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31st Jan, 2022
AI Powered Language is Fueling Customer Engagement According to Persado and Coresight Research
NEW YORK – January 31, 2022 – Persado, the AI content generation and decisioning platform that delivers outsized value at scale to Fortune 500 companies, and Coresight Research today announced the results of their survey: AI-Powered Language: A New Era of Enhanced Customer Engagement.
The survey underscores the growing importance that senior-level executives are placing on AI-enabled marketing technologies to generate engaging creative content, personalize customer experiences, and improve the ways businesses leverage first-party data to gain meaningful insights without sacrificing customer privacy. Key findings from the survey include:
- Natural Language Generation (NLG) will continue to grow in prominence for marketers. NLG is a key AI-driven technology in creative content generation and was cited by survey respondents as one of the top five most significant ways to leverage AI in digital marketing. Additionally, 78.3% of respondents hold AI accountable for creative development and execution—meaning that marketers can finally track the impact of words and phrases when using AI generated content.
- Personalized content remains critical for customer engagement, with more marketers relying on AI to create their offerings. Organizations across multiple industries are experimenting with a combination of AI-driven technologies to generate personalized content for customers. The survey found that 74.5% of respondents agree or strongly agree that using AI helps organizations manage challenges related to offering personalized customer experiences, with more than half of all respondents (53.9%) currently using AI or ML to offer a personalized experience to customers. Only 6.7% do not leverage or plan to leverage these advanced technologies.
- A shifting customer privacy landscape necessitates a renewed focus on first-party data. Marketers typically have a high reliance on third-party data, but changes to privacy laws in the United States and the European Union are and will continue to fundamentally change how organizations are able to interact with their customers. The survey found that 78.2% of respondents cited the efficient use of first-party data as very or extremely important for AI in digital marketing, and 86.1% of respondents are already using first-party data for marketing purposes.
- Advanced digital technologies will play an increasing role in driving revenue. Organizations are realizing the benefits of using AI to generate creative content and deliver personalization at scale, with 78.2% of respondents citing that advanced technologies in digital marketing are very or extremely important for improving the customer experience.
“The survey results clearly point to the coming renaissance for the Marketing community, with AI as the catalyst,” said Amy Heidersbach, Chief Marketing Officer at Persado. “Brands now have the ability to understand and predict their customers’ language preferences real-time, and then deliver AI-generated messages that are more authentic and engaging. Communications and content as we know it are about to change forever, with language personalization at scale becoming the new normal for marketers.”
“As retailers and brands move away from the use of third-party cookies, AI-powered language will play a critical role across digital marketing activities over the coming years,” says Deborah Weinswig, CEO at Coresight Research. “ Our report highlights how using first-party data to drive personalized language and content will be essential for marketers’ future success.”
The study is based on the analysis of data from an online survey of 165 executives conducted by Coresight Research in November 2021. We selected respondents based on the following criteria:
- Based in the US.
- Holding senior positions (C-suite, presidents, directors, department heads).
- Company operates across multiple industries (CPG, retail, manufacturing, professional services, wholesale and other industries).
- Company currently invests in digital marketing or plans to invest in the next three years.
- Company currently uses advanced technologies such as AI, ML or deep learning in digital marketing, or plans to do so in the next three years.
Persado is the AI content generation and decisioning platform that unlocks billions in incremental revenue for data-driven enterprises. Leading brands including J.P. Morgan Chase, Humana, American Express, and Verizon rely on Persado to realize the untapped potential in every message. Words matter. And when they are mapped to human emotion, generated by the Persado AI, and powered by machine learning, organizations reach a tipping point in their ability to understand the customer and personalize language experiences across touchpoints and channels—creating a continuous ability to learn, gain further customer insights, and drive ever higher performance. Visit Persado.com to learn more.
About Coresight Research:
Coresight Research is a research and advisory firm specializing in retail and technology. Established in 2018 by leading global retail analyst Deborah Weinswig, the firm is headquartered in New York, with offices in London, Lagos, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Mangalore (India). The firm provides data-driven analysis and strategic advisory to clients including retailers, brands, enterprise technology companies, accelerators and more. In addition to being renowned for its breadth and depth of research, Coresight Research is known for its expertise in the China market, helping clients with market entry and cross-border e-commerce strategies. Coresight Research is also known for its Innovator Intelligence platform, consisting of a vast network of technology entrepreneurs that it actively cultivates through events, mentorship, and regularly updated report coverage. For more information, visit www.coresight.com.


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Introduction of BBC business news
The BBC has an extensive range of programming from TV shows such as Doctor Who, Strictly Come Dancing, and Top Gear to documentaries, radio programs, books, magazines, and even apps.
BBC Business News offers impartial coverage of the latest developments across the UK and around the globe. The aim is to provide accurate information that readers can trust, helping them make better decisions.
BBC Business News – What does it take to make an iPhone XS Max worth its price tag?
Apple has released the new iPhone XS Max – the biggest model ever in their range. Is it worth the £1,099 price tag? Apple started selling phones almost 30 years ago. The company now sells iPhones at prices that are far lower than its competitors. It’s cheaper to buy a 4G iPhone 6 from Amazon than buy an iPhone 8 Plus from Apple’s store.
If the phone itself isn’t the main reason why you want to buy it, then perhaps the features will sway your decision. For example, some of the other models include extra storage space and support for faster charging. These might not be important to everyone, so read our article to see if the iPhone XS Max is really worth it.BBC business news reval the price of iPhone.
Business News – Apple reportedly testing AR glasses in collaboration with Google
Apple has long been developing augmented reality technology. Now Apple is said to be working with Google to develop AR Glasses. What exactly do these devices entail?
Augmented Reality (AR) technology integrates virtual objects into real life using cameras and sensors. These devices augment our surroundings with information such as location, time, weather, or notifications. The technology has already made its way into several areas including healthcare, retail, art, and even advertising. Some experts believe AR technology will create a new revolution in human interaction.
latest Business News about business
Business News has defined information to businesses including operations, strategies, plans, and management. Business News has also known as B2B or B2C news.
The Business News has become a great source of information for professional and personal benefits. Business News is also important for investors who want to make informed business decisions. There are two types of business news. The first type of news provides information on events, trends, and issues affecting companies. This type of news focuses on company events such as mergers, acquisitions, stock price changes, and new product launches. The other type of business news focuses on financial matters. Companies release quarterly earnings reports and disclose significant financial transactions. These reports give investors a better understanding of the financial status of corporations.
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What started as a relatively minor flu outbreak spread rapidly through China into other parts of Asia and Europe. Today, more than 80 million people have contracted the virus and nearly 40,000 people have died from it. As of April 4th, 2020, there are 2,636 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States and 57 deaths.
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IRELAND: Glanbia forms UK nutrition arm
Irish food group Glanbia has snapped up UK beverage group Pro-Fibe Nutrition in a move to boost its presence in the nutrition sector.
The deal, announced today (21 June) will see Pro-Fibe renamed Glanbia Nutritionals UK, a division of Glanbia Nutritionals, supplier of vitamin and mineral premixes, protein solutions and oat beta-glucan. Glanbia Nutritionals UK, based in Middlesbrough, will sell a range of products, including RTDs, using Glanbia's ingredients.
Matthew Richardson, founder of Pro-Fibe Nutrition and technical director of Glanbia Nutritionals UK, said: "Glanbia Nutritionals' ingredient solutions fit well with our business so the acquisition was a natural step. Now, we can further develop our capabilities and services, and offer customers the added value of Glanbia Nutritionals' expertise in the nutritional ingredients market."
The acquisition comes two years after Glanbia bought German nutrition research group Kortus Food Ingredients Services.
Glanbia Nutritionals CEO Hugh McGuire said: "Innovation through R&D forms the core of our growth plan, and KFIS and Pro-Fibe share this ethos. We're looking forward to consolidating the businesses to develop functional foods and ingredients for a variety of markets. These are exciting times for Glanbia Nutritionals."
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Elon Musk‘s electric carmaker Tesla delivered a record number of vehicles in 2021 after it easily topped fourth-quarter expectations.
The company delivered 308,600 vehicles during its fourth fiscal quarter, according to figures released Sunday.
The delivery total was higher than analysts’ projection of 263,026 vehicle deliveries and surpassed the carmaker’s previous quarterly record of 241,300.
In total, Tesla delivered a record 936,172 electric cars in the 2021 fiscal year — a whopping 87 percent increase compared to the previous year when it shipped 499,550 vehicles.
Tesla shares jumped nearly 9 percent on Monday morning in response to the delivery report.
“With the chip shortage a major overhang on the auto space and logistical issues globally these delivery numbers were ‘jaw dropping’ and speaks to an EV demand trajectory that looks robust for Tesla heading into 2022,” Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives said in a note to investors.
Tesla reported the blowout delivery numbers despite ongoing supply chain issues that have plagued automakers. Key components, including semiconductor chips used in Tesla vehicles, are in short supply.
Musk touted the delivery totals on Twitter.
“Great work by Tesla team worldwide!” Musk tweeted.
Musk has expressed concern about the supply chain crunch on several occasions. In July, the Tesla CEO said the company was reprogramming its software to use computer chips that were more readily available in its vehicles.
“We were able to substitute alternative chips, and then write the firmware in a matter of weeks,” Musk said during an earnings call at the time. “It’s not just a matter of swapping out a chip; you also have to rewrite the software.”
Despite the supply chain issues, Tesla’s market capitalization has surged in recent months. The company’s valuation exceeded $1.15 trillion as of Monday.


