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Mumbai: The textile industry which is reeling under a crisis from last few years was expecting major announcements especially with regards to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from the government. However, the industry felt let down, when finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman made no 'special' announcements for the textile industry which contributes to over 13 per cent of the industrial output and over 2 per cent to the GDP of India.
While presenting the union budget for 2020-2021, the FM proposed National Technical Textile Mission (NTTM) with an outlay of Rs. 1,480 crore over four years to cut down imports. However, the industry claims that the government has done little for them.
Speaking to the Free Press Journal, Rakesh Gokani from Mumbai's popular Mangaldas Market, said the industry has been reeling under a crisis from last 60 years, however, it is going through its worst phase from last four years.
“Ever since the government introduced GST, our business went down and has not yet revived properly. We were expecting that it would make some announcement and reduce the GST, however, nothing of this sort was announced,” Gokani said.
According to Gokani, the GST has made an adverse impact on the overall turnout of the business. “I should be earning a minimum of Rs. three lakh a month but just because of this GST I am earning only one lakh every month,” Gokani said.
“We have been demanding the government not to lower the credit period. We want this credit period to be of a minimum of three years but the government made it to one year, which is again having an impact on our business,” Gokani added.
Similarly, the textile industry was expecting a reduction of taxes on imports and also relaxations pertaining to electricity bills. “Last year there were reductions in the import of wool but this year nothing has been announced. We were expecting the government would reduce the charges on electricity consumption by textile factories but our demands have fallen on deaf ears,” said Sagar Jain, a textile shop owner.


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We already knew that the Galaxy A72 5G is on its way, a previous leak reported that the phone should have 5 sensors in the main set, however now a new source has shown renderings of cases where the phone appears with fewer cameras on the back than expected.
The renderings were leaked by the well-known leaker @Sudhanshu1414 and they show that the Galaxy A72 5G will actually have 4 rear cameras with a macro sensor next to the LED flash. This information is in line with the South Korean report recently revealed where 5 sensors were shown on the back of the Galaxy A72.
Thus, the information from that previous source may not be as reliable as this. He even indicated that the Galaxy A72 5G would be Samsung’s first phone with optical image stabilization in the middle segment.
Among the features confirmed in this rendering are the USB-C port, the input for 3.5mm headphones and a screen with infinity O hole for the selfie camera. The source also reports that the processor may be the Exynos 1080 and the phone may be launched in early 2021, which makes sense if we remember that the Galaxy A71 was introduced at the same time in 2020.

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ARLINGTON, Va. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Total sales of consumer electronics (CE) accessories, excluding batteries and blank media, will continue to rise in 2014, according to new research from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®. The report, CE Accessories at Retail, projects a slight increase of $13 million in this category, buoyed by the popularity of tablet and smartphone accessories, headphones and ear buds, raising 2014’s CE accessories sales projection to $8.5 billion.
According to the research, 59 percent of online consumers surveyed purchased CE accessories in the last year. The most popular items purchased by online consumers were ear buds (42 percent), wireless phone chargers (41 percent), wireless phone cases (32 percent) and wireless mice (30 percent). These items, along with extra memory cards for digital imaging devices and over-the-ear headphones, are consumers’ most commonly planned accessory purchases for the year ahead, as well.
The CEA research also gauged consumers’ buying behavior, reporting that the majority of online consumers surveyed (66 percent) say physical stores are the main channel they use to shop for, learn about and purchase accessories, citing convenience as their primary motivation. Those consumers who choose to buy accessories online say this option offers the best prices, convenience and enables easier browsing and comparison shopping. Only a small percentage of consumers, however, use mobile devices to shop for accessories (seven percent) or actually buy items (two percent).
Consumers surveyed say quality is the most important factor when choosing CE accessories, while need and brand name also influence their decisions. Among the other findings of the CE Accessories at Retail research:
Additionally, about half of consumers are interested in saving money by purchasing either packages containing all accessories (52 percent) for a particular device or some other type of bundled package (42 percent). Just 19 percent, however, prefer to purchase accessories individually.
The CE Accessories at Retail study (March 2014) was administered via Internet web form between December 13 and December 20, 2013 to an online national sample of 1,029 U.S. adults who purchased a consumer electronic (CE) accessory in the past 12 months. The study was designed and formulated by CEA Market Research, the most comprehensive source of sales data, forecasts, consumer research and historical trends for the consumer electronics industry. Please cite any information to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®. The complete report is available free to CEA member companies at members.CE.org, while non-members may purchase the report at store.CE.org.
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the technology trade association representing the $208 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org, www.DeclareInnovation.com and through social media: http://www.ce.org/social


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New statutory restrictions on advertising unhealthy food and drink
In 2020, a strategy was set out by the UK Government to tackle obesity in the UK. As such, the UK Government decided to expediate legislation which would impose restrictions on advertising food and drink products that are high in fact, salt or sugar (“HFSS”).
Ofcom published a statement on 10 July 2023 to set out the outcome of its consultation process in respect of proposals to implement new statutory restrictions on the advertising and sponsorship of HFSS products (“New Restrictions”). This consultation process took place between 21 February 2023 and 21 April 2023. The New Restrictions are pursuant to the Health and Care Act 2022 amended by the Communication Act 2003.
The New Restrictions will apply to advertising on Ofcom-regulated TV, on on-demand programme services and also online. Ofcom is the statutory regulator with the responsibility of implementing and enforcing the new restrictions.
With effect from 1 October 2025:
- TV services and on-demand programme services will be prohibited from including advertising and sponsorship for HFFS products between 5:30am and 9:00pm; and
- Online paid-for advertising for HFSS products, aimed at UK users, will be prohibited at all times.
These New Restrictions were initially scheduled to come into force on 1 January 2024, but have now been pushed back to 1 October 2025.
Ofcom have also decided to designate the Advertising Standards Agency as a co-regulator for the online advertising restrictions for HFSS products. There will also be amendments to the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice and the Broadcasting Code to reflect the New Restrictions that apply to advertising and sponsorship on TV.
However, there are some exceptions to the New Restrictions:
• These restrictions shall not apply to advertising by or on behalf of small or medium enterprises (“SMEs”) who are involved in, or who are associated with, the sale or production of food and drink.
• In respect of online advertising restrictions, this will not apply to business to business advertisements which are not intended to be accessed principally by persons in the UK
If you have any questions regarding this article, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Commercial team.


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The International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market / Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) announced key events planned for this year's International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market, which will be held Sept. 17-20, 2013, at the Chicago Merchandise Mart.
International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market / MMPI announces events for September show
The International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market / Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) announced key events planned for this year’s International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market, which will be held Sept. 17-20, 2013, at the Chicago Merchandise Mart. The four-day trade show will kick off with an Opening Night “Backyard BBQ” Party in a fun and lively outdoor setting. Industry education seminars and the first annual combined International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) Awards Gala and Apollo Awards Banquet will also take place during this year’s Casual Market.
The opening night party will feature a festive “Backyard BBQ” party hosted on the South Drive of the Merchandise Mart along the scenic Chicago River, Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. CDT. The event is being planned to create a new opportunity for networking with industry peers, buyers, customers and media representatives.
“The ‘Backyard BBQ’ party will enable manufacturers, retailers, buyers, designers, and others in attendance to network in a more relaxed setting, and will provide an additional real-life exhibit opportunity for sponsors,” says Jaclyn Kelly, senior director of marketing for the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market / MMPI. “The event will showcase sponsors’ outdoor furniture, accessories, fire pits, and grills in action. Exhibiting sponsors will burn their grills and light their fire pits, demonstrating the products in full use.”
This key networking event is hosted by MMPI and sponsored by Hearth & Home magazine. The event’s Lounge Furniture and Open Flame Product Showcase sponsors include Ebel, Inc.; Saber Grills, LLC; OW Lee; Terra Flame Home; and Urban Fire. Each participating company will display new 2014 products, and light hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served.
Also taking place during the 2013 Casual Market is a special presentation for dealers and retailers to learn how to increase store traffic. In panel format, “Driving Traffic to your Store,” is a seminar designed to outline strategic ways of creating in-store sales promotions and improving store images and effective methods of customer engagement, all of which can lead to increased sales.
The panelists include Jack Wills of Jack Wills Outdoor Living, Tulsa, Okla.; Keith Guidry of Percy Guidry Hearth & Patio, Metairie, La.; and Doug Sanicola of Outdoor Elegance, La Verne, Calif. The panel will be moderated by Richard Wright, editor of Hearth & Home magazine.
“Driving Traffic to your Store” will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 3 p.m. CDT in room 8A, 8th floor.
Show attendees will have the opportunity to learn the art and craft of social media from Chad Harris, founder and owner of The Garden Gates, an online home décor and garden center retail store, during his “The Art of Socialfication” presentation. This seminar will provide retailers and dealers with inspiring branding techniques to implement online social networking for their businesses.
To ensure maximum value, it is suggested to have some of the following in place: a business Facebook account, business Twitter account, business Google+ account, Instagram, or a business Pinterest account. Casual Living magazine will be hosting “The Art of Socialfication,” on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 10 a.m. CDT in room 8A, 8th floor. The seminar is sponsored by Surya Rugs.
The ICFA Awards Gala will highlight the Apollo Award winners, who are the top retailers in single- and multi-store categories, and the announcement of the Lillian B. Winchester Design Excellence “Best of Show” Award. The 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award honorees will be recognized, and the ICFA Sales Representative of the Year as well as Manufacturer of the Year will be awarded. During the ICFA Awards Gala, there will be a fabric fashion show presented by Casual Living magazine and sponsored by Sunbrella, Outdura, Tri-Vantage, Ardwyn Designs, and Sunbury.
Hosted by MMPI and the ICFA, this year’s awards reception will take place Thursday, Sept. 19, at 6:30 p.m. CDT at the Field Museum, Stanley Field Hall. Tickets are required.
The Casual Market, which is endorsed and sponsored by the ICFA, is a four-day trade show that provides retailers and designers with an outlet to find all things related to outdoor and casual living. The show is 100 percent dedicated to the outdoor furnishings industry and encompasses 350,000 square feet of new and improved exhibit space with more than 45 permanent showrooms and nearly two hundred temporary exhibitors in the Market Suites.


