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iPhone 14 launched with a punch hole display soon. There are stories that Apple including a punch-hole display on iPhone 14 collection is just not new, however an insider jumped on the bandwagon on the weekend. Mark Gurman, Editor at Bloomberg who’s a specialist in Apple merchandise, stated in his most up-to-date present Power On he expects Apple will take away the notch on sure units in 2022.
The new 12 months can be anticipated to convey a new MacEbook Air with an M2 chip and wi-fi charging for 2022’s iPad Pro. If and while you get the iPhone 14 collection that comes with punch-hole know-how, FaceID will probably make it into the display. Apple has been engaged on this know-how for a whereas and is predicted to be obtainable through the launch within the autumn. Gurman stated that the M2 chip would seem “marginally faster” than the M1.
iPhone 14 launched with a punch hole display soon
It is predicted to have an octa-core CPU and a 10 or 9 core GPU, which will probably be an improve over the eight-core GPU that’s presently within the Air. A model new chip developed internally can be anticipated for Mac Pro. Mac Pro and an AR/VR headset are anticipated to be revealed at WWDC this summer time. The record of merchandise which might be anticipated additionally consists of a brand-new iPhone SE with 5G and an upgraded mannequin that’s a rugged model of the Apple Watch. Apple Watch.


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This is the new Sale Sharks kit 15/16, Sale Rugby’s new home strip for the upcoming AVIVA Premiership season. Made by Samurai Sports, the new home shirt was officially launched on September 3, 2015.
The strip is a newer, modern version of the uniform wore by Sale when they lifted the Premiership title a decade ago. The uniform will get its first run out this weekend when they take on Leicester Tigers.
Buy the new Sale home shirt online at well known retailers Lovell Rugby

domain: news


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This year is drawing to a close and tech enthusiasts have witnessed a slew of gadgets launched by various companies such as Apple, Samsung, Sony, HTC, LG and more. Companies have now started preparing for 2016 and Sony has already sent press invites for its event at CES 2016, which starts in early January.
The visuals on the invitation include a CyberShot camera, VR headset, hi-fi gear, a very thin TV and a smartphone. Sony did not launch a smartphone at the 2015 CES; however, from the press invite it seems that the company is gearing to showcase a brand new mobile device such as the next-generation Xperia Z6 at the upcoming event.
Rumors of the Xperia Z6 have already started to surface and some speculations suggest that the upcoming Xperia Z6 will sport a 5.5-inch IPS LCD 4K display. A powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor is expected to run the Xperia Z6.
Apple launched the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus in September this year and both the phones feature 3D Touch, a pressure-sensitive screen, which has attracted millions of customers around the world.
Rumor has it that Sony will also introduce a pressure-sensitive screen technology in the Xperia Z6, which may give significant competition to the current-generation iPhones.
The Xperia Z6 will succeed the Xperia Z5, which was launched in September this year. The Xperia Z5 includes 3GB of RAM and 32GB of on-board storage, which can be expanded to up to 200GB with a microSD card. The Xperia Z6 may be packed with 4GB of RAM to boost performance and include at least 32GB of internal storage.
Google has already released its latest mobile operating system – Android 6.0 Marshmallow – and a number of Nexus and non-Nexus devices have launched with the latest OS already. It is highly likely that the Xperia Z6 comes running on Android 6.0 Marshmallow straight out of the box.
Sony has not yet revealed any details about the Xperia Z6, which means customers will have to wait until the official press event to know more about the smartphone.
The upcoming Sony press conference will start at 5 p.m. PT on Jan. 5, 2016 at the the Las Vegas Convention Center.


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Somerfield sacks Kwik Save boss
AILING supermarkets group Somerfield has sacked the boss of its Kwik Save value chain, despite improved underlying sales, and reorganised management in a bid to keep its recovery programme on track.
Somerfield said Graham Maguire, Kwik Save managing director for the past two years, 'has agreed to step down from that role with immediate effect'. Maguire, 53, who was last year paid a total of £360,000, is still negotiating a pay-off.
He will be replaced by Robin Whitbread, who joined the group in July as buying director and will now combine the role with that of Kwik Save managing director. Whitbread, 51, was previously in charge of buying, marketing and retail at Sainsbury's.
Somerfield shares were down 2p at 66 3/4p against the five-year low of 44p they hit last month after a profit warning. The group said it had been forced into heavy discounting to attract shoppers, and operating profits were running at a similar level to last year.
Today's trading update, released ahead of first-half results due in January, reflects a better performance in the second quarter of the year. Group like-for-like sales were down 0.3% in the first 16 weeks of the year but were up 2.2% in the 12 weeks to 9 November, giving an overall figure for the first half of up 0.8%. However, executive chairman John Von Spreckelsen said this was due to the easing of 'tough comparatives' and the sales still lag behind Somerfield's major rivals, Tesco and Asda.
Kwik Save, acquired in 1998, has long been a disappointment for Somerfield, Britain's fifth largest grocery retailer. A recent attempt to sell the chain was halted by Von Spreckelsen because the bids were too low.
Of the two divisions, budget brand Kwik Save saw a bigger increase in sales. Somerfield went from negative growth of 0.7% in the first quarter to underlying sales growth of 1.9% in the second, while same-store sales at Kwik Save improved from 0.4% to 2.6%.
Somerfield ousted chief executive Alan Smith after the profit warning last month, transferring executive responsibility to Von Spreckelsen. It also replaced its finance director, and Von Spreckelsen today said he was making head of IT and logistics Martin Oakes, 42, a board member.
Von Spreckelsen is hoping a reinvigorated management can push through the recovery. The group sacked stockbroker ING last week after one of its analysts advised clients to sell the stock.
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A glossy brand-new auto in the driveway has actually been a symbol of middle-class success for generations. For the normal American family members, it’s currently a far-off desire.
The ordinary month-to-month repayment for a brand-new auto has actually risen to a document $777, virtually increasing from late 2019, according to Kelley Directory proprietor Cox Automotive. That’s practically a sixth of the average after-tax revenue for united state families. Also made use of versions have actually reached $544 a month typically.
The sticker label shock expands well past the united state, where rising cost of living is a tough political problem for Head of state Joe Biden as the 2024 political election impends. In Europe, rates are teasing with documents. Used-car rates rose in Japan in 2015, as well as in China, a quick press to electrical cars indicates customers will certainly need to pay even more in some cities.
At the origin of the issue is car manufacturers’ brand-new concept: Maintain stock lean as well as cost fat. 3 years after the pandemic activated an international scarcity of semiconductor chips as well as paralyzed auto production, Ford, GM as well as their abroad competitors are scratching large earnings. Also as the chip crisis reveals indications of relieving, they’re vowing to maintain manufacturing in check.
And also since electrical cars set you back concerning 25% greater than the ordinary auto, the change to plug-ins will make the price dilemma also worse. Include rising rates of interest to the mix, as well as brand-new autos– like own a home as well as an university education and learning– are rapid coming to be the domain name of the abundant.
” The suggestion of a brand-new auto in every American’s driveway is not the globe we stay in,” stated Charlie Chesbrough, an elderly financial expert at Cox.
For a years, the ordinary new-car repayment in the United States bumped along at approximately $400 a month. That has to do with as long as the normal American home can fork over as well as still satisfy various other significant costs, stated Jonathan Smoke, primary financial expert at Cox. It went across that mark in November 2019 as well as has actually been rising ever before given that.
The ordinary rate for a brand-new automobile in the United States has actually leapt to practically $50,000, up 30% given that 2019, according to JPMorgan. Costs have actually pulled away rather in current weeks as manufacturing recoups, the pullback isn’t sufficient for many customers to conveniently purchase a brand-new auto. The ordinary rate of a made use of auto, at the same time, currently stands at around $27,000, Cox information reveal.
• Learn more: Americans fall back on auto repayments at a greater price than 2009
Suppliers are profiting of marketing less yet a lot more pricey autos. In 2015, car manufacturers marketed concerning 13 million cars in the United States, down 8% from 2021 as well as the most affordable in a years. Ford’s gross earnings increased 4.4% in 2022 from a year previously, while GM’s modified profits expanded by around $200 million to get to $145 billion. Margins for some producers are anticipated to tighten this year in the middle of international financial weak point.
In Europe, at the same time, new-car rates go to all-time highs as well as still climbing up, according to information from ING Research study. Automobile scarcities drove used-car rates up in Japan via a lot of in 2015. China’s financial downturn has actually maintained rates away, yet significant cities are making it hard to sign up internal-combustion cars in the middle of a press towards EVs, which have a tendency to be a lot more pricey.
Maintaining supplies reduced
It’s a quantum leap from business design that specified auto production for years: Run plants at complete tilt and afterwards make use of deep discount rates to relocate the steel. In the United States, car manufacturers usually brought 60 to 100 days of stock. Nowadays, producers are targeting concerning fifty percent that a lot to reduced expenses as well as maintain rates high.
” We’ll never ever return to the stock degrees that we went to in the past,” GM Ceo Mary Barra informed capitalists in 2015.
Her opponent, Ford Chief Executive Officer Jim Farley, has actually stated he does not wish to spend for billions of bucks in stock or deal discount rates as well as various other rewards to unload it. Toyota Electric Motor Corp. as well as Nissan Electric Motor Co. have actually sworn to try the very same method.
” You’re not visiting most producers return to where it was 3 or 4 years back,” Judy Wheeler, vice head of state people automobile sales for Nissan, stated in a meeting. “We’ll maintain that supply as well as need in a degree state.”
There are some indications, however, that customer discomfort will certainly alleviate a little as supply-chain complexities ease off. Ford Principal Financial Police officer John Lawler stated this month that he anticipates new-car rates to drop 5% in 2023 as car manufacturers call up the discount rates, while Nissan’s Wheeler forecasted rates will certainly go down towards “an extra typical degree.” Tesla Inc. as well as Ford lowered rates on electrical cars.
Suppliers are doubtful that car manufacturers will certainly maintain supplies in check, stated Rhett Ricart, whose Columbus, Ohio-based Ricart Automotive Team is a significant supplier of Ford, Nissan as well as Chevrolet versions.
” They all speak about 30 to 45 days’ supply of autos. They will not do it,” Ricart stated in a meeting. “These chips aren’t a huge problem anymore. Vehicle battles is back.”
However any kind of recuperation in supply is most likely to occur in beginnings as well as fits. Barra as well as Jack Hollis, executive vice head of state of sales for Toyota Electric motor The United States and Canada, see the market obtaining sufficient chips to offer 15 million cars in the United States this year, which has to do with 12% listed below where sales were 3 years back. Hollis stated there can be greater than 4 million cars’ well worth of bottled-up need from the chip scarcity, maintaining rates from dropping quickly.
” We will certainly have an additional year with a supply-constrained sales number,” Hollis stated. “Costs maintain climbing. It’s clear that need is still overtaking supply.”
For made use of autos, Cox’s Smoke sees rates dropping just 4% this year, partially since car manufacturers have actually not been renting as a lot. That equates to less recent-model autos returning to market.
Sercy Sanders has actually been riding the bus in Pittsburgh since the transmission blew on his 2006 Acura TL in very early January. When the expense of fixing it was greater than the auto deserved, Sanders obtained pre-approved for a funding from his lending institution as well as laid out to discover a 2016 Honda Accord for under $17,000 He located absolutely nothing for much less than $19,000 as well as currently is looking at versions that are over a years old.
” That’s simply the method it might need to be if I wish to remain in my rate array as well as not have too expensive a regular monthly auto expense,” stated Sanders, 48, a customer support rep as well as solitary daddy of 2 high schoolers. “It’s extremely irritating. I desired a more recent automobile that I really felt would certainly be a lot more reputable. With an older previously owned auto, you simply never ever recognize what you’re going to obtain.”
And also for those trying to find a brand-new auto at a bargain, the choices are restricted. Residential car manufacturers quit developing portable autos in the United States since they could not earn money on them.
The lack of more affordable versions indicates even more brand-new autos are being grabbed by wealthy customers. Almost 30% of the marketplace is from families with yearly revenue of greater than $150,000, up from 22% in 2016, stated Mark Wakefield, handling supervisor at speaking with company AlixPartners.
” You have actually seen a relocate to even more rich people getting autos,” Wakefield stated. “The lower component of the marketplace type of befalled.”


