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A smart move by Huawei to go it alone
- Frustrated by Washington’s bans on exports of key components and software, the Chinese telecoms giant has built its own operating system; now, let the competition begin
Building a smartphone is difficult without the essential components of chips and software. Restricted in access to both by Washington’s bans on American exports, the Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei has done what any innovator would do: make its own.
The firm’s launch of an improved version of its HarmonyOS operating system is a milestone for China’s technological development, pitting it directly against the market’s American behemoths, Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS. Self-reliance is an inevitable outcome of US efforts to stifle China’s rise, and with the competition that has been created will come better devices that will improve businesses and lives.
HarmonyOS 2.0 is billed as the world’s first operating system dedicated to the era of the Internet of Things. Without the use of apps, it is claimed to be able to function across a wide array of devices and household items.
Such innovations are the result of US trade bans that forced Huawei to stop using Android on its phones; software updates were no longer possible and many apps were blocked. The restrictions as yet do not apply to the firm’s main Chinese competitors, Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo, which all use Android and have surpassed it in sales due to the sanctions.
Can Huawei's Harmony OS for smartphones compete with Google's Android and Apple's iOS?
Overhauling its competition would be a mammoth task for Huawei; Google has about 86 per cent and Apple the remaining 14 per cent of the smartphone operating system market. Several competitors have unsuccessfully tried to take a share, among them Microsoft and Samsung, which is the world’s smartphone leader with about 22 per cent of sales.
Huawei held that position in the second quarter of 2020, but the trade bans imposed in May 2019 have hit the company hard and its share has been reduced to just 4 per cent.
Convincing consumers to shift from Android and iOS will be challenging given the features and apps they have available. Should the US rivalry with China worsen and American sanctions be widened to Huawei’s competitors, a domestic switch may not be so difficult.
But Chinese smartphones have a significant global share in large part due to affordability, and a shift may not be so easy for users in Southeast Asia, Africa and elsewhere. Innovation holds the key – and so far, Huawei has shown desire, skill and ability.


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Last week, Telio posted its Q2 results, and Vonage did the same earlier last month. After having a cursory read of their filings, I felt it was a good time to revisit things and see if the storyline has materially changed. A line-by-line analysis of their filings may lead to such a conclusion, but a quick read was enough for me, especially since I�m following this space regularly. So, in short, my earlier position has only been validated by the Q2 results � Telio�s business model has a much better chance of success than Vonage�s.
Aside from Vonage�s post-IPO share price free fall, nothing dramatic has happened since their IPOs. The changes have really been incremental, and the Q2 numbers simply provide some substance to important trends that show how these two operators are on different trajectories.
First, let�s look at Telio. The big story there is crossing the 100,000 subscriber plateau in Q2. Compared to Vonage this is puny, but their main market, Norway, is 1/70th the size of the U.S., and relatively speaking, this is a noteworthy milestone. In addition to the total number growing, Telio is having success selling into multiple markets. Norway is their home base, but the Q2 numbers also show growth in Denmark and Holland.
On May 15, Telio also added a mobile offering via a reseller deal with Telenor. Their offering � Telio Mobil � represents a small fraction of the overall total, but provides valuable experience selling into the mobile market, which can only be good going forward. I�m not alone in thinking that this has long been a missing link for Vonage, and I suspect it�s late in the game for Vonage to be going down this road.
In short, the subscriber count is growing, revenues are growing, marketing costs are staying in check, and channels are expanding. In Denmark, Telio is available across 55 7-11 stores � can you imagine signing up for Vonage with your Big Slurpee in the U.S.? Not me. Another thing they�ve done is taken more of their telemarketing in-house, which they claim has resulted in �more than 20% increase in sales efficiency�. I�m not sure how you measure this, but it�s not a big leap to conclude this will be more economical than outsourcing.
The number that really jumps out for me is that for Q2, sales and marketing expenses were 15% of revenues � down from 17% in Q2 last year. Not only is the trend in the right direction, but the level of spend is orders of magnitude lower than Vonage, and really is the key to explaining the financial health of these operators.
Now let�s look at Vonage�s Q2. We all know what happened to their IPO, and this filing is a timely reality check. Their share price has settled into the $7-$8 range, more than 50% below opening day, but has been trending up recently, and is now just shy of $9.
As expected, subscriber growth continues to be strong, hitting a bit above 1.8 million in Q2. They�ve added a million subs since Q2 last year, which is probably more than all the U.S. VoIP pureplays combined. Correspondingly, the revenue story shows significant dollars, coming in just below $250 million for the first half of 2006.
As a sidebar to these particular numbers, I should add that in today�s NYT, there�s an interview with Jeff Citron, and the story reveals that Vonage has just topped 2 million subs. I wrote this post prior to seeing the NYT article, which I came across on Andy Abramson's blog today. Andy has a great analysis of the story and provides a link to the full text of the interview. I find the timing interesting that the day I run this post, there's a NYT interview with Jeff Citron. If anything, Jeff's comments reinforce much of what I'm saying here, and I didn't see anything there that would change my thinking.
On face value, the above fundamentals of subscribers and revenues are to die for in the VoIP market, but as we know, that�s just one side of the coin. I have no doubt that these numbers will continue to grow, but the Q2 filing shows signs of realism and the bigger picture which tells the full story.
First is the tacit recognition that the competitive environment will make the future less certain � �we do not expect to sustain our historical subscriber line growth rate��. That is not news, but comments like this are setting the stage for what Vonage knows will be a more normalized growth path.
Secondly, contrary to Telio�s story, there is no evidence that customer acquisition costs will be declining in a big way any time soon. Q2 marketing spend was $90 million - $1 million a day � up 46% from a year ago. A big part of this is the inevitable maturation of the VoIP market, as it shifts from early adopters to mass adoption. This is reflected by the need to shift spending from relatively inexpensive online advertising to mass market media like TV and direct mail. They may be spending big dollars for online marketing in an absolute sense, but clearly, to reach the broader market, Vonage will have to migrate to more expensive media and high profile event marketing such as this year�s World Cup.
In their words, �for 2006, we will continue to incur a significant amount of marketing costs as we pursue our growth strategy��. That says it all for me, as the name of the game appears to be acquire as many customers as possible � as opposed to a strategy of finding a more economical way to do business, even at the expense of rapid growth.
Finally, some commentary about the costs of doing business. As Vonage grows and competes more intensely against incumbents, they must bear a variety of costs, such as termination fees to legacy carriers, E-911 compliance, co-locating fees to expand their network, and porting phone numbers for new subscribers. So, while they report a slight decrease in direct costs from last year - $7.52 per line � it seems clear that over time, these costs will likely creep up.
There is a similar story on the revenue side. ARPU was $27.70 in Q2, up from $26.63 last year. This looks like good news until you realize that most of the increase is coming from the E-911 Cost Recovery fee they are now charging. Furthermore, starting in May, Vonage added free calling to some European countries, which will now slightly erode ARPU, since subscribers were previously paying for those calls.
And let�s not forget churn, the acid test metric for telcos. Q2 monthly churn was 2.3%, up slightly from 2.1% a year ago. The difference is small, but the trend is not in the right direction, and based on Telio�s claims, Vonage�s churn is quite a bit higher than theirs.
All of this points to a very challenging environment for Vonage, and I�d say their direction and prospects remains quite different from Telio. That said, I can�t help but cite Russell Shaw�s Aug. 30 post noting Vonage�s recent stock uptick. Their stock has been at $7 or less for several weeks, and Russell ponders if the current upward trend is sustainable. He�s pretty skeptical, and I�m of like mind.
I think the big issue and difference facing Vonage and Telio is the simple fact that the U.S. market is much more competitive, and as the MSOs start to dominate, it becomes harder for any VoIP pureplay to make a go of things. This is underscored by Vonage�s closest pureplay rival, Packet 8. They have been public for years, and have little to show for it. Their Q2 results tell a similar story to Vonage, but not quite as good.
Packet 8�s subscriber growth is positive, and they hit 151,000 lines in Q2 � 1/12th of Vonage. However, they report lower ARPU from last year, and churn is way up, from 2.6% to 4.1%. Q2 showed a modest operating loss of $6 million, but the scary number is the accumulated deficit of $201 million. Yeow. And the future doesn�t look much better � �we will continue to incur operating losses for the foreseeable future, and such losses may be substantial�.
So if this is the state of the nation for the #1 and #2 pureplay VoIP operators, you really have to wonder where the upside is � for anybody � these companies, their investors and their customers. One can only hope they can find a viable business model, or failing that, a buyer that understands how to profitably leverage their assets.
And to make things interesting, rising star SunRocket just announced fresh funding. They claim to have bigger numbers than Packet 8, and look to be ramping up to become the undisputed #2 VoIP pureplay. Looks like they can do that � especially with their aggressive annualized pricing plans - but I�m just wondering what that really adds up to. Clearly, some people still see value investing in this space, and maybe I�m missing something here. Whether I am or not, I�ll still take the Telio story over any of these, and until we see Q3 numbers I�m not about to change my mind.
Technorati tags: Telio, Jon Arnold, Vonage, Andy Abramson, VoIP

