BBC evening radio newscast with reporter Grae Minors and sports reporter Earl Basden
Former ‘Dragon’ to speak at women’s event
Keynote speaker is Jenny Campbell, who appeared in the hit TV investment show Dragon’s Den in the U.K.
Entrepreneur Jenny Campbell will speak at Women Mean Business: Level Up on June 6. Photo supplied
Press release:
Bermuda’s leading female executives will take the spotlight alongside UK business powerhouse Jenny Campbell at Women Mean Business: Level Up, a dynamic afternoon event designed to support and inspire women at all stages of their careers. The event takes place on Friday, June 6th, hosted at HSBC’s 6th Floor event space on Front Street.
Launched in 2024, Women Mean Business was created to champion female leadership across the island. Its second event—Level Up—offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from women at the helm of Bermuda’s financial and business sectors, alongside global voices with real entrepreneurial firepower.
Bermuda Leadership in Focus
A major highlight of the event will be the Bermuda Female Leadership Panel, featuring some of the island’s most respected professionals.
Moderated by Hazel Clark, former Director of Global Business Development and Partnerships, BTA, Hazel will deep dive into what it takes to lead with impact on the island.
Panelists include:
- Jennifer Woods, CEO, Bermuda Chamber of Commerce
- Rachelle Frisby, CEO, Interpath Advisory
- Charmaine Smith-Tucker, EVP, Lombard Odier Trust (Bermuda) Limited
- Tanya Bule, Head of International Wealth & Premier Banking, HSBC
- Erica Smith, Executive Director, BEDC
In this session, panelists will share authentic stories of how they rose to leadership, overcame challenges, and carved out influence in Bermuda’s professional world.
Keynote Speaker: Jenny Campbell
The event will be headlined by former Dragon’s Den investor and CEO Jenny Campbell flying over from the UK. Jenny brings decades of financial services and entrepreneurial expertise. Jenny successfully turned around and sold YourCash Europe for £50M and invested in five businesses during her time on Dragon’s Den. She is also a member of the Bermuda Society, and a regular island visitor having fallen in love with Bermuda over ten years ago and buying property here.
Jenny will answer questions on: - Climbing the Career Ladder
- Entrepreneurship and Investment
- Supporting and Scaling Startups
This is your chance to ask a business Powerhouse those burning questions on entrepreneurship, investment and how to turn a side business into a full time reality.
Interactive Workshop: “Success Rewritten” for all attendees
Led by Executive Coach Lorene Phillips, CEO of Clarendon Wallace, this dynamic coaching session will guide participants through workplace change and personal growth. Entitled “Success Rewritten”, the workshop will help attendees design their own leadership success script, with group breakout sessions and collaborative reflection.
- Who Should Attend?
This event is for women across all career stages—from entry-level professionals and career-changers to business owners and executives. Entrepreneur’s will also benefit from attending and hearing Jennys advice on seeking investment and scaling your start up.
It’s also ideal for companies seeking to invest in and retain female talent.
Event Organiser Joanne Horton said. “Whether you’re running a business, climbing the ladder, or figuring out your next move, this is the launchpad for your next level.” - Event Partners include HSBC and BEDC.
Erica Smith, CEO BEDC said said “I am extremely excited and feel privileged to be invited to be on the same stage with such brilliant female leaders at the upcoming Women Mean Business Level Up event! I look forward to sharing my experiences, learning from others, and networking in a room full of exceptional women!
Jenny Campbell shared, ““It’s an honour to speak at Women Mean Business Bermuda—an inspiring platform where bold ideas meet fearless ambition. As a passionate advocate for women in leadership and entrepreneurship, I believe we must live by corporate standards—but breathe like entrepreneurs. That’s where real innovation and impact begin.”
Remaining tickets are limited and selling quickly. To register or learn more, visit PTIX.com or connect with Joanne Horton on LinkedIn.
About Women Mean Business Bermuda - Founded in 2024, Women Mean Business is a Bermuda-based event series created to support female leadership, provide tools for professional growth, and promote evolving business insight. It’s inaugural event, CEO Connect, featured Google advisor Fiona Beck and brought together 38 CEOs from across the island.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Friday, 6th June
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Venue: HSBC, 6th Floor, Front Street, Hamilton
Includes: Refreshments & Networking Drinks and canapes
Tickets: PTIX
ABOUT JENNY CAMPBELL
Jenny was formerly Chief Operating Officer at Hanco ATM Systems Ltd, an RBS subsidiary managing 5,000 ATMs across the UK and Netherlands with a £30M turnover and 150 employees. In 2008, she became CEO and launched a successful turnaround programme, returning the business to profitability.
