Business & Technology
Reconeyez appoints Mark Williams as EMEA Sales Chief
Reconeyez has appointed Mark Williams as Vice President of Sales, EMEA, as it expands following its integration into the VOSKER group.
Williams will lead sales across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, where the company is looking to broaden its presence and strengthen support for installers, integrators and other partners. His arrival adds another senior executive to the leadership team as the security technology business enters a broader international growth phase.
He brings security industry experience from senior roles at AMAG and Remsdaq, as well as work with a major integrator. That background spans both the manufacturing and integration sides of the market, which Reconeyez views as central to its regional channel strategy.
Reconeyez specialises in remote surveillance and perimeter protection, with products designed for sites where conventional security systems can be difficult to deploy. Its systems combine wireless, battery-powered devices with cloud-based artificial intelligence to provide visual verification and reduce false alarms in remote and high-risk environments.
The company recently became part of the VOSKER group, a move that sets the context for the latest management change. Reconeyez expects the expanded organisation to support further development of its technology platform and extend its reach in international markets.
Chief Executive Officer Peter Young linked the appointment to that broader expansion.
“Mark joins Reconeyez at an incredibly exciting time for the business. Having joined the VOSKER group, we are bringing together two industry-leading technologies, VOSKER and Reconeyez, to deliver the best in remote surveillance and perimeter protection for remote and hard-to-reach sites.”
With the launch of VOSKER PRO and the expansion of our combined technology platform, we are entering a new phase that will see developments in our AI capabilities, cloud platform, and security technology.
Mark’s deep experience across the security industry, particularly in leading global teams, developing partner-led growth strategies and driving organic growth across international markets, will be invaluable as we continue to scale across EMEA and support our installer and integrator network.”
Regional push
Williams’ experience leading international teams and working with partner networks was a key factor in the appointment. EMEA remains an important region for security suppliers serving sectors such as critical infrastructure, energy and border security, where sites are often remote and operators need systems that can be installed with limited supporting infrastructure.
That backdrop has increased competition around reliability, remote monitoring and alarm handling. Reconeyez argues that autonomous systems appeal to customers seeking to avoid the complexity of traditional fixed installations, particularly in locations that are hard to reach or costly to maintain.
Williams outlined his view of the market in comments released alongside the announcement.
“What drew me to Reconeyez was the technology. The ability to deliver reliable, autonomous security, combining durable hardware with AI-powered detection, in locations where traditional systems simply do not work, is a powerful proposition, particularly as demand grows across critical infrastructure, energy, border security, and other remote environments.”
With the backing of VOSKER and the introduction of new technologies such as VOSKER PRO and video streaming, Reconeyez is expanding what is possible in remote surveillance.
“I’m excited to work closely with our team and partners across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, building on Reconeyez’s reputation for excellence and delivering practical, scalable security solutions, with AI that reduces false alarms, lowers operational burden, and solves real-world challenges for installers, integrators and end users.”
Reconeyez said its combination with VOSKER brings it into a broader global organisation with more than 3 million cameras deployed worldwide and operations in more than 120 countries. That scale could help support product development and channel expansion as it seeks a larger share of the EMEA market.
Williams joins at a time when remote security suppliers are trying to widen their distribution networks while responding to demand for systems that can be monitored and managed across dispersed sites. His appointment underlines the importance Reconeyez places on partner sales as it builds out its regional strategy.
Business & Technology
Royal Mail Bicester residents complain of ‘useless’ service
Residents living in the north Oxfordshire town voiced their woes on the social media community group ‘Bicester General Chat’.
While there was praise for some ‘great’ local Royal Mail posties, others weren’t so happy with the ‘useless’ service they were receiving.
The general consensus is that while post, including letters and parcels, are being delivered, residents receive them later than expected and/or all in one go.
Complaints were raised about post being delivered damaged, being ‘lost’ and others missing important hospital appointments.
Some said despite making complaints and escalating further, they do not receive an update.
Bicester residents take to social media to raise complaints about ‘useless’ Royal Mail postal service (Image: Getty Images)
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We know how important it is for people to receive their post reliably, especially when it contains personal, financial or medical information.
“We take concerns about delays seriously and any customer experiencing a specific issue with their mail should contact our customer services team so it can be looked into.
READ MORE:
Driver left shaken and out of pocket after hitting pothole on busy A-road
Major Oxfordshire developments in doubt as Government designates council
Hollywood A-lister trusts Oxfordshire firm to electrify rare fleet for show
“Improving quality of service is our top priority. Nationally, around 92 per cent of letters are currently arriving on time and over 99 per cent within a week, but we know there is more to do to deliver the reliable service customers expect.
“That is why we are making changes through our new delivery model, backed by our improvement plan, to improve reliability for customers across the UK.”
A target of 93 per cent is set for the postal company to deliver first class mail to be received within one working day.
But in Oxfordshire, the Royal Mail is hitting just 67.2 per cent, Liberal Democrat Witney MP Charlie Maynard revealed earlier this year.
This is below the Royal Mail’s claim of delivering 76.3 per cent of first class mail within one day across the UK for the year to March 2025.
Mr Maynard said that in his Witney constituency, people are even missing medical appointments because of late postal deliveries.
In May, services in Bicester (OX25 – OX27) saw delays “temporarily” due to sick absence, resourcing or other “local factors”, the Royal Mail said.
A spokesman said at the time: “In those cases, we will rotate deliveries to minimise the delay to individual customers.
“We also provide targeted support to those offices to address their challenges and restore our service to the high standard our customers would normally receive.”
Last year, the Royal Mail was taken over by International Distribution Services by Czech billionaire businessman Daniel Kretinsky’s IP Group in a £3.6 billion deal.