domain: news


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Install strap fasteners to ensure safety of MamaRoo swings and RockaRoo rockers: Local distributer
More than 2 million baby rockers and swings had been recalled in the US due to entanglement and strangulation hazards.
SINGAPORE: Local baby products distributor Bloom & Grow said on Tuesday (Aug 16) it will provide a strap fastener to people who have bought baby swing and rocker products from 4moms, a manufacturer of products for young children.
The measure was put in place after the recall of more than 2 million MamaRoo swings and RockaRoo rockers by 4moms and followed two reports of entanglement incidents involving infants.
The MamaRoo is a baby swing that offers multiple motions and speeds while the RockaRoo is a baby rocker with front to back gliding motion.
Bloom & Grow told CNA it did not receive reports of similar incidents in Singapore, adding that there was currently no intention to cease distribution of the products in the country.
Instead, the local distributer said it would provide a free strap fastener that would ensure the safety of the swing and rocker when they are not in use.
"4moms determined that a strap fastener installed on the underside of the seat would eliminate any potential hazard to a crawling infant by preventing the straps on these products from dangling under the seat when a baby is not in it," said Bloom & Grow.
Bloom & Grow added that it was important to install the strap fastener on the MamaRoo or RockaRoo before beginning or resuming use, adding that after installation, the swing or rocker will be safe as directed whether or not the seat is occupied.
"We are encouraging all owners of the affected MamaRoo and RockaRoo models to participate in this recall and request for a strap fastener that will prevent the straps from dangling under the swing/rocker when not in use."
According to Bloom & Grow, the 4moms products included in the "upgrade action" are the MamaRoo swing (models 4M-005, 1026, and 1037) and the RockaRoo rocker (model number 4M-012).
Bloom & Grow added that all affected models will include the strap fastener going forward. Still, the local distributer said it was important to note that all parents should supervise their children in and around the MamaRoo and RockaRoo at all times.
"That is why 4moms underscores this point in their critical safety instructions for these products," it added.
"4moms encourages parents to keep the MamaRoo/RockaRoo away from crawling infants until the strap fastener is installed, and to place the product out of reach of infants while it is not in use unless a strap fastener is installed."
ENTANGLEMENT AND STRANGULATION HAZARDS
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on Monday announced the recall of about 2 million MamaRoo swings and 220,000 RockaRoo rockers in the country after 4moms received two reports of entanglement incidents.
The reports involved infants who became caught in the strap under the unoccupied MamaRoo infant swing after they crawled under the seat.
One of them, a 10-month-old infant, died from asphyxiation, while the other 10-month-old infant suffered bruising to his neck.
No incidents involving the RockaRoo have been reported, the CPSC said.


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After the initial anticipation and hype surrounding IoT, the path to monetizing this major technology trend has started to become clearer. Device innovation combined with maturing tech frameworks and cloud infrastructure has enabled enterprises large and small to take advantage of the potential value inherent in IoT. Adoption is growing steadily. Devices are proliferating. So it’s high time we tackled the thorny subject of IoT security.
Security fears are consistently cited in relation to the IoT, but what steps are enterprises taking to protect their IoT systems? A recent Microsoft survey suggests an interesting disparity between respondents’ generic concerns about the IoT, versus real concerns during an IoT implementation: “Even though 97 percent said that they had concerns about the security of IoT devices, less than one in five said that security posed a challenge during implementation.” This disconnect is disconcerting. To me, it suggests enterprises are not appreciating the full scope of what’s required in today’s smart-enabled, device-laden, partly-autonomous digital economy. When it comes to securing the IoT, enterprises need to consider the privacy vulnerabilities inherent in the entire system.
What this means from an engineering perspective is that security needs to be baked in from initial design, through testing, and then through launch, maintenance, and even exit. Going further, each IoT initiative must be understood as it relates to the organization’s existing IT infrastructure. The IoT has enormous benefits for business, but it also exposes businesses and consumers by expanding the surface area for attacks considerably. Or to put it more starkly, when we talk about the proliferation of IoT devices, it’s equivalent to talking about the proliferation of potential access points for cybercriminals. This means that IoT changes the game when it comes to threat detection and makes increasing demands on our user data privacy management systems. While consumers are somewhat used to data breach stories involving personal and even financial data, the IoT devices behind our smart homes or smart cars mean that hackers can now target us in new, chilling ways. The boundaries between cyber and physical crime can be blurred in the form of home invasions, car theft, and a host of other illegal activities, enabled by poor IoT security. Hackers do not even need to act out their threats: the rise in ransomware has left many businesses and consumers paying the bad guys in order to regain control of their devices and networks.
It is clear that as IoT goes mainstream, there needs to be a step-change in the way organizations approach security. Securing the entire system is vital, which is why security measures need to be understood and applied by everyone involved in the IoT lifecycle.
Digital engineering with security at the center
Let’s start with the design and build phase. We’ve long championed the DevSecOps approach to digital engineering. For IoT initiatives, it is the best route to more secure products not only because security and privacy are severe considerations from the design stage onwards but because DevSecOps approach enables nimbler operations, faster releases, and (hopefully) CI/CD.
Putting IoT to the test
In their eagerness to capitalize on the IoT opportunity in a highly competitive segment, enterprises may be tempted to accelerate launch plans. With a software-only product, subsequent updates are relatively more straightforward, but with IoT launches, organizations need to be 100% sure they’ll achieve the UX they are aiming for. Robust testing is key to reducing risk, understanding new requirements, and ultimately saving time and money. Apexon’s Lab-as-a-Service is a popular option in such cases because it allows organizations to get to launch faster with less investment in expertise, infrastructure, tools, and devices.
Scale-up threat detection
The introduction of increasing numbers of IoT devices has changed the task of threat detection for enterprises. Malware, ransomware, and botnets all now target IoT systems. These systems are harder to patrol, too, so there’s a growing threat from smaller-scale security breaches. They may not grab the headlines, but they can wreak a lot of damage. The use of AI and ML can help do the heavy lifting here. Technologies like blockchain have a role to play in guaranteeing digital supply chains are beyond reproach too.
There are many relatively simple measures that individuals can take to make themselves less exposed to cyber criminals. Changing default passwords is easy, for example, and should be strongly encouraged as part of the set-up process.
The IoT opportunity is now within reach. Delivery teams must navigate a variety of developmental considerations, of which security requirements, user privacy, and industry-specific compliance are all significant players. If you are planning an IoT initiative and need some advice, why not put us to the test? Leave a comment or contact us below.


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Apple Shareholders Demand Security Risk Reports From the Board
Apple shareholders this past week made a request of Apple’s Board of Directors to provide a report regarding how Apple and its board oversees security and privacy risks. The request cites many of the recent privacy and security issues that have plagued Apple, making headlines and even leading to litigation. The issues include the those surrounding UDIDs and iCloud, which they fear could lead to slow growth of the company and negatively affect shareholder value.
The request cites Ponemon Institute reports that highlight the cost of data breaches to corporations and how data breaches negatively affect brand reputation, leading to a decline in sales. In addition, they cite Carnegie Mellon University Cylab’s 2012 Governance Study “How Boards & Senior Executives Are Managing Cyber Risks,” listing recommendations for reviews and assessments of a company’s security posture, including the need for regular reports from senior management regarding privacy and security risks.
Tripwire and the the Ponemon Institute recently highlighted in their joint study “The State of Risk Based Security” the need for systematic techniques in the evaluation of risks that impact an organization’s information assets and infrastructure. When we begin to see shareholders of a company like Apple with one of the highest market caps in technology demand security risk assessments from their boards, we understand why connecting security to the business is so critical.
The trick is how will security executives be able to communicate to the board and in turn the shareholders to put their minds at ease? With all of the variables involved in securing systems, servers, network devices, how can you easily quantify and measure the security risk of your organization? To borrow a phrase from Apple themselves: Tripwire has an app for that.


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Walmart’s WAFFLE makers sell for 99 cents, but only to customers who know a special in-store app hack.
Home essentials were on the shelves for just under $10, but you need to know where to look for deals.
TikToker’s onecutecouponer explained that many Walmart locations have a $10 end cap.
I found a waffle maker at a discounted price at her place.
In a video, Onecutecouponer shared how to buy Secret Clearance cookware at super low prices in-store.
Her secret to low prices is the Walmart app.
“The first thing you need to do is find a Christmas waffle maker,” says Onecutecouponer.
“Pull out the Walmart app and scan. Only 99 cents.”
In a video, she showed that a Christmas waffle maker may be hidden in the new Valentine’s collection.
Prices and availability vary by location.
This workaround is said to work for many Walmart clearance products.
Customers scanned the lower price, and Walmart employees honored that amount.
A few customers have noticed that Walmart only matches prices with certain retailers, so it doesn’t always work that way.
Walmart’s website says Price Match is available in the continental United States and may include some restrictions.
According to Walmart’s website, customers in New Mexico have quantity limits on Price Match.
The company’s policy reads, “For identical items purchased at Walmart stores in the United States, we will match the price of the item advertised on Walmart.com.”
Walmart has scrapped its price-matching policy tied to its fulfillment teams, angering online customers.
tik tok reaction
It may take some research, but many people have commented on the success of their waffle maker hunt.
One person commented, “Found 5!! Hidden felt like playing Jenga.”
Another said, “I got mine yesterday!!!!”
Some users explained that the store does not honor the same in-app prices.
“I wish all Walmarts were the same price.”
Another said, “Mine was $2 and it wasn’t too bad.”
Another complained, “Walmart in Georgia blocks phone signals so I can’t look up anything.”
Changes coming to Walmart
Walmart is making some changes this year.
As Walmart gets rid of excess holiday merchandise, shoppers have found very low prices on the app.
Many people report items as low as 3 cents.
New technological changes are coming to all stores as the company attempts to modernize its infrastructure.
Walmart is also phasing out single-use bags, employing drone technology for mobile deliveries, and adding QR codes to products for customers to further research online.
Walmart executives detail new drone deliveries.
“We are extremely proud of our team for creating the largest drone delivery footprint of any U.S. retailer and providing our customers with incredibly fast and innovative delivery options,” said Walmart US. said Vik Gopalakrishnan, Vice President of Innovation & Automation at . .
“We are encouraged by the positive response from our customers and look forward to making even more progress in 2023.”
The US Sun shows how discount-hungry shoppers turned to TikTok to find bargains.
Plus, cost-cutting workarounds may become more important for Walmart shoppers as Walmart’s chief executive continues to warn of rising prices.


