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The Japanese advertising giant has forecast a decline in profit in 2018 due to continuing investment in its working environment reform program, which it intends to complete by the end of the year.
The company expects its overall operating profit margin to decline 3% to 15.7%. In Japan, where the reforms are concentrated, it anticipates a margin of 19.8%, a fall of 4.7% on 2017.
Operating profit for 2018 is predicted to...
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After the Indian government demonetized the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, there s been a massive push to the digital payments in the country. So far, results of the push have been overwhelming with a steep surge in mobile wallet and internet banking in the last few weeks. One of the key initiatives during this drive is the UPI platform, which enables customers to use different bank accounts and make online transactions. While all of the major banks have launched their UPI apps, the government last week introduced a common UPI app, called the BHIM, which stands for Bharat Interface for Money. While this app has been restricted to Android platform so far, the government now plans to roll out the app to iOS platform soon. Also Read - India may soon announce its own ‘Atmanirbhar’ app store as alternative to Google, AppleAlso Read - FASTag is now free until February 29, NHAI waves off charges for 15 days
Amitabh Kant, who is CEO of NITI Aayog, has revealed that the BHIM app will be rolled out to iOS platform within 10 days and will feature multilingual support. While Kant had already revealed that the app will be available for iOS users, this is the first time he has shared a timeline and disclosed new features. The latest development comes shortly after the BHIM app saw a massive response from Android users. The app has already seen more than 2 million downloads on Google Play Store and is currently the top app on the store. Though the initial roll-out hasn t been without glitches with multiple people complaining about problems with login and authentication, the app was updated to fix them. Also Read - FASTag Update: How to recharge FASTag account for Electronic Toll Collection
Pl wait. In 10 days time iOS version & multilingual. https://t.co/2IBPu0bDJS
Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) January 2, 2017
In case you haven t been up to date, the BHIM is a common UPI app which aims to be the one-stop-shop for your digital transactions. The app has a simple interface with an objective of being easy to use. About 2MB in size, it doesn t take a lot of space on your smartphone. On launching the app, users need to give permission to send an SMS and register your phone number. After having registered, users need to set a 4-digit passcode and choose the bank. Moreover, users can send and request money, and also scan and pay using QR code just like you do on your Paytm mobile wallet. ALSO READ: PM Narendra Modi launches BHIM app for mobile payments; here s how it works
In a bid to make things simpler, the registered mobile number becomes your UPI address. For an example, if your phone number 9820098200, your default UPI address will be 9820098200@upi. Though, you can always customize your UPI address.
Even though Android users dominate the smartphone market in India, there s considerable of number of iOS users. The inclusion of iOS users is certainly going to push the objective of cashless economy. That said, the government isn t just reaching out to smartphone users for cashless transactions. Already, it has launched a USSD based platform for feature phones and in rural areas. ALSO READ: UPInow available offline via USSD-based mobile banking; here s how it works
One of the most interesting and much simpler processes that the government has come up with is Aadhaar Enabled Payment (AEP) app for merchants, which enable them to accept money through biometric authentication and without needing any card or mobile phone. Last week Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that AEP is currently undergoing security testing and should be launched within two weeks.