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Six programs aimed at job creation were laid out Jan. 27 by the state’s Democratic lawmakers.
The plan, Idaho Jobs and Opportunity Blueprint or IJOBs, includes ideas for improving communications and strengthening projects that support and increase jobs. It has specific benefits for small business job development, tax incentives for job creation and help for small businesses seeking capital in these times of tight credit.
“We hope this is just the beginning of wide-ranging discussions focused on how the Legislature can improve the jobs economy in Idaho,” House Minority Leader John Rusche said at a press conference.
The programs are a way to economic recovery, he said. The six bills were developed after discussions with business professionals, education leaders and others from local communities. The plan recognizes that Idaho needs a diverse economy where small businesses are welcome. The slate of bills includes three introduced in the Senate last week and three bills to be introduced in the House next week.
The IJOBs plan includes:
• The Grow Green Idaho Jobs Act – Each year Idaho sends almost $3 billion out of state to purchase energy. That money and those jobs should stay in Idaho. Idaho is blessed with a variety of renewable resources that, if developed, will create jobs throughout the state. The Grow Green Idaho Jobs Act recognizes the importance of the creation of jobs in the renewable energy sector by ensuring state and local units of government slash the red tape and prioritize permitting for renewable energy projects.
• The 2010 Idaho Jobs Council Act – Efforts must be focused on the critical issue of job creation and retention to realize our vision of a prosperous Idaho. The 2010 Idaho Jobs Council Act brings together state and private sector leaders to quickly focus their energies and create specific action items for creating high wage jobs with benefits in Idaho.
• The Idaho Home Grown Business and Jobs Act – Knowledge is power and small businesses in Idaho need the best information available to effectively compete against out-of-state companies. The Idaho Home Grown Business and Jobs Act benefits Idaho small businesses and expands job opportunities by directing the Departments of Commerce and Labor to provide useful market intelligence to Idaho small business. This information will allow Idaho small business to better compete in the marketplace and create jobs for Idahoans.
• The Idaho Small Business Venture Capital Investment Act – Access to capital is the lifeblood of small business. Because of the current credit crunch, many small businesses have had to delay their expansion plans. The Idaho Small Business Venture Capital Investment Act creates Idaho jobs by increasing access to capital for small business (less than 20 employees) by offering a transferable 50 percent tax credit on all earnings (other than interest) from venture capital investments in Idaho companies. The Idaho Small Business Venture Capital Investment Act will be introduced in the House Revenue and Taxation Committee.
• The Small Business Incubator and Jobs Act – Business incubators provide small entrepreneurial businesses with affordable space, shared support, and business development services. This facilitates business success during the startup phase, when companies are financially vulnerable. To assist Idaho entrepreneurs the Small Business Incubator and Jobs Act directs the Departments of Commerce and Labor to focus existing, low-cost resources to provide a full array of business services to startup companies. The Small Business Incubator and Jobs Act will be introduced in the House Business Committee.
• Idaho Small Business Jobs Development Act – Small businesses are the engine of our economy creating over 80 percent of the jobs in Idaho. The Idaho Small Business Jobs Development Act accelerates the creation of jobs by small businesses of 50 employees or less by providing a $2,500 tax credit for permanent, new employees earning over $35,000/year and receiving health benefits (the employee must be employed full time for a minimum of six months with pay equaling more than $35,000 before the credit can be sought). The act also includes a sales tax rebate on materials associated with the new employee. In addition, qualifying small businesses receive priority access to Tech Help for commercializing ideas and any business development incubators, microenterprise development centers, or university programs that foster and advise small business. The act includes a three-year sunset and claw-back provisions. The Idaho Small Business Jobs Development Act will be introduced in the House Revenue and Taxation Committee.
“Idaho Democrats see a future of opportunity, economic growth, prosperity, and good jobs. When those jobs return so will state revenues. When those jobs return we will reduce the need for safety net services. When those jobs return Idaho will be on its way to recovery,” Minority Leader Kate Kelly said.
“The IJOBs plan is designed to turn unemployment checks into paychecks,” Kelly said.


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Several times in the past, I’ve examined the contribution of pharmaceuticals to rising health care costs (here, here, and here). It seems appropriate to do again, given President Trump’s latest tweets on drug prices, and Pfizer’s decision to roll back recent price hikes.
I note first that an April 2018 report from the IQVIA Institute entitled Medicine Use and Spending in the U.S. found that net spending on medicines (including both generics and branded products, and both retail and institutional use) rose by only $1 billion in 2017, or 0.6%. By contrast total personal healthcare spending is projected to have risen by $124 billion, or 4.4% in 2017. That means there is no sign of out-of-control drug spending in 2017.
In the first five months of 2018, the average price of prescription drugs rose by 2.5%, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s almost identical to the overall consumer price inflation of 2.4%. So there’s no sign from the BLS data of excess drug price increases in 2018.
Finally, we do a five year look-back (2012-2017), which includes the high cost years of 2014 and 2015. We find that net spending on medicines rose by $68 billion over that stretch, or 26.7%. By comparison, total personal health care spending rose by $591 billion over that stretch, or 25.0%. In other words, generic and branded medicines only contributed 12% of the increase in personal health care spending between 2012 and 2017. Net spending on medicines rose at roughly the same rate as all other healthcare costs.
Another useful comparison: Between 2012 and 2017, health care labor costs rose by an estimated $231 billion, contributing almost 40% of the increase in personal healthcare spending. These are mostly propelled by the rapid increase in the healthcare workforce, which has increased by 1.4 million since 2012 alone.
All told, policy makers who are concerned about healthcare costs would be better off focusing on restraining the runaway growth of healthcare workers.