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Hybrid car prices in Pakistan to reduce: Report
ISLAMABAD - The federal government has proposed withdrawal of 16 percent Customs duty on electric vehicles in the federal budget for fiscal year 2018-19.
During his budget speech on Friday, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail said that the government was trying to introduce alternative sources of energy in all spheres of life in a bid to lower the dependency on usage of fossil fuel.
Miftah said that the government had proposed a reduction in Customs duty on import of electric vehicles from 50 percent to 25 percent, and 15 percent regulatory duty exemption.
He said that the government had proposed the import of CKD kits for locally assembled electric vehicles on 10 percent.


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US: Jos A Bank seeks acquisitions to drive growth
Men's wear retailer Jos A Bank has revealed that it is considering strategic opportunities, including potential acquisitions, to boost further growth.
The group, which operates 607 stores, plans to retain capital not needed for operations to fund potential deals and is being assisted by investment banking firm Financo.
Jos A Bank said it has been and will continue to selectively seek potential acquisitions that are strategically sound and accretive in the long run. No timetable has been set for any acquisition.
Lead independent director Andrew Giordano said: "Our pursuit of strategic opportunities is part of our philosophy of long-term planning and decision-making."
The news comes after the company said its full-year sales exceeded $1bn. The group plans to continue the growth of its core businesses through internal initiatives, which include opening stores and improving its websites.
Apparel retailer and hire merchant Men's Wearhouse suffered a decline in third quarter profit, hit by expected margin declines in tuxedos....
In 2012, international mass and high street apparel brands continuously expanded their business operations in Taiwan by increasing outlet coverage. Hang Ten, Giordano, Zara and Uniqlo are focusing on ...
Men's apparel and footwear business Jos A Bank Clothiers has today (5 December) reported a slight increase in third-quarter net profit, helped by higher sales. ...
Takover target Men's Wearhouse has turned the tables on rival Jos A Bank Clothiers by offering to acquire the men's apparel business....
Men's apparel and footwear business Jos A Bank Clothiers has dropped its US$2.3bn acquisition offer for rival Men's Wearhouse, but said it still believes a transaction would be in the best interest of...
Apparel retailer Men's Wearhouse will reconsider a previously rejected takeover bid from rival Jos A Bank Clothiers, according to one of its shareholders....
Takeover target Men's Wearhouse has rejected a request from rival Jos A Bank to allow limited due diligence on its business in return for a potentially higher acquisition bid....
US men's wear retailer Jos A Bank Clothiers has revealed it is willing to consider raising its rejected US$2.3bn bid for rival business Men's Wearhouse....
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Updated- 25/06/2021, 23:28 IST
The digital currency based on a meme – Dogecoin – has continued to capture public attention as Tesla CEO Elon Musk uplifts the value of the coin through his tweets
Dogecoin (DOGE) is an open-source cryptocurrency that is based on a fork of the Litecoin code. As the name implies, it is mainly based on the Doge meme that swept the Internet in 2013.
Dogecoin created by software engineers Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer, who decided to create a payment system as a joke, making fun of the wild speculation in cryptocurrencies at the time. Despite its satirical nature, some consider it a legitimate investment prospect. Dogecoin features the face of the Shiba Inu dog from the “Doge” meme as its logo.
What is Dogecoin? Things to Know Before Investing
Dogecoin is a cryptocurrency with a fun and friendly brand picture that aims to be a supportive introduction to cryptocurrency. Billy Markus, an Oregon programmer, came up with the concept for a kind of “joke” cryptocurrency.
Dogecoin was officially launched on December 6, 2013, and within the first 30 days, there were over a million visitors to Dogecoin.com
Billy Markus believed that a more lighthearted coin, rather than Bitcoin, may have a greater flexibility in gaining mainstream acceptance. Although Dogecoin is nowhere near the scale of Bitcoin, the ‘joke‘ currency’s market cap has risen from $1 billion to $47 billion according to CoinMarketCap.
On December 19, 2013, Dogecoin jumped nearly 300 percent in value in 72 hours, rising from US$0.00026 to $0.00095, with a volume of billions of Dogecoins per day. This growth occurred during a time when bitcoin and many other cryptocurrencies were reeling from China’s decision to forbid Chinese banks from investing into the bitcoin economy. Three days later, Dogecoin experienced its first major crash by dropping by 80% due to this event and to large mining pools exploiting the small amount of computing power required at the time to mine Dogecoin
DOGECOINS STOLEN ( December 25, 2013)
The first major theft of Dogecoin occurred when millions of coins were stolen during a hack on the online Cryptocurrency wallet platform Dogewalle. The hacker gained access to the platform’s filesystem and modified its send/receive page to send any and all coins to a static address.
Should you invest in dogecoin?
Dogecoin has been there for more than 7 years now , hence, in terms of its legitimacy, there aren’t any doubts. Secondly, it is said to have a defined purpose of creating a payment system that is free from traditional banking fees. So, if an investor puts money in the coin, he or she is basically participating in a constructive project, but is Doge really worth investing ??
Dogecoin is almost certainly not a good investment in any traditional sense of good investing, but that might just be the reason to buy.
The real reason for the growth of Dogecoin is because of its low value , which is also helpful to teach new investors about crypto and basic principles of demand and supply in the market. Dogecoin is at a low price right now and also considerably popular.


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How the UAE’s Vision 2030
In the heart of the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is undergoing a transformative journey towards a tech-driven future. With the ambitious Vision 2030 as their guiding star, the UAE is rapidly emerging as a hub for technology entrepreneurship. This visionary roadmap, focusing on diversification and sustainable development, is not only reshaping the country’s economy but also providing fertile ground for tech-savvy innovators and startups to flourish.
So, what exactly is Vision 2030, and how is it driving tech entrepreneurship in the MENA region? Let’s delve into the details.
Vision 2030: A Blueprint for the Future
Vision 2030 is the UAE’s strategic roadmap that was unveiled in 2019. It’s a comprehensive plan with an ambitious vision to create a diversified, knowledge-based economy, reduce the nation’s reliance on oil, and improve the overall quality of life for UAE residents.
1. Attracting Foreign Investments and Talent
One of the cornerstones of Vision 2030 is attracting foreign investments and talent to the UAE. The government has introduced a range of policies and incentives to make the country a magnet for global entrepreneurs and tech professionals. These include:
- 100% Foreign Ownership: In 2018, the UAE announced that foreign business owners could now own 100% of their companies in certain sectors, including tech. This liberalization of ownership rules removed many previous barriers for foreign investors, making the UAE a top choice for startups.
- Golden Visa Program: The Golden Visa scheme allows long-term residency for investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals. This initiative not only encourages foreign talent to stay but also serves as a testament to the government’s commitment to a diversified economy.
- Startup Incubators and Accelerators: The UAE is home to numerous incubators and accelerators that provide startups with the mentorship and resources they need to grow. These hubs, like Area 2071 and Dubai Future Accelerators, offer a springboard for tech entrepreneurs.
2. Smart Infrastructure and Technological Advancements
The UAE’s commitment to technological advancement is evident through its investments in smart infrastructure and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. This forward-thinking approach has created a fertile ground for tech startups and entrepreneurs.
- 5G Rollout: The UAE has been at the forefront of 5G technology adoption. The ultra-fast and low-latency 5G network is a game-changer for emerging tech businesses, as it facilitates innovations in IoT, AI, and AR/VR.
- Artificial Intelligence: The UAE government has set a goal to be a global leader in AI by 2031. Initiatives like the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the world’s first AI university, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, support the growth of AI-focused startups.
- Blockchain and Cryptocurrency: Dubai is actively exploring the potential of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. The government’s open stance on blockchain has attracted many fintech and blockchain startups to set up shop in the region.
3. A Thriving Startup Ecosystem
A supportive ecosystem is crucial for the growth of tech entrepreneurship. The UAE offers various programs and resources to help startups thrive, such as:
- Funding Opportunities: UAE-based startups can access funds through numerous venture capital firms, government grants, and angel investors. With various pitch competitions and startup events, raising capital has become more accessible.
- Business Incubators: There are several dedicated spaces for entrepreneurs to incubate their ideas. Dubai’s Silicon Oasis and Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 are examples of such incubators that provide workspace, mentorship, and access to a vibrant community of entrepreneurs.
- Market Access: The UAE’s strategic location makes it a natural gateway to markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Startups in the region can leverage the UAE’s connections and infrastructure to scale internationally.
Conclusion: Join the Tech Revolution
As the UAE progresses towards achieving Vision 2030, it’s clear that the country is determined to position itself as a tech-driven entrepreneurial powerhouse. The open business environment, advanced infrastructure, and forward-thinking policies are encouraging tech entrepreneurs to flock to the region.
So, if you’re an aspiring tech entrepreneur or an established business looking to expand, consider the UAE as your next destination. The UAE’s Vision 2030 provides a golden opportunity to be a part of a revolutionary transformation and be at the forefront of the future of tech in the MENA region.
Don’t miss out on this wave of innovation and growth. Join the tech revolution in the UAE and be a part of something extraordinary!
November 2, 2023


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According to an interview with Patrick McFall, fleet sales manager on October 9, VW has re-entered the fleet market in the U.S.
The vehicles to be available for fleet sales will be the Passat, Jetta, and Beetle convertible. McFall noted that fleet incentives will be offered, varying by model and quantity. The Jetta and Beetle convertible are models built at VW’s Mexico factory, while the Passat comes from Emden, Germany. According to McFall, order-to-delivery times will be reasonable, since these vehicles are all in stock at VW’s port facilities around the country.


