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Business Wire
18-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Fifth Third Named ‘U.S. Best Super-Regional Bank' by Euromoney For the Second Consecutive Year
CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fifth Third (NASDAQ: FITB) announced today that it has been recognized by Euromoney's Awards for Excellence as the 'U.S. Best Super-Regional Bank' for the second consecutive year. The Euromoney Awards for Excellence program evaluates bank performance from Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2024, and recognizes banks that bring the highest level of service, innovation and solutions to their customers. 'Earning this award for the second consecutive year reflects Fifth Third's disciplined execution and commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality performance in a dynamic environment,' said Bryan Preston, chief financial officer at Fifth Third Bank. 'The financial strength created by our diversified business model and resilient balance sheet provides the flexibility to navigate uncertainty while continuing to deliver innovative solutions for our customers and communities. This honor underscores the strength of our company and the dedication of our team to creating long-term value for customers, communities and shareholders.' The Euromoney team of editors, journalists and researchers undertakes a thorough analysis of all award entries and score applications according to criteria specific to research categories. For more than 30 years, Euromoney has recognized the achievements of banks and bankers worldwide. Euromoney's pioneering and comprehensive awards program remains the industry benchmark globally today. Euromoney Awards for Excellence are recognized worldwide for their exhaustive and informed decisions. About Fifth Third Fifth Third is a bank that's as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we've been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it's one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies ® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation's highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust. Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ ® Global Select Market under the symbol "FITB." Investor information and press releases can be viewed at Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC. Category: Other


West Australian
10-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Donnybrook orchardist Sam Licciardello named one of Australia‘s best at Horticulture Awards for Excellence
Donnybrook pear and apple grower Sam Licciardello has been recognised as one of the best horticultural producers in the country, an 'absolute honour' he says has left him feeling humbled and proud of his industry. The third-generation orchardist took out two major horticulture awards in the space of a week earlier this month, after being nominated by his industry peers. Mr Licciardello's winning streak started when he took out the Agritourism Award at Apple and Pear Australia's Awards for Excellence on June 4. Just two days later, he won the Community Stewardship Award in the Horticulture Awards for Excellence at a special gala dinner to mark the end of Australia's biggest horticulture conference — Hort Connections — in Brisbane. Mr Licciardello was one of five finalists in one of the main categories at this year's Horticulture Awards for Excellence, which aim to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of leading growers, businesses and individuals across the sector. He was one of two of WA horticulture's 'best and brightest' nominated, with Newton Orchards' Nicole Giblett among 12 finalists for the Women in Horticulture category. The award came as a surprise to Mr Licciardello, who farms with his wife Vanessa and their three daughters Amber, 19, Jade, 17, and Mia, 11. 'I am honoured to have won this award, and humbled,' he said. 'I just feel so proud to represent WA and the industry we have here.' Mr Licciardello is continuing his family's legacy running the third-generation, family-operated orchard on the South Western Highway near Donnybrook. His family has farmed the 45ha property since 1950 and these days focus predominantly on apples and pears, as well as plums, nectarines, peaches and cherries. 'I love growing fruit, and to win these awards is amazing . . . but at the end of the day, I am just doing what I love,' he said. 'The ultimate goal is to provide high-quality fruit for the community to enjoy . . . and to educate the public on what they are eating and where it comes from. 'We are so lucky here in the South West to have so many amazing fruit and vegetables grown here . . . it is a great part of the world to live in.' Mr Licciardello wears a number of hats in the region, as a Pomewest WA committee member, an exhibitor and organiser of the Donnybrook Apple Festival's fruit pavilion, and the host of Taste Donnybrook's annual long table lunch. Pomewest executive manager Nardia Stacey accepted the Horticulture Awards for Excellence accolade on behalf of Mr Licciardello. 'It was a privilege to be able to nominate a grower who is as engaged and passionate as Sam,' she said. 'We are so happy he won . . . he is just an all-round fabulous person and totally deserves this award.' Ausveg chief executive Michael Coote said the winners represented the 'best and brightest' of Australian horticulture and its future.