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Dubai, UAE – At GITEX GLOBAL 2022, Shipsy, a leading global SaaS-based smart logistics management platform, is showcasing how supply chain leaders across the globe are using its AI-powered technology to reduce operational costs, boost customer experience and drive sustainable delivery operations.
Today, a leading logistics service provider in Saudi Arabia, a leading consumer goods retailer in the Middle East, a rapidly growing quick commerce delivery provider in Egypt, and numerous other global businesses in this region are leveraging Shipsy to deliver tangible business outcomes. These benefits are realized in terms of logistics cost savings, on-time deliveries, improved resource and capacity utilization, better customer satisfaction, and more.
Shipsy’s AI-powered platform helps retailers and eCommerce players to drive high levels of operational efficiencies. For instance, the solution ensures an 18% reduction in Return-To-Origin instances, shrinks mid-mile and last-mile costs by 12% and 23% respectively, increases vehicle capacity utilization by 31%, boosts deliveries per rider by 14%, increases on-time dispatch volumes by 28%, and helps scale delivery operations by quickly onboarding multiple 3PLs.
By helping businesses manage their carbon emissions and make deliveries sustainable, Shipsy is also empowering the UAE to achieve its Smart City goals. The smart logistics management platform provider enables businesses in the Middle East to expedite their sustainability goals by reducing miles traveled, eliminating empty miles, preventing vehicle idling, lowering trip volumes, and gaining greater visibility into shipment-related carbon dioxide emissions.
“It has been a fantastic experience demonstrating Shipsy’s capabilities to the global supply chain and logistics community. The Middle East has been very instrumental in Shipsy’s rapid growth journey. We have been powering enterprises here and worldwide to strike a balance between optimizing costs, delivering on customer expectations, and ensuring sustainable logistics practices,” said Soham Chokshi, CEO and Co-founder, Shipsy.
Visitors will be able to connect with Shipsy’s team at Booth no. H6A-18 from 10th – 14th October. They can also schedule a meeting directly with their experts at the event from the Shipsy website.
Shipsy enables businesses worldwide to build resilient, connected, agile, sustainable, and autonomous supply chain and logistics operations. Its smart logistics management platform empowers businesses to significantly reduce operating costs, lower carbon footprint, enhance customer experiences, boost delivery productivity, and drive seamless cross-border freight movement. Shipsy’s 350+ team is based out of India, Dubai, and Indonesia serving 200+ customers across the globe. Shipsy tracks 650,000+ containers per month, procures freight worth $150mn+ per month, and powers 60mn+ parcels per month. On a broader perspective, Shipsy has integrations with 64+ major shipping lines, 50+ third-party logistics companies, 300+ freight forwarders, 50+ customs agents, and a network of over 20,000 global shippers. To know more about us, please visit www.shipsy.io.
For Media related information, please contact –
Ambika Jadeja – firstname.lastname@example.org
Reem Quqandi – email@example.com


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The US private equity owner of Poundworld has put the chain up for sale — the latest indication of trouble in the discount retail sector. TPG has hired accountancy firm Deloitte to find a buyer by the end of the month. Potential buyers were contacted about the process on Friday, according to a possible bidder. (Sky News, The Times £)
Thousands of British high street jobs may be under threat now that Poundworld’s US owner has ditched a rescue plan to bring the loss making discount chain back from the brink, opting to sell up instead (The Telegraph). The chain had been looking at closing about 100 of its 355 stores as part of a restructuring plan, as it battled a tough retail environment (The BBC).
Walmart shifts global strategy to battle Amazon, writes the FT. The US retail giant looks to invest in other companies, rather than operate stores overseas. Judith McKenna, who was promoted to chief executive of Walmart’s international unit in February, has been engineering Walmart’s flurry of foreign activity. “The question is whether Walmart can afford to test investor patience, and for how long,” writes the paper. (The Financial Times £).
Maggie Pagano in The Daily Mail looks at the threat to UK retail from Amazon. She writes: “Sainsbury’s and Asda are right to argue the dynamics of the industry have been turned upside-down, and that the old ways of measuring competition need rethinking not only because of online retailing but also shifting fashions in how we eat”. (The Daily Mail)
An equity analyst at RBC Capital Markets, has cited Asos and Zalando, the online fashion retailers, and Ocado, the grocery delivery group, as among “the most likely take-out candidates” for online retail giant Amazon. (The Times £).
Waitrose has axed more than 700 store managers’ roles in the past two years as part of a controversial restructuring designed to cut costs and improve efficiency. The John Lewis Partnership’s supermarket business has removed about 15% of senior positions from its stores. (The Times £).
Did Chubby Grocer Mark Price let his appetite run riot at Waitrose, asked The Times (£)? The upmarket grocery chain owned by the John Lewis Partnership has been through a controversial restructuring that has resulted in some managerial jobs being cut and its programme of new openings being reined in.
An investment group launching this week aims to nurture “disruptive challengers toppling lumbering giants” by pumping $300m of private capital into the growth and development of upstart consumer goods companies. The Craftory is co-founded by Elio Leoni-Sceti, a brand specialist and former chief executive of Iglo, the frozen foods group. (The Financial Times £)
Consumers remained “in belt-tightening mode” last month, with spending on the high street dropping by the sharpest amount in six years (The Times £). UK consumer spending is still declining despite the recent pick-up in wage growth, according to an analysis of credit and debit card payments that suggests the arrival of spring weather has not brought much let-up for Britain’s battered retail sector (The Financial Times £).
Poor weather and a squeeze on spending caused a slide in the number of people visiting shops last month (The BBC). The number of customer visits to shops has fallen by the greatest amount on record for March and April (The Times £).
Prices at fish and chip shops across the UK will have to increase to cover a rise in the cost of cod if Britain crashes out of the EU with no free trade deal, according to a new report. (Sky News)
A fledgling UK network of community or “honesty” fridges, which offer free food to those with limited means, is set to double in size in six months, thanks to funding from a major supermarket. The Community Fridge Network, run by environmental charity Hubbub, is to receive £45,000 from, it will be announced this week, allowing it to increase the total of 31 fridges to 58 by November. (The Guardian)
Holland & Barrett boss Peter Aldis tells The Telegraph: “It fills me with dread when I see good retail names going to the wall”. (The Telegraph £)
Mothercare, the children’s goods retailer, is set to tap investors for fresh funds and reshape its store portfolio as part of a restructuring plan to be unveiled at its full-year results this week. (The Financial Times £)