In 2010, she led a Management Buyout, rebranding the company as YourCash Europe Ltd. Under her leadership, the business expanded into Belgium and Ireland and continued strong growth in the UK and Dutch markets. The business, which had been losing £7M annually in 2006, sold in 2016 for £50M with an EBITDA of £7M.
Jenny joined Dragon’s Den in 2017, investing in five businesses over two series. From 2019 to 2022, she served as Vice Chair of the Prince’s Trust Enterprise Fellowship Programme. She is a passionate advocate for young entrepreneurs and business education.
Awards & Recognition:
- Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Regional Finalist (2011 & 2013)
- Great British Entrepreneur Silver Award – Turnaround Category (2013)
- Businesswoman of the Year (2014)
- Freeman of the Guild of Entrepreneurs (2015)
You can read more about Jenny via her website https://www.jennybcampbell.com
Golfzon Leadbetter Academy opens at Five Forts
The world-class facility, led by Bermudian golfer, Quinton Sherlock brings elite-level golf training to the island
A golf academy with a global network that has produced champion golfers has now established a presence in Bermuda.
In true St. Regis style, a champagne toast marked the beginning of the exciting new partnership between the Five Forts Golf Club and Golfzon Leadbetter Academy.
The goal? To bring world-class golf instruction right here to Bermuda.
Named after its founder David Leadbetter, one of the most influential and successful golf coaches, the GLA brand aims to help students “Build a Lifelong Game” through proven teaching methods.
Mr Leslie Praya, General Manager of the St. Regis Bermuda Resort opened the ceremony stating, “A respected leader in the sport, Mr. David Leadbetter has developed champions for generations. We are honoured to bring his vision to Bermuda and to our guests.”
GLA Bermuda becomes the brand’s 34th location worldwide, and the Director of Instruction for the new site is non-other than Bermudian pro golfer Quinton Sherlock Jr.
“Together, we’ll be creating a destination where instruction meets inspiration, where every golfer, irrespective of their skill level, will find a space where they can thrive,” explained Mr Sherlock.
“I’m passionate about working with people. I’m passionate about helping to build a stronger, more connected golf community here in Bermuda. We will be launching clinics, junior programmes, community events – all designed to make golf more inclusive, more fun, and more rewarding for everyone.”
Another objective of the academy is to foster a love for the game among Bermudian youth.
GLA’s curriculum for kids blends education with fitness, movement, and technical skill.
Ben Riches, CEO of Golfzon Leadbetter, hopes the academy will become a catalyst for youth sport opportunities.
Mr Riches stated: “There’s hundreds of kids on this island that don’t play golf today that could, given the right inspiration and the right motivation, become golfers. And what we want to give them is a pathway, through Quinton and through the Five Forts resort here with St. Regis, to allow children to start to play the game. And if they can start with a smile on their face, then they’re likely to keep playing. Where they go from there is up to them … who knows: U.S. college, Tour … we just want these kids to dream. And if they have a dream, and they have an opportunity, and they have good education, then who knows where this could take us.”
Beyond education, the potential tourism benefits of the new partnership were also highlighted by Owen Darrell, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport.
He said, “The Five Forts Golf Club is already a jewel in Bermuda’s crown. With the addition of Quinton and the Golfzon Leadbetter Academy, it becomes a beacon of golf development in the region. This partnership elevates the course, it elevates the resort, and it elevates the entire community and tourism product on this island.”
GLA Bermuda offers mini school, private, playing, and family lesson experiences.
Part of the proceeds from lessons will go toward supporting Mr Sherlock’s NGO that he runs in Ghana, West Africa, which introduces golf to children in underprivileged communities.
Crime is down despite an uptick in 2023
The Bermuda Police Service said crime remains near historic lows, with 2023 recording the second-lowest crime total since comparable records began in 2000
Crime is on a downward trend, according to statistics released by police today.
The numbers are from 2023 – the most recently available – but they show the second lowest crime total since comparable records began in 2000.
This despite an uptick in overall crime of 5.6% between 2022 and 2023.
Though the number of crimes against the community including burglaries, criminal damage, thefts and frauds were up – murders, firearms offenses and motor vehicle thefts were trending downward in 2023 compared to the previous year.
In a news release today, Commissioner of the BPS Darrin Simons said: “The 2023 statistics show that Bermuda remains one of the safest places to live, work, and visit.