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Facebook really wants you to try out its TikTok competitor, Reels. After first launching on Instagram last year, Reels is coming to the main Facebook app on Android and iOS in the US.
This means Facebook users will be able to view a scrolling collection of short-form videos or upload their own. Users on Instagram who’ve been creating Reels may also get more exposure since Facebook plans to show the short-form videos on Facebook's News Feed and in Groups.
“With the ability to create reels and have their Instagram reels suggested to people on Facebook, creators—whether they’re just starting out or already have a large following—will have more ways to express themselves, grow their communities and reach new audiences,” Facebook says. It plans on making Reels accessible through a button on top of the News Feed
The company made the announcement as TikTok has become one of the biggest social media platforms on the planet. This week, TikTok announced it had surpassed 1 billion monthly active users. Facebook, in contrast, has 2.9 billion.
Adding Reels to Facebook may threaten to clutter an app already packed full of functions. However, the company seems to be hoping the change will draw more TikTok creators to the Reels feature. Much of Wednesday’s announcement from Facebook highlights how Reels can help video makers reach more users and generate revenue through ads.
For example, the company is testing “the ability for Instagram creators to have their reels recommended on Facebook.” The social network has also created an invite-only “bonus program” to help video creators earn more money for the Reels they create.
“After you’ve created a reel, you can choose how to share it,” the company adds. “Reels on Facebook are set to be public for creators who are over 18, but you can change the audience at any time.”


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Water bottles spark outrage at Australian Open
FOR the second year running, the Australian Open's choice of bottled water has left Aussies scratching their heads.
Fans turned out in droves to be a part of day one of the Melbourne-based grand slam on Monday, but not everybody was satisfied.
In the stands, fans were questioning why Open organisers chose to import bottled water from China.
"In what universe do we need to import bottled water?" journalist and tennis fan Rachel Baxendale wrote on Twitter.
Her comment, which featured pictures of the water labelled "Australian Open official water", was retweeted more than 500 times and received more than 250 comments.
Among those chiming in was Senator Derryn Hinch, who suggested the money was too good for organisers to refuse.
"In a universe where the deal was worth millions of dollars a year to Tennis Australia," he wrote.
The move to Ganten, a company based in Shenzhen since 1992, was downplayed by organisers last year.
In a statement, Tennis Australia said the Australian Open was a global event with "a long history of partnering with international brands".
"Ganten water is a premium brand that is associated with other major tennis and sporting events," the statement said.
"The Australian Open continues to expand its global reach and partnerships, which helps to grow the sport at all levels in Australia."
Tennis Australia did not respond to a request for comment this year.
Some commenters on social media were quick to point out that Aussies appeared to have no problem when French-based water company Evian sponsored the Open.
"The current outrage about Chinese bottled water being sold at the Australian Open is quite an amount larger than the days when Evian was the 'official water'," Preston Towers wrote on Twitter. "No prize for guessing as to why that would be."
Others suggested the Open should ditch single-use plastic bottles altogether.
"Idea for next year: Ditch the one-use plastic, provide water fountains and if people don't bring their own drink bottle make them buy one," Alexandra McKiernan wrote.
"No need to buy bottled water. BYO container and use fountains," Sarah Banks wrote.
The Australian Open counts the following international sponsors as official partners: Emirates, DeRucci, Haagen-Dazs, Lavazza, Toshiba and Piper-Heidsieck.


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Woman sought in credit card thefts in OP, Olathe
Police: Women distract victim while accomplish steals wallet
Investigators said a customer was shopping at the Hen House grocery store at 136th Street and Blackbob Road on Sept. 22 when someone distracted her and then stole her purse. The customer's credit card was later used to make unauthorized transactions.
The woman's credit cards were used to make several unauthorized purchases worth more than $3,000.
Police said security video showed three women entering the store and two of them approached the woman while the third took the woman's wallet. The women all left together in the same car.
Police said the same three women were seen making purchases with the stolen cards a short time later.
Invesitgators said they believe the same women were involved in the Olathe and Overland Park incidents.
Police said all three women are black, in their 20s, and have shoulder-length hair or longer. One was wearing a long-sleeve gray shirt and tight black pants. The second was wearing a full-length pink and purple dress and a blue jean jacket. The third was wearing a white T-shirt, athletic shorts, glasses and carried a black purse.
Anyone who can help identify the women is asked to call the Overland Park Police Department at 913-344-8750, the Olathe Police Department 913-971-6950 or the Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477.


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Reform's Ann Widdecombe says people don't have a 'right' to cheap food
‘If you can’t afford a cheese sandwich, don’t make a cheese sandwich’: Ex-Tory minister and Reform Party backer Ann Widdecombe says Britons don’t have a ‘right’ to cheap food amid probe into supermarket ‘profiteering’
- The average cost of making a single cheese sandwich at home is now 40p
- The cost has risen by 37 per cent in the past year, according to recent research
A former Tory minister said families don’t have a ‘right’ to low food prices as she told people to live within their means.
Ann Widdecombe said that people who cannot afford to make a cheese sandwich should not ‘do the cheese sandwich’.
Ms Widdecombe, 75, who was a Brexit Party MEP and now backs the Reform Party, made the comments on the BBC’s Politics Live programme in a debate about soaring food prices.
The average cost of making a single cheese sandwich at home is now 40p, up 37 per cent in the past year, according to research conducted last month.
The competition watchdog is to investigate whether ‘any failure in competition’ is leaving consumers paying higher grocery and fuel prices than they should be.
But Ms Widdecombe laid the blame at wage demands being made by public sector workers, although she added that historically supermarkets held the ‘whip hand’ over producers.
Citing inflation in the 1970s she added: ‘We just have to be as grown-up about this as we can and stop thinking it is solely a UK problem, because it isn’t.
‘We also just have to learn the lessons of the past, which is that prices follow wages, follow prices, follow wages.’
Presenter Jo Coburn asked: ‘What do you say to consumers who literally can’t afford to pay for even some of the basics if they have gone up the way that cheese sandwich has, with all its ingredients?’
She replied: ‘Well then you don’t do the cheese sandwich … because we have been decades without inflation we have come to regard it as some sort of given right that our food doesn’t go up.
Ann Widdecombe said that people who cannot afford to make a cheese sandwich should not ‘do the cheese sandwich’
The competition watchdog is to investigate whether ‘any failure in competition’ is leaving consumers paying higher grocery and fuel prices than they should be
Blessed are the cheesemakers: PM Rishi Sunak meets a maker at a Farm to Fork event at No10 today
‘I used to represent a rural constituency, and even then – and I have been retired 13 years – the farmers would complain constantly about the supermarkets, about their demands … about their pricing, and they appeared to hold the whip hand. And that doesn’t appear to have changed.
‘The only way this is going to be tackled is if inflation comes down, you will not get inflation coming down while you have inflationary wage rises. And we have got to face that. Some of the wage demands at the moment are utterly unrealistic.
‘I lived through the 70s and that is exactly what happened.’
She is the latest political figure to question how hard is it to afford food.
A year ago Ashfield MP Lee Anderson, who earns £84,144 a year as an MP, caused uproar after he claimed that Brits ‘can’t budget’ and there was ‘not this massive use for food banks’ in Britain.
He also invited opposition MPs to visit a scheme in his constituency that represented ‘a real food bank’ and allowed people to ‘make a meal for about 30p a day’.
It saw his critics dub him ’30p Lee’.
Supermarket food basics including meat, yoghurt and vegetables have doubled in price since last year, figures show.
Consumer watchdog Which? urged the Prime Minister to intervene on behalf of struggling shoppers as its latest data shows food inflation remains at ‘shockingly high levels’.
The figures come ahead of today’s Downing Street ‘Farm to Fork Summit’, bringing together farmers’ representatives and food and retail trade bodies along with supermarket chiefs to talk about the Government’s goal of boosting cooperation across the supply chain, the sector’s resilience and rampant food inflation.
The Which? analysis of April prices on more than 26,000 food and drink products at Aldi, Asda, Lidl, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose found inflation in categories that have previously seen the highest rises – including milk, butter and bakery items – has eased slightly.
Overall inflation has also started to ease slightly, from 17.2 per cent in March to 17.1 per cent to the end of April, according to the tracker.
Supermarket own-label budget items were up 25 per cent in April on 12 months ago, demonstrating how low-income shoppers are being hit hard by soaring inflation.
Branded goods, meanwhile, showed no change on March, staying at 13.8 per cent higher than last April. Regular own-brand food and premium own-brand food inflation decreased slightly.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it had not seen evidence pointing to specific competition concerns in the grocery sector ‘at this stage’, but it was ‘important to be sure that weak competition is not adding to the problems’.
The CMA said: ‘Given ongoing concerns about high prices, we are announcing the stepping up of our work in the grocery sector to understand whether any failure in competition is contributing to grocery prices being higher than they would be in a well-functioning market.’
The watchdog said it will assess how competition is working overall in the grocery retail market, and identify which product categories, if any, ‘might merit closer examination across the supply chain’. It will provide an update on its work over the coming months.
CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell said: ‘Grocery and food shopping are essential purchases.
‘We recognise that global factors are behind many of the grocery price increases, and we have seen no evidence at this stage of specific competition problems.
‘But, given ongoing concerns about high prices, we are stepping up our work in the grocery sector to help ensure competition is working well and people can exercise choice with confidence.’
Why are food prices rising in the UK? Cost of meat, yoghurt and vegetables double – here’s what you need to know
Supermarket food basics including some meat, yoghurt and vegetables have doubled in price since last year, figures show.
Consumer watchdog Which? urged the Prime Minister to intervene on behalf of struggling shoppers as its latest data shows food inflation remaining at ‘shockingly high levels’.
So, why are food prices rising in the UK? Will food prices go down any time soon?
Here is everything you need to know about the rise of food prices in the UK.
Why are food prices rising?
Food producers have been forced to increase their prices due to the rate of inflation, which has seen brands increase the cost of items such as meat, yoghurt and vegetables, which have doubled in price.
The UK minimum wage has also played a factor in the rise in food prices. It has risen from £6.70 in 2015 to £10.42 as of April 2023.
Supermarket own-label budget items were up 25 per cent in April 2023 compared to April 2022, hitting low-income shoppers hard.
Branded goods, meanwhile, did not change in price in March 2023, staying at 13.8 per cent higher than April 2022. Regular own-brand food and premium own-brand food inflation decreased slightly.
Rebecca Tobi, senior business and investor engagement manager at The Food Foundation, said: ‘We know that the current food price crisis is causing a great many households to cut back on essentials.
‘With levels of food poverty among children having doubled in the year to January 2023, government and businesses must act urgently to ensure that everyone can afford and access healthy essentials like fruit and vegetables.
‘If not, we will be seeing the long-term health and economic consequences of the cost of living crisis playing out for years to come.’
Supermarket own-label budget items were up 25 per cent in April 2023 compared to April 2022
How did Covid affect food prices?
As countries imposed lockdowns and people were forced to stay at home from early 2020, many chose to stockpile essentials, such as toilet paper and masks, resulting in a shortage of items due to unprecedented demand.
Following the initial onset of the pandemic, food prices rose consistently in the 17 months up to December 2022.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that, in December 2022, food price inflation was at its highest since September 1977 when, according to ONS estimates, the rate was 17.6 per cent.
So while Covid did not directly affect the dramatic rise in food prices, it played a part in price hikes due to an increased demand for goods.
Food and drink prices have remained high despite a slight decrease in overall inflation, which has dropped from 17.2 per cent in March 2023 to 17.1 per cent in April 2023, analysis by Which? shows
Does the war in Ukraine affect food prices?
Following the devastating impact of coronavirus, global supply chains were under significant pressure before the war in Ukraine.
The conflict in Ukraine has added to food supply chain pressures, with trade supply issues and a disruption to the supply of fertiliser resulting in a hike in food prices across the UK’s supermarkets.
Minette Batters, president of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) told Sky News: ‘There’s a real challenge when you look at what has happened.
‘We have had the most affordable food in Europe for a very long time, and we still do have the most affordable food here per income spend and we’re the third most affordable in the entire world.
‘That’s really good for consumers, but these costs, this war in Ukraine is a game changer.
Will UK food prices go down?
Consumer watchdog Which? has urged the Prime Minister to intervene on behalf of struggling shoppers as its latest data shows food inflation remaining at ‘shockingly high levels’.
At Asda, the price of Morliny Frankfurters (350g) has increased from £1.25 a year ago to £2.42 now – a rise of 93.8 per cent.
A pack of four brown onions at Morrisons went from 65p to £1.24, a 90.8 per cent rise over 12 months.
Also at Morrisons, Lancashire Farm Natural Bio Yoghurt 1kg went up from £1.18 to £2.18 over the year, a rise of 85.3 per cent.
Although prices on products such as juice, chocolate, water, fish, chilled ready meals and cheese have increased, inflation on other products was found to have reduced slightly.
Price hikes on milk, butters, spreads and bakery items has eased slightly, as overall inflation decrease from 17.2 per cent in March 2023 to 17.1 per cent in April 2023, according to analysis by Which?
Sue Davies, Which? head of food policy, said: ‘It’s very alarming to see products such as meat, cheese and vegetables that people rely on still rapidly soaring in price.
‘Supermarkets must also provide transparent pricing so people can easily work out which products offer the best value.’
Although prices on products such as juice, chocolate, water, fish, chilled ready meals and cheese have increased, inflation on other products including milk and butters was found to have reduced
What is the best way to save money on food?
Amid the soaring cost of living, shoppers will be looking to save money on their food shop wherever possible.
Low-cost supermarket chains Aldi and Lidl are renowned for having the best-value prices when it comes to food and drink, but customers should compare prices at different brands to see where their shop works out cheapest.
Using loyalty cards such as the Tesco Clubcard, as well as Sainsbury’s recently introduced Nectar Prices scheme, can help customers save on items that chains have chosen to offer discounts on.
Cooking meals in batches – rather than doing so individually – will not only save you time in the kitchen, but can make your money go further too.
Source: Read Full Article