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The Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design has announced that it is now offering an MA in Fashion Media Practice validated by the University of Buckingham.
The Masters course is a unique, industry-focused programme that offers three possible pathways, all of which focus on the core area of Condé Nast’s media expertise - media business, fashion journalism and creative direction. These distinct specialisms draw upon the unrivalled knowledge and practice of Condé Nast Publications and the wider fashion and media industries. The programme will combine independent research with taught academic content, talks and master-classes from leading industry professionals. A limited number of work experience places at Condé Nast will also be available to the highest achieving students on this course.
Susie Forbes, principal of the Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design says, “We are very excited to now be offering postgraduate provision and look forward to welcoming our first cohort of students in October this year.”
College Dean Angela Jones adds, “This is an innovative programme that offers genuine insight and access to opportunities in fashion and media. As a practice-oriented master’s each of the three distinct subject options provides a balanced educational experience that connects industry with academia.”
In addition, an MA in Luxury Brand Management, in association with Richmond University, The American University in London, is also now on offer. The full-time one-year intensive programme is designed to develop the management, marketing and entrepreneurial skills to explore an exciting career in luxury goods and fashion brands management.
Other courses on offer at the Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design include the two-year intensive BA (Hons) Fashion Communication Degree, validated by the University of Buckingham, the year-long Vogue Fashion Diploma plus a brand new year-long Foundation programme. The College also offers a range of shorter courses including the ten-week Vogue Fashion Certificate, the four-week Vogue Summer Intensive, the Teen Weekend course and week-long courses in Fashion Business, Fashion Styling, Fashion Journalism and the Business of Beauty.
The next College Open Day being held on Tuesday March 13th is the perfect way for prospective students to find out more about the Condé Nast College programmes. Click here for more information.
The Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design is based in the heart of London in Soho’s Greek Street and is a short walk from Vogue House, the headquarters of Condé Nast Publications. To date, over 1,500 students have enrolled at the College, from more than 60 different countries. Graduates have gone on to secure roles across a wide range of companies, including Vogue, Glamour, GQ, The Sunday Times, i-D, Net-a-Porter, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Céline, Harrods, MAC, Charlotte Tilbury, and many others.
Condé Nast is a member of FIPP.
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It's the simple things in life that, when viewed from a slightly different angle, put us in awe.
Take, for example, the simple but ubiquitous hanger. Some of us are religious about hanging up our clothes at the end of the day. Those of us who aren't as fastidious occasionally regret our carelessness, which then results in extra time and effort being spent to appear civilized.
Of course, some of us don't care at all -- and we look like we don't.
But when you think about the necessity of the hanger to everyday life around the world, you realize the hanger has the potential for being an economic "bottomless well."
Austin-based International Innovations Inc. has tapped into that well. The company makes and distributes about 11 million wooden hangers each year. Owner Ralph Edwards doesn't know exactly how many.
"We count the dollars," he says.
International Innovations counts gross annual revenue of about $10 million. The company ships to 2,000 customers in 25 countries.
Thirty-five percent of Edwards' customers are department stores, such as Dillard's, Foley's, Neiman-Marcus and Bloomingdale's.
Garment manufacturers such as Hart Schaffner & Marx make up 30 percent of Edwards' customers. Designers such as Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger compose about 20 percent. Hotels chains such as Marriott, Hilton, Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn add another 10 percent.
The remaining 5 percent is sold to mail order firms and specialty stores, such as Gatlin & Estrella.
Every three months, Gatlin & Estrella -- which recently changed its name from the Oxford Shop after an investment made by Larry Gatlin and Buddy Estrella -- orders 500 curved, wooden hangers with its store logo on them, Estrella says. He sends the hangers home with the customer's purchases.
Edwards estimates 65 percent of his company's hangers are customized with customers' logos.
Estrella says: "It's the best way to keep my store's name around for a long time. Besides, I don't like plastic."
The opportunity for growth in the wooden hanger market is large when you consider that much of the world's population uses hangers, and that 96 percent of the world's population and 67 percent of the world's purchasing power are outside the United States.
"We export all over the world. We ship a lot to Europe, especially Italy and the Netherlands, Latin America and so on," says Edwards, who is president of the sole proprietorship.
In 1993, the company started importing hangers from China. Then in 1999, it began exporting raw lumber to China. Now, with exclusive manufacturing agreements with factories in China, all products made in China are shipped to International Innovations' manufacturing and distribution center in Gallatin, Tenn., for quality control, imprinting and distribution.
Exports to China make up 8 percent of International Innovations' gross sales. Although 75 percent of the company's products are manufactured abroad, International Innovations remains the only company in this business that still manufactures wooden hangers in the United States.
A recent report from the U.S. Small Business Administration says 97 percent of U.S. exports in 1997 came from small businesses. In 1995, companies with less than 500 employees represented 87.7 percent of the total number of US businesses.
Edwards' company, with 66 employees -- six in Austin and 60 in Gallatin -- is among the 10 percent of all businesses that have fewer than 100 employees.
Edwards has worked in the coat hanger business most of his life, since he was 24 years old. "It was my first job," he says.
Over the years, Edwards learned how to manufacture and distribute them. Last year, International Innovations bought Austin's Nagel Manufacturing & Supply Co. Edwards was president of Nagel.
To keep down the costs of the labor-intensive manufacturing process, Edwards moved production to Taiwan in 1990. But there, too, the costs of manufacturing escalated. Now, Edwards travels several times a year to the Fujuian province in mainland China to occasionally check on plants there.
Edwards speaks highly of his Chinese business partners.
"We have found the companies we are working with in China to be very cooperative in developing new products," he says.
It's through this established relationship with the Chinese, combined with his own business experience and acumen, that Edwards easily became an advocate for the controversial proposal for permanent normal trade relations with China.
Edwards' stance on China trade relations was so firm that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce featured his company in recent promotional materials. Edwards felt so strongly about the need for passing the bill that, at his own expense, he joined 23 other U.S. small business executives May 16 in Washington, D.C., to talk to lawmakers about voting for the China trade bill.
Leslie Griffin, director of Asian affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, says: "Some of the companies got so energized in visiting their representatives that they dropped by offices that they didn't have appointments with. Those 23 companies became 23 energized China trade advocates.
"We heard reports that the Texas contingent knew the arguments well. We know that at least one representative visited by the teams of small business advocates was undecided and later voted for" the trade bill.
President Clinton supports the measure, which was passed 237-197 in May by the U.S. House. Labor unions are among the bill's fiercest foes.
"China is already trading with us," Edwards says. "Passing the most-favored- nation trade status gives U.S. companies an equal game to play and reduce the tariffs for us.
"Some congressman felt we would lose U.S. jobs as a result, but my experience has been that I couldn't find workers in the U.S. at the labor rates I could afford."
Regarding China's questionable record on human rights, Edwards says the United States can't influence changes unless U.S. companies are able to conduct normal business there.
The trade debate has landed in the U.S. Senate, which hasn't scheduled a vote on the bill. Texas Sens. Phil Gramm and Kay Bailey Hutchison favor the legislation, so Edwards probably won't be making another trip to Washington soon to push for its passage.
Instead, he'll hang around Austin to run his business.
EMILY SOPENSKY is an Austin-based freelance writer.


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Tourism Noosa on a new mission
WHILE the Sunshine Coast’s new tourism organisation remains in limbo until late July, Noosa is forging ahead with a new brand marketing campaign.
Despite heavily discounted packages tempting Australians offshore in greater numbers, and a strong Aussie dollar affecting inbound travel, Tourism Noosa chief Steve Cooper said the town was “holding its own and delivering encouraging results” through the traditionally quieter winter period.
The National and International Visitor Surveys to the year ending March this year, distributed by Tourism Research Australia, revealed that although Noosa’s domestic visitor numbers were down 13% on the previous year, it recorded a 4.5% increase in visitor nights and a boost to visitor spending of almost 2%.
Mr Cooper said the results showed the location remained a desirable destination despite the global downturn.
He said he expected Noosa to return to form once the impacts of the global financial crisis softened.
To respond to the short-term downturn, Noosa has implemented an immediate campaign to reach the South-East Queensland market and is about to launch a fresh branding initiative.
The campaign will include a Noosa feature for distribution in northern NSW, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, radio advertisements and a digital tie-in incorporating website, database and social media promotion.
“In the current climate, there can be no guarantees of success. But what we will do is chase the “one and two percenters” in the available market to maintain our share,” Mr Cooper said.
“This is not a time to sit on any laurels. Times are tough for our industry.”
A Tourism Noosa spokeswoman said Tourism Noosa formed part of the new peak Coast tourism body, Sunshine Coast Destination, which began on July 1.
She said Tourism Noosa had a service agreement with the destination management organisation to run the “northern desk”.
“They’ll certainly be involved from a regional perspective, working in collaboration with the other desks, but from a tactical perspective all the desks will still do some brand marketing ... which Noosa will continue to do,” the spokeswoman said.
The strong result in the visitor survey was driven by the Melbourne market which had fallen in recent years due to reduced air services into the Sunshine Coast.
But data showed a 60% increase in visitor nights and a spending increase from $99 million to $164 million.
Visitors from New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Germany and “other” European countries all returned solid increases in spending.


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CAMDEN, N.J., Feb 11, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Campbell Soup Company (NYSE:CPB) invites interested shareowners,
investors and consumers to listen to and view the slides accompanying
its presentation to securities analysts live over the Internet on
Wednesday, February 17, 2010, at 10:30 am Eastern Time.
under the “Shareholder Event / Webcast Information” banner
A replay of this broadcast will be available at the above website.
SOURCE: Campbell Soup Company
Campbell Soup CompanyAnthony Sanzio (Media)856-968-4390orJennifer Driscoll (Analysts)856-342-6081
Sign up to get the latest company news. Delivered from our family to yours.
To manage your email preferences, click here.


text:
Carrefour is to stop stocking PepsiCo products because of an "unacceptable increase in prices".
In general, the cost of supermarket shopping has risen by 14.1%.
So says the annual survey by Spain's Organisation of Consumers and Users.
Police caught him by chance when called to a domestic incident.
The prices of sixty products were studied.
Some supermarkets put prices up; by as much as 41% at one supermarket.
VAT has been cut on certain foods.
The consumers association questions why prices are continuing to rise.
With annual inflation clocking 10.3% in August, Spaniards have become increasingly concerned about the cost of living.
The distributors say that there are some problems with chicken and water.
There has been some rationing at supermarkets; restaurants haven't been affected.
Deposit and return has been on the cards in Mallorca for some time,
New Spanish law also proposes a container deposit and return system.
A key issue is getting workers signed back on to work.
There are six substantial supermarkets for what is a regular population of 20,000
There are six substantial supermarkets for what is a regular population of 20,000...
- Spain wants Britons to show they have 113.40 euros, £97, per day for their holidays
- Major security alert at Mallorca airport, surprise landing of flights from Morocco and Namibia
- Big changes on the horizon when Britons travel to Mallorca
- Over two hours for Britons to get through Palma airport queues
- Airport "chaos" and airlines taking advantage - Mallorca news round-up


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The development of Google’s Project Ara initiative has not gone as smoothly as was originally planned, although work on the modular smartphone platform is still very much ongoing. At the recent Google I/O developer conference, the search engine giant made it clear that 2017 is now the target for a Project Ara consumer device.
Work on Project Ara first started in 2013, but whilst Google remains committed to developing the platform, there have been some significant changes. Project Ara will no longer be as modular as was first intended, and it will not be possible for core components to be swapped.
What these changes mean in practical terms is that the main body of the Project Ara smartphone will contain a display, CPU, GPU, battery, antennas and sensors. All of these components will be fixed, with modularity restricted to items like the camera, fingerprint reader, speakers, additional display and optional accessories.
[via Ars Technica]


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All Rights Reserved Finance News 2020.
Indian companies to spend half of cloud budget on hybrid over 3 yrs: IBM
Business professionals in India are progressively planning to invest within hybrid multi-cloud platform tactics and capabilities to generate business transformation and to unlock value, shows a good IBM Institute for Business Benefit survey released on Thurs night.
According to the participants, 17 per cent of their very own IT spend is designated to cloud at present and so they plan to increase the reveal of spend on hybrid from 42 per cent to 49 per cent by 2023.
A majority of their very own cloud budgets are being designated to hybrid cloud tools even as their public cloud spend is set to decrease from 50 per cent reveal today to 43 percent by 2023.
The review was conducted from Feb . to April by the IBM Institute for Business Value within collaboration with Oxford Economics and covered 6,000 executives globally, including 412 executives from India, throughout industries, job titles in addition to geographies.
It said the majority of industries will exhibit development in the number of air they will deploy which can increase to 10 clouds specially in insurance, telecommunications in addition to retail as these industries is going to continue to expand several cloud deployments in the next 36 months.
Further, typically the study confirmed the return on investment (ROI) of a platform tactic as respondents said that the worth derived from a full hybrid, multi-cloud platform technology and working model at scale is definitely 2.5 times the value created from a single platform, single cloud vendor approach.
In simple fact, the platform approach is mentioned as accelerating value using scale.


