique case when it comes to applying them. The inherent success of this novel approach has been bolstered through Tanya striking a partnership with Rolling Strong, which has led to the implementation of a driver-health pilot program for one of LIT Wellness Solutions’ accounts. The two-fold aim of the program was to retain eligible drives whilst reducing the company’s healthcare costs. Two years in, as Tanya explained, the outcomes have been significant. “We achieved a 34% engagement rate and a 43% retention rate, while also helping to lower participant medical costs by 19% and pharmacy costs by 7%”, Tanya told us. “Program participants also had a higher utilisation of desired care sites, such as primary care physicians and preventive care options, with less utilisation of those less desirable sites of care, such as emergency rooms and inpatient admissions.” In a sea of generic consultancy, LIT Wellness Solutions distinguishes itself by being the flame that ignites transformation from within. Thanks to Tanya Fasnacht Jolliffe, the nutrition and wellness expert behind the business, individuals and companies alike are empowered to embark on a journey to improve their health for good. With LIT Wellness Solutions being recognized as the Best Health & Wellness Consultancy 2025 – USA, we caught up with Tanya to find out more about this. LIT Wellness Solutions: Ignite the Change Within The success of the pilot means this will soon be rolled out to other transportation companies. Despite experiencing triumphs in projects such as this – as well as significant growth in her private practice thanks to a partnership with a company that provides support with insurance credentialing and billing – things are not always easy for Tanya, who must balance her own health and wellbeing with that of her clients. This is why she stresses the importance of the collaborations and partnerships mentioned above, which give solopreneurs like her the support and tools they need to hit the ground running. Nevertheless, with these relationships in place, LIT Wellness Solutions’ capacity to guide clients towards a lasting transformation is unrivalled, and its approach distinctive. More information about this method, which sees clients supported in identifying their own unique strengths and weaknesses, can be found in Tanya’s book, ‘The Mindful Me Journey – A 40-Day Guided Journal Toward a Healthier Relationship with Food and Exercise’, which hit number one on its release in Amazon. “It serves as a helpful tool for generating data on behavior surrounding eating and exercise habits. Once clients have this data, they use it to guide their behavior decisions to create the lasting transformation they desire.” Taking a proactive approach to employing the concepts established in Tanya’s book LIT Wellness Solutions is a fitting recipient of this title. Contact: Tanya Fasnacht Jolliffe Company: LIT Wellness Solutions Web Address: https://www.litwellnesssolutions.com/ AIS-Aug25403

Small Business Awards 2023 | 13 October 2025 | 13 delivered unconscious bias and neurodiversity training to keep its team at the cutting edge of policies and requirements to ensure all staff and customers are treated fairly. By partnering with subject matter experts, the payment provider gives its colleagues crucial insights as well as the motivation needed to make the right adjustments for a diverse working environment. Also offered to clients, the training courses and resources support inclusivity across the ecosystem as well as within the Ecommpay business. Going further, Ecommpay also supports charities with regular fundraising events, encouraging colleagues to get involved to give back to their surrounding communities. “A recent charity auction raised more than €7,000 for global charity, Street Child, with the team donating valuable and unique items as well as putting their skills and passions on the market through lots such as guitar lessons and original artwork. Events like this build a positive company culture, where giving back and helping others is the norm,” explained Ecommpay’s Chief Marketing Officer, Miranda McLean. Awarded the esteemed title of Most Innovative Online Payments Service 2025 – UK in our Corporate Excellence Awards this year, Ecommpay has a clear focus on improving digital payments. Over the next five years, it will continue to focus on ESG in addition to helping other organisations achieve financial inclusivity for their own business and customers. Miranda continues, “This begins with raising awareness and acting collectively, and does not stop. This is a long-term and continual mission; improvements can always be made, and there are always more merchants Ecommpay can help to improve their own accessibility and provision.” Continually making improvements to its payment solutions, Ecommpay aims to stay ahead of the market with an ambitious programme of innovation, as well as remaining committed to inclusivity. For futureproofed payments, including a wide choice of APMs and Open Banking solutions, contact Ecommpay today. Company: Ecommpay Website: https://ecommpay.com/ Always pushing the boundaries of what is possible in payments, Ecommpay, the inclusive global payments platform, focuses on delivering the best and most accessible solutions for a seamless customer experience. Offering a range of services to help e-commerce businesses improve check-out conversion and increase profits, Ecommpay works as a consultative partner to develop bespoke solutions for every client. “The Ecommpay team believes that empowering merchants to be as accessible as possible makes sense for a fair and equitable society; it makes good commercial sense too.” However, its mission doesn’t end there. Ecommpay has focused on developing an inclusive and streamlined payments platform to help its clients improve customer retention and ROI. As a full-stack service provider, it offers a selection of innovative, best-in-class, in-house developed, payment products to consistently meet the diverse needs of merchants, partners, and customer groups. Ecommpay is helping more and more merchants expand on a global scale – maximising the opportunities as the e-commerce and circular economy evolves and expands. In particular, it is helping merchants expand their footprint locally and globally, while increasing acceptance rates by an average of 8%. The company’s partnerships with a range of merchants, each with ambitious expansion goals, benefit from Ecommpay’s flexible, full-stack solution. Responding to customers’ requirements for global expansion, Ecommpay’s outstanding APM strategy supports merchants opening in new markets by providing suitable payment options without the traditional delays in resources and development. Ecommpay’s inclusive payments platform aids customers around the world to achieve more and to grow at an exponential rate. Founded in 2012, Ecommpay continues to grow its team and solutions to meet the expectations of its customers. Through training and workshops, Ecommpay ensures its culture is consistent with the company’s core values and vision and that all solutions keep inclusivity at the centre, from design to implementation. For example, Ecommpay recently On a mission to help businesses grow, Ecommpay supports a range of industries. From retail to FinTech, insurance to travel and hospitality, and more, every sector working with Ecommpay continues to evolve. We explore the company’s innovative offerings as it wins Most Innovative Online Payments Service 2025 – UK. Grow With Bespoke Payment Solutions AIM-Jun25060