Daily Mirror
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Visit West Midlands attraction crowned best tourist spot in UK
The Black Country Living Museum in Dudley has been named the best tourist attraction in the UK, beating out the likes of Alton Towers, Warwick Castle and Blenheim Palace A rising star has emerged from the West Midlands, recently crowned as the nation's top tourist attraction, outshining theme parks, castles and Royal residences. Every year, VisitEngland hosts its esteemed Awards for Excellence, honouring the crème de la crème of English tourism. One of the most sought-after awards is Large Visitor Attraction of the Year - and this year, the accolade has been awarded to an unexpected winner: The Black Country Living Museum in Dudley. Spanning 29 acres, this open-air museum brings 250 years of industrial history in the region to life, offering a raw and immersive glimpse into the soot, steam and steel that shaped modern Britain. Visitors can amble along cobbled streets, pop into reconstructed pubs and shops, and engage with costumed characters from every era of the Black Country's colourful past. If you've ever pondered exactly where the Black Country is, it's the part of the West Midlands that fuelled the Industrial Revolution - all furnaces, foundries and famously robust accents. The museum recently finished a £30 million redevelopment, its most ambitious project since 1978. The updates extend the historical journey to include the 1940s through the 1960s, showcasing postwar culture, vintage technology, and evolving social attitudes, reports the Express. There's even a coal mine to explore - and what some argue to be the best fish and chips in the region. Peaky Blinders enthusiasts will instantly recognise this spot - it's a prime filming location for the hit series, inviting you to pop on a flat cap and embrace your inner Tommy Shelby. The attraction boasts an impressive 4.4-star rating on Tripadvisor, based on over 6,000 reviews. Lilith G shared: "Beautiful place. All the actors had so much information to offer. The guy in the hardware store even had a four candels/fork handles joke ready." Choxbird reported: "I spent a few hours here on a recent visit ... Its an excellent museum with lots to see as you walk round ... I even did the 30 min tour down the mine which was very informative .. There are old buses and trams to ride around on too ... A good day out." Meanwhile, Angela recalled: "We have had a fantastic day out. While the price has increased since the last time we visited it has definitely been worth it. So much has changed and been added." Merely a stone's throw from Birmingham, with the bonus of free returns during the day included in your entry fee, visitors commonly allocate about five hours to take in all that's up for grabs. Not just a journey through history, but also a treat for seafood lovers—Dudley's Black Country Living Museum is making waves in tourism.


Time Out
05-06-2025
- Time Out
This is officially the best hotel in England
You don't always need to get on a plane to have a luxurious break. There's plenty of brilliant places to stay right here in the UK. In fact, one hotel in particular is so good that it has just been named the best across the whole of England. VisitEngland, the country's official tourism board, are experts when it comes to where to go and what to do. Putting their all-seeing, all-knowing influence to good use, each year they conduct the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, which celebrate 'those who have gone above and beyond to deliver exceptional travel experiences'. There are a few categories, but one of the big ones is 'Large Hotel of the Year', and not just because of the size of the property. There are thousands of high-quality hotels in England, but only one can be awarded the gold. According to VisitEngland's criteria, the winner must be a 'full-service hotel' and be 'providing truly memorable guest experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business'. This year, that honour goes to… the Mallory Court Hotel & Spa in Warwickshire! Mallory Court was described by the judges as providing 'a serene base' which is 'set within 10 acres of landscaped gardens'. When you look out your window and are met with rolling Warwickshire hills, it's hard to disagree. The spa comes complete with gorgeous views of the grounds, access to a pool, sauna, and outdoor hot tub. There's even a well-maintained garden you can walk through to clear your mind. VisitEngland also commended the hotel's 'strong commitment to sustainability, incorporating homegrown produce and eco-conscious practices along with its high-end touches'. If you do fancy leaving the grounds (although we can't see why you would), its proximity to nearby towns Leamington Spa and Stratford-upon-Avon is also a plus. Other accommodation categories included 'Small Hotel of the Year', which was won by the Summer Lodge Hotel in Dorset, 'B&B and Guesthouse of the Year', claimed by Sunnyside Guest House, Merseyside, and 'Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year', named as the Treworgey Cottages in Cornwall. Both the cottages and the Lodge Hotel are both quite rural, so clearly escaping to the countryside is firmly in. You can learn more about the rest of the Awards for Excellence, such as what 'cow cuddling' is and where you can get involved, on VisitEngland's website here. Planning your 2025 staycations If you're currently on the hunt for a perfect 2025 getaway, here's our favourite family friendly holiday digs. But you deserve to have fun too – here's some tree houses you can rent out for something a little different. We've also got guides to the country's cosiest cabins, and the coolest castles you can stay overnight in.