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According to the recent report, Italian banks have expressed their desire to explore the European Central Bank Digital Currency. The Italian Banking Association (ABI), composed of 700 financial institutions, wants to accelerate the general implementation of the CBDC, which is backed by the European Central Bank ( ECB).
In regards, ABI has also handed out ten recommendations for a European digital currency during its Thursday announcement. The initial advice, which is the most important, suggests comprehensive complaisance with the appropriate European regulatory structure. On top of this, ABI also suggested financial sustainability as another crucial area.
Digital currencies are beneficial
The association also highlighted some advantages of a CBDC. It noted:
“A programmable digital currency represents an innovation in the financial field, capable of profoundly revolutionizing money and exchange. This is a transformation capable of bringing significant potential added value, particularly in terms of the efficiency of the operating and management processes”.
The development of a central bank cryptocurrency can aid in positioning Italy at a favorable spot to have proper administration of the country’s digital landscape. The features of the digital Euro can offer additional security to the financial system, on top of eliminating the inconveniences related to critical financial transactions like transferring of funds.
Furthermore, digital currencies can help a country achieve a completely cashless economy. This is particularly cost-effective since the cost of developing fiat currencies will be slashed or wholly abolished.
Italian banks dawn of innovation
The announcement highlighted the fact that digital currencies are programmable positions them as crucial innovations in the finance sector. ABI stated that Italian banks believe that the development of digital currencies will immensely revolutionize money and the financial system altogether.
Italy has joined several other countries that have expressed the desire to deploy a central bank digital currency. Early this year, the Bank of France asked the public to submit proposals for the possible experimentation of a CBDC. Furthermore, South Korea also established a panel early this month to research digital currencies.


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06/15/2011 // WPB, FL, USA // Personal Injury Lawyers News // Nicole Howley
Framingham, MA — About Emma’s Garden® Polka-Dot girls’ dresses 21,000 in the U.S., and 2,600 dresses in Canada were voluntarily recalled for choking hazards the dresses pose. The CPSC and TJX Companies, Inc. announced the product recall on June 15, 2011.
The product recall was issued after it was found that the decorative buttons on the front of the dress can detach, which poses a choking hazard to consumers.
“This recall involves the Emma’s Garden® polka-dot dresses. The girls’ dresses in sizes 12 months to 5T were sold in black and white and pink and white. There are three decorative buttons which are round, white and approximately ¾ inch in diameter. Dresses sold in the United States have neck tags bearing tracking number TJX-80327TDS1,” reported the CPSC.
Consumers are advised to return the dresses to the place of purchase for a full refund. T.J. Maxx sold the pink and white design and Marshalls sold the black and white design in the United States from February 2011 through May 2011 for about $13, the CPSC reported.
For more information concerning the product recall, consumers in the United States should call (800) 926-6299 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit www.tjmaxx.com or www.marshallsonline.com. Canada consumers can call toll-free (800) 646-9466 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit www.winners.ca.
Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for product liability attorneys.
Url: West Palm Beach Personal Injury Lawyer News


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In a move that some internet marketing pros are labeling too little, too late, YouTube has developed a mobile live-streaming technology.
Positioned to compete against Periscope and Facebook Live, this new version of YouTube live-streaming is being touted by its developers as the clear choice for major content creators. Despite this, critics say that this new version of YouTube live-streaming doesn’t do enough to distinguish itself from its competitors.
Capabilities Similar to Periscope & Facebook Live
While YouTube was eager to showcase its new live-streaming format when it was announced, those who had a chance to see the new platform in action expressed doubts that it was unique enough to siphon market share from Facebook and Periscope.
Internet marketing insiders have noted, for instance, that the look and interface of the full-screen live feed closely mirrors that of Periscope. The company also added live streaming notifications for channel subscribers, a feature already on Facebook. Furthermore, it announced that live feeds would be recorded and made immediately available post-broadcast. This feature is – you guessed it – already a part of both Facebook and Periscope.
The new platform’s lack of uniqueness could be bad news for YouTube, which is desperate to regain the internet’s live-streaming title – a title it lost by failing to anticipate mobile live-streaming.
Speed, Reliability to Attract Content Creators
Despite all this, YouTube expressed confidence that their new, improved live-streaming platform will woo content creators and internet marketing professionals. While the new platform doesn’t boast flashy or especially unique features, it does have one thing going for it: technical infrastructure.
YouTube claims that its live-streaming capabilities are faster, more robust, and more reliable than those offered by Facebook and Periscope. It’s betting that premium content creators and internet marketing teams will switch over to take advantage of these benefits.
YouTube even took a subtle shot at Facebook during the announcement. YouTube’s product lead for immersive experiences, Kurt Wilms, alluded to an infamous Facebook Live failure by saying that YouTube would be the choice for content creators who broadcasted major events, like interviews with the President. In May of this year, a Buzzfeed live interview with President Obama glitched and died on Facebook Live. Buzzfeed ended up directing its users to a YouTube feed of the event.
See your brand’s road to online success in 1080p resolution with the internet marketing experts at Qiigo. Call us today at (888) 673-1212 and find out how our internet marketing tools and solutions can help your brand.


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Blizzard has said Diablo III’s real-money auction house will launch this Friday, June 15. The date was announced in an in-game notification, which originally stated it would launch on June 13 – the same day as the US. Thanks, Eurogamer.
Buy our t-shirts, yeah
They're far more stylish than your average video game website tat.


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The New York State Senate has now green-lit a bill designed to prevent consumers from overpaying for their medications. It prohibits pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which are third-party companies that regulate selling and pricing of prescription medications, from two practices state lawmakers say unfairly earn PBMs money.
The first part of the bill requires PBMs like Express Scripts, CVS and UnitedHealth Group to disclose all pricing information for prescription drugs to buyers. That includes items like whether a person would be able to more cheaply buy a prescription out-of-pocket rather than through an insurer.
And the second part prohibits PBMs from making contracts with pharmacies called clawbacks that allow them to accept co-payments that are higher than the actual cost of the drug.
The bill has now passed both chambers of New York legislature, and now heads to Governor Andrew Cuomo's desk for approval.


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" Minnesota Vikings 2019 NFL Draft2019 NFL Draft Results: Minnesota Vikings select Kris BoydNew Marcus Epps Minnesota Vikings Jerseys ,8commentsAnother defensive back for Mike Zimmer to developCDTWith the first of their (projected) four seventh-round picks in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings have added another defensive back to the roster.Kris BoydMichael C. Johnson-USA TODAY SportsDate of Birth: College: University of TexasDrafted: Seventh round, #217 overallHeight: 5’11”Weight: 201 poundsCareer accomplishments: First-Team All-Big 12 (2018)Twitter handle: @kris23dbWith Pick #217 in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings have selected Kris Boyd, a cornerback from the University of Texas.Lance Zierlein of NFL.com had a fourth-round grade on Boyd Minnesota Vikings Jerseys 2019 , which makes him a bit of a steal by that metric. Here’s what he had to say about him.Welcome to Minnesota, Kris! You’re probably going to have to be fast" Minnesota Vikings 2019 OffseasonVikings single-game tickets to go on sale ThursdayNew,14commentsYou’re probably going to have to be fastCDTIf you’ve been waiting for your opportunity to get your hands on tickets for the 2019 Minnesota Vikings season, the time is nearly upon us.The team has announced that single-game tickets will go on sale this coming Thursday, 18 July Trae Waynes Jersey , at 10 AM Central time. The lowest-priced tickets from preseason games come on at $20, and you can get in the door for regular season games for as little as $62.It’s important to note that these tickets will only be available online via Ticketmaster. (That link will take you to the schedule, and you can click on each individual game for tickets to that contest.) There will be no sales done via box office or by telephone, and ticket sales are credit card only.If you are a Vikings Rewards member, there will be a pre-sale opportunity Eric Kendricks Jersey , though the article on the team’s website doesn’t specify when that will happen. If you’re not a Vikings Rewards member and would like to get in on that, you can sign up at www.myvikingsrewards.com.(UPDATE: Rob informs us in the comments that the Rewards pre-sale starts at 10 AM Central on Wednesday. He also politely asks that nobody logs on until he does.)It’s also important for fans to remember that, last season, the Vikings went to all-digital tickets. You will be able to manage your tickets through the Vikings’ official app.If you want to get your hands on Vikings’ tickets for this season, you’re probably going to have to be pretty quick on the trigger. The team has announced that 99% of last year’s season ticket holders renewed for 2019 Infant Marcus Epps Jersey , so there aren’t going to be a heck of a lot of tickets available.Are any of you folks out there planning on getting some single-game tickets? Which game or games are you hoping to attend?
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As Apple’s work on engineering the next wave of hardware refreshes to the Mac lineup continues, a tidbit that appeared in today’s Bloomberg report has corroborated earlier whispers which suggest that the next MacBook Pro might bring back the removed memory card slot.
The tidbit was briefly mentioned in today’s story by Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman. The story focuses on a thinner, lighter MacBook Air with MagSafe, coming in the second half of this year or early-2022, along with a larger MacBook Air with a 15-inch screen that Apple has considered building but decided against moving forward with for the next generation.
Consternated photographers, rejoice!
Here’s the relevant excerpt from the Bloomberg report:
The upcoming MacBook Pro is an example of Apple’s renewed focus on Mac loyalists. The company is planning to bring back an SD card slot for the next MacBook Pros so users can insert memory cards from digital cameras.
Apple has removed the helpful memory card slot from the MacBook Pro back in 2016.
It coincided with Apple’s transition to USB-C.
Apple giveth, Apple taketh away
Mac notebooks nowadays exclusively rely on USB-C for everything from charging to data to external storage, monitors, etc. But removing all non-USB-C ports has backfired because the world wasn’t ready for a utopian future in which all devices use USB-C for everything.
As a result, dongles proliferated. In turn, that has complicated the lives of professional photographers and video creators who could no longer insert a memory card into an SD slot to transfer their work to a computer without too much fuss. It’s especially problematic for Apple’s brand because those people are some of the key segments of the MacBook Pro’s user base.
That’s not the only thing going away from a notebook that prides itself with having a Pro suffix in its name. The mostly useless Touch Bar function row, for example, is also going. On the flip side, the beloved MagSafe magnetic charger feature is making a comeback.
And we also might get Macs with Face ID and integrated cellular modems in the future.