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A new branch of the fast-food chain will be located directly on the M53 at junction 3 and create 105 jobs, say the bosses.
More than 100 full- and part-time jobs will be created thanks to the opening of a new McDonald’s in Prenton.
A new branch of the fast food chain will open in Wirral.
It is assumed that the jobs offered will range from part-time to full-time.
In addition to a socially distanced, secure service, the restaurant will also offer a delivery service from 24 November.
It is scheduled to open next Wednesday, November 4, at 11 am.
Vacancies for crew members will be published before the opening.
The job advertisement reads: “To join us as a crew member, you must be sure to approach and deal with different groups of people. Friendly, polite and helpful behavior is a matter of course for you, and you will work well as part of a team.
“Effective communication skills such as attentive listening, face-to-face verbal communication and eye contact are a must. You must also understand the importance of maintaining high standards of quality, service and cleanliness.
“The ability to maintain high energy levels while working both efficiently and productively is essential. After all, your appearance should be intelligent and clean.
The new branch will be opened following “significant” investments by local franchisee Paul Griffiths, who also owns three other stores in Wirral.
“We would like to thank our customers in advance for their support and patience as we navigate and adapt to these different ways of working.
said Paul Griffiths: “We are looking forward to expanding our operations in Prenton and we look forward to seeing our new and existing customers in the restaurant on site.


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FG’s latest bans on Tomato paste import’ll boost local production, saturate market soon
A top official of the Dangote Tomato Factory in Kano has hailed the federal government for the latest ban on the importation of Tomato paste, saying the new policy will encourage more investors in the sector.
The official who pleaded anonymity said production activities are ongoing at the factory and there are expectations that more investors will rely on the ban to start fresh investment as the nation is bless3ed with the product.
Only Monday, federal government, though the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, announced the ban on the importation of tomato paste, powder or concentrate, and increased the tariff on importation of tomato concentrate among.
Though the ban was not total, analysts say moving the duty paid from five to 50 per cent can be said to be a ban because nobody can make gain importing at that rate.
Market statistics show that the value of imported tomato paste in Nigeria is about $170 million and $50 million spent on triple tomato concentrate.
Details in a document from the Federal Ministry of Industry and trade and investment titled: ‘Implementation of the tomato sector policy’ which was signed by the Director, Industry Development of the ministry, Mr. Adewale Bakare, stated that such action would revive the sector, create jobs and preserve foreign exchange.
According to the gazette material, “As you are aware, government has overtime engaged tomato industry stakeholders on ways to deepen the industry and particularly, encourage the use of locally produced tomato fruits across the value chain. It is in that regard that I am directed to bring to your notice the decision of the government towards boosting production and attracting investments into the tomato sector.
“These include ‘classification of greenhouse equipment as agricultural equipment to attract zero per cent import duty. Ban on the importation of tomato paste, powder or concentrate put up for retailing and others Ban on tomato prepared or preserved by vinegar or acetic acid and others.
“Increase in the tariff on the tomato concentrate and other concentrates (HS Code 2002.90.11.000) from five percent to 50 percent and additional levy of $1,500 per metric tons with the objective of increasing the current tariff from five percent to 50 percent (35percent +5 percent+10 percent) and an additional levy of US$1,500 metric ton. Restriction on the importation of tomato concentrates to the seaports to address abuse of ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation scheme (ETLS) and inclusion of tomato production and processing in the list of industries eligible for investment incentives administered by the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).”
“It is expected that the foregoing measures which are situated within the overall road map for the development of the industry, will create jobs, save foreign exchange and create capacity for export of tomato concentrate and paste to ECOWAS sub –region and beyond, ” the document summed.


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Indian boy fighting aging disorder meets Asimo
Nihal Bitla is one of only four people in India known to have progeria, the genetic disorder that causes rapid aging. The 15-year-old Nihal, who loves robots, recently had a dream come true -- to meet Honda's Asimo humanoid robot.
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Alibaba’s co-founder and executive chairman, Jack Ma is officially stepping down as Alibaba’s executive chairman on Tuesday, September 10. He has celebrated his retirement with a big bash at an Olympic-sized stadium in the company’s hometown of Hangzhou.
The Official Retires Announcement
A year ago, Alibaba Group announced its CEO, Daniel Zhang, will succeed Ma as chairman in the following year after Jack Ma stepped down as chairman. Then, Ma will stay on the company’s board until its annual general shareholders’ meeting next year. And he still retains a 6.22% share of the company.
After that, Jack Ma will remain a lifetime partner of the Alibaba Partnership, or a group of 36 partners drawn from the senior management ranks of Alibaba Group companies and affiliates. They hold a considerable amount of sway over the company because they have the right to nominate. Even in certain situations, they can appoint up to a simple majority of its board of directors.
This retirement makes Jack Ma become one of the first founders among a generation of prominent Chinese internet entrepreneurs to step down from their companies. Some giant firms like Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu, and JD.com have flourished in recent years. They are growing to nearly rival American internet behemoths like Amazon and Google in their size, scope, and ambition. For these Chinese tycoons, to step aside in their 50s is really rare. Usually, they will remain at the top of their organizations for many years.
Alibaba: The House Jack Ma Built
As a natural salesman and charismatic leader, Jack Ma co-founded Alibaba with 17 others out of his apartment in Hangzhou in eastern Zhejiang province in 1999. Initially, Alibaba was an online marketplace for businesses to sell their products to other businesses. However, it did not take off until it began the Taobao marketplace in 2003. Taobao is a marketplace where merchants can sell goods directly to consumers. used to sell goods directly to consumers.
Later, the company rolls out Alipay, an online payment service, to facilitate transactions in a country where few people had credit cards. Then, Alipay became Ant Financial, the financial subsidiary that Mr. Ma also controls.
Today, Alibaba has become a giant empire in many fields including e-commerce, online banking, cloud computing, digital media and entertainment and even a corporate messaging service similar to Slack. Plus, the company owns or holds stakes in some of China’s most important media assets. For example, the most popular social media in China, Weibo was owned by Alibaba. Another example is the Hong Kong-based English-language newspaper The South China Morning Post.
It can be said that Jack Ma was a person, who has written the beautiful story of Alibaba. Ma said in last year’s announcement that he plans for his departure from Alibaba Group to be very gradual: “The one thing I can promise everyone is this: Alibaba was never about Jack Ma, but Jack Ma will forever belong to Alibaba.”
Life After Alibaba
“Before I’m 70 years old, I can do something in other fields, in areas like education,” Ma said at an Alibaba event last September.
Besides being China’s most famous entrepreneur and the country richest man with a fortune of nearly $40 billion, Jack Ma also a former English teacher. Therefore, he has the nickname “Teacher Ma”. He often talks about his passion for education in many interviews and talk shows. One special thing that the day Ma chose to formally step down, September 10, is Teachers’ Day in China. It’s also Ma’s 55th birthday.
Ma said in last September that “Teachers always want their students to exceed them, so the responsible thing … for me and the company to do is to let younger, more talented people take over in leadership roles,”
In an interview with Bloomberg TV this week, Jack Ma said that he wants to devote time to education philanthropy. In 2014, he created the Jack Ma Foundation. Over 10 years, this foundation has pledged $45 million to improve education in rural China.
Also in the interview, Jack Ma cited the Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates as an example. He said that he could never be as rich as Mr. Gates but that he could retire earlier than Mr. Gates.
Have Shopify stores? check out the best Shopify Apps to increase sale