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Addressing ‘Made in India – Food Buyer Seller Meet’ organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Patanjali Ayurveda’s CEO Acharya Balkrishna has revealed that the company is planning to enter international expansion in the near future.
He also urged companies in food processing sector to come together and promote healthy food products.
Promoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, Patanjali is already present in several countries. The ‘Food Buyer Seller Meet’ is an initiative taken by FICCI to promote Indian food industries and project India as global supplier of various food products.
Participating buyers at the event include counties such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Vietnam, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Iran, Egypt, European and some African countries.


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Ocean shippers, carriers and forwarders have long known it and now the United Nations has proved it with numbers – China and Asia utterly dominate the commercial maritime world.
In a massive 14-year study going back to 2006, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has ranked 1,249 ports by how well connected they are to other ports around the world.
Commenting on the creation of the index, UNCTAD’s director of technology and logistics, Shamika N. Sirimanne, said, “a container port’s performance is a critical factor that can determine transport costs and, by extension, trade competitiveness.”
She added that “efficient and well-connected container ports enabled by frequent and direct shipping services are key to minimizing trade costs and fostering sustainable development.”
Of the top 20 ports, 15 are in Asia and 11 are in China. Of the non-Asian ports in the top 20, two are in Europe, one is in the Middle East (Jebel Ali) and the other is in Sri Lanka (Colombo).
Shanghai, China is the world’s most connected port with a connectivity score of 134.3. It has also been growing in its connectivity. The UN ranking is indexed to the number 100 as applied to the whole of China in 2006. Incidentally, in the first half of this year, Shanghai handled 21.5 million containers of twenty foot equivalent units (TEU), according to China’s Ministry of Transport data.
Singapore, right in the center of East Asia, takes the number two spot with 124.6 connectivity points. The city-state handled just over 18.0 million TEU in the first half of 2019, according to official data.
Korea’s Busan (referred to in the study by its old romanized name of Pusan) in the southeast region of the country, opposite Japan, was third on the list with a connectivity index of 114.5. Unfortunately, Busan does not appear to have reported its first half statistics for this year. Late in 2018 it published its 2017 data: Busan handled just under 20.5 million TEU back then.
Ningbo-Zhoushan in China was narrowly behind in fourth spot with a connectivity index of 114.3. Ningbo is part of the combined port complex of Ningbo-Zhoushan and it handled 13.9 million TEU in the first half of the year. Ningbo-Zhoushan is China’s busiest port by throughput. It handled 558 million metric tonnes of cargo (all kinds) in the first half of this year. A metric tonne is equivalent of 2,204.6 U.S. pounds. Ningbo-Zhoushan also handles the most “foreign” goods according to China’s Ministry of Transport with just under 254.6 million metric tonnes. That’s 45.6 percent of the total.
Hong Kong is the fifth most connected port in the world. It has a connectivity index of 102.8 points. Hong Kong has not yet released its 2019 half-year data. Between January to April (the latest month for which data has been released) Hong Kong handled just under 6.0 million TEU; of which 1.8 million TEU were river-borne boxes and 4.2 million were seaborne boxes.
Elsewhere on the list
No North American port makes an appearance until number 36 when New York/New Jersey enters the list with 49.9 points. Back in 2006 when the index began it had just under 36.1 connectivity points.


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SAN FRANCISCO (01/26/2000) - Dell Computer Corp. said today it will report lower-than-expected earnings and revenue for its fourth fiscal quarter ending Jan. 28. The company cited shortages of key semiconductor products and slower-than-expected corporate sales in the wake of the year 2000 date change.
Fourth-quarter earnings will be about US$430 million, or 16 cents per share, including a gain of about 1 cent per share from investments, the Round Rock, Texas-based PC maker said in a release issued today. Analysts had expected the company to report earnings of 21 cents per share, according to First Call/Thomson Financial.
Revenue for the quarter will be about $6.7 billion -- 30 percent higher than the same period a year ago, but again lower than the company had anticipated, Dell said.
Dell is due to announce its fourth-quarter financial results on Feb. 10.
The PC vendor was hit by uneven supplies of some key semiconductor products, which led to about $300 million in lost sales, primarily in recently launched consumer products, Dell said.
In addition, corporate demand for Dell's products in the wake of the year 2000 date change was lower than anticipated, reducing sales by a further $500 million, Dell said. Many IT companies had expected to see sales boosted after the New Year by customers who delayed equipment purchases because of concerns about the impact of the year 2000 problem.
Despite the bad news, Dell said it still expects revenue for the quarter to rise two to three times faster than the rate of the worldwide PC market as a whole.
"While we're clearly disappointed with our operating results, our overall business is healthy and we believe Dell will continue to significantly outpace the revenue and profit growth of our major competitors and of the industry at large," Tom Meredith, Dell's chief financial officer, said in today's statement.
For the full year, Dell expects to report revenue of more than $25 billion, which would be an increase of 38 percent over the prior year. Annual earnings are expected to be about $1.8 billion, or 68 cents per share, up 28 percent over prior-year earnings of 53 cents per share.
Dell, in Round Rock, Texas, can be reached at +1-512-338-4400 or http://www.dell.com/.


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Those attending the 2015 State Fair of Virginia will have two midway options: experiencing Midway Madness, the thrilling, expansive ride and game area; and enjoying Virginia Midway, the fair’s ultra-popular signature craft beer.
The tasty wheat beer, made by Midnight Brewery in Goochland County, will once again be featured each day of the 10-day event, which begins Sept. 25. The special brew will be joined by beers from eight other regional craft breweries, as well as Virginia-made cider and traditional beers.
New to the fair for 2015 are beers from Richmond’s Ardent Craft Ales and Old Bust Head Brewing Co. in Warrenton.
Also available will be brews from newly named Brothers Craft Brewing in Harrisonburg (formerly Three Brothers), Center of the Universe Brewing Co. in Ashland, Devils Backbone Brewing Co. in Nelson County, Richmond’s Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery in Goochland County and O’Connor Brewing Co. in Norfolk.
Nelson’s County’s Bold Rock Hard Cider will be served as well.
“The beer culture continues to expand in Virginia and across the nation,” explained Greg Hicks, the fair’s vice president of communications. “Craft beer here is truly a Virginia agricultural product, with some locations growing or sourcing local malted barley, hops and flavor adjuncts like local honey, herbs, pumpkins and fruit.
“Our mission is to showcase the best of Virginia agriculture, and this industry is an expanding part of it.”
Virginia is home to 121 breweries, up from just 44 in 2012.
“By putting emphasis on local ingredients, the craft beer industry is growing their connection to Virginia’s agriculture community in a big way, and our farmers are keen to supply them with the products they need to make their outstanding beers,” Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore said July 30 during Hardywood’s announcement of its expansion to Goochland County’s West Creek Office Park.
At that same event, Gov. Terry McAuliffe said the craft brewing industry “has been spectacular for the commonwealth of Virginia. It equates to about $623 million a year of economic activity. It equates to over 8,000 jobs.”
Nationally, there were 3,739 breweries operating as of June 30, an increase of 699 since 2014, according to the Brewers Association.
Virginia Midway has been a hit since it was first unveiled at Midnight Brewery’s tasting room in the summer of 2014. Since then, more and more aficionados have begun requesting the beverage, noted owner Trae Cairns.
“We don’t make Midway year-round, so when we are out people keep asking when it’s coming back,” Cairns said. “Wheat beer is easy on the palate, so it can appeal to a large audience—from non-craft beer drinkers to the most sophisticated beer followers.”
To highlight Virginia Midway and the State Fair, Midnight Brewery will hold a pre-fair event at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at its Rockville tasting room. The event will include live music, fair food and ticket giveaways.
This year’s State Fair of Virginia will run from Sept. 25 through Oct. 4. Tickets and fair information are available at StateFairVa.org. Tickets also may be purchased at Walgreens locations throughout Virginia.
The 2015 fair will feature nearly 400 hours of performances, house about 2,500 animals, attract more than 10,000 competition entries, welcome field trip groups from 270 schools and serve about 13,000 corn dogs. More than 1,000 youth are expected to compete for up to $70,000 in scholarship money.
The State Fair is held each fall at its permanent home at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. The fair’s mission is to increase agricultural and natural resource awareness and interest through educational programs, exhibitions and competitions in a fun, family-friendly setting.