“We know there are still challenges. We’ve seen increases in residential burglaries and fraud offences that we’re actively addressing. And any life lost on our roads or to violence is one too many.”
More details to follow.
Atlantic Podiatry offering full-ride scholarships to students
Up to $95,000 in funds set aside for individuals studying podiatry at an accredited UK university
Dr. Matthew Francis believes that investing in Bermuda’s healthcare workers is an investment in the country’s future. Matthew, owner of Atlantic Podiatry, is offering two $47,000 scholarships to Bermudians seeking to undertake podiatry at a British university.
Speaking to Bermuda Broadcasting, he said that locals are underrepresented in podiatry—a fact that has negative implications for the long-term prospects of Bermuda’s healthcare industry.
Atlantic Podiatry’s first scholarship was offered in April of last year, coinciding with its one year anniversary. Despite the generous offer, at just under fifty-grand to cover three years of study, there weren’t any applicants.
“I was looking at potentially expanding out and there weren’t any new Bermudians coming into the profession. So for me, I now need to start investing generation. As far as I know, I don’t think we have any other Bermudians currently studying podiatry.”
Matthew hopes that this year’s offering sees two hopeful applicants throw their name in the ring, beginning their journey into the profession.
For more information on Atlantic Podiatry’s scholarship offerings, visit https://www.atlantic-podiatry.com or https://bermudascholarships.com. You can email Matthew directly at matthewfrancis@atlantic-podiatry.com
Central County Cup First Round Clash Smashed
Sports
The highly anticipated First Round Central County Cup match between holders Devonshire Recreation Club and North Village Rams has been postponed. The clash was scheduled for this Saturday at Devonshire.
Reports indicate the postponement is due to a clash with player commitments to the upcoming Smash Tournament, which begins the very next day, Sunday, June 1st.
It appears numerous players from both Devonshire and North Village are contracted to participate in the Smash, making them unavailable for their clubs in the County Cup fixture. Central County officials were informed by the clubs of this contractual conflict.
While the Bermuda Cricket Board had avoided scheduling league cricket during Smash weekends, this left Saturday as a seemingly open date for the County Cup. However, players’ commitments to the T20 tournament have now created this scheduling headache.
The postponement throws the early stages of the prestigious knockout competition into uncertainty. It remains to be seen when the Devonshire versus North Village match will be rescheduled, and how this will impact the rest of the Central County Cup. Officials will now need to work with both clubs to find a suitable new date.
Ebbin Leads Tulane to Championship Finals Sailing Regatta
Sailing
Bermuda’s young sailors are making waves stateside, with impressive performances at the Open Eastern National Championship Semi Finals in Maryland.
Day two of the prestigious regatta saw challenging but classic sailing conditions on Narragansett Bay. In the highly competitive B Division, Bermudian Christian Ebbin, representing Tulane University, delivered a standout performance. Facing intense pressure with multiple teams vying for limited final spots, Ebbin sailed with skill and consistency.
Demonstrating his talent, Ebbin steered his Tulane boat to a dominant victory in the B Division, amassing an impressive 47 points. This stellar individual result was key in propelling Tulane University to a commendable fourth-place overall finish, securing their place in the championship finals.
However, it was a tougher outing for fellow Bermudian Jordan Vieira, representing Eckerd College in the A Division. Despite battling hard in the conditions, Vieira finished in 16th place in his division. As a result, Eckerd College finished 16th overall, narrowly missing out on a spot in the championship finals.
While disappointment for Vieira, Ebbin’s division win and Tulane’s progression to the finals mark a significant achievement for Bermudian sailing, showcasing the talent emerging from the island. Sailing fans back home will be keenly following Ebbin’s progress in the upcoming championships.
Bermudian Footballers Win Awards, Sign & Win Cup
Football
Bermudian star Nahki Wells has been named the club’s PFA Community Champion for the 2024/25 season, recognised for his consistent efforts in giving back to the local Bristol community.
Jaaziah Van Lowe received an award as Steven Gerrard Academy celebrated success on and off the pitch.
Bermudian international Willie Clemons has a new club. The attacking midfielder has signed for English non-league side Leiston Football Club, joining them from Felixstowe & Walton United. Clemons expressed his excitement to get started with the Blues.
In cup action, Bermuda assistant coach Reggie Lambe saw his AFC Sudbury Women’s team, featuring Bermudian Eva Frazzoni, lift the Suffolk Women’s Cup, defeating Bungay Town 5-1 in the final at Ipswich Town’s Portman Road. A successful day for the Sudbury side.