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M&S food whetted Xmas shoppers' appetites, but the chain will ramp up discounts to boost 'challenging' trading
Marks & Spencer shoppers continued to splash out on food over Christmas but weak homewares sales dragged down its overall performance.
The High Street giant said it had performed well in a challenging trading environment, but admitted customers were 'managing their budgets carefully' during a time of economic uncertainty.
And it pledged today that it would roll out more discounts in a bid to pull in customers, investing in promotions and sacrificing profit margins to boost trade.
Discount campaign: M&S has pledged more price cuts as it sacrifices profit margins to boost trade
M&S, which has more than 700 stores in the UK, said overall like-for-like UK sales were up 0.5 per cent in the 13 weeks to December 31
It saw a 1.8 per cent like-for-like decline in general merchandise sales excluding VAT, but food sales were up 3 per cent.
The firm said its expectations for full-year profit remained unchanged despite the impact its decision to invest in promotions will have on gross margins, as it plans to offset this with additional savings and 'tight management' of costs.
Looking ahead, M&S said: 'In light of the ongoing macro-economic uncertainty, we expect trading conditions to remain challenging. We continue to be cautious about the outlook for the year ahead.'
Shares in M&S were up 6.6p at 315.1p in early morning trading.
The decline in M&S's general merchandise sales was driven by a drop in the home division, which fell 13.3 per cent in the period on an all-stores basis due to the company's decision to pull technology products from its shelves.
M&S said food sales benefited from an increased range of products as the company introduced 600 new lines.
Meanwhile, the group reported a 1.1 per cent increase in clothing sales on an all-stores basis, racking up its biggest ever quarter for childrenswear as well as strong sales of menswear and sleepwear.
The company's website saw sales increase 22.4 per cent, which was boosted by a move to extend the next-day delivery deadline and the launch of its 'Christmas Food to Order' service online, which contributed to a 12 per cent increase in orders.
Total group sales, which include 300 international stores, increased 2.4 per cent excluding VAT, driven by continued growth in India and China as well as good start to its newly-opened flagship store in Paris.
There was not much in way of an update on the progress of the group's £600million revamp of it stores which it hopes will make its outlets easier to shop in and boost sales of its own brands.
View from the City
Matthew McEachran, analyst at Singer Capital, said overall today's update met market expectations.
He said: 'Although not yet evident, management are making progress on the new strategy, and we soon expect to see some benefits flow through to sales and profit from enhancement to the stores, the brand segmentation, and the navigation.'
Broker Oriel Securities, which has a buy recommendation on the stock, said: 'Innovation in the food business has delivered a strong Christmas during which like-for-like sales rose 3 per cent.
'Elsewhere general merchandise sales were more difficult with like-for-like down 1.8 per cent but tight control of costs means profit forecasts for the year are unchanged.'
Stock trend: M&S shares slumped last summer and have traded in a narrow range since then
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Officials in Maine’s capital city have enacted a moratorium on most retail sales from vehicles in the wake of a proposal to sell medical cannabis from a camper-trailer.
Augusta resident Giovanni DelVecchio, who owns Weed on Wheels Maine, proposed in October that he would renovate the trailer and park it in a permanent location to sell medical marijuana, once he obtained a city license. The Augusta Planning Board instead plans to consider an ordinance that would permanently ban such sales in the city, the Kennebec Journal reported.
Planning Board members spoke in favor of the recommendation, which would also ban most other types of retail sales from vehicles, on Tuesday. A public hearing about the possibility of a permanent ban is scheduled for the board’s next meeting on Dec. 8.


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Lost your Android handset again? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. And help will soon be at hand. Later this month, Google will release Android Device Manager, which will help you find your phone.
If you can’t remember which pub/bar/drinking hole you left it in, Android Device Manager will show your phone’s location on a map in real-time. Or you can set your mobile to ring at maximum volume, even if it’s on Silent mode. Handy if it’s just somewhere down the back of the sofa.
If you’re worried about your data falling into the wrong hands, you can quickly wipe everything from your phone, too.
Android Device Manager will work on phones or tablets running Android 2.2 Froyo or higher. That’s 98 per cent of all devices with Google’s operating system, according to the latest stats. The feature will also be available as an app.
There are already apps out there that do this kind of thing, most notably Find My Phone — which is made by Apple — for the iPhone, and an app of the same name for Android. So Google is playing catch-up. Nevertheless, with its awesome mapping software and considerable resources, Google’s phone location feature could come into its own. No doubt it’ll be a welcome addition to Google Play’s portfolio of apps.
Perhaps aware of just how useful a feature like this is, a couple of Android device manufacturers have tried their hand at making their own phone-finding programs. HTC’s has since been retired, while Sony announced its My Xperia program earlier this year.


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BitDefender Unveils Security Protection for Microsoft Windows Vista
BitDefender announces the availability of BitDefender 10 Internet Security for Microsoft Windows Vista. Available through BitDefender's web site, BitDefender 10 Internet Security includes a full suite of Internet security features, including anti-virus, anti-spam, anti-spyware, firewalls and parental control.
Upgrading to the Vista-compatible versions of BitDefender products are free for all BitDefender users, trial users and subscribers. As one of the most anticipated pieces of software in years, Microsoft Windows Vista has quickly become one of the biggest targets for hackers and cyber criminals. Since the vast majority of viruses and malware derive from email, consumers and SMBs are strongly encouraged to protect their systems with state-of-the-art anti-malware protection, such as BitDefender 10 Internet Security.
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Softbank’s much-heralded investment in Flipkart might last less than a year.
After putting in a mega $2.5 billion into Flipkart in August last year, Softbank has said it’s open to exiting from the company. “We are open to good offers for Flipkart,” Softbank Masayoshi Son said today. The statement is likely to fuel speculation that Flipkart could see a controlling investment come in soon from Walmart, with the exit of many of its existing investors, including Softbank.
But Softbank’s willingness to give up its prized investment in India’s e-commerce space is in stark contrast to the company’s rhetoric when it had invested in Flipkart last year. Softbank’s cash infusion in Flipkart in August 2017 was the biggest funding round for an Indian tech startup, and Softbank had then appeared bullish on the company. “The Vision Fund is proud to be part of this landmark transaction which is a strong endorsement of India and its thriving economy. We look forward to being a part of Flipkart’s journey towards becoming one of the most successful e-commerce companies in the world,” Rajeev Misra, CEO of Softbank’s Vision Fund had then said. “We want to support innovative companies that are clear winners in India because they are best positioned to leverage technology and help people lead better lives. As the pioneers in Indian e-commerce, Flipkart is doing that every day,” Masayoshi Son had said in August.
Softbank’s tone now appears to have changed, in part because there now appears to be a ready buyer on the horizon. Sources told OfficeChai that Walmart has completed its due diligence into investing in Flipkart, and the announcement could come in over the next few weeks. For Walmart, an investment into Flipkart will be tactical from a global perspective — it competes with Amazon in the US, and will look to use Flipkart as a proxy to take on Amazon in India.
But Softbank’s willingness to pull out of Flipkart also shows the firm’s ruthless nature while investing in tech companies. The company’s seen a few reverses in its investments in India — Snapdeal, its e-commerce bet before it had put money into Flipkart, has imploded, and Housing, one of its most prominent investments also didn’t impress. Softbank isn’t used to such failures — it’s earned a staggering 44% internal rate of return on its investments over the last 18 years, and clearly sees Flipkart’s sale as a chance to make a quick buck from its India portfolio.
This move, however, also shows how Softbank assesses Flipkart’s chances going forward. Softbank has had a mega hit in Alibaba in China — it had invested into the company in the early 2000s, and converted a $30 million investment into $130 billion, an astonishing 2240x return on his original investment. But Softbank clearly doesn’t think Flipkart is going to go the same way, if it’s willing to exit the company. Flipkart might be India’s biggest e-commerce company, but Softbank clearly thinks it’s no Alibaba.


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Nesta research reveals the average person who plays games: female, 43 years old, highly educated and an active consumer of culture
People who play games are better educated, no less wealthy and more likely than non-games players to participate actively in culture, according to research conducted by innovation charity Nesta, released in a report that challenges the existing stereotype of games players.
The UK games market was valued at a record £4.33bn in 2016, up +1.2% from the 2015 figures.
The result shows positive growth for the games and interactive entertainment economy, including an +11.1% increase in digital console and PC games sales to £1.22bn and an impressive +16.9% rise in UK mobile games revenue - now worth £995m.
For the first time since launch, the UK Games Map is now tracking more than 2,000 active games companies in the United Kingdom.
Thanks to an incredible response from the UK games industry, Ukie have processed more than 120 data submissions from UK games companies to the UK Games Map, both adding new companies to the dataset and providing updates and improvements to existing company data. As of this morning, this brings the total number of active games businesses listed in the map to 2,028.
It's been a busy 10 days since we launch the UK Games Map, the first real-time interactive map of the UK games industry. We've had an amazing reponse to the map, with some great feedback from across the industry, academia, government, gamesmap users, direct email and social media, so we thought we'd share a little of what's been going on behind the scenes.
Less than two weeks since its US release and just 6 days in for Europe, Niantic’s Pokémon GO is proving to be a phenomenal success, with millions of installs, revenue records smashed and both the games industry and the mainstream media scarcely able to keep up with the deluge of incredible stories rolling in by the hour.
We love a bit of data here at Ukie, so below are collected a few choice facts and charts about the story so far:
Culture committee mulls tougher data breach sanctions
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee's report into cyber-ecurity published 17 June recommended a new custodial sentence of up to two years for those convicted of unlawfully obtaining and selling personal data. It has also said the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) should also have a robust system of escalating fines at its disposal to sanction those who fail to report, prepare for or learn from data breaches.
Ukie is looking for an intern from our student membership to support the data and insight department for approximately 4 days, to work on a data project relating to the games industry. The project involves cross-referencing and validating data about potential games companies and their releases.
This position is paid and is required ASAP.
Skills / experience:
Your role within our Kingdom
If you want to be part of a company that creates amazing user experiences and entertainment for millions of players to enjoy on the go, then this is the right job for you. As part of the Business Performance & Analytics Department, you will enjoy working in a creative, challenging and collaborative environment where your ideas will be every bit as valued as your insight expertise.