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It seems that Sony Ericsson has decided to drop the Symbian OS from their range of smartphones, as a Sony Ericsson representative, Aldo Liguori recently told Business Week that they have no plans to produce any more Symbian based handsets.
Sony Ericsson has been moving more towards Google’s Android OS recently, with many of their recent smartphones being released with Android, so them dropping Symbian should not come as a surprise.
“We have no plans for the time being to develop any new products to the Symbian Foundation standard or operating system,” said Sony Ericsson’s Aldo Liguori.
Whilst Sony has moved towards Android, they like many other manufacturers are lagging behind in delivering the latest versions of Google Android to their smartphones, this needs to improve is Sony Ericsson wants to compete against other Android based smartphones.
We heard the other day, that the Android 2.1 update for the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 range of smartphones, which was due to be released this month, has now been delayed until October.
Whilst many handset manufacturers are releasing updates for the latest version of Google’s Android OS, Android 2.2 Froyo, Sony are still behind and have yet to deliver the previous version to their smartphones. Have a look and our article on Android vs iPhone to see which smartphone and mobile platform is best for you.
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RuneScape Introduces One of a Kind Update
Jagex has released a new update for RuneScape titled, quite literally, “One of a Kind.” This is the first in a series of lore-focused updates for March, intending to introduce new epic quests that take the game back to its roots.
The highlight of the update is a Grandmaster/Members Only quest with intense requirements and plenty of story. Help Mr. Mordaut find Hannibus, last of the fabled Dragon Riders, and follow the clues to uncover the secret history of RuneScape.
You can read the full update notes here.
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Peter Harrison has joined Calrec Audio as regional sales manager at the company's U.S. office.
A former director at console-manufacturers Amek, Peter will be responsible for developing sales in the southern states and will work alongside National Sales Manager Jim Wilmer, who retains overall responsibility for the United States.
For more information, visit www.calrec.com.
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Tulsi Gabbard, a former presidential candidate and political commentator, opposes the development of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) in the United States by the Biden administration. According to Gabbard, CBDCs will be used as tools for mass financial surveillance and “undermine our autonomy and freedom.”
Standing Against a Cashless Society
In a tweet released over the weekend, Gabbard said that the federal government has already begun to implement its CBDC project, which will “bring about a cashless society where every transaction we make is tracked, monitored, and controlled.”
“To protect our freedom, we must all stand together in rejecting this effort to institute a digital cashless society,” wrote Gabbard.
A CBDC is a new form of digital money issued directly by a central bank to retail customers, rather than through commercial banks. Proponents argue that it could serve as a more secure and efficient means of payment and remittance, providing a “safe central bank liability in the digital financial ecosystem,” according to Federal Reserve Vice Chair Lael Brainard.
A BIS report in May 2022 suggested that 90% of central banks were already exploring the potential issuance of a CBDC, with over half of them already developing such a technology. That includes the United States after President Biden placed “the highest urgency” on potential US CBDC research as part of his crypto executive order in March of last year.
House and Senate Republicans, including Tom Emmer, Ted Cruz, and others, have been opposing CBDCs for their potential use in eliminating cash and compromising consumer privacy. Gabbard, a former Democrat, reiterated this view, stating in an interview that CBDCs are about “government-sanctioned surveillance and control.”
“It’s about them being able to keep track of every single thing that we purchase,” she said, “whether it’s a stick of gum, or an automobile, or anything in between.”
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said in September that a CBDC, if implemented, would protect transaction privacy but still verify the identities of its users.
FedNow VS CBDCs
The former congresswoman added that the Federal Reserve’s new FedNow service, a 24/7 real-time payments service for depository institutions, is the first step toward a CBDC. However, the central bank published a statement on Friday clarifying that FedNow is not related to digital currency nor aimed at replacing cash, and is more comparable to existing services like Fedwire and FedACH.
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has previously acknowledged that innovation in the payments space – particularly in the form of CBDCs – would be necessary to ensure that central banks don’t become irrelevant. By contrast, she has dismissed standard decentralized cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as “highly speculative assets,” that lack any future.
Gabbard has reportedly invested in crypto in the past, purchasing both Ether and Litecoin at the peak of the December 2017 bull market.


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Cutting into the numbers, segment by segment
Over the course of the past 18 months, Canadians have certainly had their fair share of pie. Unfortunately, that pie has been in chart form, usually explaining the latest in a calamitous series of economic forecasts and prognostications. However, while many of those estimations have proven to be guilty of pie-in-the-sky thinking, the restaurant industry has finally been handed some encouraging news.
While not universally positive, the figures revealed in the latest CREST report, from the NPD Group of Canada show the restaurant industry is trending upward, or at least stemming its losses. In fact, according to the company’s most recent update, consumer spending on foodservice in Canada rose by three per cent in the March to May 2010 quarter. However, that’s a surface view, and as usual, the story differs widely segment to segment, under that golden brown crust.
QSR | According to the NPD Group, the quick-service restaurant (QSR) segment remains the undisputed champion of the recession, and the quarters immediately following it. In fact, a recent release from the researchers stated, “Quick-service restaurants led the growth with increases in sales of popular food and beverage items — including breakfast sandwiches, hamburgers, sandwiches, hot coffee, soft drinks and bottled water — fuelled by targeted marketing support at a number of QSR chains.”
While it might be easy to pass off the success of QSRs as a function of people looking for less expensive food during a time of economic panic, Linda Strachan, restaurant industry analyst for the group, says it’s actually variety and innovation, not price, that have contributed most significantly to the success. “As the market slowly turns, it’s more important than ever for restaurant operators and foodservice manufacturers to present consumers with differentiated offerings,” she says. “Operators who stand apart on value, quality, convenience and other relevant attributes will successfully win more share than their competition.”
One QSR that has pushed the envelope on its product offering is A&W. Graduating from the teen burger to a whole slew of new menu items, including sirloin burgers and sliders, and from a suburban mainstay to announcing aggressive urban expansion plans, A&W is looking to hit all of the differentiators Strachan mentions.
“As a strategy-driven company we continue to build our relationship with our core baby-boomer customers, by focusing on the increasing demand for premium hamburgers like the Sirloin Uncle Burger and also accelerating the pace of growth of new restaurants,” says Paul Hollands, president and CEO of A&W Food Services of Canada Inc. “Despite continuing bumpy economic conditions, we’re pleased the A&W business demonstrated solid growth in the second quarter.”
The solid sales and growth figures for Q2, followed positive numbers for A&W in Q1 as well, when Hollands was equally optimistic. “During the first quarter, our advertising and promotions programs were particularly successful in building customer traffic and increasing sales. We’re very pleased with the same-store sales growth of 6.1 per cent despite what continues to be a challenging foodservice market environment,” he said at the time.
Family/Mid-scale | According to the overall national numbers, while in the past few quarters the full-service segment did not fare as well as its QSR counterpart, it does appear to be at least getting a tourniquet on its losses. In the second quarter of 2010, the NDP Group reports that full-service restaurant sales were down 0.3 per cent, which is far from a good news story; but it does mean the segment is recovering from its 2009 results, when sales were down by more than five per cent for the same quarter.
Breaking down the segment even further, operators of family/mid-scale restaurants were unique in another key stat: average check. According to the NDP Group, while the average check per person was down in all other market segments year-over-year, it was up 3.3 per cent in the family/mid-scale market.
The increase in average check doesn’t surprise Joel Friedman, senior vice-president of Franchising and Real Estate at Shoeless Joe’s, the Vaughan, Ont.-based chain of sports bars. “Our restaurants are busier, people are eating more and the average check is going up,” says Friedman. “People are still hesitating on the big purchases, and maybe cutting back on some dining out, but bars and restaurants can also be seen as a means of inexpensive entertainment: a place to gather and watch the hockey game with friends instead of buying tickets. Plus, business people are back on the road, which is great for us,” he adds.
However, according to Friedman, the bump in average check value hasn’t come about by accident, or even by virtue of an improving business climate. He says restaurants in the segment, and Shoeless Joe’s, by way of example, stepped up culinary programs. “We change our food every year, because people’s tastebuds are smarter now,” he says. “The days of being able to run a sports bar with a beverage program are over. And, you can’t just have a deep fryer in the back either. You have to serve food that’s high quality, authentic, and has tremendous value,” he adds.
To that end, the company has made some significant tweaks to what used to be a tailgate party menu. The calamari is breaded in panko crumbs, there’s a lobster, crab and shrimp dip, bison sliders, and the beef is certified Angus. “Sure we could get cheaper in terms of food cost, but it wouldn’t help us. You actually have to make great food now,” says Friedman. “And, even though there are some who say that we’re not out of the woods yet in terms of the economy, you’re going to see that the mid-scale/family market does very well in 2010 and 2011.”
Casual Upscale | Casual upscale has always been a difficult segment to define. It cuts a vast swath of the restaurant landscape from huge national chains to small independents. And, according to the NPD Group research, the overall numbers were uninspiring, with casual dining down 1.2 per cent year-over-year.
However, given the segment is huge, a one per cent decline overall means many players in this particular sandbox are faring well throughout the current year, and one of those is the Joey Restaurant Group.
“This year was a lot better than the last,” says Chris Mills, corporate executive chef for the Vancouver-based group. “We were flat in 2009, and that was almost exciting to be so strong. Our sales are up this year, and we’re happy with that performance.”
When it comes to finding success in an admittedly difficult marketplace, Mills is steadfast in terms of product offering, but notes it has forced the group to look at the menu carefully. “In terms of strategy, we changed nothing, but what we did do, was double down on what we presented the customer, in terms of service and value. In tough times, value is king.”
Though an upscale casual menu that features items like Baja fish tacos, lobster grilled cheese and a Panang prawn curry bowl might seem uncompromising, Mills says it’s precisely the kind of menu that allows him to provide the vital value component.
“In a way, we’re uniquely qualified in terms of where we sit in the market segment, to create value in our menu,” he says. “I buy the same food as everyone else, for basically the same price, so it comes down to technique. You can make things very complicated, with all sorts of specialty ingredients that really add to the cost, or you can make something with complex flavours simply, and I think we do just that.”
Fine Dining | As the whipping boy of the foodservice industry over the last two years, no one will be happier to see the recession fade quite like those in the fine-dining segment.
While the NPD Group numbers indicate the average check in the segment continues to fall, off 1.3 per cent year-over-year, the good news is that traffic is up significantly. Perhaps suffering from some pent-up haute-cuisine demand, diners rushed back into their favourite fine restos in 2010, with the segment experiencing a 5.7 per cent jump over 2009.
At Oliver & Bonacini, the venerable Toronto-based restaurant group that boasts culinary touchstones like Canoe, Auberge du Pommier and Biff’s Bistro, the group’s manager of operations, Jerrett Young, says the research jives well with what he sees on a day-to-day basis. “Take our four fine-dining concepts, and overall the average check is looking very consistent, but the level of business has steadily increased, particularly over the last six months,” he says. “Guests are still cautiously optimistic about the economy, but that can bode well for us in the marketplace.”
According to Young, the price point of fine dining, particularly in a trying economy, can leave patrons wary of experimentation, as they opt instead for what they see as a sure bet for their dining dollars. “Guests gravitate towards establishments they know will meet their expectations and have an established reputation of providing an experience that exceeds fine dining. We have that with Auberge and Canoe, and I’m sure other restaurants in the city that have built that sort of reputation have experienced the same,” he adds.
As the Canadian economy lumbers back to life, the dark clouds of 2009 showed the first signs of clearing in 2010. While not completely broken yet — average check prices continue to fall, and some segments are still in the red, year-over-year — the indicators have at least turned positive. However, those looking forward to going back to business as usual are in for a rude awakening. Thanks to the recession, many restaurants and restaurant groups now have stronger menus and offer their guests greater value than ever before. The lines between the segments are even more blurred, and competition for dining dollars is bound to be fierce.
Photography by Margaret Mulligan