Wednesday Sports Round-Up
Highlights
From historic snooker moments to rising stars on the water and on the cricket pitch— Bermuda’s athletes have made waves both at home and abroad this week. Highlights in this report.
IDC cuts global smartphone shipments forecast on tariff volatility
Apple faces a projected 1.9% decline in 2025 and challenges from rival manufacturer Huawei
International news via Reuters:
International Data Corp slashed its 2025 global smartphone shipment growth forecast to 0.6% from 2.6% on Thursday, citing tariff-driven economic uncertainty and a pullback in consumer spending.
The downgrade signals challenges for manufacturers like Apple, who already face weakening sales amid escalating geopolitical tensions and tariff disputes.
IDC expects growth to remain in low single digits throughout the year, with a five-year (2024-2029) compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.4% due to increasing smartphone penetration, lengthening refresh cycles, and cannibalization from used devices.
Despite geopolitical tensions, the U.S. and China are poised to drive a modest 0.6% growth in smartphone shipments this year.
China’s market is projected to expand by 3% year-over-year, bolstered by government subsidies favoring Android devices.
Apple faces a projected 1.9% decline in 2025, challenged by Huawei competition and economic pressures, with many models ineligible for subsidies.
However, upcoming discounts during the 618 shopping festival in China and the iPhone 17 launch, featuring significant hardware upgrades, are expected to stimulate demand.
In response to U.S.-China trade tensions, Apple is expanding its manufacturing in India and Vietnam to diversify production and reduce reliance on China.
However, President Donald Trump stated that Apple would face a 25% tariff on iPhones sold in the U.S. that are not manufactured domestically.
“Despite these headwinds, India and Vietnam are expected to remain the key alternatives to China for smartphone production. However, additional tariffs of 20-30% on US bound smartphones could post a serious downside risk to the current U.S. market outlook,” said Nabila Popal, senior research director with IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker.
Reporting by Kritika Lamba in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid
UK supermarket Asda seeing ‘green shoots’ of recovery
Asda said it had cut the prices of about 10,000 products—nearly a third of its range
International news via Reuters:
The boss of British supermarket Asda said he was seeing “green shoots” of recovery after the group slowed the rate of its sales decline in its first quarter, helped by lower prices and better product availability.
Asda, Britain’s third largest food retailer after Tesco and Sainsbury’s, said like-for-like sales in the four months to April 30, adjusted to include Easter trading, declined by 3.1% – an improvement on the 4.2% fall in the previous quarter.
Asda said it had seen further improvements in May.
“Although we are seeing the green shoots in sales performance, there is a long way to go,” executive chairman Allan Leighton said on Thursday.
Private equity firm TDR Capital, Asda’s majority owner, brought Leighton back to the grocer in November, more than two decades after he served as CEO and turned the chain around before selling it to Walmart.
In March, Leighton warned his plan to be 5% to 10% cheaper than rivals would “materially reduce” profit. His comment hit the shares of Tesco and Sainsbury’s on fears of a price war.
Asda said it had cut the prices of about 10,000 products, more than a third of its range, establishing a price gap of 3% to 6% over its full-service supermarket rivals.
It said product availability had increased from 90% to 95% since January, while customer satisfaction had also improved.
“People who’ve been in the industry a long time are amazed at the progress that we’ve made on availability in a relatively short period of time,” Leighton told reporters.
Industry data published Wednesday showed Asda’s sales fell 3.2% over the 12 weeks to May 18 year-on-year, with the group’s market share down 90 basis points to 12.1%.
Market researcher Kantar said it was, however, Asda’s best performance since May 2024.
Reporting by James Davey, Editing by Paul Sandle
White House adviser says three trade deals nearly done
Believes countries will open up their markets to American products in the next month or two
International news via Reuters:
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said on Thursday three trade deals were nearly done and he expected more despite a trade court ruling that blocked most of President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
“There are many, many deals coming. And there were three that basically look like they’re done,” Hassett said in an interview with Fox Business Network.
Hassett dismissed a U.S. trade court ruling on Wednesday that blocked most tariffs and found Trump had overstepped his authority as the work of “activist judges”. He said he was confident the administration would win on appeal.
The administration’s view is that numerous countries will open up their markets to American products in the next month or two, Hassett said.
“If there are little hiccups here or there because of decisions that activist judges make, then it shouldn’t just concern you at all, and it’s certainly not going to affect the negotiations,” Hassett said.
There were three deals ready for Trump’s review at the end of last week, Hassett said.
Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Susan Fenton and Barbara Lewis