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Washington Brewers Guild President has Something to Say About Transparency in Beer
Pam Brulotte is the president of the Washington Brewers Guild as well as co-founder of Icicle Brewing in Leavenworth, Washington. It’s safe to say she knows about the brewing industry, and she’s sharing her message on the value of local businesses, Big Beer and transparency in a new op-ed.
The Wenatchee Business Journal published Brulotte’s piece, “Independence Matters,” Wednesday. Brulotte and her husband Oliver moved to Leavenworth in 2001 to open München Haus Bavarian Grill and Beer Garden. By 2010, they started Icicle Brewing Co., leaning on area resources and local suppliers to “fulfill our business needs.”
(DISCOVER: Find a U.S. Craft Brewery)
The businesses now employ a combined 80 to 100 people, which she says is proof that when communities support small businesses, those small businesses, in turn, support the community through jobs, sponsorships and donations.
If you read CraftBeer.com and other beer publications regularly, these themes aren’t new to you. But Brulotte’s intention is to reach an audience that isn’t familiar with the industry’s shifting currents. The meat of the piece comes as she explains what she calls “the beer battle,” from Big Beer marketing tactics to flexing distribution muscle to acquisitions.
“Imagine if Walmart came into town and bought Dan’s Food Market … but didn’t tell us.”
“Imagine if Walmart came into town and bought Dan’s Food Market (Leavenworth independent grocer), but didn’t tell us. They just kept operating the store under the name of Dan’s. But, rather than sourcing local fare, they were drawing from their large global network and proceeds first and foremost went to international shareholders rather than back into the community.”
She says American brewing runs on passion, but it thrives thanks to beer lovers who support “American entrepreneurs and risk takers who strive to re-invest to build culture and community.”
You can read Brulotte’s full piece on the Wenatchee Business Journal’s website.
Editor’s Note: CraftBeer.com is a website for beer lovers, published by the Brewers Association. We are fully dedicated to independent brewers.


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The burgeoning cannabis industry has seen a surge of interest from tech firms, particularly in regions like Cape Girardeau, MO. The company leading the charge here is Codes, renowned for their technological prowess and innovative acumen. Their strategic location has given them access to areas like Scott City and Jackson where demand for edibles and marijuana concentrates is high.
Digital Influence in Scott City’s Edibles Market
In Scott City, the edibles market has grown exponentially. It’s been fascinating to see how Codes has leveraged technology to categorize the different types of edibles available, creating a comprehensive database and an easy-to-use system for customers. Online systems track the sources of these products ensuring they meet the stringent health and safety standards Full Traceability.
Impact on Jackson’s Dispensary Operations
Optimized digital systems have also transformed dispensary operations in Jackson, MO. Codes has devised a method to ensure customer experiences are streamlined. Their real-time inventory system allows for quick checks on product availability, reducing the waiting period for customers and allowing dispensaries to cater to demand more effectively. The company’s efforts have made it incredibly easy for anyone who’s looking for a ‘dispensary near me’ in Jackson, MO to find a reliable source.
Integration of Marijuana Concentrates in Chaffee
When it comes to the complex world of marijuana concentrates in Chaffee, MO, technology has been instrumental. Codes has managed to use technological advancements to ensure simpler categorization and identification of different marijuana concentrates. This expertise is not to be taken lightly; it has revolutionized the way dispensaries manage their concentrates, improving customer experiences and driving sales.
In conclusion, a company like Codes enlightens how tech can merge with dispensaries and cannabis-related businesses to optimize processes, increase customer satisfaction, and ultimately boost the bottom line.