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Apple iPhone 12 Vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Face Off
The CRN Test Center compares Apple’s popular iPhone 12 with Samsung’s new flagship in the Galaxy S lineup, the Galaxy S21 Ultra.
If you’re in the market for a new smartphone, chances are good that it’s coming down to an iPhone vs. Samsung decision. And your timing is good, too -- because Samsung has just launched its new Galaxy S smartphones for 2021. The latest Samsung lineup includes the flagship Galaxy S21 Ultra, equipped with a huge display, advanced cameras and other upgrades on specs over previous Samsung phones. Meanwhile, Apple’s iPhone 12 has only been out for a few months and has plenty of cool new features and updated specs of its own to offer.
Still, while either the iPhone 12 or the Galaxy S21 Ultra would make a solid choice for a new smartphone, and both come with 5G, the phones have many differences that you should know about--especially when it comes to price. Which of the two phones is the better fit for your needs? What follows is the CRN Test Center comparison of Apple’s iPhone 12 vs Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra on price, specs and 5G options.


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When Rahman Bholah left Mauritius in 1982 to pursue a career as a chartered accountant in the UK, he didn’t plan on ever permanently returning to the island.
At the time Mauritius was a low-income economy largely dependent on sugar cane. During the 1980s the Mauritian economy, however, took a dramatic turn for the better. Foreign investors started establishing textile businesses, and very soon factories mushroomed across the country.
“It wasn’t on my mind to come back to Mauritius again. But to my surprise things were changing. There was an economic boom, and practically everybody had a job within a few years,” says Bholah.
Mauritius’ changing fortunes (as well as a market crash in Europe) prompted Bholah to return to the island state in 1990. Shortly after his arrival he took a job at logistics company DHL. He has worked his way up in the company and today is country manager for DHL in Mauritius.
“When I came back there were a lot of road works and infrastructure was being built. The country changed and went on a path of development.”
From sugar cane to a financial services and manufacturing hub
These days Mauritius is a well diversified economy underpinned by clothing and textiles manufacturing, tourism, financial services, and agriculture to a lesser degree. The country’s GDP per capita, estimated at slightly over US$15,000 in 2012, is among the highest in Africa. According to the World Economic Forum, Mauritius is also the second most competitive economy on the continent.
With its favourable tax regime and other business-friendly policies, Mauritius has over the years managed to attract a host of companies that use the island as a base for their foreign operations. This has also lured various international financial and professional services firms, including KPMG, PwC, Investec and Standard Chartered, to name a few.
Bholah notes that the textile and financial services industries are responsible for most of DHL’s business in the country.
Various international retailers, notably those from South Africa, have also recently set up shop in Mauritius’ new shopping malls. However, according to Bholah, there is little demand for additional shopping centres. “The population is very small, and most of the local people don’t have the disposable income to shop that much.”
Famed for its turquoise waters and luxury hotels, Mauritius’ tourism industry has, however, taken a knock from the economic woes in Europe, where most of the country’s tourists come from.
Cater for the international market
According to Bholah, companies would be better off using Mauritius as a base to cater for the international market, as opposed to serving the relatively small local population of 1.2 million.
“Your market should not be Mauritius, your market should be the rest of the world – whether it is textiles, whether it is tourism, whether it is financial services, whether it is back-office business processing. Use the resources of Mauritius to supply products and services to the US and Europe. This is the business model that works. If you try to go outside it, you will run into challenges, because the market is very small in Mauritius.”
Bholah says that fish processing for the export market is an industry that holds significant potential. “Mauritius is surrounded by the ocean, but one thing that is actually unexploited at the moment is the marine sector. Currently a lot of tuna processing is taking place and fish farming is also growing across the island. This is an area of opportunity.”
In addition, Mauritius is also looking to harness the power of the sun for its electricity needs, which could be an area for investors to get involved. “Mauritius is looking to put in place big solar farms, so that is another area of unexploited opportunity,” notes Bholah.


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Differing finance costs across the continent are likely to see wind-rich, high electricity demand nations such as Germany, France, Austria and Belgium forge ahead with renewables at the expense of countries with plenty of sun but where borrowing is expensive, according to a German study.
European research group Solliance says its perovskite modules have passed three key industry standard reliability tests: Light soaking, damp heat and thermal cycling. The group said it is the first time perovskite modules of that size have achieved such results and represents a milestone in the technology’s move toward commercialization.
The first part of pv magazine’s review of 2019 considers Q1, when solar early adopter Italy offered an optimistic start to the year by fleshing out its plans for PV but uncertainty still clouded the world’s biggest solar market. The potential for household solar installations to rocket the world over – helped by ever cheaper panels – prompted strategic decisions in the inverter market and analyst expectations were confounded as the cobalt and lithium price plummeted, bringing the EV revolution a big step nearer.
With its app already present in Belgium and the Netherlands, start-up Jedlix is introducing smart charging in France. The solution enables Tesla drivers to optimize their charging strategy.
Trade body SolarPower Europe’s preliminary statistics suggest this could be the continent’s best year for PV since 2010, with capacity additions set to soar 104% year on year. Spain is leading the way with an expected 4.7 GW of new solar, followed by Germany, with 4 GW.
Although the International Energy Agency’s latest renewables report forecasts impressive solar growth there is still a nagging feeling it has produced conservative estimates and the emphasis on sharing costs with grid operators is predictable.
The €7.5 million project, built by Dutch energy provider Eneco, is intended to power operations at the Ghent factory of the Indian steel manufacturer. Arcelor’s employees were invited to participate through crowdfunding.
X-ray analysis is said to have solved the mystery of how to preserve optical absorption in perovskite layers. Researchers say the discovery could help stabilize the material and speed up the launch of a new ingredient for PV research.
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Online Extra: Is Amazon Out of Its Depth?
Bill Fowler is well aware of Amazon.com's key dilemma. As the Web site adds product offerings, such as outdoor grills and camcorders, to its original books business, the longtime Amazon.com customer wonders if it's going too far afield. "They're trying too hard to become the Wal-Mart of the Internet," says Fowler, an advertising-agency art director in Huntsville, Ala. "I don't think people want that."
Or do they? Despite his reservations, Fowler has bought merchandise ranging from a digital camera to toys from the e-tailer. And as Amazon prepares to add even more products, such as personal computers, he figures he'll go along: "Sooner or later, I'll be buying all kinds of things at Amazon."
While Amazon hopes its more than 30 million customers will follow suit, the eventual outcome remains far from certain for the company that once billed itself as "Earth's Biggest Bookstore." "Amazon has a brand image as a purveyor of books and CDs," says David Schehr, a research director at market watcher Gartner Group Inc. Yet the pioneering e-tailer, under intense pressure to make its huge investments pay off, is rapidly expanding into everything from toys to tableware as it attempts to achieve a promised operating profit by yearend.
VIRGIN TERRITORY. The problem: The expanding range of goods may confuse both longtime customers and new ones -- something that might potentially dilute its brand, which still ranks above those of Shell, Heineken, and Federal Express. "If you want to be everything for everybody, it's hard to build a brand like that," says Jan Tindemann, global director for brand valuation at the consultancy Interbrand. That's just one reason the value of Amazon's brand fell 31% to $3.1 billion this year, after more than tripling in 2000 to $4.5 billion, according to Interbrand. While there is ample precedent -- from General Electric to Virgin -- for a brand being stretched into a broad range of categories, Amazon's expansion has worked to make its business model less certain because the new products on which its growth depends carry lower profit margins, according to Interbrand's analysis.
Not surprisingly, Amazon.com Chief Executive Jeffrey P. Bezos sees his company's brand doing "better than ever." Bezos' goal is for Amazon to represent more than limitless selection -- he also wants it to provide customers with a focused, satisfying, and personalized way to shop. Says Bezos: "We've created what we think is recognized as the best shopping experience online." His acknowledged model: Virgin, whose brand successfully encompasses everything from airlines to soft drinks.
Bezos' expansive goal isn't completely wishful thinking. Amazon has sold more than $500 million worth of electronics, kitchen gear, and tools in the past year. More recently, by forming alliances with bricks-and-mortar retailers like Toys 'R' Us, it has managed to add products at minimal cost.
THE PRIMARY FOCUS. But investors aren't yet convinced. Over July, 2001, Amazon fluctuated from as low as $11 to around $17 -- way below its peak of $106 in December, 1999. That makes maintaining its brand an even more critical goal than it is for other technology companies: By Interbrand's reckoning, Amazon's brand equity represents much more of the company's overall value than at many other technology companies -- more than half its $6 billion market capitalization. By contrast, AOL's brand is relatively less important, says Tindemann, because it has a more stable revenue base of subscriptions and can reach those subscribers directly.
Of course, Bezos doesn't have to be told that. More than anyone, he realizes that time is tight for expanding the reach of Amazon's brand. "Brands are like quick-drying cement," he says. And Amazon's, while impressive in its value, is rapidly setting.
By Robert D. Hof in San Mateo, with Diane Brady in New York
— With assistance by Diane Brady