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New Delhi: Auto major Tata Motors on Wednesday unveiled two new passenger vehicle concepts, including a five-seater luxury SUV “H5X” and a premium hatchback “45X”.
The company made the announcement at the pre-open event of the 14th Auto Expo.
The two vehicles are based on two new architectures introduced by the company: Omega Arc and Alfa Arc.
In the commercial vehicles segment, the company introduced a compact truck “Tata Intra”, which was unveiled by the company’s brand ambassador and Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar.
The “Auto Expo — The Motor Show” 2018 is being held from February 9-14, 2018, at the India Expo Mart, Greater Noida.
However, February 7-8 is reserved for the media and exhibitors.


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Some recent documents sourced from inside Intel confirm that the chip giant will be stopping shipping seven 64-bit Pentium 4 processors next November. Those chips for the chop are those intended for one-way workstations and servers.
The chip giant launched 64-bit P4s in August 2004, at 3.2, 3.4 and 3.6GHz. Boxed, retail-oriented versions of the chips turned up in January this year, along with a 3.8GHz part.
By then, Intel had released version based on the updated 'E' core to complement the original 'D' core releases. Version-E parts have an 'F' appended to their clock speed to indicate the use of the more up-to-date core.
This week's end-of-life announcement touches on both D- and E-core parts. Intel will take orders up until 26 August, with the last orders being fulfilled by 25 November.
Intel claims that market demand for chips that support Intel EM64T has shifted to higher performance Intel processors, and has cites this as the reason for the discontinuations. Intel plans to launch replacement processors that will add support for Intel's Virtualisation Technology (VT).


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The global quantum dot display market size is expected to reach USD 3.96 billion by 2022 according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc.
Increasing awareness regarding energy-efficient displays is expected to boost global quantum dot display market growth. Surge in demand for advanced QLED powered TVs has propelled industry growth.
Advancements in quantum dot (QD) technology have made them useful for television manufacturers giving them a competitive edge in the industry. Creating better color with color tuning features has become a key selling point for display manufacturers. Moreover, adoption of QDs is expected to increase in smaller displays such as in smartphones and tablet devices owing to its capabilities in creating sharp crisp displays.
Cadmium-containing semiconductor-based QDs exhibit superior performance as compared to their cadmium-free counterparts. However, the toxic nature of such heavy metals has raised environmental concerns. Regulations in EU and Japan restrict the use of cadmium, compelling vendors to focus on the development of Cadmium Free Quantum Dots (CFQD). Manufacturers offering high-performance cadmium-free QDs in adequate volumes are expected to gain competitive advantage in the market moving forward.
To request a sample copy or view summary of this report, click the link below:
Further key findings from the report suggest:
QD based LEDs or QLEDs segment dominated the global quantum dot display industry accounting for over 45% of the market share in 2014. QD LED technology enables OEMs to manufacture UHD TVs with enhanced color gamut as compared to OLED UHD TVs, at reduced costs and improved energy-efficiency. In 2014, Samsung progressed from conventional UHD OLED TVs to QD-based LED 4K TVs to evade high development costs. Competitor TV companies such as Panasonic, LG,and Sharp have started developing UHD TVs incorporating QD technology, thereby driving the industry’s growth prospects.
QDs are made up of binary compounds such as cadmium selenide, cadmium sulfide, cadmium telluride, and indium arsenide. However, toxicity of cadmium and global environmental regulations like the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive and the Toxic Substances Control Act have limited the amount of heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury that can be used in consumer electronic devices resulting in increased production of CFQD technology, and opened the doors for OEMs to use QDs in a variety of consumer electronic display devices.
Consumer electronics segment dominates the QD display market accounting for over 70% of the revenue share owing to increasing use of this technology in TVs and mobile devices. In healthcare, such display technology is extensively used in activities such as cancer diagnosis, DNA labeling, cellular labeling, and biological imaging.
North America dominated the global quantum dot display industry acquiring over 40% of the overall global revenue share in 2014. Key QD manufacturers in the industry are based in the U.S. owing to extensive R&D spending over advanced QD display technologies and high production capacities.
Key industry participants include Dow Chemical, Nanoco Group, Nanosys, and Quantum Material Corporation. In addition to these, consumer electronic giants such as LG and Samsung are making joint efforts to develop and encourage the use of CFQD, with the latter already incorporating such advanced technology in its SUHD TV models.
Grand View Research has segmented the global quantum dot display market on the basis of component, material, application, and region:
Quantum Dot Display Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2012 - 2022)
Quantum Dot Display Material Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2012 - 2022)
Quantum Dot Display Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2012 - 2022)
Quantum Dot Display Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2012 - 2022)
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Uber Spending $500 Million to Map the World for Its Service
The ride-hailing service wants to move into its own lane, so to speak, and relinquish dependence on Google Maps.Many of us already have seen the distinctive Google mapping cars rolling down the street, with their spinning 360-degree video towers on their roofs. But drivers and pedestrians alike will soon see that Uber is doing the same thing with its own fleet of geo-mapping vehicles. The San Francisco-based ride-hailing service wants to move into its own lane, so to speak, and relinquish dependence on Google Maps for geo-positioning of its member vehicles. Thus Uber is allocating a whopping $500 million into the global mapping project that becomes Phase 1 of its strategy to pave the way for driverless cars. Uber wants to be the first such company to have driverless vehicles pick up customers and transport them to their destinations, using the new-generation geo-mapping system—which it intends to be a lot more accurate than Google's.
Google, Uber Once Were PartnersIn fact, Google was an early investor in Uber, but the two companies have avoided working closely together and are now developing competing technologies for driverless cars.
In 2015, Uber hired away from Google one of the world's leading digital mapping experts, Brian McClendon, who had run Google Maps and helped create Google Earth. Now McClendon is piloting the huge map project.


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The city of Soldotna likely will see some sales tax benefit when the Big Kmart in Kenai closes its doors. But Soldotna City Manager Tom Boedeker said shoppers may bypass his city all together in search of bargains.
"My speculation is we would not see a shift in business that would generate more than a $300,000 shift into the city of Soldotna, and that's probably at the upper end," Boedeker told the Soldotna City Council on Wednesday evening.
Although Big Kmart could be counted on to bring Kenai around $800,000 each year in revenue, Boedeker said he believes shoppers will either disperse to other stores in the area or drive to Anchorage to do their shopping.
"When you don't have two stores to compete, (consumers) still feel the need to comparison shop," Boedeker said. "Unfortunately, we're probably going to lose a significant amount to Anchorage."
Additionally, Boedeker said sales tax figures this year in the city already have been disappointing. He said most projections so far indicate that Soldotna's 2002-03 figures would likely come in at less than or around the same level as last year's numbers.
"Sales have dropped," he said.
Boedeker pointed to recent layoffs at Unocal and Big Kmart as possible reasons why people may not be shopping as much. And at least one council member speculated the winter-long heat wave also may have contributed to poor sales.
Council member Jane Stein offered a theory that peninsula residents may be taking advantage of good road conditions and traveling to Anchorage more than they would during a normal winter.
"They're going up there to do their shopping," Stein said.
Despite the gloomy news for the area, Boedeker said Soldotna will still see some benefit from the Kmart closure. However, he cautioned that Soldotna's gain will come at the expense of the central peninsula as a whole.
"(Sales tax) will probably be up, but that's at the misfortune of our sister community," he said.
Overall, the sales tax numbers are pointing to an economic picture that's not entirely pretty. Boedeker said it's not time to panic, but it's obvious the economy has taken a significant downturn.
"It's not a gloom and doom scenario," he told the council. "But it's very tight."
In other action Wednesday, the council:
Passed a resolution in support of House Bill 57, which would set a fixed price for how much royalties the state gets from the sale of natural gas. It's believed the bill will help the North Kenai Agrium nitrogen facility operate more competitively by allowing them to know how much royalty cost to factor into the price they charge consumers for their products.
Set a public hearing for March 12 to discuss a proposal by Mayor Dave Carey to amend the mayor's salary from its current $300 a year to $50 each year, with the remaining $250 placed in an expense account. Instead of the money going to the mayor, Carey said the account would be used to provide candy, snacks, flowers or gifts for city workers and members of city boards and commissions.
Passed a resolution allowing the city to enter into a sole source contract with Rozak Engineering to evaluate reports from the former Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities maintenance site. The city has the option of purchasing the site from the state in April, and Boedeker said he wanted to get an outside opinion of possible contamination issues before deciding whether to purchase the site.
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2020-02-26 06:54:32| BBC News | Business | World Edition
Sir Richard Branson's firm says it is releasing more tickets for flights into space.
2020-02-25 15:44:49| Guardian Unlimited Business - more business news
When airlines and insurers will offer refunds to those who have booked holidaysCoronavirus live updatesAs the coronavirus continues to spread around the world, with Italy trying to contain what is now the worst outbreak in Europe, many people with overseas trips booked are becoming increasingly concerned.Some will be contemplating cancelling, while others will want to know what their consumer rights are. Continue reading...
2020-02-25 07:48:52| The Economic Times
The firm, which operates its flagship travel site as well as Hotels.com, Hotwire, Travelocity, Cheaptickets, Egencia and CarRentals.com, said the decision was made after determining it had been "pursuing growth in an unhealthy and undisciplined way," according to an email sent to staff. In early December, Expedia announced the immediate departures of chief executive Mark Okserstrom and chief financial officer Alan Pickerill after what the company termed "disappointing" third-quarter results.
2020-02-24 17:21:05| Telegraph Business
2020-02-24 02:52:00| Mondaq.Com
The US Department of Transportation, at the request of US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, suspended from January 10, 2020,...