Business & Technology
Sound Devices unveils Astral Mini Plus wireless pack
SOFIAH NICHOLE SALIVIO
News Editor
Sound Devices has introduced the Astral Mini Plus wireless transmitter pack as part of its Astral Wireless range.
Aimed at touring, live theatre and fixed-installation work, the device keeps the compact form factor of earlier Astral transmitters while adding longer battery life, a wider tuning range and water resistance.
Astral Mini Plus offers more than eight hours of battery life and a tuning range of 169-1525 MHz. It also carries an IP67 water-resistance rating, meaning it is designed to withstand dust and temporary immersion.
Alongside the hardware launch, Sound Devices has updated the broader Astral Wireless line with V8.30 firmware. The update adds SoundBase integration to AstralComm and introduces routing changes across the range.
According to Sound Devices, the SoundBase link is intended to give audio engineers a more direct way to monitor and adjust wireless devices during RF coordination. Functions include changing frequencies, renaming transmitters and keeping key operating information visible.
Broader range
The release expands a portfolio that Sound Devices markets to sound professionals working in film, television, live events, houses of worship and education. The company designs, assembles and supports its products from its headquarters in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, and offices in Madison, Wisconsin, and Rickmansworth, UK.
The new transmitter arrives as wireless audio suppliers continue to adapt products to shifting spectrum conditions and varied venue requirements. In that context, tuning flexibility and software control have become more prominent selling points for manufacturers serving touring crews, theatre operators and systems integrators.
Sound Devices said the new model was designed to improve usability and shorten setup times. It said the updated firmware is intended to simplify operation across the Astral range by giving engineers more flexible routing options.
Matt Anderson, Chief Executive Officer at Sound Devices, commented on the launch and the software update.
“Astral Wireless is the most full-featured wireless toolkit on the market, designed to meet the ever-changing needs of a rapidly evolving RF landscape,” said Matt Anderson, Chief Executive Officer at Sound Devices.
“The launch of Astral Mini Plus, along with continued firmware development and deeper software integrations, reflects our commitment to this constant evolution and our desire to provide high-quality solutions that reflect the day-to-day realities of the most demanding RF professionals,” Anderson said.
The launch reflects a wider trend in professional audio towards combining hardware improvements with deeper software integration.
As productions become more complex and spectrum management challenges increase, manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on tools that simplify wireless coordination and device monitoring. The addition of SoundBase integration is expected to appeal to engineers managing large-scale deployments where visibility and control are critical. Extended battery life and expanded tuning capabilities may also help reduce operational interruptions in demanding live and broadcast environments.
With the latest hardware and firmware updates, Sound Devices is continuing to position Astral Wireless as a comprehensive platform for professional RF applications.
Business & Technology
US fast food chain set to open its first UK restaurant
Louisiana-born chicken brand Raising Cane’s is setting up shop on Coventry Street in the heart of London, between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square.
Although no official opening date has been announced, branded hoardings have now appeared at the site, signalling that the long-awaited launch is edging closer.
The chain, loved by celebrities including Snoop Dogg, Post Malone and Halle Berry, opened its first store in 1996, and as it approaches 30 years in business, is coming to the UK for the first time.
US fast food chain Raising Cane’s set to open its first UK restaurant
The chain has already developed a UK-focused menu featuring both take-out and dine-in meal options, as well as customisable chicken finger combos.
Unlike many competitors, Raising Cane’s keeps its menu simple, offering chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, and its signature Cane’s Sauce.
The sauce, described by fans as “next level,” is a particular point of excitement among British diners, who have shared their enthusiasm online.
One food lover wrote: “Omg I absolutely love Raising Cane’s.”
Another said: “Had this in Vegas.
“It was so good.
“Definitely on a par with Slim Chickens imo.”
A third added: “The sauce is next level.
“I will travel just for that.”
The company is reportedly exploring additional central London locations, including Oxford Circus, Paddington, South Bank, and The Strand, as well as potential drive-thru sites across Greater London.
The London restaurant will be the starting point for the brand’s wider European rollout.
US fast food chain rivalling McDonald’s coming back to UK after 17 years
Raising Cane’s is the latest in a wave of US fast-food brands expanding into the UK market.
Recent arrivals include Popeyes, while Dave’s Hot Chicken and Chick-fil-A have also announced UK expansion plans.
Chili’s Grill & Bar is also looking to come back to the UK after more than 15 years, with hopes of eventually opening more than 100 restaurants across the country.
The chain originally arrived in Britain during the 1990s and operated restaurants in places including Cambridge, Reading and London’s Canary Wharf, but by 2009, every UK branch had closed.
Now, the company is making a fresh attempt at cracking the UK market, aiming to open a flagship restaurant within the next 12 to 18 months before it aims to roll out more sites, reports Need To Know.
Industry insiders say they believe the chain could open between 85 and 100 restaurants if successful, with potential locations including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, and Liverpool.
The Tex-Mex chain is well-known in the US for its burgers, ribs, fajitas, and margaritas.
What US restaurant or fast food chain would you most like to see come to the UK?
-
Crime & Safety4 weeks agoWhat happens to Halifax customers if Lloyds makes changes?
-
Crime & Safety4 weeks agoFlock of clay birds set to take flight in special exhibition
-
Oxford News4 weeks agoActor steps down from major role in new Harry Potter series
-
Crime & Safety4 weeks agoOxfordshire bridge closure comes as management ‘weaknesses’ found
-
Crime & Safety4 weeks agoFriends of the Ridgeway appoint Matthew Barber as president
-
Oxford News4 weeks agoNHS fracture service helps support extra 1,000 patients
-
Oxford News4 weeks agoHenley pub once owned by Russell Brand reopens after 6 years
-
UK News4 weeks agoBurnham seeks to calm markets by committing to fiscal rules