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Published on Jan 10, 2014
http://www.bikiniteam.tv - Television Personality and Host Lisa Morales was interviewed at the Chica Rica Swimwear booth during the SwimShow 2013 on July 21st, 2013 by BikiniTeam.tv host Tyler Suess. Morales is the current face of the Chica Rica Swimwear brand and was our December 2013 Model of the Month. SwimShow 2013 took place at the Miami Beach Convention Center.


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Streaming services: What Amazon, Netflix and Hulu cost
NEW YORK - Amazon is taking on Netflix and Hulu, offering a stand-alone streaming service for the first time.
Starting this week, the e-commerce company says customers can now pay $8.99 a month just to watch Amazon's Prime video streaming service. Previously, the only way to get access to Amazon's videos was to pay $99 a year for Prime membership, which includes free two-day shipping on items sold by the site. The video-only service does not come with free shipping.
Here's how the Amazon, Netflix and Hulu streaming services compare:
AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
Price: $8.99 a month for stand-alone streaming.
Offerings: Movies and past seasons of TV shows, such as "The Sopranos" and "Downton Abbey." Original programs include "Transparent," ''Mozart in the Jungle" and "Catastrophe."
Price: $9.99 for standard membership.
Offerings: Movies and already-aired TV shows, including "Friends" and "Breaking Bad." Original series include "House of Cards," ''Orange is the New Black" and "Jessica Jones."
Price: $7.99 a month for its basic subscription with commercials. An ad-free version costs $11.99 a month.
Offerings: Current TV episodes, such as "Empire" and "Modern Family," a day after they air on network TV. Original series include "The Mindy Project," ''Difficult People" and "Casual." Movies are included.
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Effective January 1st, 2024, the eligibility requirements for the federal $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit have tightened, resulting in several popular EV models no longer qualifying for the full credit. This will likely impact EV sales and pricing as manufacturers and dealers adjust to the changes.
The federal EV tax credit was introduced over a decade ago to incentivize the production and purchase of electric vehicles in the US. Initially the credit phased out after an automaker sold 200,000 EVs, but the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) passed in 2022 amended the policy to remove the cap.
However, the IRA also added new requirements around battery component and critical mineral sourcing that take effect on January 1st, 2024. Vehicles must now have a certain percentage of battery components manufactured or assembled in North America to qualify for the full $7,500 credit. This aims to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
Vehicles Losing Eligibility
With the updated requirements taking effect, analysis shows that around 70% of the over 30 fully-electric models currently availabile in the US will no longer qualify for the full tax credit . This includes popular vehicles like:
- Tesla Model 3, Model Y
- Nissan Leaf
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Kia EV6
See the table below for a summary of which vehicles meet the new sourcing requirements:
|Electric Vehicle Model
|Meets New Requirements
|Eligible for Full $7,500 Credit
|Tesla Model 3
|Tesla Model Y
|Ford Mustang Mach-E
|Hyundai Ioniq 5
|Chevrolet Bolt EV
|Chevrolet Bolt EUV
This will likely dampen EV demand and sales, at least in the short term, as the tax credit has been shown to be an important factor for consumers considering an electric vehicle purchase.
Automaker and Dealer Impacts
The loss of eligibility will hit automakers like Tesla, Ford, and Hyundai hardest given the popularity of models like the Model Y, Mustang Mach-E and Ioniq 5.
Many will likely have to adjust pricing and sales strategies. Some analysts predict a “price war” could occur as manufacturers drop EV prices to offset loss of the tax credit and maintain sales volumes . Most automakers should have new models that meet the battery requirements coming in 2024/2025, but need to bridge the gap until then.
Dealers will also need to adapt their sales tactics to promote vehicles that are still eligible and educate customers on the complex policy changes. Over 7,400 dealers have registered to offer “point-of-sale rebates” as an alternate way to discount EVs by the credit amount upfront . But the vast majority may not be fully ready to implement the instant rebates on January 1st.
The stricter requirements mean consumers will have fewer EV options eligible for the $7,500 credit in 2024. Only around a dozen 2023 models qualify, most of which are more expensive, lower production vehicles from manufacturers like Lucid, Rivian, and BMW .
For buyers in the market now, experts recommend considering new vehicle purchases before December 31st to take advantage of the credit before the updated rules take effect . This last minute purchasing could lead to a surge in Q4 2022 EV sales. Shoppers who miss the deadline shouldn’t necessarily avoid EVs given factors like rising gas prices, but should calculate costs carefully and negotiate discounts to make up for loss of the tax credit.
The Inflation Reduction Act does include ramped up incentives for domestic battery and component production which should lead to more “Made in America” options in coming years. The Biden administration projects that over 50 EV models will qualify by 2030 as manufacturers onshore more of their supply chains .
So while 2024 will see disruption, the tightened eligibility requirements are designed to spur domestic manufacturing investments that strengthen America’s clean vehicle industry over the long term. The coming months will reveal how automakers, dealers, and consumers adapt in response.
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.


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Would you rather live without coffee or chocolate forever?
The findings were brought to life through ‘The Endangered Aisle’ retail concept, devised and executed by Alfred, to highlight the urgent need to protect our favourite foods from climate change, deforestation and biodiversity loss - and give a fair deal to farmers on the front line.
With stark, empty shelves and limited stock, the retail space, which was located in London, took cues from the traditional discount aisle you’d expect to see in supermarkets, reimagined with a dystopian twist. But it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Passers-by were able to hear first-hand stories from producers navigating the climate crisis and pledge to make small switches to play their part in supporting them.
Jackie Marshall, Fairtrade’s head of brand and public engagement, said: “This Fairtrade Fortnight, we worked with Alfred to create and launch ‘The Endangered Aisle’, an immersive pop-up store in Shoreditch designed to give the public a vivid insight into a future without guaranteed access to the supermarket staples that we know and love – foods like coffee, bananas and chocolate.
“We created the space to help shoppers understand one key message: if farmers and workers in low-income countries don’t receive a fair price for their crops, to help them weather the storms of the climate crisis and the global cost-of-living crisis, then there’s no guarantee they’ll be able to keep farming in the future. That’s why, this Fairtrade Fortnight we hope UK shoppers choose Fairtrade to play their part in safeguarding the future of our food – it’s a simple action that can make a big difference, and it needn’t cost more.”
Hannah Jackson, Alfred’s creative strategy lead, said, “Our findings showed a clear intention-action gap. While the majority of people are aware of the impact climate change is having on their weekly shop, only a small number are making active changes. How do you close the gap? You riff off existing behaviours and tap into positive emotions.”
“There’s no joy like the moment of bagging a bargain or finding a steal in the discount section of the supermarkets, so we replicated this look and feel with The Endangered Aisle, but with a dystopian twist to highlight the urgent need to protect the everyday staples we take for granted.”
“This is a cause the team at Alfred is hugely passionate about and we’re proud to be able to raise awareness of this important issue and inspire change.”
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This publication features lifestyle stories around cannabis use and experiences, including emerging trends in wellness, travel, food and drink, pop culture, and cannabis-related brands.
ECentralSports targets the emerging premium
on-trend esports and egaming market.
Unparalleled esports and egaming content that speaks to key consumers about trends, news, lifestyle and happenings in the $150 billion market.
Established as the news, lifestyle, and entertainment weekly in Vancouver for 50 years, the Georgia Straight is an integral part of the active urban West Coast lifestyle with over 1.081 million readers per week.
THE NOVEMBER TICKET three shows running in rep. October 24 to November 29 at The Theatre Centre (1115 Queen West)..
Oct 23, 2015
Jackie Sibblies Drury
Indie troupes collaborate on a triple bill that looks at ideas of responsibility and justice