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This morning, pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline announced its restructuring plans with plans to spin off the group's large consumer healthcare joint venture into a separate company to be listed on the FTSE 100 next year. Following the announcement, shareholders said they were relieved by the demerger instead of an IPO in a bid to raise more funds for R&D in the pharmaceutical business.
As a result, the group's shareholders will receive shares in the new entity with an enterprise value close to £45bn and made up of £35bn of equity and £10bn of debt.
News reports in recent weeks had indeed alarmed shareholders with the possibility of an IPO that would have diluted their holdings in the company by new shareholders or forced them to buy more shares to retain their current holdings.
The group also set new sales and profit targets for the pharmaceuticals and vaccines businesses that appear to be in line with expectations.
On the market side, analysts reacted rather well to the company's presentation, which they largely supported.
This is notably the case for Morgan Stanley analysts who described the new performance targets as ambitious and ahead of the consensus both in terms of medium-term growth prospects and dividend.
At Goldman Sachs, analysts described the new plan as comforting on all fronts.
As part of the demerger, GSK will sell up to 80% of its 68% stake in the consumer joint venture to the new company with the aim of selling the remaining 20% shortly thereafter. This 20% holdback will allow GSK to sell at the most opportune time, which is likely to be when its share price is highest or when the new entity needs funds. This withholding will also facilitate the financing of the new company's pension deficit.
In general, analysts also stated that there was a potential downside to having New GSK as ahowever, the alleged excess stock in the new company is not yet available for sale, and the company has not yet been listed on the stock exchange.
However, this alleged oversupply of stock can also be offset to a large extent by the fact that the bulk of GSK's shareholders are likely to retain their shares, meaning that the supply of shares for new investors will be limited, which would maintain the share price.


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Ascena’s Q4 income tops estimates; 180 to 190 stores on tap for 2014
Suffern, N.Y. — Ascena Retail Group’s adjusted fiscal fourth-quarter profit exceeded Wall Street estimates, driven by strong same-store sales at its Lane Bryant division.
Looking ahead, the company, whose brands include Justice, Lane Bryant, Maurices, Dressbarn and Catherines, said it plans to open approximately 180 to 190 stores and close 115 to 125 stores.
Ascena’s net income jumped to $29.8 million for the quarter that ended July 27, compared with net income of $1.6 million in its fourth quarter last year.
Revenue increased to $1.2 billion from $939.7 million.
The company sounded a cautious note about the upcoming months.
“As we head into Fiscal 2014, we expect macro-economic factors to continue to pressure the apparel industry,” said David Jaffe, president and CEO. “In light of that, we have taken a conservative approach to how we are planning fall. Our teams are focused on driving profitable growth in 2014 and we feel that our brands are well positioned for this challenging environment.”
AutoZone Q4 profit up 14.7%
Memphis — AutoZone’s net income for the fourth quarter increased 14.7% to $371.2 million, below estimates. The chain also posted its 28th consecutive quarter of double digit growth in earnings per share.
Revenue rose 12% to $3.1 billion, narrowly exceeding expectations. Domestic same-store sales disappointed with a 1% gain.
“While our same store sales performance was below our expectations for the quarter, we believe the initiatives we have in place will lead to improved sales in both retail and commercial in 2014,” AutoZone CEO Bill Rhodes said in a statement.
Kodak board elects new chair
Eastman Kodak Company has elected James V. Continenza chairman of the board. Continenza has been a Kodak director since April. Kodak CEO Antonio M. Perez remains a member of the board.
“Kodak is a company poised for growth. I look forward to providing leadership as the company realizes its potential as a technology company focused on the packaging, graphic communications, and functional printing markets,” said Continenza.
“Jim has played a leadership role in helping newly restructured companies drive innovation and growth,” said Perez. “Jim shares a deep commitment to fostering the success of our customers in both our emerging and established businesses. I look forward to working with Jim and the entire board in anticipating and meeting our customers’ needs with breakthrough products and services.”
Continenza also serves on the board of Tembec Corp., a publicly traded company. He currently serves on boards in the following industries: packaging, media/digital advertising, biofuels and network telecommunications. Previously, he was a director for Hawkeye Renewables, Anchor Glass Container Corp., Rath-Gibson, Rural Cellular Corp., U.S. Mobility, Maxim Crane Works, Arch Wireless and Microcell Telecommunications.
Kodak is a technology company focused on imaging for business. Kodak serves customers with disruptive technologies and breakthrough solutions for the product goods packaging, graphic communications and functional printing industries. The company also offers leading products and services in entertainment imaging and commercial films.


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Since OpenAI launched ChatGPT in November 2022, technology giants have quickly released generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools. With the Bard chatbot being rated far behind its competitors, many people believe that Google is falling behind in the AI race.
According to Insider, although the search giant strives to become an AI-first company, Google CEO Sundar Pichai feels Google’s AI engine needs to improve before integrating it. into the products.
CEO Google shared that the launch of ChatGPT was an exciting moment for him because Google is building the underlying technology and implementing AI across its products. He believes it shows people are willing to learn and embrace new technology.
When asked whether Google should have launched its own AI sooner than ChatGPT, Mr. Pichai said that doing so wouldn’t make much of a difference to the company’s bottom line in the long run.
Pichai’s recent comments on AI appear to have strayed away from concerns that Google may be falling behind in the AI race. In December 2022, just a few weeks after ChatGPT launched, Google’s leadership declared the company “code red” because of concerns that OpenAI ‘s chatbot could replace the Google search engine in the future. , according to the New York Times.
In March, Google launched the AI chatbot Bard. However, Bard did not meet the standard after giving many incorrect answers. Employees think that Google launched Bard too hastily. Even Alphabet President John Hennessy said that this chatbot is not really ready to become a public product.
Since the trial was considered a failed product, Google has announced a series of new AI products. In May, the tech giant launched the “Duet AI for Workspace” service, in which generative AI features were integrated into Google Docs, Sheets, Gmail, and other existing products to promote creativity and productivity.
Pichai said integrating generative AI into the search engine remains Google’s main focus in its development strategy


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Israeli AgTech startup Growee has secured an undisclosed funding round led by several renowned impact angel investors, the Israeli Innovation Authority, and the Israeli Ministry of Economy. The company, known for its technology designed for small-scale hydroponics growers, is setting its sights on North American expansion after successfully selling its products in over 20 countries worldwide.
Unlike many AgTech companies serving primarily large commercial growers, Growee offers a unique hardware and software platform tailored to small-scale growers. This includes urban hydroponic and vertical farmers, educational and research facilities, container farms, and even home growers.
The platform leverages proprietary IoT and analytics technology to continuously monitor and balance water chemistry, which is crucial for optimizing plant growth. The data collected is managed via the Growee cloud, offering real-time insights and control to growers using the Growee App.
"Growee has always been committed to providing sustainable, easy-to-use tech solutions to small-scale growers," commented Idan Avitan, CEO and co-founder of Growee. "The micro hydroponics farm market is an emerging sector supporting urban farming growth. Millions of home and small-scale growers are leading the way, and we are privileged to support their journey. Establishing a new distribution center in Florida is a significant step towards making our solutions more accessible to urban farmers in the US. We have plans for additional locations, aligning with the increasing demand in the urban farming and small-scale hydroponics market."
The hydroponics market and urban farming sectors have shown significant growth in recent years. The vertical farming technologies market share is expected to increase to USD 8.52 billion from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 24.74%, according to Technavio. This growth reflects the increased interest in sustainable farming practices and local food production, especially in urban settings.
"We see hydroponics as the future of both urban and vertical farming," Idan states. "Currently, small-scale growers face the time-consuming and error-prone task of manual water monitoring and adjustment. Growee's automated hydroponics system simplifies this process, enhancing efficiency and increasing hydroponic yield, as reported by customers worldwide."
Growee's entry into the US is marked by the establishment of a distribution center in Florida. This move, supported by two prestigious grants from the Israeli Ministry of Economy, signifies a major milestone in the company's US expansion plans.
The Israeli startup is a welcome addition to the local community. "We recently launched a Military Service Benefits Program, and we are proud to honor and support the veteran community," said Idan. "Given my past as a combat fighter and a commander in the IDF Special Forces, I've experienced how growing can help heal the soul, whether it's through growing food or medicinal plants."