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Ten months into the worst dairy crisis in memory, Justin Gioletti hopes to tough it out.
Employees keep milking the 1,800 cows on his family's farm twice a day, even though every gallon goes out at a loss.
Prices that farmers get for their milk have finally started to head back up, but they still fall short of production costs.
"I think we're going to make it through, but there's some serious damage here and it will take a while to get back," said Gioletti, 34, a fourth-generation producer west of Turlock.
The state's dairy farmers have been cutting expenses and borrowing money to survive the crisis, brought on by a sudden drop in global demand as the recession took hold last year.
They lost an average of $85 per cow per month in the first six months of the year, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. For a 700-cow farm, roughly the average in Stanislaus County, that's $59,500 a month.
Farmers are counting on a somewhat stronger 2010 thanks to an uptick in demand and a drop in supply — the latter resulting in part from farmers going out of business.
Dairy will likely remain the No. 1 farm sector in the Northern San Joaquin Valley and statewide, but it will be a wounded giant for a while at least.
"Dairymen have really leveraged themselves over the last year just to stay in business, so there's a big hole to fill in," said Ray Souza, a Turlock-area farmer and president of Western United Dairymen.
Group says 10% to be gone
The Modesto-based group estimates that the crisis will force out 10 percent of the state's dairy farmers. Some of them already have sold their cows to the beef market through a national program aimed at shrinking the oversupply of milk.
The federal government has tried to help by increasing export subsidies and dairy purchases for school lunch and other nutrition programs. It will soon send $290 million in direct aid to farmers, which Souza said will help with short-term costs, mainly on small farms in the East.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday projected a continued rise in milk prices toward the break-even point in 2010.
Meanwhile, farmers try to hang on, keeping herds intact even at a loss so they can take advantage of higher prices later.
"There are not many businesses where people do back-breaking labor seven days a week and come out financially worse for their trouble," said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., at a hearing on the issue last month.
Exports might help
Industry people say export markets are promising, thanks in part to promotion efforts. The Modesto-based California Milk Advisory Board has sponsored trade missions to China and put on pizza seminars for chefs around Asia.
"It's a supply-and-demand thing," Gioletti said, "and I think more focus should be placed on developing new markets."
A year and a half ago, milk prices were riding high, thanks to strong global demand and drought in Australia's dairy regions.
The average California cow brought a $28 monthly profit to its owner in the second quarter of 2008, the state Department of Food and Agriculture said.
Farmers boosted their output to take advantage of the prices, but this contributed to the surplus when demand dropped late in the year.
They got an average of $1.48 per gallon over all of 2008. In the first half of this year, they got 97 cents.
"I've talked to some guys who have been in the business a long time, and they have never seen anything this drastic," Gioletti said.
Some farmers have advantages that help them endure the low prices: Strong relationships with lenders and enough equity to borrow against. Plenty of land to grow feed so they do not have to purchase much of it. Ventures into other kinds of farming, such as the Giolettis' almond orchard.
But overall, dairy farmers are subject to the whims of the agricultural economy, especially feed prices. The ethanol boom of recent years increased demand for corn. Drought in California reduced the supply of alfalfa.
Souza said that even in the recent years of high milk prices, the production costs rose, too.
Feed is the biggest cost by far, but it's hard to reduce without endangering the cows' long-term productivity, said Mich Etchebarne, a private animal nutritionist in Modesto.
Dairy people had hoped that milk prices would rebound by June, but that didn't happen, said Etchebarne, president of the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau.
"It's been a really incredible strain on all of us," he said. "The last 10 months have not been 'how do we make a profit?' It's 'how do we minimize our losses?' "
Processors also affected
The year has been tough as well on dairy processors, said Bill Schiek, an economist with the Dairy Institute of California, which looks out for the industry's interests. Sluggish demand has forced marketers to discount prices for dairy products, he said.
Farm milk prices have started to rise in part because of the usual increase in consumer demand at Thanksgiving and Christmas, Schiek said.
Demand also is starting to perk up at recession-battered restaurants, which are key buyers of cheese and butter.
The weak dollar has kept U.S. dairy products cheap for foreign buyers. These include nonfat dry milk left over from butter processing and whey from cheese plants — both of which end up in many foods.
Faced with the boom-and-bust cycles, dairy industry representatives have talked about revamping the complex systems for setting farm milk prices at the state and federal levels.
It is a delicate subject because processors need an affordable price for the raw milk they turn into cheese, ice cream and other products.
"We can't simply set a price and say, 'Take it or leave it,' because we can't compete in the global market that way," Schiek said.
Gioletti, whose milk is made into butter and powder at a California Dairies plant, said he is hoping for recovery by middle or late 2010.
As he walked through his milking barn and out to the stalls where the cows eat, he looked out even farther.
"I have two young kids and one on the way," he said, "and hopefully they'll grow up to do this, too."