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© 2021 MJH Life Science and Nutrition Outlook. all rights reserved.
© 2021 MJH Life Sciences™ and Nutrition Outlook. all rights reserved.
The company stated that the beta-alanine market is ready to grow as consumers are increasingly concerned about health and wellness following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mark LeDoux, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Natural Alternatives International Inc. (NAI), said that as consumers pay more attention to health and wellness following the COVID-19 pandemic, the beta-alanine market is ready to grow; Carlsbad, California Germany), during the SupplySide West trade show. This bodes well for NAI's flagship CarnoSyn and SR CarnoSyn β-alanine ingredients. LeDoux said that he expects significant growth in the sports nutrition and healthy aging market in the future.
"CarnoSyn has performed well recently," LeDoux said on the show. "I think it will only start again." LeDoux said that, like many sports nutrition ingredients, CarnoSyn's sales fell last year when the gym was closed, but it didn't last long. He said: "Once the gym starts to open in different venues, our revenue will grow again very well, and we think it will only grow."
SR CarnoSyn has a promising market for healthy aging. It is a slow-release version of CarnoSyn, designed for the healthy aging market, providing benefits for muscle function, brain health, heart health, bone health, and general health.
Consumers are paying more and more attention to health and wellness after COVID, which is a boon for SR CarnoSyn. "The use of materials in healthy living spaces is really interesting," LeDoux said. "We think it will gain some important momentum in the next year. We think that as far as SR CarnoSyn is concerned, the 2022 calendar year will be very striking."
The world’s aging population will play a role, and so will the pandemic. Ledoux said that one of the things caused by the pandemic-"almost global"-"reinforces people's intuition that taking supplements is not a luxury; it is a necessity."
Part of NAI's current focus is to expand the delivery format of SR CarnoSyn to include tablets and powders.
The contract manufacturing aspect of the NAI business is experiencing the same overwhelming growth as the entire dietary supplement industry, especially during the pandemic. LeDoux said that since the beginning of the pandemic, NAI's sales have "increased by 100%."
"I mean, our forecast for this year is almost meaningless at this point because we took this snapshot three months ago," he added. "When we release earnings within a few weeks, we will have to make adjustments again."
In other words, like companies inside and outside the supplement industry, NAI is not immune to global labor shortages and supply chain issues. But LeDoux said his team is solving the challenge.
"Every supplement supplier I have spoken to in the past few weeks is facing the same problem," he said. “It’s not a lack of materials, although there are some shortages of seasonal and hard-to-obtain raw materials. It’s just a shortage of manpower. Insufficient staff. Now, if you work 5 days a week, 9-5 days a day, you may be doing quite well, but You have not experienced the growth that most industries in our region are experiencing. For the foreseeable future, we can run our factories 24/7 and we may catch up in about 9 months. This is reality."
Between NAI's facilities, including Carlsbad, California and Switzerland, the company employs hundreds of employees. It also plans to open a new factory next year, which LeDoux said "will produce products worth millions of dollars." Currently, the company is seeking to provide employment opportunities for veterans repatriated from the United States, and may temporarily transfer some employees between different locations, including employees from Switzerland. "Our advantage is that we have a very good factory in Switzerland, and they have no labor shortage in Switzerland," LeDoux said. "In fact, we have surplus labor."


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Christmas shopping which lead to very serious charges. On December 22, 2012 at a J.C. Penny store in Ames, Iowa, Melissa Rose Sego, 33, went on a shoplifting spree with her three children. Ms. Sego allegedly attempted to steal $39.00 worth of merchandise from J.C. Penny.
As reported by Victoria Cavaliere of the New York Daily News, Ms. Sego was arrested on shoplifting charges, which in New York City is charged as petit larceny which refers to stealing of property. She was also charged with contributing to the delinquency of minors and aggravated theft. In New York City it is referred to as “endangering the welfare of a child“ and is a serious charge.
Ms. Sego allegedly tried to stuff $39 worth of merchandise in her purse and then leave the department store, where she got into a minor altercation with a loss prevention agent. The loss prevention agent say they saw Sego go into the dressing room with the items and her children, then emerged without the items. Due to the physical altercation, in New York State, this could lead to a felony charge. The woman’s two daughters were apparently made to go along with the scheme, police said. It is unclear how Ms. Sego intends to plead. Always in a situation like this contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
For only $39.00 worth of merchandise, this became a very serious matter. She’s facing the risk of jail, fines, and the possibility of losing her children. Not to mention the embarrassment of handling this while her family and friends, as well as, her children’s friends read about it in the newspaper. Don‘t go to court alone. Be sure to hire an attorney who can get you the results that you need.


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SAN FRANCISCO — Iterable, a cross-channel growth marketing platform, has closed a $60 million Series D funding round of primary capital led by Viking Global Investors, with participation from several investors from Iterable’s $50 million Series C funding round earlier this year: CRV, Index Ventures, Blue Cloud Ventures, Harmony Partners, and Stereo Capital. This second round of financing in less than 12 months brings Iterable’s total capital raised to over $140 million.
“Deploying the modern growth stack is no longer a secret strategy reserved for Silicon Valley startups. Mainstream companies around the world are adopting highly integrated best-of-breed solutions and leveraging their own data—in real time—to achieve growth and customer engagement never seen before,” said Justin Zhu, co-founder and CEO of Iterable. “Iterable is at the core of this stack: Our customers are consolidating email service providers, mobile point solutions and homegrown messaging systems into one platform, using Iterable to gain a unified view of their customers. With Iterable, brands have one platform to create, run and iterate on the best way to engage with each customer across their lifecycle.”
Iterable plans to use the new funding to expand its platform, invest in emerging engagement technologies and add more staff to its global offices across San Francisco, New York City, Denver and London.
“Iterable has helped our team ignite a digital transformation of our brand, and we’re excited to see how their exponential growth will enable our own,” said Matt Annerino, VP of Growth, CRM & Media at Fender. “As a core platform in our marketing stack, Iterable allows us to maximize engagement, retention and lifetime value.”