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Advertising is moving away from the portrayal of disabled people as victims, a reflection of society’s shifting perception. But mixed reactions to the new images show there is still a distance to go before advertisers hit the right stride. Al
Channel 5 is in danger of dropping off advertisers’ schedules for the first quarter of 1997 after it confirmed it may delay its launch to retune an extra 1.8 million homes allocated by the Government this week. C5 says that adding the homes covered by a new frequency, previously allocated for digital mobile TV, will […]
Procter & Gamble is understood to have found a replacement for marketing director for homecare and cleaning products Haluk Nural, who is returning to the US (MW August 9).
Alex von Behr, general manager of Kraft Jacobs Suchard’s confectionery arm Terry’s Suchard, is leaving only weeks after the head of marketing also quit the company. Von Behr is moving abroad, to take up a general management post. Dean Sanders, marketing controller at Terry’s Suchard, left earlier this month to join European pasta maker Barilla […]
The childish spectacle of Carlo De Benedetti’s fall and the rise of Italy’s Northern League are a lesson for us all. By George Pitcher. George Pitcher is joint managing director of media consultancy Luther Pendragon.
Barclays Bank is expected to launch a separately branded global in vestment division, offering unit trusts and stockbroking services. The bank’s UK unit trust arm and the country’s biggest Pep provider, Barclays Unicorn, is likely to co-ordinate the UK launch. The new division would replace Unicorn and Barclays Stockbrokers. A top global investment executive from […]
How many 80 year-olds do you know who are going back to school? Bisto Foods confirmed last week that the eternally youthful Bisto Kids, those Peter Pan twins of marketing, are being pushed off the gravy train and won’t be appearing on the upda
Drugs company Galpharm International is stepping up its attack on Crookes Healthcare’s Nurofen with the launch of a cold and flu brand. Next month, Galpharm will launch Galprofen Cold and Flu tablets in a pack of 12, priced at 1.59. This will undercut Nurofen Cold and Flu, which sells for 2.39 for 12. Both products […]
Express Newspapers has denied rumours that it is to review out of its advertising agencies, D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles and Walsh Trott Chick Smith. A review is expected when the group completes its move to a seven- day newspaper (MW September 6). Southern Electric has appointed Ogilvy & Mather Direct to create a through-the-line […]
Sainsbury’s is clawing back market share with a heavyweight advertising campaign to support its Reward card. By Will Hamilton. Will Hamilton is strategic marketing director of Through the Loop Consulting, and BÃ´n-Plan
Wrangler Europe marketing director Juan Munoz is leaving the company in the middle of a 16m advertising review. Munoz says he is returning to North Carolina, but has no job to go to. He says his decision to leave should not affect the pitch for the pan-European advertising account, which is scheduled to start at […]
Grand Metropolitan is slimming its European operation after failing to build a food empire. The Pillsbury brand will spearhead the new, leaner business. But can the twice-failed brand succeed this time?


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GERMANY: BMW focused on electrification and connectivity
The next generation of BMWs will increasingly rely on electrification and will be fully connected to the outside world to meet EU consumption and emissions targets, improve safety and comfort and reduce the stress of driving in traffic, said the company's vice-president for EfficientDynamics, Marcus Bollig.
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Alan Wake 2 Release Postponed by a Week to Bypass Launch Date Overlaps
The launch of Alan Wake 2 by Remedy has been postponed by ten days to avoid overlapping with other game releases. The game, which was initially set to launch on 17th October, will now make its debut on 27th October.
Gamers can look forward to getting the latest updates about Alan Wake 2 at Gamescom's Opening Night Live, though host Geoff Keighley has already managed audience expectations. October is a particularly bustling period for the gaming industry, following a packed September as well.
A number of other games, such as Detective Pikachu Returns (6th October), Forza Motorsport (10th October), Assassin's Creed: Mirage (12th October), and Lords of the Fallen (13th October), were slated for a launch before Alan Wake 2. Alan Wake 2 will now be launched just after the releases of Spider-Man 2 and Super Mario Bros.
The Alan Wake 2 game, being a genuine survival horror game, will fittingly be released on the Halloween weekend.


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Mobile video views have increased 616 per cent since Q3 2012, and now make up 45 per cent of all video views globally, according to Ooyala’s latest Global Video Index report. However, the rate of growth for mobile online video views is actually slowing down; and decelerated in the third quarter. The reasons for this, the report states, are that video viewing on mobile devices has become ‘ubiquitous, commonplace, the norm’, and there remains a lack of premium content on mobile devices.
Mobile video consumption in Europe hit 53 per cent of all online video plays in the region, surpassing the global trend of 45 per cent in Q3 2015. The trend indicates particular regions are further along in the adoption of mobile phones and tablets as a primary screen for video consumption as mobile continues to grow across all markets. The UK and Ireland are far ahead of the global mobile curve, with mobile and tablet combine to make up nearly two thirds of all online video plays; compared to the worldwide average.
Growth of mobile viewing is not stopping though, and instead has simply reached a ‘temporary point of stasis.’ Viewers are still turning to mobile over other portable devices, and smartphone views made up 88 per cent of mobile video views during the quarter, compared to just 12 per cent for tablets.
When it comes to longer content, the traditional TV set is still the go-to screen for many viewers. Over the past nine months, for video over ten minutes long the share of time watched on connected TVs has increased from 43 per cent to 71 per cent. In Europe, connected TVs represented 79 per of time spent watching content longer than ten minutes, more than double the time spent with long-form video on tablets. When it comes to choosing a device to watch episodic TV, tablets, at 20 per cent, continued to dominate share of time watched for content ten to 30 minutes long.
The report also looked at video advertising trends, and found that tablets and smartphones made up nearly half of ad impressions across publishers, broadcasters and networks combined, as PCs slid to 40 per cent from 54 per cent in Q1. For broadcasters, 92 per cent of ads begun on tablets completed in the quarter, better than the completion rate for smartphones and PCs.
Each quarter, some of the highest numbers of video plays Ooyala sees involve sporting events, whether it’s long-form competition or shorter clips. According to the report, in the UK and Ireland, more than 45 pre cent of sports viewing occurs on smartphones and tablets. Surprisingly, Ireland sees the most sports plays on mobile devices, at 51 per cent, and throughout the rest of Europe’s largest countries, mobile sports consumption trails that engagement level slightly, coming in at 39 per cent. In Europe, the report advises, content owners broadcasters and operators should work to get more of their content in front of mobile viewers.
“Leading into 2016, it’s abundantly clear that video – both delivery and advertising – is scaling massively across all screens,” said Jonathan Wilner, vice president of product and strategy for Ooyala. “For premium content providers the major opportunity today is getting smarter about their video strategy. Video providers need to know to leverage timely events, tap into new advertising technology, understand how their audience is engaging with content and optimise their video business accordingly to maximise returns.”


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From Michael Jordan's 'Jordan' brand to Lebron James' profitable brand, athletes have found incredible success developing their brands over the past few decades. Now, one of the most popular athletes in the world is taking a bold new step in that arena.
Portuguese professional footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Real Madrid and the Portugal national team, recently announced that he is a co-founder of a new consumer electronics company called ROC (ROC Live Life Loud) . Partnered with Monster and eBay, the company aims to deliver cutting edge lifestyle products to Ronaldo's global fanbase.
"eBay connects shoppers around the world to the things they need and love, and the interests and passions that mean the most to them,” said Jay Hansen, vice president of eBay vertical experiences.
“Fútbol is one of the most globally loved sports and eBay is pleased to connect Ronaldo’s fanbase and followers with exclusive items that help bring their enthusiasm for Ronaldo’s lifestyle to life.”
The new venture is a collaboration between prominent brands and has generated an organic buzz with the release of a humorous video (which you can see below) in which Ronaldo, in disguise, takes to the streets of Madrid, Spain with a soccer ball. The video quickly went viral, generating over 8 million views on YouTube since launching last week.
I had a chance to speak with Ronaldo, Shareability (the creators of the video) and Monster about the exciting new venture that is making waves globally.
"What drives me as an athlete is to do better every time and be the best in what I do. The same way I wanna win on the pitch, I want to be a part of winning projects and high quality brands, the ones with great potential and innovation" Ronaldo told me.