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Fasig-Tipton, which introduced its virtual catalog concept last year for its Kentucky November select mixed sale, has made a number of technical enhancements since then. The improvements can be seen in the virtual catalog for this year's edition of the November auction, which appears on the sale company's Web site: www.fasigtipton.com.
The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) has launched its new Web site at www.pdjf.org.
Churchill Downs Inc. has launched the official 2004 Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) Web site, www.kentuckyoaks.com.
EquineCommerce.com quietly opened for business earlier this week, failing to sell any horses or stallion seasons in its first series of listings. But the company's chief executive was pleased because the software for the company's Web site worked well.
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association has announced the launch of the new breederscup.com, a multi-media Web site with a wide assortment of content designed to both introduce new fans to the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships and enrich existing racing fans with information and features available nowhere else.
The Jockey Club has re-designed both its corporate home page and the Registry web site in order to give visitors a better understanding of the organization and its family of companies and to simplify the manner in which owners and breeders perform registration-related functions online.
The information session on late term abortions and early fetal loss conducted at the Keeneland sales pavilion Thursday will be available online at Keeneland's web site, www.keeneland.com, for the next 48 hours. In addition, Keeneland announced at the meeting that it will have a videotape of the session available early next week.
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Amid a growing interest in NFTs and a soaring market, Defiance ETFs recently launched The Defiance Digital Revolution ETF (“NFTZ”), the first NFT-focused exchange traded fund.
Trading in NFTs climbed to $10.7 billion in the third quarter of 2021, an increase of more than 700% from the previous quarter, according to a report by blockchain analytics firm DappRadar.
Sylvia Jablonski, CIO and co-founder at Defiance ETFs, told GOBankingRates that the company launched the fund as NFTs are “challenging paradigms of ownership, property and value.”
“They are releasing creativity into the virtual world as a cooperative venture between creators and inventors,” she said. The virtual sky is the limit for NFTs, and we wanted to provide investors with access to the theme in a simple and transparent way.”
Jablonski explained that an investor can buy or create an NFT direct — similar to Bitcoin — with digital wallets, crypto and such, but this takes some expertise and level of technical understanding. “Buying an ETF in a trading account is a very seamless process for most investors. So having one with access to the digital world of blockchain technology and NFTs is a great addition to the crypto-related marketplace,” she continued. “NFTs are taking over the universe. Who would have thought that [Beeple’s] “The First 5,000 Days” would have sold for $70 million this year. We’ve seen weeks of NFT trading surpassing equity trading on various platforms.”
With the build out of the metaverse poised to be a multi trillion-dollar opportunity, comes a parallel investment opportunity with NFTs, she said. Indeed, metaverse virtual real estate, for example — a new big winner in the crypto world, as GOBankingRates previously reported — recorded more than $100 million in NFT land sales in a week in early December, according to DappRadar data.
In general, NFTs are a massive opportunity, because they represent a cultural revolution. They are a store of digital value on a blockchain. That sounds like crypto, but it is unique in that NFTs are the first asset class stored digitally that can represent a physical asset, a moment in time, a piece of art, a song, a photograph, Jablonski explained.
“They create this circular economy where both creators and investors can determine the future of an artwork — this is the evolution of the internet. It’s part of Web 3.0. Web2 was social media and sharing economy, now Web3 is blockchain technology,” she said.
She added that as NFT activity takes place on the Ethereum marketplace, you can program commerce on it, “so the term starving artists hopefully doesn’t exist.”
“The artist can build a lifelong royalty on his or her art and cut out the middle man. It is also participatory,” she added. “There are groups and chats and people taking pride in a project, determining its future path and outcome, it’s a circular economy.”
While investors can buy NFTs, trade them or enjoy the benefits they bring — unlocking an experience, for example — investors who might want an “easier” approach can gain exposure through an ETF.
The fund seeks to track total return performance of the BITA NFT and Blockchain Select Index, which include equity securities of global publicly listed companies with relevant thematic exposure to the NFT, blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystems, according to the fund’s prospectus.
“NFTZ is testament to our vision of the revolutionary potential for growth in crypto and digital asset related securities, and our commitment to offering exposure to the dynamic and disruptive NFT space. NFTZ seeks to track an index of a portfolio of publicly listed companies with relevant thematic exposure to the NFT, blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystems,” the fund’s prospectus stated.
There are two eligibility routes for inclusion in the fund. First, a thematic revenue exposure — companies who derive revenue from Crypto Asset Management & Trading; Crypto Banking, Payments and Services; Crypto Mining; Crypto Mining Hardware; or Blockchain Technology. In addition, NFTs — companies who disclose that they offer services for the issuance, creation and commercialization of NFTs; or Companies involved in investment or funding in internal and external projects targeting the issuance, creation and commercialization of NFTs.
Top holdings include Silvergate, Playboy Group and Cloudfare.
More From GOBankingRates


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Pride of Britain Hotels, the 50-strong collection of Britain’s finest, independently owned hotels, is delighted to announce the addition of four new members to its non-executive board including Jason Adams, Managing Director of Rockliffe Hall
Pride of Britain Hotels, the 50-strong collection of Britain’s finest, independently owned hotels, is delighted to announce the addition of four new members to its non-executive board. With over 25 years’ experience in the British luxury hospitality industry, Jason Adams, Managing Director of Rockliffe Hall joins alongside Jill Chalmers, Managing Director, Glenapp Castle; Ross Grieve, Managing Director, Seaham Hall; and Andrew McPherson, General Manager, Grantley Hall.
Over the past 28 years Jason has held senior management positions at The Lygon Arms, Foxhills Club and Resort, the Arden Hotel, the Atlantic Hotel and Ocean Restaurant in Jersey and Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa in County Durham.
The appointments bolster the existing non-executive board which, in addition to Pride of Britain’s Chief Executive, Peter Hancock, includes Chairman Sue Williams (who took over the role of Chairman from Dan Rose-Bristow in November 2020, and who is also Managing Director of Whatley Manor in Wiltshire).
“Rockliffe Hall is a proud longstanding member of Pride of Britain Hotels who offer some of the most luxurious country house and boutique hotels in the UK. I am delighted to join the Pride of Britain non-executive board at such an exciting time for the hospitality industry as we reopen our doors. The past year has been tough, but I’m feeling positive about the next few months and what we can bring to guests who are longing for those missed hotel experiences. I look forward to working alongside my fellow non-executive board members and the wider Pride of Britain leadership team.” commented Jason Adams.
Other members of Pride of Britain’s non-executive board include Dan Rose-Bristow (Owner, The Torridon), Stas Anastasiades (Operations Director, Maison Talbooth), Craig Bancroft (Managing Director, Northcote), Mark Chambers (Group Managing Director, Eden Hotel Collection/Bovey Castle), Neil Kedward (Owner, Grove of Narberth), Michele Mella (General Manager and Director, Barnsley House) and Andrew Thomason (Managing Director, Gravetye Manor).
Read all about the brand new menu for our flagship restaurant, The Orangery by Paul Nicholson.
Our ethos is to use the very best seasonal produce, while championing sustainability and many of the dishes use ingredients grown in the walled kitchen gardens or foraged within the estate.
Read all about our annual Northern Golf Masters competition that took place this September, as we discuss the events of the day and speak to our winner Adam Rochester.
Rockliffe Hall, the epitome of traditional British luxury in County Durham, is proud to announce the launch of its refreshed New Hall rooms, setting a new standard for indulgence and relaxation.