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The plaza will get three big-box retailers: just one new to the space and two that are transferring from other areas.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A South County procuring middle hit by the closure of a JCPenney Dwelling Shop site is established to go through a $3 million redevelopment.
As aspect of the deal, Marshalls Plaza, at 6927 S. Lindbergh Blvd., will get three massive-box retailers: one particular new to the spot and two that are shifting from other spots.
Existing anchor tenant Marshalls, a price reduction retailer represented by Patrick Willett and Joe Ciapciak of Tempo Houses, will transfer to a recently made building. A different discount retailer, Burlington, will open up a new retail store in the 27,306-sq.-foot area becoming vacated by Marshalls. And craft retail store Michaels will open up a 23,700-square-foot store in the plaza, replacing an present area at Lindbergh and Mueller streets and filling the aged JCPenney House Retail outlet place. In addition, discounter 5 Below will open up a shop in the plaza’s freshly manufactured spot, and the existing Tuesday Early morning keep will remain in its existing 13,638-square-foot house.
A Los Angeles firm, Equimax Management, owns the plaza, having paid out $7 million for it in 2006. At that time, the agency, led by President Sean Namvar, was named Trifish. The searching heart was appraised at $6.6 million in 2021, down from $8.5 million in 2019, in accordance to St. Louis County data.
Equimax has owned a collection of other browsing centers in the region, specializing in paying for 50 %-vacant attributes and leasing them. But at the time of its 2006 buy, Marshalls Plaza was 95% leased.
The broker for the plaza, Jared Hancock of Scout Realty Team, mentioned the redevelopment has been in the works for years, but was delayed by uncertainty in the retail sector previously in the Covid-19 pandemic. One particular of the plaza’s anchor tenants, the JCPenney Property Retailer, closed in late 2019 and was established to be replaced by a shoe retail outlet till the pandemic hit, Hancock claimed.
That cleared the way for the three major-box vendors to indicator on to the redevelopment, with all preparing to occupy recently developed prototype outlets that are lesser than their current large-box shops, he stated.
Demolition of portion of the present properties at the shopping center is scheduled to start out within the following two weeks, Hancock reported. Michaels and Five Underneath could end development as early as August, whilst the time body could move into 2023 depending how quickly permits are issued, Hancock claimed.
Altogether, Marshalls Plaza has 105,000 square toes of retail house, such as a Wendy’s outlot.
The freshly constructed building will dwelling the new Marshalls keep and Five Down below. The renovated place that includes Michaels is following door.
Read the full tale on the St. Louis Enterprise Journal site.


text: News Fitbit Force recalled The Fitbit Force was yanked from the shelves after reports of skin irritation. Photo Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images By RACHEL SENATORE February 22, 2014 12:21 AM Print Share fbShare Tweet Email Fitbit is pulling its Force wristbands from the shelves and issuing a voluntary recall after reports of skin irritation. CEO James Park made the announcement on the company site Friday, apologizing to affected customers. "[S]ome users may be reacting to the nickel present in the surgical grade stainless steel used in the device," Park wrote. "Other users are likely experiencing an allergic reaction to the materials used in the strap or the adhesives used to assemble the product." Customers can request a return kit and will receive a full refund, according to the site. By RACHEL SENATORE Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Comments We're revamping our Comments section. Learn more and share your input.