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Local investors step in to save campervan company Jucy
The New Zealand and Australian campervan and rental car operations are being bought by Polar Capital, the investment company of Colin Neal, with a minority stake going to another local David Cushing.
No price has been disclosed.
"Jucy is an iconic brand and while the impact of Covid has been devastating on JGL we are very excited about the acquisition and are pleased we are able to play a part in securing the future of Jucy Rentals and retaining the jobs of 150 Jucy crew," Neal said.
Jucy's accommodation, sea cruises, and US operations are not part of the deal.
Jucy was severely hit by the Covid-19-related border closures, and shut most operations during the lockdowns. Various parts of the group received a total of about $3.2 million from the wage subsidy scheme.
The companies being bought have been put into receivership, with Calibre Partners in charge.
"The business will continue to trade under its new ownership and the purchaser has agreed to honour holidays booked or credits held with Jucy Rentals," Calibre's Neale Jackson said.
Jucy's bright green, decorated vans have been on the country's roads for nearly 20 years.
Its founders, brothers Dan and Tim Alpe, said the pandemic had a devastating effect and despite cost cutting, and hibernating much of the business, it was clear the company needed extra capital.
"We have always believed that the Jucy brand is an integral part of the tourism landscape in New Zealand and Australia, and this new entity provided the best opportunity for the Jucy brand to recover from the impact of Covid-19 and move forward."
Nearly a hundred of its laid-up vans were stolen from an Auckland yard in April, although most were recovered.
Neal's Polar Capital recently bought the Smiths City retail chain out of receivership.
Originally published on RNZ 13 November 2020


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ALFA Romeo and Jeep are words hardly ever appearing in the same sentence, but news from Italia is that Alfa is planning another entry into the burgeoning SUV market with a smaller model, to be positioned below its illustrious Stelvio.Read More
Tag: bill buys
VERY few Hispano-Suizas ever arrived in Australia – probably not more than five or six – but the historic Spanish car maker is making a kind of coals-to-Newcastle comeback – and some of its electric supercars could well end up on the streets of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane or Woop-Woop.Read More
TUCKED away deep in the 321-page prospectus that Aston Martin provided to the London Stock Exchange when it went public this month is something worthy of a James Bond investigation.Read More
Samantha and John are both proud members of the Porsche Club of America. They love the brand so much that the pair from Charlotte, North Carolina, are trekking down to Atlanta, Georgia, for their wedding.Read More
- Could Land Rover be bringing an all-new high-performance Defender SVR in the future?
- 2021 Mercedes Benz A250e review
- 2021 Mercedes Benz E300 review
- 2021 Mercedes Benz EQC review
- 2022 Mercedes Benz EQA What we know!
- 2021 Ram 1500 TRX coming to Australia
- 2021 Hyundai Tucson review
- 2021 Hyundai Kona N Line review
Good looking car reviews! Video reviews of the latest cars to hit the Australian market. Check us out on youtube.com/cartelltv


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In a bold move that’s stirring up the automotive sector, Tesla is urging the Biden administration to adopt more stringent fuel economy standards, a stance that’s causing friction with traditional automakers. This development comes as Tesla continues to innovate, reducing prices and showcasing new vehicle capabilities, while also forging partnerships with major hotel chains.
However, some estimates suggest that the industry could face significant costs if stricter standards are introduced. A study by the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) indicated that the industry could face an annual compliance cost of $60 billion to $120 billion by 2030 if CAFE standards are increased to 58 mpg in that year.
Tesla’s Proposal: A Call for Higher Efficiency
Tesla’s proposal, as reported by Reuters, calls for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to significantly increase the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. The CAFE standards dictate the average fuel efficiency (measured in miles per gallon, mpg) that a manufacturer’s fleet must achieve. If a company’s fleet falls below this standard, it faces substantial fines.
The NHTSA’s recent proposal aims for a fleet-wide average of 58 mpg by 2032, achieved by increasing CAFE requirements by 2% for cars and 4% for light trucks annually from 2027 to 2032. However, Tesla believes these measures are insufficient. The electric vehicle (EV) giant is advocating for a 6% annual efficiency increase for cars and an 8% increase for trucks and SUVs, effectively tripling the rates for cars and doubling them for trucks.
Traditional Automakers’ Response
The reaction from traditional automakers, particularly Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler’s parent company Stellantis, has been one of concern. These companies, whose fleets are 83% trucks, would be significantly impacted by Tesla’s proposed standards. The American Automotive Policy Council, representing these automakers, has requested a reduction in the annual increase rate for trucks from 4% to 2%, arguing that even the NHTSA’s original plan would disproportionately affect their truck fleets.
The Broader Implications
The debate over fuel economy standards is more than a technical squabble; it’s a reflection of the shifting landscape in the automotive industry. Tesla’s push for higher standards aligns with its business model and technological advancements in EVs. In contrast, traditional automakers, with their reliance on gas-powered vehicles, especially trucks, face a more challenging transition.
The NHTSA’s policy aims to save Americans money at the gas pump and strengthen American energy independence. However, it’s estimated that automakers will incur $14 billion in fees during the period of increasing rates, a financial burden that could accelerate the industry’s shift towards more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles.
Tesla’s Strategic Moves
Amidst this policy debate, Tesla is not standing still. The company has been actively reducing its prices, showcasing new vehicle capabilities, and expanding its reach through partnerships with large hotel chains. These actions not only strengthen Tesla’s market position but also demonstrate the company’s commitment to making EVs more accessible and integrated into everyday life.
Tesla’s call for stricter fuel economy standards is a significant moment in the automotive industry, highlighting the growing divide between traditional automakers and EV pioneers. As the industry grapples with these changes, the outcome of this policy debate will likely have far-reaching implications for the future of transportation, energy consumption, and environmental impact.


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McDonald's has deployed Storm Interface's AudioNav interface to improve accessibility of McDonald's restaurant kiosks, according to a press release. McDonald's has deployed the interfaces at corporate owned stores and select franchise U.S. locations.
"Implementing new options for our customers to be able to order independently is vitally important to ensuring the restaurant experience is accessible for everyone." Kelsey Hall, senior manager of global digital accessibility at McDonald's, said in the press release.
McDonald's was recently recognized by the National Federation of the Blind for its achievements in accessibility. Storm provided an audible and tactile customer interface.
Image courtesy of Storm Interface.
Copyright © 2021 Networld Media. All rights reserved., source Industry News


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No doubt the pandemic has narrowed choices for brand communicators, especially those accustomed to decamping to Las Vegas every January for CES. With the task of creating and maintaining brand images, communicators will have to change their PR plans for all-digital events, such as CES. A CES veteran, communicator David Wolpert offers tips on how to do this successfully.
Digital & Technology
PRNEWS welcomes Lou Dubois, Director of Editorial Content for Hilton to talk about brand responsibility during COVID and delivering that sentiment in messaging.
The start of the AMEC Global Summit featured a terrific talk from well-known academic Jim Mcnamara. The Australian professor highlighted research from his new book, which looked at misinformation in various forms. A multi-faceted approach is needed to combat the scourge, he said.
Using AI to create realistic but deceitful video content, known as a deepfake, is rapidly moving into the business world. As such, communicators need to know how to recognize and combat deepfakes to protect their business and the brands they represent. Kglobal’s Ellen Huber offers tips and tactics.
Deepfakes, or Artificial Intelligence-generated synthetic videos, have been on the crisis communications periphery since 2017. Here’s what you and those you represent need to know about them.
It’s no secret that during times where marketing and communications budgets continue to be slashed, that teams have to do more with less. Whether it is a reduction in team members or resources, everyone needs to work together even closer to get the job done. One aspect to look at to help alleviate this burden is technology and the tech tapestry.
While the announcement of an effective drug treatment available worldwide for those suffering from the cryptic virus should be something to celebrate, delving into an explanation about pricing for a possibly life-saving drug may cause some reader’s stomachs to churn. Gilead’s statement attempts to strike a delicate balance, focusing on the importance of the treatment while justifying its value.
When a brand gets caught in the middle of a crisis, what IS the proper response? Is it better to be a punching bag for the public and stay silent, or is it the responsibility of the middleman to explain or absolve themselves from the situation? So what is Wendy’s role?
Earlier this week, IBM and Amazon said they will pull back from facial recognition technology contracts with law enforcement. The use of machine learning technology that detects faces has come under renewed scrutiny for racial bias. In addition, the technology is known to be flawed, particularly when applied to non-white faces. Until today, Microsoft was notably quiet on the issue, given it too has provided facial recognition software to police.
CompTIA’s senior director of global social media Kelly Stone shared LinkedIn Live best practices with PRNEWS senior content manager Sophie Maerowitz.