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Whilst the overall rate of inflation fell this month from 3.5% to 3%, figures just published by Alliance Trust Research Centre show the 50-64 year old age group continues to be hit by the highest rate of inflation — 4.5% – for the fifth month in a row.
Alliance Trust’s monthly study of differing inflation rates amongst varying age groups uncovers stark differences in the rates being faced by different age groups and also shows that the gap is growing.
Inflation for 50-64 year olds 50% Higher than Official Rate
50-64s are facing a rate of inflation some 50% higher than the official rate. This is mainly because this age group spends more in those areas where inflation is highest, such as transport which is running at 11% inflation and fuel at 22%. Older people spend almost 8% of their budget on electricity and gas bills; whereas in comparison, the under 30s olds spend just below 4% in this area.
Price Increases Reflect VAT Increase and High Fuel Costs
Head of the Alliance Trust Research Centre Shona Dobbie said, “Price increases over the last year have still been relatively high in the case of many goods and services, reflecting the increase in VAT, high fuel costs and the fact that the recent depreciation of sterling has pushed up the cost of imported goods.’
‘These price moves continue to have the greatest impact on the two working age groups who spend a larger proportion of their budgets on the goods and services which are currently seeing the highest price increases. Both working age groups still face an inflation rate in excess of 4.0%, while average earnings have only grown by 1.5% over the last year, highlighting the sharp erosion of purchasing power. This situation has been of great concern for several months now.’
Geoff Charles of Independent Equity Release Specialists Bower says: ‘Enjoying a retirement free from financial worry, despite the hike in inflation, could be possible for those aged 55 or over who own a property. A lifetime mortgage or home reversion plan could allow homeowners suffering from inflation related financial concerns to unlock cash from the value of their properties to supplement their income and enhance their quality of life in retirement.’
Equity release may involve a lifetime mortgage or home reversion plan. To understand the features and risks, please ask for a personalised illustration.
Bower is an FCA regulated independent financial advice company that offers specialist advice on equity release throughout the south of England. For more information e-mail [email protected] or call 0800 4118668. Bower offers a no obligation initial consultation to homeowners considering Equity Release.


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The continued depreciation of the kwacha is driving up the cost of living and increasing social stress in the country, a situation the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) has described as “getting out of control”.
“If we have so much foreign exchange in reserves, why is forex too expensive? I thought it is a matter of supply and demand. This clearly shows that there is little or no forex in our reserves; hence, it is too expensive to buy foreign currency,” said Newton Kambala, president of MCCCI in an interview on Tuesday.
“As the voice of the private sector we are very worried. The business community is concerned about this kwacha volatility, but there is little that we can do. Malawians have not seen the impact yet; they should expect tough times ahead. It will be tough,” he warned.
Kambala said the industry is shrinking and the long-term impact might be massive job losses.
The local unit has over the past two months lost about 30 percent of its value to the dollar to trade at K568.
The fall in the value of the kwacha comes at a time tobacco markets are still open, and cumulative foreign exchange reserves are at an estimated $988.73 million or about 5.75 months of import cover.
As of Tuesday, the tumbling kwacha hit a record low of K610 in most foreign exchange bureaus and nearing K650 on the black market, while averaging around K550 in most Authorised Dealer Banks (ADBs).
Kambala said since Malawi is a net importer, most goods are tied to the dollar and any slight gain or loss in kwacha value has a direct impact on imported goods and services.
Blantyre-based Nico Asset Managers Limited, a local investment advisory firm, in a recent report forecast that the kwacha would continue to depreciate.
However, what has vexed monetary authorities is that the depreciation has continued an abated amid tobacco marketing season, which has, so far, raked in about $320 million (K182 billion) in sales.
But Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development Goodall Gondwe has blamed most of the economic woes, including the sharp fall in kwacha, on floods that hit the country in January this year.
On July 28, RBM moved in to arrest the kwacha’s recent sharp fall for which it blamed traders’ speculative behaviour by introducing measures that restrict banks from determining the day’s foreign exchange market price.
But the restrictions have not tamed the free falling kwacha.


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Toshiba Corp and Toshiba Fuel Cell Power Systems Corp announced that it will release a new product of the "Ene Farm" residential fuel cell for gas companies in March 2012 in Japan.
The power generation efficiency of the new product is 38.5%, which is 3.5% higher than that of the former model released in 2009. And the efficiency of collecting heat generated by power generation was improved from 45 to 55.5%.
As a result, the total efficiency, which is calculated by combining the two kinds of efficiencies, reached 94%, which Toshiba and Toshiba Fuel Cell Power Systems claim is "one of the highest in the world" (based on the low heating value (LHV) standard of city gas). Also, the companies improved the durability of the fuel cell.
For general consumers, Osaka Gas Co Ltd will start selling the new Ene Farm April 2, 2012, for a price of ¥2,604,000 (approx US$33,363), which is about ¥650,000 lower than the price of the former model. Osaka Gas will use Toshiba's fuel cell unit but employ a 200L waste heat-powered hot-water supply/air heating unit manufactured by Chofu Seisakusho Co Ltd.
The Ene Farm has been attracting an increasing amount of attention since the Tohoku Earthquake, which hit Japan March 11, 2011.
"In fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010, slightly more than 4,000 units of the Ene Farm were sold," said Osamu Maekawa, chief technology executive, Power Systems Company, Toshiba. "But in 2011, we installed about 6,500 units by the end of November. So, we saw a remarkable increase in sales volume, compared with sales volumes in past years."
Toshiba aimed to sell 5,000 units of the Ene Farm in fiscal 2011. And it is now planning to sell 15,000 units in fiscal 2012. In fiscal 2015, the company aims to sell 50,000 units by improving the competitiveness of the product and reducing its costs.
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Leucine Reduces Muscle Loss During Bed Rest
Recovering from a serious illness or operation often requires people to stay on bed rest during an extended period of time. Bed rest can lead to loss of muscle mass that inhibits further recovery, but a recent study suggests that taking supplements of a metabolite of leucine called HMB may help maintain muscle mass for those who are bedridden.
The study included 24 participants with an average age of 67. Starting five days prior to and continuing throughout the 10 day scheduled bed rest, half of the group took a placebo while the other half took a supplement of 1.5 g HMG, 4 g maltodextrin, and 200 mg calcium.
At the conclusion of the study, the supplement group had not lost any muscle mass, while the placebo group showed a loss of 4.4 lbs.
The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Arkansas. It was published online ahead of print on March 4, 2013, in Clinical Nutrition.
Leucine is an essential amino acid that cannot be manufactured in the body. It helps protein molecules form, creates new muscle, and helps with the regulation of blood sugar levels. Foods rich in leucine include soybeans, lentils, beef, peanuts, salmon, eggs and milk.


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Communication has never been so fun
Hamburg (PRWEB) March 31, 2013
Following the recent launch of the iGab3D messenger App in iTunes, Gogekko has entered into a cooperation with Mobile Software AG.
Dr. Mobile joins the iGab crew.
Teaming up with Mobile Software AG is yet another innovative way to market and communicate a companies branding using 3D Gabbers.
“Mobile Software AG is continuously looking for creative ways to draw attention to our products, with iGab we have found a truly unique way to share our image. We have created a Guest Gabber “Dr. Mobile”, he allows us to market our message in a one-of-a-kind way.” Stated CEO Dr. Jens Wehrmann
GoGekko created this app because there was a need for new fun ways to send messages, without having to type them. Only iGab allows the user to pick from different Gabbers and emotions using the users voice to bring the message to life.
Get to know Dr Mobile.
Now company images can have personality and be used in a modern App. Be creative, let iGab show the possibilities! In four simple and easy steps one can send emotionally charged animated voice messages. Let a Gabber do the talking for you.
The company started in September of 2012 and wanted to create new mobile messaging applications that can be used around the world. The company motto is; “What does the world need?”. The founders feel the world needs to laugh and have fun just a bit more. "We felt the world needed a fun way to communicate." stated co-founder Claudia Neumann. There are lots of apps around to help users be more productive, maybe there should be more that make people smile. Sending a message with iGab, does just that...makes one smile!


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Since Britain voted to leave the European Union, the price of imported products is starting to rise: according to experts, construction costs could increase by up to 12%.
However, as imports are becoming less competitive, Purplex Marketing’s Andrew Scott argues that British manufacturers could benefit.
The Office of National Statistics’ recently published Building Materials and Components Statistic suggests that, last year, electrical wires were both the UK’s most imported and exported building products.
British-manufactured products often achieve a higher grade; thus, they are more expensive than what the local construction market is willing to pay. According to a recent Barclays study, the ‘Made in Britain’ label commands premium overseas rates.
Timber window frames are another example: although Britain has a historic tradition of manufacturing them, many contractors prefer to import the systems from cheaper countries, such as Poland. Concurrently, British joineries will export their production to international markets at higher prices.
Purplex predicts that, as the cost gaps between imports and exports begin to close, the UK construction market will start to utilise the local manufacturing sector. Through effective branding and positioning, building product companies will be able to acquire more market share.
Whilst many British building product manufacturers will continue to import raw materials and components, Andrew believes that, in the longer term, the industry will see more companies bringing more stages of their production back to the UK, and sourcing their materials more locally.
Contact Purplex Marketing:
502 Worle Park Way,
Golden Cross House
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It has been a long time since fans and players have seen a comic book about the vast worlds and characters from Magic: The Gathering. Get ready to see them again!
Wizards of the Coast has spoiled all of the decks that will be featured in Magic: The Gathering, Commander 2018. There’s a bit of a surprise as to who leads the helm of these powerful commander decks.
Dungeons & Dragons is adventuring into the world of Magic: The Gathering this November!
From a simple roll of a twenty-sided die to a massive allotment of compendiums and tomes; Dungeons and Dragons is a world filled with good friends, great adventures, and terrifyingly evil fiends! This tabletop roleplaying game has brought family and friends together for forty years and continues to set the standard for other games in the genre.
Twenty-Five years after Wizards of the Coast released their first set of Magic: The Gathering, It is one of the most well-known card games in the world. So, how can Wizards of the Coast push to a new audience? Their answer is Librarians…
Wizards of the Coast has plans to release a companion app for their popular trading card game, Magic: The Gathering. The app will be coming soon!
After the announcement of two new Dungeons and Dragons adventures earlier this month Gale Force Nine has revealed a new board game based on Wizards of the Coast’s Waterdeep: Dragon Heist.
Wizards of the Coast is bringing back core sets! Core Set 2019 will be releasing next month and boasts a ton of amazing cards that players should be looking forward too!
Wizards of the Coast‘s newly announced pre-crafted adventures are now available for pre-order on Amazon! The exciting new storylines will be released in the Fall!
Once again, Wizards of the Coast surprises us with another intricate and detailed pre-crafted adventure that provides players with countless hours of entertainment!
Commander Anthology Volume II is the second installment of the Anthology series. Scheduled to release June 8th, 2018 it promises some of the most popular decks throughout Commander history.


