Newcastle Falcons have announced the cancellation of this weekend’s Algarve Super Cup match against rivals Sale Sharks in Portugal.

The decision was been taken by both teams, due to reasons outside of the clubs’ control, with a Newcastle spokesman explaining the situation.

“Despite having received the necessary approval from both the English and Portuguese Rugby Football Unions, and from the stadium itself, ourselves and Sale were made guarantees by the promoter which have not been met,” he said.

“It is with great regret that we have been forced into making the joint decision along with Sale Sharks to cancel this game, especially with so many of our supporters having committed to travelling over.

“Those supporters will be contacted and refunded in full, but to protect our own interests and those of our fans and club partners, we have unfortunately had no alternative but to cancel the fixture.”

Sharks CEO Mick Hogan echoed the situation, with the north-west side saying that the warm-up game against Clermont Auvergne on August 6 will go ahead as planned.

However in a dramatic twist to the story, Falcons Chairman Dave Thompson has revealed that foul play could be at work regarding the duo’s pre-season friendly. He has stated in Tuesday’s Evening Chronicle that financial payments are still an unresolved issue.

“I was in the Algarve two weeks ago and the game wasn’t being advertised over there at all,” he explained.

“I came back feeling it was a little bit dubious.

“We had been told that Sale had been out to inspect everything and that it was all in order. But from what we can ascertain there had been no ticket sales.

“The stadium, the hotel and the air company all took bookings, but they had not received any money.

“We have been unable to make contact with the agent in the Algarve. He won’t return calls.

“So on that basis we both decided it was best by far to cancel the trip at this stage and avoid arriving to a total disaster.”

Article from Planet Rugby

Almost a quarter of the UK recycles more at home than they do at work – and one in ten Londoners fail to recycle at all. That’s according to a report commissioned by Lexmark International (NYSE:LXK), the printing solutions provider, which investigated the UK’s recycling trends.

The study also found that 89 percent of UK households recycle paper and cardboard, compared to 71 percent of businesses. Fewer than half of organisations dispose of bottles in an environmentally responsible manner, while less than a quarter of UK offices recycle computer equipment.

Recycling trends were found to be higher in the home. Almost half of Britons said they recycle clothes, while over one third now have a compost heap. One in four recycle print cartridges and toner.

“It’s clear from this research that consumers are now making recycling part of their everyday lives,” said Steve Purdy, Lexmark UK country general manager. “People are willing to fulfil their environmental commitments and help reduce the amount of waste and landfill they produce. Their contribution may be minimal, but it only takes a few small steps by many to make a significant difference.”

Purdy believes this discrepancy could be ascribed to the ease of making small steps to go green in the home – while company initiatives are usually on a bigger scale. This can lead to projects like daily recycling being overlooked.

For full analysis and report click here

Lexmark and Ipsos survey shows printing use is not in decline in Europe, and more unnecessary printing taking place than ever before

According to Europe-wide research, conducted by Ipsos for Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE: LXK), the printing solutions provider, the number of pages printed in offices across the continent remains high at 31 pages per employee per day and has changed little in recent years. Also, paper waste has increased from an average of six pages per employee per day to seven from 2007 to 2009. More must be done if European businesses are to continue reducing their paper consumption.

Main results at a glance

• The number of pages printed in the office remains high – 31 pages per employee per day – and has hardly changed compared to 2007.
• Paper waste, the number of pages printed unnecessarily, is rising from an average of six pages per employee per day in 2007 to seven pages today.
The bigger the company size, the higher the average rate of printing per employee.
• Over half of those questioned, 53 percent, believe much paper is printed needlessly in their office.
• Less than one in four respondents (23%) said they were guilty of wasting paper themselves through unnecessary printing – blaming colleagues instead.

Paper consumption remains high
Little has changed in recent years when it comes to European attitudes to printing. The number of pages printed on average by each employee per day stands at 31, similar to research in 2007.

Italy and German workers print the most, averaging 39 and 40 pages per employee per day respectively. Sweden seems to have the most considered approach to printing with each employee producing, on average, just 18 pages per day.

For the full breakdown and analysis of the report click here

Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE: LXK) introduces a new addition, Pinnacle, to its award-winning line of professional all-in-one (AIO) inkjet printers.

• Productivity: Vibrant 4.3″ touch screen for 1-touch copy, scan, fax and email
• Reliability: 5 year guarantee means you get a product designed to last
• Convenience: Includes XL individual cartridges for 3x more pages
• Quality: Vizix print technology provides sharp text and vibrant images
• Versatility: Expanded freedom of advanced wireless-n or Ethernet connectivity
• Efficiency: Reduced printer intervention with a 50-page automatic document feeder

For full article from Lexmark’s website click here