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There are a variety of legal positions regarding cryptocurrencies, depending on where they are located. Some countries adopt strict regulations or blanket prohibitions, while others choose to embrace crypto more liberally.
The government of Ukraine seems to favor legalized crypto operations in the country, which is the second path. The Ukraine’s positive attitude towards cryptocurrency contrasts sharply with Russia, where officials have enacted regulatory roadblocks that prohibit the ownership or use of digital currency.
Although Ukraine has passed laws to regulate and recognize crypto, its central bank is currently working on its national digital currency. Projects involving central bank digital currency (CBDC), have been very popular around the world, often in response to the rise of cryptocurrencies.
Anti-crypto regulations have been passed by some countries, such as Nigeria and China with CBDC plans. International financial institutions such as the Bank for International Settlements, have called for countries to adopt CBDCs in order to stop the spread of “private” cryptocurrencies.
Draft law regarding virtual assets
Cointelegraph reported earlier in September that the Ukrainian Parliament had adopted the draft law “On Virtual Assets.” This legal action officially recognized cryptocurrency in Ukraine.
According to a September 8th release by Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation, the draft law was based upon the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) crypto regulatory standards. The new regulations require compliance with Anti-Money Laundering protocols.
Oleksandr Birthyakov (deputy minister of the Ministry of Digital Transformation Ukraine) commented on the passage of the bill. He said that regulation by the government was necessary for the growth and maturation of any emerging industry.
“Establishing an international virtual assets policy in Ukraine will allow for the creation of legal space for VASPs from other countries to register their businesses. This is especially relevant considering Ukraine’s huge potential in virtual assets. There is an obvious need for crypto adoption in Ukraine.”
The implementation of crypto regulatory policies in Ukraine will be the responsibility of Bornyakov’s Ministry of Digital Transformation. In collaboration with the central banking, the Ministry of Digital Transformation will monitor the circulation of cryptocurrency in the country.
Lucia della Ventura (legal and compliance manager at Ledgermatic), spoke to Cointelegraph about legalizing crypto in Ukraine. She stated that the bill was designed to create a safe space for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency introductions in Ukraine. There is a legal definition of cryptocurrency now and rules that govern their use.
According to della Ventura the bill’s passage will provide legal certainty for cryptocurrency companies in Ukraine.
“With the approval of parliament, this law is now fully protected for individuals and businesses. The bill clarifies financial issues and allows cryptocurrency companies to legally operate in the country.
Legalized cryptocurrency trading in Ukraine
The draft law was passed in its second reading by the Ukrainian lawmakers. This effectively launched the legalization and regulation of Ukraine’s crypto market.
Access to banking services may encourage foreign crypto businesses to establish shop in Ukraine. This is a situation Mykhailo Fedorov (vice prime minister of Ukraine) said could make Ukraine a center for blockchain and cryptocurrency technology.
The Digital Transformation announcement stated that “Soon, foreign services related to virtual assets will be able operate in our jurisdiction.”
Bornyakov claims that banks will be able to interact with crypto-related businesses, which will provide new opportunities for Ukrainians, particularly in the field of digital finance. According to the September 8 announcement, the deputy minister of Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation said that legalizing crypto would be a powerful incentive for the country to develop its cryptocurrency sector.
Bornyakov stated that he believes the market for virtual assets can help jumpstart a Ukrainian digital economy.
“The Ukrainian virtual assets market is well-developed, and even global in scale. The development of the virtual assets sector is a top priority for the Ukrainian government. We are determined to establish a favorable regulatory and tax environment for crypto-related business in Ukraine.