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Grand Theft Auto V has now officially been around for ten years since its initial release in 2013. This milestone has given gamers and game enthusiasts alike the opportunity to reflect upon the game’s massive success and what it has meant to the gaming world in the last decade.
Grand Theft Auto V, or as it is more familiarly known as GTA V, made its debut on consoles on September 17, 2013. It was the fifth installment of the popular series, following up on the success of prior installments such as Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto Vice City. Players immerse themselves in the expansive open world environment and take control of the story’s three protagonists, Trevor, Michael and Franklin.
Since its launch in 2013, GTA V has sold more than 135 million copies, making it one of the best selling games of all time. It was also the first game to sell over 80 million copies on the PlayStation 3 console. This made it the highest selling game of the console’s lifetime.
The game was a critical success as well, praised for its detailed open world environment, engaging story, and how it managed to capture the true spirit of what it means to be a ‘GTA’ game. Its popularity hasn’t waned since then either, with its online component continuing to draw a large fan base and dedicated players.
The game also reached several new heights and milestones in terms of revenue. According to Forbes, the cumulative earnings of the game reached $6 billion by 2018. This made it the most profitable form of entertainment making GTA V one of the most successful forms of media ever released.
GTA V has been around for 10 years now, and over this time people have been able to witness the massive success of the game. It is a testament to the hard work of the developers at Rockstar Games and an example of the impact that video games can have on society and the gaming industry alike. GTA V is a game that will be remembered for many years to come, and it has left an indelible impression in the gaming world.


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Novartis said in August that it plans to spin off its generics unit Sandoz to sharpen its focus on its patented prescription medicines.
Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Novartis has completed the spinoff of its generics and biosimilars business Sandoz, which is set to debut trading on the SIX Swiss Exchange on Wednesday.
The Swiss drugmaker initially announced intentions to spin off the business in August, offering stakeholders one Sandoz share for every five Novartis shares via a dividend-in-kind distribution.
Narasimhan told CNBC that the company had accelerated its efforts over the last six years to “focus Novartis as a pure play innovative medicines company.”
Pure play companies refer to entities that target a single product or industry sector.
“Over the last six years, we’ve done over $100 billion of transactions. We exited consumer health to create one of the largest consumer health companies, exited Alcon in the largest public market spin in European capital markets, we exited our Roche stake,” Narasimhan told CNBC’s Julianna Tatelbaum.
“Now we spin [off] Sandoz, and what is left now is really where I think Novartis is best suited to succeed in the long run — a pure play innovative medicines company focused on bringing R&D efforts and the new medicines we create to markets around the world.”
Novartis also reiterated its full-year guidance, with sales expected to grow in a high single-digit percentage and with core operating income set to grow in the low double digits to mid-teens.
In a statement alongside the Wednesday announcement, Narasimhan said this was a “truly historic moment for Novartis and Sandoz” as they begin life as independent companies.
“With several consecutive quarters of sales growth, Sandoz starts out from a position of strength as a global leader in Generics and Biosimilars, and I am confident they are poised to deepen their impact on patients and society,” he added.


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A Vienna high school student is hosting a fashion show in Tysons Corner Center tomorrow (Friday) night to fundraise for a local nonprofit.
Kaela G., a freshman at James Madison High School, is the event coordinator for the fashion show at Lord and Taylor (7950 Tyson’s Corner Center).
Here is the fashion show’s event description:
Wondering what the hot summer vacation trends are? Can’t decide what to wear for that perfect date? Come see the Madison HS basketball players model the latest fashions and hear what a local nonprofit, Second Story, is doing in our community for at-risk teens.
The night will include models, DJ Squirrel, Raffles, Refreshments, and a private shopping event. All purchases made the night of the event will receive 15% off Cosmetics, and 30% off all other merchandise.
General admission is $20 and VIP admission, which includes preferred seating and automatic entry into a raffle for a skincare and cosmetic gift basket worth $200, is $40.
All ticket sales will get donated to the Second Story, a local nonprofit that provides safe havens for kids and their families.
People who can’t attend the event but still want to donate can purchase a donation ticket.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The fashion show runs from 7-9 p.m.
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Predicted Digital Marketing Trends for 2018
Advancements in voice search
It is said that voice search is responsible for 20% of all searches. This trend will continue in 2018. Also, more business will incorporate this into their SEO strategies. The major technology providers have already invested in virtual assistants, this AI technology will advance and become a major part of a user’s journey with a brand.
Rise in niche-influencer marketing
Influencer marketing is on the rise. There are a lot of people on social media who have large followings and are considered to be influencers. This is why you will see a lot of product placements and promotions in most influencer’s posts. This will continue to grow in 2018.
More companies investing in Live Chat
Studies have shown that by using Live Chat on your website you could significantly increase leads and sales. A Live Chat will allow you to engage with your website visitors. This is why the use of Live Chat is on the rise.
Even though we can’t forecast precisely what will happen in 2018, we’re thrilled to see what new trends, tools, and technology will be released in the digital arena.


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Well now the tech giant is reportedly turning its gaze on itself as it looks to tackle the issue of tech addiction.
Following in the footsteps of Google’s new wellbeing features for Android, and Instagram’s ‘Time Spent’ feature, Apple is now also apparently working on a set of features based around how much we use our favourite gadgets.
Bloomberg has spoken to sources close to the development process and apparently the new set of features will be included in iOS 12 which is set to be unveiled by Apple on Monday 4th June at WWDC 2018.
While Apple’s physical health app is called simply Health, this new feature will reportedly be called Digital Health and will be an option in the Settings app.
It’s not clear what specific features will be included but it’s worth noting that Apple’s Settings app already includes some pretty comprehensive analysis of how much you use your phone in relation to the battery consumption.
Based off competitors and the current trend features could include showing you how often you look at your phone, how often you use certain apps and how long for or even how much you pick up your smartphone every day.
What’ll be interesting to see is if they include these features into the Apple Watch as well. It already has a number of wellness features including a Breathe app and a reminder that helps you walk around when it thinks you’ve been sat down for too long.
Google recently announced that it would be tackling wellbeing with a new app for Android called Dashboard. The app breaks down your usage into a simple pie chart and then allows you to even set time limits on the apps you think you use too much.
Apple’s own efforts have been subtle so far, with its most notable push being the Bedtime feature which was quietly added to the Clock app on the iPhone.


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As we approach the final quarter of the year with pandemic-related restrictions easing across the country, it’s clear that business owners are increasingly optimistic about the coming months.
Earlier this summer, American Express launched the Global Business Spend Indicator (GBSI), a new survey of global businesses conducted with the Centre for Business and Economic Research (CEBR). The survey, which revealed signs of renewed confidence in the 2021 economic outlook, leveraged data from more than 3,600 companies across Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, the UK and the U.S. to provide holistic insight into the diversity of perspectives and experiences that exist within the business population.
The survey also revealed a series of trends among B2B operators that are influencing the way business will be carried out in 2021 and beyond. Here are a few to consider for your own business:
Technology was one of the fastest growing categories in the first half of 2021. As the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated new strategies for serving customers, businesses sought technology that could increase efficiency in a safe manner. Among the fastest growing items in the technology category, automation came out on top as more businesses adopted digitization methods. Now more than ever, business owners need to embrace automation to remain nimble and competitive, maintain operations, and effectively serve their customers.
Though the digitization of B2B payments has been on an upward trend for years, the pandemic clearly accelerated this further. Next, look out for ecommerce technology to take off even more. As consumers continue to shop online and via social media, we can see an increase in spending on ecommerce platforms by an average of 6.9 per cent between Q4 2020 and Q2 2021, as revealed in the survey. By getting onboard with this ecommerce trend, businesses can reap many benefits, including lower operation costs and reach new customers.
2. Flexibility and Simplification
Not only did the COVID-19 pandemic necessitate a widespread adoption of new technologies to enhance safety measures and keep operations running, it also readjusted priorities. Many businesses aimed to streamline supply chains and operating practices. Among the most important considerations for Canadian businesses is flexibility of payment terms, which nearly 40 per cent of Canadian businesses put among their top priorities during the pandemic. Over the past 12 months, one-fifth (20 per cent) of Canadian businesses have simplified their network of suppliers and 30 per cent have looked for lower cost items and suppliers.
For Canadian businesses, this points to the need for flexible, easy-to-use payment technologies such as those provided by American Express Canada.
3. Credit Cards Preferred to Cash
Over the last decade, the move away from cash to card payments has steadily increased more and more each year. It’s not surprising then that this remained true during the pandemic, a period that required Canadians to use contactless forms of payment over cash, at least in the early months of the health crisis. According to the GBSI survey, nearly one-third (33 per cent) of Canadian business spending is carried out using credit or charge cards. While similar uptake in card spending exists around the world, this data represents the highest share out of any of the six countries analysed in the GBSI survey, making this a particularly Canadian data point.
By switching from check or ACH payments to Card, business owners can more easily manage their cash flow with options on extended payment terms and easily increase the spending capacity on their Card by asking for a spend review or getting access to greater funding.
While the shift away from cash isn’t completely over, with physical payment methods like cheque payments still accounting for 28 per cent of spending in Canada, Canada-based survey respondents estimated the use of cash will continue to decline by nearly 11 per cent over the next year.
4. Remaining competitive a top priority
As Canadian businesses look to rebound and adjust to the post-pandemic business landscape, many are focused on remaining competitive. In fact, it is the top priority for more than a third (36%) of owners, as surveyed in the GBSI.
Looking ahead to the next 12 months, it will be important for owners to test and establish new business operating models to bring their businesses to the next level. Innovation is necessary to not only to remain relevant, but also survive the changing nature of business demands. This could mean implementing a new process, improving customer experience, or by launching a new product. Employing business innovation will help your venture stand out in a crowded market and remain a competitive player within your industry.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or an opinion on any issue. It should not be regarded as comprehensive or a substitute for professional advice.