Corporate Vision The History of Commodity Trading Before the world was as we know it now, trading was incredibly difficult and expensive. Then came boats, trains, planes, and road vehicles which facilitated the easier, quicker, and less expensive transportation and trading of commodities which are integral to our lives. Commodities are crucial to investors for diversifying portfolios beyond traditional securities, especially as the prices of commodities often move in the opposite direction of stocks. This usually means that investors can rely on returns from commodities during periods of market volatility, ensuring that ROI can be experienced in a more rounded manner. As commodities are sorted into the broad categories mentioned above, it is important to remember humankind’s deeply rooted economic experience whereby food, energy, and materials were harvested and traded as co-existing communities. Commodity trading has always played a pivotal role in driving economic growth through its support of various communities both past and present. This role bolsters various companies across the corporate landscape and creates an abundance of employment opportunities, while contributing to each country or region’s revenue and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Of course, GDP is significant as a tool for traders to understand market trends in order to make informed decisions for the current moment and the future to come which is an essential part of the trading industry. Commodity trading is not simply exchanging goods, it is an industry which needs to be expertly planned, organised, and nurtured in order to take advantage of the latest technological advancements to increase global trade volume. It is a way forward for many regions as they look to trading companies and investment companies who can do it all, to build up their communities and society as a whole. Introducing Fraser Legacy Holdings Forming a strategy for effective trading is no small feat, but, built on the foundation of sustainability and security, Fraser Legacy Holdings is proud to be part of the empowerment of entrepreneurs as contributors to the economy across its region. With a goal to create a more sustainable world, through committed commodity trading options, Fraser Legacy Holdings approaches markets with ethics at its core. Investing in its own people, and the people of the surrounding communities, the company is proud to be part of the all-important economic rehabilitation. This ultimately helps communities to come together, construct a sturdy economy, and truly thrive. With its operations structured around four core strategic divisions, Fraser Legacy Holdings’ work is expertly designed to function effectively on a local and international scale. The company’s values are constructed on a bed of integrity and ethics, transparency Commodity trading has a longstanding, rich history behind it. As an ancient profession, commodity trading, across metal, energy, livestock, and agricultural products, has been at the very core of human existence since the dawn of our time. With so many ways to trade commodities, for a sustainable business environment, Fraser Legacy Holdings houses its individual companies to facilitate and nurture growth across multiple markets. We explore the business’ contribution to the trading sphere as it wins its title in our Global Business Awards 2025. Best Commodity Trading Company 2025 – MEA and accountability, innovation and adaptability, collaboration and respect, and sustainability/long term perspective. Through its stewardship, performance excellence, value creation, integrity and trust, innovation and growth mindset, and responsible governance, Fraser Legacy Holdings is truly dedicated to expansion and the satisfaction of its clients. Inspiring Growth Fraser Legacy Holdings increases import and export trade while reducing the market costs of products imported and redistributed to the local markets. Through its business management, commodity and natural resources trading portfolio, the firm empowers its clients with the correct frameworks so that the Middle East and Africa can flourish. Encouraging this growth, Fraser Legacy Holdings works with coal, oil and gas, fertilizer, and sugar as its product range. It is focused on these central offerings in a way that allows it to completely understand each product’s entire lifecycle from production to its end resale, and how the products impact the region’s revenue and GDP. Supplying to the International Market For example, well positioned in the international market for the production and sales of fertilizer, Fraser Legacy Holdings works with agricultural products on fixed term allocations. Its allocations are a result of purchases directly from refineries and, through these contracts, the company is able to fulfil its duties of trading fertilizer on a CIF basis and in the correct packaging for each destination in specific markets. With a roster of subsidiaries, Fraser Legacy Holdings supports a huge amount of trading, business management, and investment. From Legacy Telecoms to Fraser Legacy Mining, Fraser Legacy Investments to Fraser Estates, and many more, the parent company is brimming with ways to manage and grow assets in a sustainable and fair way. Fraser Legacy Fuels, a subsidiary of the firm, is a prominent contributor to the international supplies of fuel. Supplying over 5 million metric tons per month on a CIF basis, from secure providers of fuel in Jurong, Fujairah, Rotterdam, and Galveston, Fraser Legacy Fuels makes a huge economic impact for suppliers and end users. Fraser Legacy Holdings is well positioned in the sugar market in South Africa where it imports sugar from Brazil, in addition to being able to supply on an international basis. With over 2000 sugarcane farms working for its allocations via contacts in excess of 1,800,000 metric tons per month, the firm uses its established off take agreements and planned production strategies to supply to different communities around the world. Supplying sugar products which meet international standards, and assured via internationally accredited testing companies, Fraser Legacy Holdings ensures that the product is suitable and reliable through controlled contract management for a complete solution. AIS-Aug25253

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