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Los Angeles Lawmakers Advance Single-Use Bag Ban
LOS ANGELES, California, April 5, 2012 (ENS) – A Los Angeles City Council committee recommended Wednesday that single-use plastic bags be banned from food store checkout lines across the city and that paper bags be phased out.
The five-member Energy and Environment Committee proposed that City Council conduct an environmental review of a single-use bag ban and draft an ordinance establishing it.
Once the ordinance is in effect, city officials would give six months’ warning to affected stores, such as supermarkets and other retailers that sell food, that plastic bags would be banned as of a date certain. That six months would be used to educate the public about the ban.
After the plastic bag ban is in place, stores would be required to charge 10 cents for each paper bag. Six months later, paper bags would be banned as well, in favor of reusable bags, said Councilman Paul Koretz, who wrote the proposal.
Plastic bags hold food in a Los Angeles grocery store. (Photo by summer.vogue)
The full City Council will debate the proposal within the next two weeks, city officials said.
At its meeting on December 16, 2011, City Council considered a Department of Sanitation staff report recommending adoption of a policy banning all single-use carryout bags.
City Council then asked the Sanitation Department to conduct an outreach effort to test public opinion about a single-use bag ban. The department was also instructed to report on environmental review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act and what actions are being taken by other municipalities as well as on legislation currently proposed at a state level regarding single-use bag policies.
The proposal was then referred back to the Energy and Environment Committee, which received the Sanitation Department’s report at its meeting Wednesday.
The outreach team captured the opinions of: grocery store shoppers, grocery store managers, businesses, industry and manufacturing associations, environmental groups, Neighborhood Councils, homeowner associations, minority and low income groups, the Los Angeles Unified School District, Solid Waste Integrated Resources Plan stakeholders, libraries, municipalities already implementing a bag ban, Channel 35, media relations, and various elected and appointed officials at the state and local levels.
“Overall, a majority of comments that were submitted showed support for the double ban, with the understanding that a transition phase would be needed to better inform the public and affected stores about the ban, and affect behavioral change,” the outreach team found. “In this light there was public support for a phased in approach where plastic bags are banned first, and paper bags are phased out over three years, with an ultimate ban on both.”
Some people said a ban would reduce litter on parkways and streets, reduct pollution in rivers and lakes and is “good forward-thinking policy that reduces litter in the future.”
Others said they want the convenience of single-use plastic bags. Opponents said grocery store purchases may be limited by the number of reusable bags people have with them, while some were concerned about the loss of jobs in factories making plastic bags.
Mark Daniels is vice president of sustainability and environmental policy for Hilex Poly, a U.S. manufacturer and recycler of plastic bags, and chair of the American Progressive Bag Alliance.
“The proposed policy will have no real impact on litter, instead it will only force residents to purchase less environmentally-friendly alternatives like reusable bags, nearly all of which are not recyclable, are less sanitary, are made in China using foreign oil, and often contain heavy metals,” Daniels said.
“Worse, bag bans inflict a regressive tax on the disadvantaged, impose a burden on small businesses, and are a threat to local manufacturing jobs,” he said.
Submitted by Sanitation Department Director Enrique Zaldivar, the report states, “The issue of what is the appropriate CEQA clearance for single-use plastic bag bans has undergone intense legal and administrative scrutiny recently as many jurisdictions have implemented, or attempted to implement, various bans.”
The City of Manhattan Beach prevailed at the California Supreme Court in the lawsuit over whether their single-use plastic bag ordinance requires an Environmental Impact Report, with the court ruling that an EIR was not required. However, this decision is limited to its facts – a ban by a small municipality, “is of questionable relevance to the City,” the department reports.
Several cities, such as Oakland, were directed by the courts to prepare an EIR before an ordinance banning single-use plastic bags could be adopted. Other communities, such as the County of Los Angeles, City of Santa Monica, and City of San Jose, prepared and certified EIR’s for their single-use ban policies.
Concilman Koretz said he is “embarrassed” that the city has been so slow to ban single-use bags and has lost the chance to be a leader on this issue. “Now we are being surpassed by other cities,” he said.
The “Los Angeles Times” editorial staff has come out in favor of a ban, writing on Wednesday, “L.A.’s delay in banning single-use, carry-out plastic bags has put it behind dozens of other municipalities in the state. With a recycling rate of only 5%, the bags are an environmental menace that we can easily do without.”


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Our resident sales guru, Paul Jacobs, sees the tide turning out there in Agency Land. Hey, men shop, too. Read on.
When I first became a general manager, my new boss told me something that always stuck with me:
“There are two types of people – those who let things happen and those who make things happen.”
He was right, and as I’ve worked with numerous radio station sales staffs over the years, I’ve found the same thing is true. Unfortunately, too many reps simply let things happen. They rely too heavily on ratings and avails, and not enough on aggressively developing a sales strategy designed to increase their station and audience’s worth and value.
Last fall, after listening to too many of our rock clients complain about the lack of agency buys targeting their core male listeners, I began to ask these stations how they intended to address this important issue.
For years, the perceived value of men has been declining in many advertiser minds. I was hearing numerous complaints from rock salespeople, promising they could generate more revenue if only their stations had more female listeners. Others simply focused on the low hanging fruit - beers and bars - and wondered why their revenue wasn't growing.
But no one seemed to have a strategy to effectively address this problem.
That’s why we created the “Marketing To Men” initiative, and it’s working.
The study has been covered in hundreds of publications across many different products, brands, and categories. We’ve received inquiries about the data from major agencies like Leo Burnett as well as trade associations for shopping malls, bedding, and other female-targeted categories.
We’re now hearing actual success stories from several clients who used the data to generate revenue from traditionally hard-to-close advertisers like local grocery stores. Or who used it to counter many of the myths about men and their shopping habits.
And now, there’s even more evidence that with a strategy, research, and elbow-grease, we can turn things around.
Old Navy has announced they are beginning to target men, who they describe as a “no-nonsense shopper you can’t reach on TV.”
And here’s the money line in a recent AdAge article that discussed the Old Navy strategy and their Senior VP/Marketing, Amy Curtis-McIntyre:
When it comes to clothing, it's often assumed that men rely on the women in their lives to shop for them, making women the key target for marketers. But Ms. Curtis-McIntyre said Old Navy's qualitative research shows that men are shopping for themselves and when they do, they tend to purchase in bulk, making them valuable customers.
The takeaway from the “Marketing To Men” initiative isn’t simply about trying to change a few hearts and minds. Instead, the lesson is that every sales entity needs to think strategically. Sitting back and waiting for a great book, a priority change at the agency level, or a competitor to change formats isn’t a plan – it’s a hope.
Programming departments think strategically. They have to. They conduct research; they put together an action plan. And then they go into action.
Now we know that sales can and should do the same thing. Poke the box. Initiate. Ship.
If you have a story about cracking the "man code" with an agency or advertiser, we want to hear about it. Please leave your comments below.


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DMA: Congress Needs To Act Now On Postal Reform
NEW YORK, April 5, 2002 – The Direct Marketing Association (The DMA) today called on Congress again to take up postal reform legislation as soon as possible. The largest trade association of direct and interactive marketers was also encouraged by the short-term cost-cutting measures enumerated by the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) Transformation Plan.
"We call on Congress to expeditiously create the legislative environment needed for the Postal Service to realize the long-term plans set out in its Transformation Plan," said H. Robert Wientzen, president & CEO, The DMA.
Many elements of the proposed plan, such as labor rules, facility consolidation, delivery frequency, expansion into new markets and the development of a new, more business-like corporate structure, require substantial involvement by Congress.
"There are nine million jobs at stake throughout the country and viability of thousands of private-sector companies hang in the balance. Congress must act now to enact meaningful postal reform legislation that will allow the Postal Service the flexibility to compete in today’s changing marketplace, which is increasingly driven by electronic communications and private carrier delivery," said Wientzen.
"We are concerned that many in Congress may view the Transformation Plan as a cure for what ails the Postal Service. The reality is that the Plan, while ambitious, can only work on the margins of existing law without Congress’ help. The Congress, not just the Plan, must help right the sinking ship that is the Postal Service."
"We continue to be encouraged by the resolve of the Postal Service to take the necessary steps toward cost containment in the near term and we pledge our support for its efforts," said Wientzen.
The DMA was pleased with the USPS’ commitment to hold off on new rate increases until 2004. The nation’s consumers will benefit from lower prices of goods sold through the mail and the Postal Service will be able to keep prices steady for its customers – potentially stanching the exodus of customers to lower priced alternatives.
The DMA is the leading trade association for businesses interested in interactive and database marketing, with nearly 4,700 member companies from the United States and 53 other nations. Founded in 1917, its members include direct marketers from every business segment as well as the nonprofit and electronic marketing sectors. Included are catalogers, Internet retailers and service providers, financial services providers, book and magazine publishers, book and music clubs, retail stores, industrial manufacturers and a host of other vertical segments, including the service industries that support them. According to a DMA-commissioned study, direct and interactive marketing sales in the United States exceeded $1.86 trillion in 2001, including $118 billion in catalog sales and $30 billion in sales generated by the Internet. The DMA's Web site iswww.the-dma.org, and its consumer Web site is www.shopthenet.org.