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The following editorial appeared in the Dallas Morning News:
Unlike past holiday seasons, the consumer love affair with plastic finally may be giving away to something far less seductive - financial prudence.
Layaway plans and paying in cash are making comebacks, and shoppers say they'll be looking for sales and combining trips to save gas. Even conspicuously consuming Texans say they'll try to holiday-shop without running up massive new credit card charges.
What novel ideas - limiting purchases to what you can afford and not a dime more, or making sure to pay off the holiday bill before interest charges and fees kick in. Hmm, an old-fashioned analog approach to spending in the digital world of instant gratification.
Reality has reshaped the shopping psyche, at least for the time being. Many Americans are unemployed or behind on their credit card payments. Card companies are demanding larger minimum payments and imposing higher rates to reap profits before tight new federal regulations take effect next year. Now, more than ever, consumers should use plastic with caution.
Suppose you have $5,000 in credit card debt with a 28 percent interest rate, which is not an uncommon amount for households that carry a monthly balance. Make no more charges, send the minimum payment each month, and you'll pay off that debt in, well, never.
Your prospects of financial freedom are only slightly better at a 15 percent interest rate; in only 24 years you'll be debt-free, after paying $7,246 in interest. Hunker down and pay off the bill in three years, and you'll fork over $1,240 in interest.
If you doubt this, then punch in your card balance at the Federal Reserve's credit card calculator (www.federalreserve.gov/creditcardcalculator).
Credit card companies don't force Americans to spend beyond their means, but they have made it exceedingly difficult for consumers to fix their broken finances. Card companies are levying higher rates, tighter terms and penalties on even loyal, punctual cardholders.
The good news is that Americans - at least those with jobs - are trying to reduce credit card debt. TransUnion, a credit reporting agency, says late payments this summer declined slightly, a significant occurrence because delinquencies usually rise as people charge expenses for vacations and back-to-school shopping.
This much is certain: If you don't want to pay many times over for Christmas gifts, don't shop till you drop, and leave the plastic at home.
© 2018. All Rights Reserved. | Contact Us


text: It is nice to see different colorways being released often especially when there is some good story behind it. Even some sneaker brands giving options to the consumers to customize their own colorways and even materials. These things are good but what about the latest innovation? With the success of the Boost cushion, Adidas will be bold once again as it teases their plans in the future. This latest innovation concerns 3D printing which could even give the consumer more freedom. They even teased us by saying "Imagine walking into an adidas store, running briefly on a treadmill and instantly getting a 3D-printed running shoe." Curious? Well, you can check this video and feel free to share your comments below.


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Last week, we reported on the closures of several KFC stores in the UK due to issues in the supply chain.
Failures in logistical planning from supplier DHL resulted in hundreds of KFC outlets unable to open their doors to customers due to lack of chicken. Estimations put the cost of this crisis at £1million per day.
Blame was accredited to “teething problems” in the arrangement with DHL, who had recently won the contract from renowned food suppliers, Bidvest, a food logistics specialist who had been supplying KFC for eight years prior.
Recent news indicates that KFC has now decided to split its supply needs between the two companies, with Bidvest servicing the 350 sites in the northern part of the UK. A long-term contract was signed between the two companies on Thursday 8th March.
Commenting on the move, Paul Whyte of Bidvest Logistics said: “We are delighted to welcome KFC back to Bidvest Logistics. As the UK’s leading foodservice logistics specialist, we understand the complexities of delivering fresh chicken. KFC is a valued customer, and we will provide them with a seamless return to our network.”
Whilst a spokesperson for DHL stated: “We acknowledge KFC’s decision to invite Bidvest Logistics to service its 350 restaurants in the north of the UK.
“In conjunction with our partners, we remain fully committed to delivering excellent service to KFC’s remaining 550 restaurants across the UK.”
This incident only goes to prove how important preparations and staged implementation plans are in supply chain management, especially if you are changing one of your crucial suppliers.
Additionally it highlights how companies can reduce risks in their supply chain by spreading their needs across two suppliers; an understandable and strategic move by KFC considering the recent events. Luckily, KFC have significant spend in this area which has allowed them to opt for a dual source situation.
Consulting with procurement companies who understand your needs and budget, as well as the service quality you will get from your suppliers, can help to eliminate problems like this along the way. For more information on distribution costs and suppliers, contact our specialist Charles Reid on email@example.com.
Article by: Charles Reid


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Bosses of cinema chain Cineworld have waived salaries and bonuses as they struggle with a downturn in business due to coronavirus restrictions.
The world's second largest cinema chain has closed its 787 cinemas in 10 countries because of the virus.
The UK-based firm is also suspending dividend payments, and is in talks with lenders and film studios about mitigating the impact on trading.
Meanwhile, theatres are also reporting difficulties as shows are cancelled.
Some theatres have asked customers to donate ticket costs or exchange tickets for cancelled shows. While they are also offering refunds, they point out that the money from tickets is crucial to their survival.
For example, London's Shaftesbury Theatre emailed ticket buyers to say: "This is a very difficult time for the Shaftesbury Theatre and for the company.
"Because of this, we would like to ask you to strongly consider exchanging your ticket for a later performance rather than requesting a refund."
Shakespeare's Globe had similar sentiments, telling customers: "As a charity, the Globe survives entirely on ticket sales and supporters. We receive no annual government subsidy."
In a statement, Cineworld said the current situation was "impossible to imagine a few months ago".
It added: "This has obviously been extremely challenging in many respects. Every effort is being made to mitigate the effect of the closures, to assist our employees and to preserve cash.
"Until there is greater clarity on the prevailing circumstances and given the impact of Covid-19 on many of our employees, the executive directors have voluntarily agreed to defer payment of their full salaries and any bonuses to which they are entitled.
"Similarly, during this period the non-executive directors will defer their fees."
Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said that Cineworld's "admission that government-mandated closure of cinemas has been 'extremely challenging' ranks up there with 'Houston we have a problem' in terms of understatement".
Richard Green, leisure partner at lawyers Gowling WLG, said: "This is a sad reflection of the obvious effect of current circumstances on the leisure market, but it need not be the end of the story as far as the brand goes.
"It is important to look closely at the business model and utilise in-house innovation to ensure it is as well placed as it can be when the lockdown ends."
Cinemas and theatres across the UK, as well as pubs, restaurants, gyms and other public meetings places were ordered to close last month to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Some had started shutting their doors a week earlier when Prime Minister Boris Johnson advised people to avoid public venues, without ordering their closure.
Takings in the UK and Ireland had already started to fall before that, with takings for the second full weekend in March down 50% on the previous weekend.
Many new films, including the new James Bond film, had also had their release dates put back.