Legal foreign crypto exchanges could be a positive in attracting investment from abroad to Ukraine’s digital economy. Ukraine’s recognition and acceptance of digital assets may encourage cryptocurrency companies to relocate to the country, thanks to stricter regulations in many jurisdictions.
Related: Illegal crypto-exchanges are shut down by Ukraine’s State Security
VASPs who want to establish a presence here under the new regulatory framework will need to disclose information about their ownership structures. Only owners with “impeccable business records” will be permitted to operate crypto-based businesses in Ukraine.
The Security Service of Ukraine closed down a network of crypto exchanges that were believed to have been involved in illegal financial transactions since 2021. These platforms were said to have funneled funds from Russian payment processors like Yandex, WebMoney, and Qiwi.
The Ukrainian authorities want these VASPs also to establish internal financial monitoring protocols in order to ensure compliance with Anti-Money Laundering policy. The central bank also expressed its support for fair crypto regulations.
The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) made an official statement stating that the central bank of the country will be focusing on crypto regulations. The document also acknowledged the potential benefits of cryptocurrencies, especially in the payment market.
The NBU stated that it will monitor the risks of the rapid growth of digital currencies in the country, with a particular focus on stablecoins, as parliament has recognized cryptocurrencies. Stablecoins are now under intense regulatory scrutiny in many countries including the United States.
Bitcoin: No middle ground
Government attitudes toward Bitcoin (BTC), and crypto generally seem to shift toward absolutes — either for or against — with nuanced positions that are in danger of being extinct as far as state actors. Although not as important as El Salvador’s Bitcoin Law (El Salvador), Ukraine’s legalization of cryptocurrencies placed it in a small number of countries that have passed laws to encourage digital currency adoption within their borders.
The move to legalize cryptocurrency comes as a departure from other countries that have active digital currency projects. China has been a long-standing country that enforces strict crypto-control policies. It banned trading and token fundraises, but Beijing seems to have upped its efforts to crack down on cryptocurrency once its digital Yuan project entered public testing phases.
On numerous occasions, the People’s Bank of China has said that its digital currency electronic payments project is a response to privately issued cryptocurrencies. The PBoC has joined the chorus against the potential for the Facebook-backed Diem project, which could upend the sovereign monetary policy control protocols.
The rapid disappearance of middle-ground crypto-related regulations is a sign that countries are falling into one or the other extremes when it comes to dealing in cryptocurrencies. El Salvador’s adoption and legalization of Bitcoin is being cited as an example for countries throughout Central and South America.
In September, Cuba’s central bank enacted crypto regulations. The new licensing regime allows cryptocurrencies to be used in Cuba for commercial and investment transactions.
Related:Ukrainian ministry considering digital currency pilot for staff salaries
The Ministry of Digital Transformation in Ukraine is currently looking into possible use cases for the digital Hryvnia CBDC. Fedorov already argued that the CBDC could be used to pay salaries for staff at the ministry.
In August, the country’s vice-prime minister said that the CBDC would benefit from using digital hryvnia for wages to pay government workers. Fedorov stated that such a pilot program would allow for a controlled use of the digital currency, and it would be a better option than a public beta launch. If this move is successful, Ukraine will join China and other countries that use the payment of workers to test CBDC deployment.
Industry groups and other allied bodies are working together to improve communication on these important issues, despite the fact that policymakers from both the government and international financial regulatory institutions have expressed anti-crypto sentiments. To help regulators and lawmakers better understand cryptocurrency, it is common for blockchain organizations publish policy toolkits.
Critics say that the heavy-handed approach to crypto police will lead to digital innovation being stifled, leading to companies moving their business elsewhere. It is possible that countries like Ukraine, which have adopted more liberal regulatory policies, may benefit from the restrictive crypto laws passed by Europe and the United States.