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Nintendo’s new Pokémon GO augmented reality game has quickly proven to be a cultural phenomenon, juicing the company’s stock. But it is only available in certain countries right now, leading some players to install the game from third-party sources. Now, a malicious version of the software is poised to infect Android phones with code that provides hackers a backdoor to their phones.
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The exploit was discovered by the security firm Proofpoint. Proofpoint researchers found a version of the Pokémon GO program that included a remote access tool, or RAT, called Droidjack, which they say can give an attacker “full control over a victim’s phone.”
The malicious version of the game was uploaded to a file sharing service on July 7th, just a few days after the game’s official release. Though they say they have not observed the malware in action “in the wild,” Proofpoint provides a few methods for concerned players to determine if they’ve inadvertently downloaded a compromised version of the game.
For more on cybersecurity, watch our video:
One of the major features distinguishing Android phones from iPhones is their ability to “side load” files downloaded from sources outside of Google’s Play Store. This allows users more flexibility, but is also, as Proofpoint puts it, “an extremely risky practice,” and part of the reason Android systems are more vulnerable to viruses and hacking than iPhones.
This is also not the first problem for Pokémon GO, which exactly thanks to its immense popularity experienced significant server issues at launch.


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It might be best not to enter 2021 hoping for Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 as soon as the clock strokes midnight. In a recently uncovered statement, publisher Paradox says it’s more likely to be the second half of the year before we get the horror game.
The comment is from Paradox CEO Ebba Ljungerud, who broke the news to Swedish outlet Placera in November, that was flagged this week on Reddit. The thrust of the brief interview is that first half of 2021 is looking unlikely. Translated via Google Translate, a number of reasons are given – the pandemic, the most obvious and which has slowed down the games industry wholesale, staff turnover, and wanting to optimise for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, the just-released new consoles.
Paradox’s entire slate has apparently been affected, including as-yet-unannounced upcoming games. Should Bloodlines 2 run-on into the back half of 2021, into the summer or beyond, it would join the untitled Vampire: The Masquerade battle royale game that was revealed at the start of November, from developer Sharkmob.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong, from developer Big Bad Wolf and publisher Nacon, was announced around the same time as Bloodlines 2, back in mid-2019, and is also expected to release in 2021. It’s going to be a bloodthirsty year.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 was delayed into next year in August. However long Paradox’s bloodsucking action-adventure games take, here’s the best cyberpunk games, and best open-world games, to help pass the time.


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Research: As Automotive Sector Embraces Connected Cars and Generative AI, Security Risks Loom Large
Half of automotive employees say they personally don’t have to worry about security at work
Almost two-thirds access work documents or systems from their personal device
Almost half think that generative AI is safe to use at work, with already 42% having experimented with it for work
Nearly a third (30%) of automotive employees don’t check security protocols before trying a new tool, according to a new Salesforce survey of 400 automotive employees. This could put their company and customer data at risk.
Cybersecurity is a growing concern in the automotive industry, particularly as companies store and use exponentially more data to power connected car features. According to Upstream, the number of automotive API attacks increased by 380% last year alone. And, more than a third (34%) of automotive employees in Salesforce’s survey said their company receives more security threats now than two years ago.
According to Upstream, the number of automotive API attacks increased by 380% last year alone.
Salesforce’s New Era of Data Stewardship in Automotive research explores the implications of gaps between company security efforts and employee actions, and reveals a need for automotive organizations to empower employees with trusted, easy-to-use technologies.
Automotive employee security practices may put companies and customers at risk
A large number (42%) of employees in the automotive industry have experimented with generative AI for work, compared to 15% in healthcare and 12% in government agencies.
As the industry transitions to software-defined vehicles and adopts new technologies to digitize and personalize customer experiences, it becomes increasingly important to protect sensitive information about vehicles, drivers, and passengers. The research shows that there’s a long road ahead:
- Almost half (49%) of automotive employees think that generative AI, like ChatGPT and DALL-E, is safe to use at work.
- Nearly the same amount (50%) say they personally don’t have to worry about security at work.
Tools and devices are a particular area of concern as the industry continues to digitize:
- Just 44% of automotive employees consider their connected devices (e.g., mobile phone, laptops) to be a cybersecurity risk.
- Almost two-thirds (64%) access work documents or systems from a personal device (e.g., mobile phone, laptop).
- More than two-thirds (68%) assume if they can access something on their work device, it must be safe.
- And, 63% believe their personal devices are as secure as their work devices.
“As cars become increasingly connected and the automotive industry continues to digitize its operations, more data will be generated that will open the industry up to increased risk,” said Achyut Jajoo, SVP and GM of Automotive and Manufacturing, Salesforce. “It is important that automotive employees understand the importance of cyber hygiene and take a proactive approach to data security.”
It is important that automotive employees understand the importance of cyber hygiene and take a proactive approach to data security.Achyut Jajoo, SVP and GM of Automotive and Manufacturing, Salesforce
Companies must refine training to prepare for a connected future
Employees are only one piece of the puzzle. While 72% of automotive employees say they have a security-first culture, and 74% say their company has the tools needed to keep data secure, 21% say that security protocols are not strictly enforced.
Company-sponsored training is the natural course of action to close these gaps, and a majority (71%) say they have the training needed to keep data secure. However, the training itself needs a revamp to keep security top-of-mind and working in practice, according to the data:
- One in five (20%) automotive employees don’t find security training to be valuable, and the same number don’t find it relevant to their job.
- Over a quarter (26%) don’t know what to do in the event of a breach.
- More than a quarter (29%) have accidentally clicked on a suspicious link at work.
- More than a third (35%) use the same passwords for personal and work-related logins.
- Just 35% use multi-factor authentication every time.
- And one in five (20%) never use VPN for online work.
“Automotive companies can foster a strong culture of trust and security by continuously engaging their employees to protect customer and company information. And they can empower them with regularly updated and patched technologies built with security at their core,” continued Jajoo.
- Learn about the latest innovations in Salesforce Automotive Cloud here
- Hear how Salesforce will power the future of software-defined vehicles from Achyut Jajoo, SVP & GM of Manufacturing & Automotive at Salesforce, here
- Read how data can help create a new vehicle experience for customers here
- Read Salesforce’s New Era of Data Stewardship survey results from the government and healthcare industries
- Review findings from the Generative AI in IT survey, which uncovers opportunities and barriers like security to generative AI adoption
- Learn more about the digital skills gap and how companies can narrow it
Data from Salesforce’s New Era in Data Stewardship is based on a survey of 1,230 full-time employees within automotive (400 respondents), government (412 respondents), and healthcare (418 respondents) across the U.S. The survey was conducted in partnership with YouGov in March 2023.


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Tag: Trade and Investment
Buhari’s foreign trips in order, says Senator Nakudu
The Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade and Investment, Senator Mohammed Sabo Nakudu has said President Muhammadu Buhari’s frequent trips abroad were part of the price Nigeria had...
FG plans nationwide campaign for Made-in-Nigeria products
The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajia Aisha Abubakar, on Friday in Abuja said that the ministry would soon launch a nationwide campaign to encourage Nigerians to...


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Forum opens in Macao to discuss tourism recovery, innovations
MACAO, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- The 10th Global Tourism Economy Forum opened on Thursday in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), drawing over 1,500 delegates from around the world to discuss tourism recovery and innovations.
Themed "Destination 2030: Unlocking the Power of Tourism for Business and Development," the three-day forum aims to unleash the potential of mutual cooperation between Chinese and international tourism markets and provide new thinking and impetus for the development of the global tourism economy.
Officials, industry leaders, decision-makers, and scholars worldwide are scheduled to discuss new ways of constructing a resilient, high-quality, and people-oriented environment for the tourism industry in the new normal through innovative and sustainable international cooperation.
Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, said at the opening ceremony that the forum is set to be a premier platform for cooperation between governments and the private sector in the area of tourism for development.
"We can shape the course of the sector's future around the pillars of jobs, education, innovation, and investments," Pololikashvili said.
Hu Heping, Chinese minister of culture and tourism, said the ministry hopes to capitalize on the forum to join hands with other countries to create a more open and inclusive environment for tourism development, continuously promote further opening up of China's tourism sector, make steady progress in facilitating people-to-people exchange, and keep improving inbound travel services.
Lei Wai Nong, secretary for economy and finance of the Macao SAR government, voiced hopes that the forum serves as an occasion to share Macao's steady progress towards the resumption of tourism and economic activities, as well as the city's comprehensive capabilities to organize conventions and exhibitions.
The forum underscored Italy as its partner country and Shanghai as the featured city. In addition to discussions and keynote speeches, the program included special interviews, case studies, and casual fireside dialogues as a new highlight.