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Sunday, April 23, 2017
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MSMEs in food processing industry express concerns about impact of GST
Thursday, 29 December, 2016, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi
Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs)in food processing sector have raised concerns on the possible impact of goods and service tax (GST) on their businesses, particularly in the light of removal of the Rs1.5-crore threshold for the levy of duty on MSMEs in the manufacturing sector and the proposal to bring it at par with the service sector (whose annual turnover is Rs 20 lakh).
S Jindal, president,All India Food Processors’ Association (AIFPA) said that there was a basic difference between the manufacturing sector and the service sector.
“The value of the manufacturing economy carries the value of the materials used in a manufactured product, whereas no material is used in services. The variance in the material type would result in different kinds of products,” he added.
“And subsequently the end cost of the product varies, while the service or the method of producing that product remains the same. Therefore, it would not be wise to place the manufacturing and service sectors at par with each other,”Jindal stated.
He added that there should be a reviewto up the threshold to Rs three crore from the current Rs 1.5 crore in accordance to the inflation.
It is pertinent to mention here that under the current tax regime, the MSME sector, with a turnover of upto Rs. 1.5crore, is exempted from excise duty.
“Meanwhile, the problem is not only with the threshold, but also with other factors, making things complicated,”opined many in the food processing sector.
Another representative of the food processing industry, on the condition of anonymity, said that the multiplicity of the taxation will remain there.
“Under the GST regime, there will be one Central GST (CST), 36 state/Union Territory GSTs (SGST) and one integrated GST (IGST), and companies have to register themselves for each of the systems depending upon their business.And it is likely that the rates will not remain the same,” he added.
“Recently the GST council has stated that whatever rates it will recommend, the states can add two per cent to it or reduce it by two per cent. Also the GST council’s decision is not legally binding on the states. There is no mention of this in the constitution amendment bill,” the representative stated.
“Further we feel that the situation will be similar to what happened to value-added tax (VAT), where the VAT empowered committee’s decision to levy four per cent duty on food products was not accepted by the states. Different states levied VAT at different rates. Some levied five per cent VAT, some levied six per cent, others levied seven per cent, and some levied 10 per cent. That failed the VAT,” he added.
“What will happen to decentralised industrialisation or employment under these circumstances is also a big question,”opine many.
Further, there is apprehension amongst the food industry about the definition of processed foodproducts and their treatment as luxury items under GST.
Annasaheb Chakote, chairman, Chakote Group of Industries (Ganesh Bakery), said, “The inclusion of every processed food in the range of luxury food items is actually not going to work in the long term. This would have a very bad impact on the MSME sector entities.”
“The government is trying to inculcate entrepreneurship through such MSMEs and also giving loans to setup their processing units. In the last two years, 18 new small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been set up in Aurangabad, all of which are into food processing,” he added.
“The programmes and schemes that are initiated by the government to promote SMEs will not work if such a high rate is considered. Through various associations the MSME players have filed their opinions and suggestions,” Chakote said.
Moreover, levying higher taxes on processed food will also prove a setback to the industry.
Chakote said, “If we look at the ministry of food processing industries (MoFPI), it is trying to utilise these players to tap the underutilised food production of fruits and vegetables such as pineapple, jackfruit, tomatoes, onions and potatoes(dehydration) and others through processing.”
“If all these processed foods are placed in the luxury items, how will the government policies work? Rather, it will discourage MSMEs from opening such processing units,” he added.
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Payments startup Marqeta Inc. is in advanced talks with investors to raise hundreds of millions of dollars in additional funds at a valuation of roughly $2 billion, according to people familiar with the deal.
Marqeta’s technology allows tech startups like Instacart Inc. and DoorDash Inc. to issue physical and virtual credit and debit cards for employees and contractors to use to place orders at different merchants. Fellow financial-technology startups, including Affirm Inc., Kabbage Inc. and Square Inc., also use Marqeta to issue payment cards to consumers or small businesses.
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CONFUSION surrounds talk of Apple buying Bitcoin, with rumours multiplying on social media.
However, Apple has traditionally been cautious about cryptocurrencies. Here's what we know...
Has Apple bought Bitcoin?
Unsubstantiated rumours about the tech giant snapping up about $2.5billion of Bitcoin are cropping up across social media.
But, Coinmarketcap insists that "it's too early to crack open the champagne yet".
The site wisely points out that, despite the "excitable tweets" there has been no official confirmation from Apple itself.
Plus, the latest rumour torrent appears to be a repeat of previous, similar claims.
The site adds: "And a purchase has never materialised."
Elsewhere, crypto commentators say that Apple is too brand conscious and unlikely to do anything so controversial, writes Bitcoinist.
But, according to the same site, in May 2021 Apple posted a job seeking a business development manager dealing with "alternative payments".
Applicants were expected to have had more than five years of experience working with alternative payment providers, including cryptocurrency.
Apple has proceeded cautiously with cryptocurrencies, reports news agency Reuters.
The company banned cryptocurrency wallets from its App Store in 2014, but later reversed the decision and now allows them.
However, Apple bans mining for cryptocurrencies on iPhones and does not allow its Apple Card credit card to be used to buy digital currencies.
What has Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak said about Bitcoin?
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, 70, has described Bitcoin as the digital equivalent of gold, and the product of a “mathematical miracle”.
He told the Talent Land Jalisco 2021 tech conference: “Gold is limited and you have to look for it; Bitcoin is the most amazing mathematical miracle.
"I do not invest in Bitcoin, but I believe in it for the future."
In 2018 he explained: “Man makes up currencies, controls them, issues new US dollars every year; Bitcoin is immune to that.”
The Independent reports that, in 2020, the multi-millionaire American philanthropist and entrepreneur launched WOZX.
This is a cryptocurrency token developed by Efforce, a firm he partly founded.
Efforce funds ventures it believes are more "eco-friendly", the Independent adds.