Metro
05-06-2025
- Metro
England's top tourist experience is ‘perfect' — animal lovers want to live there
From historical castles and monuments, to brand-new food tours, shows and museums, England has so much to offer visitors who come in their droves. And it's not just those flying in from abroad who explore the likes of Cornwall's beaches or the Liverpool's nightlife – it seems we love being tourists at home, with Brits taking 906 million day trips and 90 million overnight trips in England last year. So, if you're looking for some staycation inspo, look no further: Visit England have announced the winners of their Awards for Excellence, which recognise the best tourism businesses across the country. And when it came to the best experience that the country has to offer, it was an unexpected visit to a farm that claimed the top spot. Head north to Yorkshire, and book yourself onto Dumble Farm's Cow Cuddling & Highland Cow Experience. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Nestled in Arram, near to Beverley in East Yorkshire, Dumble is a working farm with a focus on conservation and sustainability. At the heart of their work is caring for their 65 plus strong herd of Highland cows. As well as educating visitors about this endangered species, Dumble Farm say spending time with the cows has a calming effect and a positive impact on general well-being. And that's where cuddling comes in. Visitors on the three and a half hour tour get up close and personal with the 'affectionate and gentle' animals. There's a meeting with the adorable young cows, which guests can groom and get to know. Then it's onto the cuddle cows who are 'nearly always lying down' meaning visitors can lie back and relax with the animals. Then there's a safari around the farm, during which there's an opportunity to feed Highland cows from a trailer, before heading back for tea and cakes. The £95 price tag goes towards supporting the farm's conservation work. More Trending And, tourists have certainly not been disappointed after booking onto the tour, calling it the 'best day ever'. 'I would live here if I could,' wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer who did the tour in April. While another said: 'Don't think about it, do it'. And a third called it 'moo-sively impressive'. If you want to book onto the tour, you'll need to plan ahead. Tickets are snapped up fast, with a release dropping a month in advance. Cow cuddling stops for the summer though, so you'll have to wait until autumn before you can have start snuggling. Metro's Lifestyle Reporter, Courtney Pochin, tried cow cuddling at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary in Brentwood. As well as dairy cows, Hopefield is home to donkeys, sheep, pigs, horses, Shetland ponies, cats, rabbits, alpacas, reindeer, a boa constrictor, parrots, and a fox. There are also several exotic animals such as tanukis and skunks. 'As I entered the field, two Friesian cows, Jude and Devon ambled over. I know it sounds silly, but as most of the viral cow cuddling videos I'd seen online had featured much smaller calves, when these two gentle giants plodded over, my jaw dropped. 'There was no way I was ever going to be able to get my arms around them for a proper cuddle, although a taller (and braver) person might have been able to do so. 'Despite their somewhat intimidating size, however, Jude and Devon were just like big dogs. They licked my hand, allowed me to scratch their necks and backs, and were playful when it came to getting treats. 'A fun fact I discovered about cows is that they drool rather a lot, so feeding them by hand gets pretty messy. I just about managed to escape without getting slobber in my hair (my clothes weren't quite as fortunate). 'While suffice to say it wasn't quite the therapeutic experience TikTok had sold me on, there's no denying that it was a great activity for my general wellbeing. It was something different, it was fun, and I felt like Jude and I had become pals by the end. I left with a big smile on my face.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: This mythical destination is a perfect Mallorca alternative — without the crowds MORE: Italy's 'village of villages' contest reveal 5 must-visit hidden gems MORE: Your favourite places to eat in Europe that aren't the usual tourist traps