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This item originally appeared on finews.asia. This item has been updated to include comment from GLDB.
One of Singapore’s four planned digital banks has opened its doors for business.
Green Link Digital Bank (GLDB), which received one of Singapore’s two wholesale digital banking licenses, has begun operations, the company said in a press release Friday. The bank said it is targeting commercial banking for micro-small-medium enterprises (MSMEs) with supply-chain financing and technology services.
On its website, GLDB said its services include business term loans without collateral and a digital token. A representative of GLDB told finews.asia that onboarding of customers will be done in stages, with customers to have access online via the bank’s website. The digital token would be available via GLDB’s app, the representative said via email. A cursory search of Apple’s app store for a GLDB app didn’t immediately yield any results.
Song Qun, vice chairman of GLDB, said the bank aimed to use experience serving MSMEs in Singapore to become the leading supply-chain finance technology service provider.
“We will continue to explore the application of advanced technologies such as AI, blockchain, cloud computing, and big data (ABCD) in supply chain finance, incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into our product development and growth strategies, and create a digital banking industry benchmark, contribute to the Singapore market, and realise sustainable growth,” Song said in the statement.
In December 2020, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) awarded four digital banking licenses.
A consortium comprising Grab and Singtel, and an entity wholly owned by Sea were awarded digital full bank (DFB) licenses, while the wholesale bank license winners were a consortium including Greenland Financial Holding and, Linklogis Hong Kong, and an entity wholly owned by Ant Group.
In Singapore, digital full banks are allowed to take deposits from retail customers, while digital wholesale banks can cater to the monetary needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The MAS had originally expected operations at the digital banks to start early this year. The Grab-Singtel consortium, called GXS Bank, is targeting a launch in the second half of this year.
Greenland Financial Holdings is a subsidiary of Chinese real estate developer Greenland Group. On its LinkedIn profile, Greenland Group said it is one of the largest state-owned enterprises in Shanghai, adding it has construction projects across 65 cities on the mainland. In late May, Greenland Group sought a repayment delay from holders of a US$488 million note due in late June, indicating signs of financial stress, according to a Bloomberg report.


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(WTVO) — Marijuana was made recreationally legal in 2020 in Illinois, leading many residents to hit up their local dispensary and purchase the plant. However, they may still be wondering how much they can have at a time.
The amount of marijuana that a person can have depends on if they are from, or out of, the state, according to the State of Illinois. Residents are able to purchase much more product from an Illinois dispensary then people from out of the state can.
Illinois residents are able to have 30 grams of cannabis flower, five grams of cannabis concentrate and no more than 500 milligrams of THC contained in a cannabis-infused product. Residents in the medical cannabis pilot program may have more than 30 grams of flower, but only if it is grown and secured in their residence under certain conditions.
People from out-of-state can come into Illinois to visit a dispensary, but the amount that they will be able to purchase is greatly reduced. Non-Illinois residents can have 15 grams of cannabis flower, 2.5 grams of cannabis and no more than 250 milligrams of THC contained in a cannabis-infused product.


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India Covid: Many UAE expats cancelling flight tickets, travel agents say
Many travellers are postponing their tickets as they are expecting ease on curfew which makes them uncertain about travel date.
India flight tickets that had been booked for the Eid holidays are now being cancelled or postponed, travel agents told Khaleej Times on Tuesday.
Besides the surge in Covid cases back in India, the curfews and sudden change in restrictions without prior notice were cited as the main reasons behind the flight booking changes, they said.
“The travellers book their flight ticket a few weeks prior to their travel date. But the changes in Covid-19 restrictions came as a surprise to them. Many are cancelling their tickets due to uncertainty in restrictions in India,” said Raja Mir Waseem, manager of the Galadari International Travel Service (ITS).
He added: “Many travellers are postponing their tickets as they are expecting ease on curfew which makes them uncertain about travel date.”
Bharat Aidasani, managing partner at Pluto Travels, said most cancellations and postponements were for flights in the Delhi and Mumbai sector.
“Indian expats in the UAE often go home to spend time with their families during festivals, like Eid Al Fitr. But this year, the situation is quite different. Travellers to Mumbai and Delhi are hesitant to travel due to the sudden spread of Covid-19. Some are also worried about getting stranded in India if a second lockdown is imposed,” said Aidasani.
Travel agencies are expecting an uptick in GCC air travel after May 17, as Saudi Arabia is set to resume international flights.
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- Consumers to get 9W LED bulb at Rs. 70/-, and tube lights for Rs. 230/- from designated kiosks at MSPDCL sub-divisional offices
- EESL plans to distribute 10 Lakh LED bulbs and 2 lakh LED tube lights in state
Imphal, June 28, 2017: Hon’ble Minister of Power Thongam Biswajit Singh launched the Government of India’s flagship Unnat Jeevan by Affordable LEDs and Appliances for all (UJALA)programme in Manipur today. Under the UJALA scheme in the state, consumers can buy high quality 9W LED bulbs at Rs. 70/-and 20W LED tube lights at Rs. 230/- respectively.
The scheme is being implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a JV under the administration of Ministry of Power, Government of India, and Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) shall provide logistical support for smooth functioning of the scheme in the state.In the first phase, the distribution shall take place from four sub-divisions of MSPDCL which will be extended to rest of the sub-divisions soon.
In Manipur, EESL plans to distribute over 10lakh LED bulbs and 2 lakh LED tube lights. The state would be able to make annual energy savings of 14crore kWh. It is estimated that the annual savings in consumer electricity bills would be more than Rs.55 crores by adopting these appliances. The use of UJALA appliances will also result in reduction of 30MW of peak demand, as well as an annual reduction of CO2 emission by1,12,000 tonnes. In its first phase EESL along with MSPDCL will distribute 80,000 LED Bulbs and 20,000 Tube lights.
Speaking at the occasion, Thongam Biswajit Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Power, Government of Manipur said, “The government of Manipur takes pride in partnering with EESL to welcome the UJALA scheme in the state. The scheme shall help the state’s consumers to save energy and costs, while also benefitting the environment by reducing emission of greenhouse gases. I urge all the citizens of the state to come out in large numbers to make Manipur energy efficient by availing the benefits that these appliances provide.”
Each household in the state is eligible for purchase of six 9W LED bulbs and two 20W LED tube lights, which can be purchased upon providing a government recognized photo ID proof along with the electricity bill. These appliances will be available at four sub-divisions of MSPDCL in the first phase and shall be listed under the UJALA Dashboard www.ujala.gov.in. By clicking on ‘Manipur’ or by downloading the UJALA app, the consumer will be able to locate the nearest distribution centre in their city to buy energy efficient appliances.
EESL advisesall consumers not to pay anything above Rs 70/- for the LED bulb. If consumers notice or come across anyone demanding higher prices than the stated price, they should immediately report such cases at “Register your complaint” section on UJALA dashboard www.ujala.gov.in, or on EESL social media handles – for Twitter @EESL_India and for Facebook @EESLIndia. They can also contact the all India helpline number1800 180 3580 or mail at [email protected].
The LED bulbs and LED tubelights provided under the UJALA scheme are of superior quality and come with a three-year free replacement warranty. The LED bulbs have a lifetime of 25,000 hours and consume only one-tenth of the energy used by ordinary bulbs to provide better light output. Moreover, the 20W LED tube lights are 50 percent more energy efficient than the conventional 40 W tube lights.
During the distribution phase, replacement of faulty appliances, if any, can be done through any of the distribution counters that would be operating within the state.
The UJALA scheme was launched by the Government of India on January 5, 2015 with a target of replacing 77 crore inefficient bulbs with Energy Efficient LED Bulbs. Currently, over 24.2 crore LED bulbs, 25.1 lakh tube lights and 9 lakh fans have already been distributed across 27 states. This has led to annual energy savings of more than 3,166 crore kWh and resulting in avoidance of over 6,370 MW of peak demand. The estimated cumulative cost reduction in bills of consumers, per year is INR 12,652 crores and has also helped in reduction of 2.56 crore tonnes of CO2 per annum.
A joint venture of NTPC Limited, Power Finance Corporation, Rural Electrification Corporation and POWERGRID, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) was set up under Ministry of Power to facilitate implementation of energy efficiency projects. EESL is a Super Energy Service Company (ESCO) that seeks to unlock energy efficiency market in India, estimated to at US$ 12 billion that can potentially result in energy savings of up to 20 per cent of current consumption, by way of innovative business and implementation models. It also acts as the resource centre for capacity building of State DISCOMs, ERCs, SDAs, upcoming ESCOs, financial institutions, etc.
For further information related to EESL, please contact:
Ms. Neha Bhatnagar
Manager – PR
Energy Efficiency Services Limited
This Press Release was sent by Sasanka Gupta Kashyap, who can be contacted at sasankagk(at)gmail(dot)com.


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News last week that Gerry Weber Group executive Norbert Steinke was stepping down from the management board has been followed up with an announcement that he is also quitting as Hallhuber managing director.
Gerry Weber may have its problems at the moment with ongoing losses and the departure of its retail chief last week. But the company was upbeat Monday as it revealed Eva Herzigova as its new face for the AW17 campaign.
Just a week after under-pressure womenswear giant Gerry Weber reported falling sales but said its turnaround was on track, it has parted with one of its top execs its share price has fallen as a result.
It’s not been an easy time for former womenswear powerhouse Gerry Weber of late but the company was upbeat this week even though it had to report lower sales and profits for the six months to April 30.
Gerry Weber International has had a bruising time in recent periods but there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel as the firm starts to recover on the back of a carefully controlled turnaround strategy.
According to the company, the two parties reached an “amicable agreement,” effective immediately. Auhagen will be succeeded by Ingo Wilts, who will take up his post as CBO no later than November 1, 2016.