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Last week, Vidalia chef de cuisine Hamilton Johnson received some of the first ramps of the season from West Virginia. The first thing he did was post a photo on Facebook with the caption “so gorgeous…1st of the year #rampcitybitch” to brag to all his chef friends.
“There’s a lot of pride in having it first,” Johnson says. “It’s kind of like a family competition.”
He’s serving the first batch of hyped-up garlicky greens in dumplings with lump crab butter, asparagus, and Virginia-grown peas.
“Now I’ve just got to win the soft-shell crab race and be the first in that area,” Johnson says. “I’ve got to talk to my fish guy this week.”
With spring comes an arms race among chefs all vying to be the first to have the latest local, seasonal ingredients on their menus. As the restaurant scene has boomed, so has the demand for whatever is foraged and farmed nearby. But the availability of these products isn’t expanding at the same fast clip. The result is a battle for first dibs on an often limited supply of seasonal specialties.
“I want the first thing of everything. Everybody wants the first thing of everything,” says Mintwood Place chef Cedric Maupillier. “You want the new toy. You want the new produce. You want the new meat.”
Unlike Johnson, if he gets a good deal on ramps or a farmer gives him the first flat of strawberries as a gift, Maupillier might not necessarily want to broadcast it. “Others might ask him, then he might stop, and I might not get the privilege of being No. 1 on his list,” he says.
The cachet of getting something before everyone else isn’t always the driving force behind the competition. Chefs are often just sick of the “drab color palette of winter,” says The Partisan chef Ed Witt, and can’t move on to the bounty of spring fast enough. “After the winter, especially this one that wouldn’t stop, everyone wants something to change,” he says. The Partisan also already has ramps (from the West Coast) as well as non-local morels and fava beans.
Some ingredients aren’t always worth having first, because the quality is not yet at its prime. Even the ramps, Witt admits, are smaller and don’t have as much green on them at this early stage.
Still, it’s not just chefs who nerd out about the first pea tendrils or fiddlehead ferns. Increasingly, diners do, too, especially now that food blogs broadcast the first sighting of ramps and publish round-ups of where to find the first shad roe. “As soon as the first ramp pops out of the ground, somebody’s got it and they’re taking photos and sending it around,” says chef and restaurateur Bryan Voltaggio, who owns and operates Volt, Range, Family Meal, and others. “So the expectations and the pressures of the chef to make sure you incorporate these into the menu have become greater.”
As a result, chefs need to start inquiring about their ingredients early if they want the first shot at them. Chef Austin Fausett of Clifton, Va.-based Trummer’s on Main says he starts writing his Easter menu and feeling out farmers as early as January.
But being the first isn’t cheap. “You have to pay to play in that game,” Fausett says. Sought-after local and seasonal products tend to cost the most at the very onset of the season when demand is great and supply is not. The first morels of the year will go for $40 to $45 a pound, but they’ll drop to $23 or $24 mid-season. Ramps start out around $18 to $20 a pound then fall to $10 to $12. Likewise, soft-shell crabs, which can cost as much as $85 a dozen, are twice the price they will be two to three months later.
Some chefs account for this price spike by charging slightly more at the beginning of the season or calculating the average cost for the entire season and adjusting menu prices accordingly. Or they might eat the cost upfront. “Some restaurants will lose a little bit of money just to be able to attract the first client looking for crab,” Maupillier says.
Who gets a prized menu ingredient first is not always a matter of who spends the most money or who put in the earliest request, although those are certainly factors. Ultimately, what kind of personal relationship a chef has with his or her purveyor could be the difference between getting the first sour cherries of the season or not getting them at all.
For local seafood distributor Profish, it’s first-come, first-served—to a certain extent. Bigger and more loyal customers might get priority, but a less quantifiable factor also comes into play: “You want to reward people who are promoting local seafood,” says Profish Sustainable Director John Rorapaugh.
When local soft-shell crabs become available, Voltaggio will be among the first to get a call from Profish. Sure, he has a lot of restaurants (nine), but a lot of people have a lot of restaurants, Rorapaugh says. The reason he gets first pick? “His focus is true. I know being in this business and living it who really cares about the ingredients, and those are the guys you really want to surround yourself with as a company,” Rorapaugh says. “It’s more than just buying and selling seafood. You’ve got to embrace a message and relationships.”
Voltaggio and other chefs who are serious about having their pick of ingredients will take the time to visit their producers at the farmers market or at their farms. In the case of Profish, Voltaggio is donating his time to cook at their upcoming charity dinner. “It’s relationship building,” the chef says. “The more that you work with somebody and get to know them, the more access that you have.”
Black Rock Orchard farmer Emily Zaas, who sells her Carroll County, Md.-grown fruits to restaurants and at the local farmers markets, says reliability—paying for and picking up orders on time—goes a long way. “I had one chef that ordered [sour cherries] and he didn’t pick them up. Well, that was just terrible for us, because we can’t sell them then. We can take them home, but they’re no good anymore,” she says.
That’s why Zaas loves Zaytinya chef Michael Costa. If he knows Zaas has sour cherries, he’ll make sure someone is at the farmers market as soon as they open and carefully transport them back to the restaurant.
Zaas cares enormously about the respect chefs show for her produce, and she pays close attention to just how they physically handle it. In their search for the nicest fruit, some chefs will end up groping and roughly turning over the goods. “The chefs that I do business with regularly are very respectful of the fruit and they let me pick it out for them or they pick it out very carefully,” she says.
Some chefs only call Zaas if there are certain ingredients they want. Others buy from her every week. And even if she doesn’t have what they want, they will order something else because they care about keeping her in business. Those are the people who Zaas will give first dibs on rare and prized items like Champagne-colored currants or gooseberries.
The fact is, there’s simply not enough of some products to go around. Last year, Zaas says half the chefs who wanted sour cherries couldn’t get them because her harvest was so small. For pawpaws, a new crop for Black Rock Orchard, only 10 percent of her network of chefs got them. And for figs, it was even fewer.
Demand for Maryland crab also far outweighs the supply: The Maryland crab industry produces about 700,000 pounds of crab meat a year, while more than 43 million pounds of crab meat are imported each year.
Naturally, chefs must strategize. Last summer, a forager brought Fausett of Trummer’s on Main wild chanterelles from Fairfax County. “He said, ‘I have 20 pounds. Here’s 10.’ And I said, ‘What are you doing with the other 10 pounds?’ He said, ‘I’m going to another restaurant.’ I said, ’No, no, no. You come here. I’ll buy them all, and next year when you get these wild chanterelles again, I want you to come here.’”
That’s not to say competition is always cut-throat. If a farmer or forager has more than Fausett would reasonably want to buy, he will send them to fellow chefs he respects. He ultimately wants to keep the farmer in business, so he or she will be back the next year.
It’s not quite as easy when you’re the new guy. The Fainting Goat chef Nathan Beauchamp returned to D.C. last summer after spending six years working on an organic farm in Minnesota. Even though he was once the executive chef at 1789 and has a farming background, he found it challenging to get all of the ingredients he wanted. Last fall, for example, Beauchamp tried to order some fresh heirloom beans, but the farmer had already sold them elsewhere. “It’s very competitive and when you fall off the radar like I have, you’re not getting the first phone calls saying, ‘We’ve got this and I’m going to give it to you.’”
Beauchamp is now trying to rebuild relationships with farmers and start new ones. To that end, chefs and farmers both cite the importance of good old-fashioned kindness as prerequisite for who gets the goods. One of Oyamel’s chefs brings Black Rock Orchard’s Zaas tamales made by his wife. “If they fail to pick up something… then they know that I’ll keep their stuff, but they might have to bring us tacos or something,” Zaas says. “They know that it’s hard for us.”
Chef Maupillier will invite his farmers and their families to dinner at Mintwood Place. He also treats them almost like cousins: “When it’s Thanksgiving, send them a note. When it’s New Years, send them a note and say, ‘Thank you.’”
Voltaggio likewise will invite farmers for dinner. But even more important, he says, is getting excited when the mushroom guy shows up at his back door or showing appreciation and respect for the hours the farmer spent harvesting the kale.
“Those relationships are the No. 1 factor as to why I can grab an ingredient when I want to and need to,” Voltaggio says. “It’s not about the volume. It’s not about what you buy. It’s not about any of those things. If somebody genuinely likes you and appreciates what you do with their product that they worked so hard to get to you, then I think that means more than anything.”
Photo of Vidalia’s ramp dumplings by Darrow Montgomery


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On Sunday afternoon, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi made an announcement confirming that polony and products from an Enterprise Foods factory in Polokwane, Limpopo, are the source of the largest outbreak of listeria in global history. ‘Avoid all processed meat products that are sold as ready to eat,’ said Motsoaledi, adding that pregnant women should avoid processed meat ‘like the plague’.
Author: Joanne Fairbrother
The International Animal Save Movement has started up a chapter in South Africa with the aim of calling attention to the plight of factory-farmed pigs as well as to water shortages and water abuse by local abattoirs, writes JOANNE FAIRBROTHER.
Join The South African Vegan Society and Plant for an informal gathering with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, American author, speaker, cultural commentator, and podcaster. This is an opportunity to meet Colleen and spend some intimate time with her so bring your questions and enjoy some great vegan food and company.There will be a cash bar with snacks provided.
Join The Center for Effective Vegan Advocacy for a 2 day work shop hosted in Cape Town and Johannesburg in November. CEVA hosts are Dr. Melanie Joy and Tobias Leenaert. Book Now!
In recent years, there has been a rise in headlines and articles in the mainstream press that demonise the vegan diet. The latest spate, arising out of Milan, Italy, claim that children have had...
South Africa has a brand new vegan directory veganreview.net. Vegans can easily search for anything from products, restaurants, doctors, clothes, books, household products and even vegan friendly tattoo parlors.
PHILIP WOLLEN is in South Africa! Mr Wollen is one of the most influential vegan advocates worldwide, and this is possibly the best opportunity to get friends and family to hear the vegan message...
The SA Vegan Society has been busy bringing South African vegans and the vegan-curious together this year with a string of successful events.
Dr. Will Tuttle, the author of ‘The World Peace Diet – Eating for Spiritual Health & Social Harmony’ (WPD), is coming to Cape Town, Greyton, Durban and Johannesburg in the new year, on a lecture-tour of South Africa. This is the first time he will be in Africa, having done presentations throughout the world since writing his masterpiece (an Amazon #1 best-seller!), 10 years ago.
South African vegans are expanding their capacity to provide great vegan products and services nationwide. With the number of vegans increasing daily, this is a market that is catching on fast. From unique, organically...
Animal rights activist and vegan chef Nikki Botha served on the on the Sea Shepherd vessel the MV Steve Irwin for three months. The SA Vegan Society talks to Nikki on her experiences.
On the weekend of 28 and 29 November, hundreds of thousands of people around the world took to the streets on the eve of the Paris Climate Summit to demand a treaty to avoid catastrophic climate change. About 1 500 people gathered in Cape Town in global solidarity on a scorcher of a Sunday that left people with no doubts about the reality of global warming.


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The Stewart Companies has agreed to sell its Apple Automotive dealerships to a Lehigh Valley company, as the York-based holding company focuses on its other businesses,
- The buyer is Allentown-based Ciocca Dealerships, which operates 42 dealerships and 12 collision centers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including in the Harrisburg and State College markets.
- Apple operates 10 dealerships, six collision centers, two car washes and a wholesale parts business in York County, with many of them clustered on a campus along Route 30 in West Manchester Township. Others are in Hanover and Red Lion.
- Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
- But Stewart said it expects Apple dealerships to take the Ciocca name shortly after the sale closes, which is expected in February.
Why is this happening: While the auto industry has been hit by supply chain issues and rising interest rates that make cars more expensive, Stewart said its decision to sell Apple was driven by other factors.
- The company said it has had a long-term plan to concentrate on its construction, real estate and building products businesses, which operate under a variety of names.
- The real estate business includes Apple Retail Properties and Stewart Properties.
- Construction businesses include Stewart & Tate and Lewis Contractors.
- Businesses in the building products sector include York Building Products, Heritage Concrete and Newline Hardscapes.
- “Apple Automotive is a thriving company and has been an important part of The Stewart Companies’ legacy and the communities we proudly serve across Central PA since its founding more than 45 years ago,” Stewart CEO David Stewart said in a statement. “This strategic transition will set the company up for continued success long into the future.”
What’s under the hood: Founded in 1976, Apple Automotive has grown to employ 705 people selling and servicing a range of vehicles, from BMWs to Nissans.
- It is led by president Christopher Sechrist, who is expected to continue leading the company when it becomes part of Ciocca, according to Stewart.
- Ciocca also has committed contractually to offer jobs to every Apple employee, Stewart added.
- “Ensuring continuity for the leadership and team members across our Apple Automotive locations was an important part of the strategic process,” the company said.