塞上冬深，朔风渐紧，榆林却因一场科技盛会的到来而热潮涌动。 2025年12月18日至19日，陕西省第一届卓越工程师大赛总决赛在榆林举行。来自全省各地企业、高 校、科研院所的40多支工程师团队同台竞技，展开了一场工程科技领域的"巅峰对决"。最终，大赛角逐 出金奖2项、银奖4项、铜奖6项、优胜奖8项，以及优秀科技成果转化奖10项。 本次大赛设置揭榜挑战赛与科创薪火赛双赛道，参赛项目覆盖高端装备制造、能源化工、航空航 天、新一代信息技术等八大行业组，紧扣陕西现代化产业体系建设所需。 "实现'从0到1'的突破很不容易，如何从'1'做到成千上万，并且保持性能始终如一，则是更难的挑 战。"西部超导材料科技股份有限公司型号副总师兼质量部副部长史蒲英说。 去年4月，第39届陕西省青少年科技创新大赛收到388项推荐作品，参赛规模与作品质量均超往届， 为发掘和托举未来科技人才提供了坚实平台； 参赛团队中既有经验丰富的技术领军人才，又有大量崭露头角的年轻工程师。 "我们站在领奖台上，是本次大赛的优胜者，但我们身后站着的是陕西千千万万敢于拼搏、追求卓 越的工程师群体。"西安交通大学研究员许浒携"新型核能系统辐射监测系统关键技术研究" ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group like-for-like net fees decreased by 11% to £972 million, with pre-exceptional operating profit down 56% to £45.6 million [6][15][29] - Cash from operations increased by 14% to £128.3 million, ending the year with a cash position of £37 million [15][25] - Pre-exceptional earnings per share decreased by 67% to 1.31p, driven by lower operating profit and higher finance charges [16][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Temporary and contracting fees decreased by 7%, while permanent fees decreased by 17% [6][17] - Consultant net fee productivity increased by 5%, with enterprise solutions net fees growing by 8% [7][33] - In Germany, like-for-like net fees declined by 10%, while the UK and Ireland saw a 15% decline [8][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The US market showed strong performance with a 38% increase in net fee productivity [12][34] - In Rest of World, like-for-like net fees declined by 8%, with the US delivering strong growth [12][13] - Italy, Poland, and Spain reported positive growth in net fees, with Italy growing by 29% [40][41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a five-lever strategy to increase exposure to high-potential markets and improve operational resilience [4][32] - Plans to deliver an additional £45 million in structural cost savings by FY 2029, building on previous savings [21][42] - Continued investment in technology and data to enhance productivity and client service [43][44] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted ongoing economic and political uncertainty affecting business confidence and recruitment markets [3][47] - The company expects to see improved performance in EMEA, particularly in France, but recovery timelines are uncertain [62][63] - Current trading in July and August is in line with expectations, with no significant changes in trading momentum [30][31] Other Important Information - The company has restructured its operations, closing offices and reducing headcount to improve profitability [22][29] - A full pension buy-in has been completed, significantly reducing future cash flow requirements related to pension contributions [27][70] - The final dividend proposed is 0.29p per share, reflecting a cautious approach to capital allocation amid uncertain trading conditions [28][70] Q&A Session Summary Question: CapEx spend for fiscal 2026 - The increase in CapEx is driven by technology investments and is expected to continue at a higher level over the next few years [53][54] Question: Job flow and conversion metrics - Currently, there is a 25% drop in placements, but pricing improvements are helping to mitigate this decline [56] Question: Expected performance improvement in EMEA - Recovery in EMEA is anticipated, but the timeline for profitability is uncertain, particularly in France [62][63] Question: Cash performance and expectations for FY 2026 - Cash performance was strong in FY 2025, but restructuring costs and increased CapEx may impact cash levels in FY 2026 [66][70] Question: Cost-saving program details - The company aims to achieve £45 million in additional structural cost savings, with significant progress expected in the next twelve months [76][78] Question: Temp and contracting business capacity - The company is satisfied with current consultant headcount levels but is shifting resources within countries to optimize productivity [81]

Group 1 - Astronomer, a US IT company, announced the resignation of its HR director, Christine Cabot, following a scandal involving CEO Andy Byron [1][3] - The incident occurred during a Coldplay concert in the US, where Byron and Cabot were filmed in an intimate embrace, leading to widespread speculation about an inappropriate workplace relationship [3] - Following the controversy, Andy Byron resigned on the 19th after the company initiated an investigation into the matter [3] Group 2 - Peter DeJoy, co-founder and product director, has been appointed as the interim CEO after Byron's resignation [3] - DeJoy acknowledged the heightened media attention surrounding the company, noting that it has gained significant visibility in the data and AI sector [3] - The company aims to continue progressing in its field despite the recent events [3]