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4G comes to Zambia
INTERNETBy BiztechAfrica - March 22, 2012, 2:25 p.m.
By Edith Mwale, Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia’s AfriConnect has become the first Internet service provider (ISP) in the country to launch a 4G network, which is says is expected to change the country’s internet landscape.
In January this year, mobile service provider Airtel launched its 3.75G data network, which then became the fastest in the country. However, now the 4G WiMAX network by AfriConnect is billed as the fastest in the country.
AfriConnect Zambia managing director Mark Bennett said at the launch in Lusaka yesterday that AfriConnect’s 4G units include routers and WiFi access point. Bennett said users can also buy dongles for the 4G network.
“They are all you need to get the internet up and running at a speed to share between all the computer users in your office or home. You will be able to buy them off the shelf in key stores in Lusaka,” said Bennett.
Bennett said at the launch that with rapidly increasing amounts of international internet connectivity coming into Zambia through fibre optic cables, new ways have to be found of getting the link to users at higher speeds.
Despite Zambia having several ISPs, AfriConnect is the only ISP in the country that has a direct link to South Africa. The link was established last year to enhance internet services and lower the high cost of internet connectivity in the country.
Yamfwa Mukanga, Zambian Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications, officiated at the launch. He said said the AfriConnect 4G network would offer the best and fastest connectivity to the internet for Zambians.
Mukanga said the Zambian government was committed to working the ICT sector on pricing and reviewing taxes.
“So I look forward to continued expansion of you 4G network and lower prices with suitable modern devices. This could make a major impact upon the development of our country if we get it right,” said Mukanga.
Mukanga said the Zambian government was committed to the attainment of a knowledge economy by the year 2030. This means, Mukanga said that there should be an increase in ICT exposure in schools, training institutions and on the job training.
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Sat, Jun 23, 2012
First Penalty For A Violation Of The DOT's New Consumer Protection Rules
The U.S. DOT has assessed a civil penalty of $130,000 against the Mexican airline Volaris for failing to inform consumers that they may have to pay baggage fees when buying a ticket on the carrier. This is the first penalty assessed for a violation of the provisions of the Department’s new aviation consumer rule that took effect this past January.
“We adopted our rule on baggage fees to make sure that consumers have complete and accurate information about how much they will have to pay when they book a flight,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. “We will continue to take enforcement action when carriers fail to comply with our rules.”
Under DOT’s new rule, carriers must clearly and prominently disclose on the first screen that offers a fare for a customer’s specific itinerary that additional fees for baggage may apply, as well as show consumers where they can view the baggage fees. The rule applies to all airlines selling air transportation in the United States, including foreign carriers.
For a period of time beginning Jan. 24, 2012, the date the new requirement took effect, a search of flights on Volaris’ website displayed itineraries that listed the fares for outbound and inbound flights, but failed to inform consumers that additional baggage fees might apply.
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With a potential recession on the horizon, we know you want resources to help your business master the moment. We've put together our Agility & Excellence Resource Center to bring you strategies and solutions with a finger on the pulse of what's ahead.
Insurance experts often examine how outside influences and trends affect the insurance marketplace. Your business should follow suit to determine the factors that impact insurance coverage. Consider these sweeping market developments in 2023.
1 – Consequences from Continued Labor Shortages
A recent survey by financial services company Provident Bank reported 75% of businesses are impacted by current worker shortages. Several factors have caused these deficiencies including the pandemic’s influence on workers to reevaluate their employment priorities. Arrangements (e.g., work-life balance, compensation, expansive benefits, flexible hours, remote capabilities) are highly sought after by workers.
Economists expect labor shortages to continue throughout 2023 and foreseeably impact businesses. Shortages can contribute to overworked employees, lowered staff morale, reduced productivity, project delays, widespread skills gaps, project quality concerns, increased workplace accidents and property damage.
Many organizations have adjusted their hiring and retention tactics to combat labor shortages. Moving forward, businesses must remain innovative to meet shifts in employee expectations and attract talent.
2- Supply Chain Threats
Since the onset of the pandemic, numerous supply chain disruptions have taken place. Most issues originated from pandemic-related closures that forced production slowdowns and a subsequent lack of availability. While businesses have resumed normal operations and increased production levels, consumer demand continues to outweigh inventory. Contributing to further supply chain bottlenecks, international disruptions (e.g., global port congestion, geopolitical conflict), elevating fuel and energy expenses, catastrophic weather events and continued warehouse worker and truck driver shortages have hindered shipment and delivery times for high-demand goods.
Some economic experts believe these supply chain issues will continue into the summer of 2023 before eventually subsiding. According to the SAP survey, some business leaders plan to adopt new supply chain technology (74%), introduce updated contingency plans (67%), prioritize U.S.-based supply chain solutions (60%) and search for more eco-friendly options (58%).
3 - Inflationary Impacts
Widespread labor shortages and supply chain concern issues have contributed to rising inflation concerns in the commercial insurance space. Last year was particularly troubling, as evidenced by a surging consumer price index (CPI). Altogether, the elevated CPI has driven up claim costs for several lines of commercial coverage, therefore inflating total loss expenses across property and casualty markets.
Within the property insurance space, prompted by increased labor and material expenses, the costs to repair, replace or rebuild structures and their contents after losses have soared. In the auto insurance market, brought on by supply chain disruptions for several critical vehicle parts (and vehicles overall), repair expenses and subsequent accident costs have also surged. The workers’ compensation and liability insurance segments are also affected by other forms of inflation, namely, medical and wage inflation.
Wage inflation could prompt increased rates as payroll is leveraged as an exposure base to calculate workers’ compensation premiums.
The Federal Reserve (Fed) has steadily hiked interest rates to help curb overall inflation concerns. Moving into 2023, economic analysts predict that the Fed’s efforts will eventually pay off and inflation will slowly subsidize throughout the year. In the meantime, insurance carriers will continue to face inflation-related challenges to maintain coverage pricing to keep up with more volatile loss trends.
4 - Potential Recession Risks
During a recession, businesses without substantial revenues, excess reserves and the capital necessary to offset extended periods of loss are more prone to be forced into difficult financial decisions to avoid difficulties (e.g., insolvency, bankruptcy). Your company may need to reduce operational costs and consider staff reductions to stay operational.
According to a recent KPMG survey, more than 75% of executives confirmed that their businesses have recession-proof measures. Preventive actions include solid financial planning, scaling back operations, promoting steady cash flow, proper debt management, strong stakeholder connections and leveraging marketing strategies. Commercial risks traditionally increase during a downturn. Your business must maintain sufficient coverage in a recession and secure financial protection against potential losses.
5 – Social Inflation Influences
The insurance industry uses the term social inflation to explain social factors that drive up the cost of insurance. In general, social inflation refers to trends that influence the ever-rising costs of insurance claims and lawsuits. Current trends driving up social inflation:
- Third-Party Litigation Funding: This occurs when a third-party finances a lawsuit in exchange for a portion of the settlement. The third-party covers most, if not all, of the associated litigation expenses and, increases the volume of cases.
- Tort Reform: Used to prevent frivolous lawsuits and preserve laws that hinder abusive practices against businesses. Many states have enacted tort reforms over the last several decades, influencing fewer claims and punitive damage caps.
- Plaintiff-Friendly Legal Decisions & Large Jury Rewards: Organizations are being held to a higher standard for how they conduct their business. Juries are increasingly likely to sympathize with plaintiffs, especially if a business’ reputation has been tarnished.
6 - Historic Extreme Weather Events
Extreme weather events (e.g., hurricanes, tornadoes, hailstorms, wildfires) continue to become increasingly devastating and costly. Making matters worse, these events are not limited to one geographic area or weather event; they can impact businesses and residents across the U.S. Influential 2022 events include:
- Over 61,000 wildfires burned 7.25 million acres.
- Droughts and heat waves caused over 100 fatalities and $9 billion in damages.
- High winds and hundreds of tornadoes wreaked havoc and resulted in more than $10 billion in damages.
- A series of large-scale hailstorms and a powerful derecho contributed to over $5 billion in damages.
- The 2022 hurricane season recorded 14 storms and caused 200 fatalities and $110 billion in damages.
- Historical inland flooding produced 42 fatalities and over $1 billion in damages.
Many weather experts believe catastrophic storms, extreme temperatures, wildfires and flooding are the new norm. As these disasters become more frequent, the insurance industry will need to adopt solutions to keep up with weather-related losses. Your businesses should expect to encounter additional emphasis on weather readiness from insurers.
7 - Geopolitical Conflicts
The Russian-Ukraine war led to a year of severe international disruptions with far-reaching impacts, such as new tariffs, export restrictions, economic sanctions, and surging fuel and energy costs. International conflicts have intensified inventory backlogs, material shortages, and supply chain issues. Your organization should prepare for potential disruptions and reduce transportation costs. This can be performed by prioritizing fleet fuel efficiency, monitoring international trade policies and considering domestic production solutions (e.g., switching to domestic vendors) to remain fully operational.
These conflicts have heightened security concerns about nation-state cyber threats. Many businesses have secured insurance coverages to protect against potential cyberwarfare losses. The process can be challenging as war exclusions are commonly found in both commercial property and cyber insurance policies.
We’re Here to Help Protect Against Market Challenges
The current hardened market will force insurance buyers to face complex considerations for their insurance coverages. Thankfully, you aren’t without recourse. Your business can proactively address risk losses and manage exposures will be better able to manage the current market conditions. Leaders who educate themselves on the trends that influence their insurance will better understand what can be done to influence their rates. Connect with a member of our team for more insights and tips in the current property and casualty market.