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Evan Dickson is sure to be waiting a long time for me to get his hands on the “Video Game Jason,” a glow-in-the-dark version of Friday the 13th Jason from the classic 1989 NES video game. He comes rocking an axe and a machete, and runs (only) $25.
Also, take a look at some back alley shots of the “Dead End” Albino Predator, which is released to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the breakthrough fan film “Batman: Dead End” by Sandy Collora in which the Albino Predator makes an appearance.
They will be available at NECA’s booth #3145.
AROUND THE WEB
this week in horror
This Week in Horror - November 6, 2017 - Pet Sematary, Horror ...
Starry Eyes duo Dennis Widmyer and Kevin Kolsch will take over the Pet Sematary Remake, 2017 was the best year for horror movies ever, and James O'Barr will be heavily involved in the upcoming The Crow film. It's THIS WEEK IN HORROR with Whitney Moore!Posted by Bloody Disgusting on Tuesday, November 7, 2017


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Amidst the renewed Corona Virus lockdown in Uganda, commercial banks have risen up with new ways to soothe loan payments and schedules for customers. Among these, the recently rebranded Absa Bank__from Barclays led the pike yesterday with a payment holiday for its customers
In the light of Absa Bank ‘s relief program, Centenary Bank has joined the race with payment holidays for loan holders endangered by the current COVID19 lockdown.
Through this program, customers in sectors that have been directly affected by the current COVI19 lockdown will benefit from a 6-12 month holiday.
According to Absa Bank, customers will be offered payment holidays of up to 6 months with their needs gauged on their credit state and solutions tailored on a case by case scale.
The unprecedented nature of the pandemic means that we are all adapting to the situation as it changes. We reiterate our commitment to our customers and to Uganda to ensure that our livelihoods are secure with minimal disruption. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust our relief program where necessaryMr. Mumba Kalifungwa – Managing Director Absa Bank Uganda
On the other hand, Centenary bank acted on a Bank of Uganda directive to all commercial banks. Centenary chose to undertake new measures and restructure where required to grant tax holidays of up to 12 months for corporate and individual customers.
The business support shall include a grace period on loan payments for borrowers that have been affected by the pandemic, on a case by case basis at our discretion for up to 12 months, effective” – The Centenary Bank Statement read
The rise of tax holidays by 2 of Uganda’s top commercial banks means a path to be followed by competitors in the same lane. However, the waivers are as a result of mounting concern from Loan holders on how they can bezzle through a Lockdown while clearing their due payments.


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The 4G version of Samsung’s Galaxy Core Prime entry-level smartphone is priced around Rs 11,000 in India, according to a distributor. The phone is unofficially available in India at around the same price band, according to him.
The Core Prime LTE is a six month old phone that has been available in the overseas markets for quite some time. In India, the company had launched a 3G-only version, which is currently selling for Rs 8,300.
The 4G phone is based on Snapdragon 410 platform and has a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 processor at its heart, supported by 1 GB RAM.
Internal memory is 8 GB and camera resolution is 8 MP and 5 MP.
Display resolution is poor, at 0.41 megapixels, and the size is only 4.5 inches. The Yu Yuphoria, priced at Rs 6,999, offers most of the above specifications and a 5-inch, 1 MP (HD) display. Another strong contender is the Huawei Honor 4X, which saw a price cut to 9,999 recently.


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We already know that clothes are cheaper--on average--than ever before.
But what you might not realize is that Americans spend a heck of a lot less of their disposable income on clothes than they did 10, 20 or 50 years ago.
According to Dr. Mark J. Perry, an economist at the University of Michigan, Americans spent a whopping $326 billion on clothing and footwear last year. But that was only 2.98% of their overall disposable income. In 1950, on the other hand, Americans spent 11% of their discretionary income on dressing up.
But don't think that means we have less clothing than before. We definitely have more. It's just way, way cheaper, so we can own way, way more. Since 1992, the price of clothing has decreased by 8.5%, even when you adjust the numbers for inflation.
So the next time you complain about the price of a $40 top at the Gap, just imagine this: It was probably $40 in 1982, too, but your income would have been significantly less.


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UPDATE: Perodua has launched a facelifted Perodua Myvi SE 2008 on the 10th of October 2008. Check out full details, photos and prices via the linked text.
Perodua’s new Perodua Myvi SE was launched last Friday, and has been available in showrooms for the past week now. A short recap on the specifications: new front and rear bumper, sideskirts, rear spoiler, new sports rims, blue outlined Optitron meter panel, chromed muffler tip, leather seats, and silver trim for center console.
The Perodua Myvi SE’s new bodykit is reminiscent of the Toyota TRD bodykit for the Passo and Boon, however Perodua has made some modifications to the rear bumper, making it more complex with a diffuser-like design instead of the TRD’s smooth design. I’m thinking that area would look good painted black or dark gray. Waiting list won’t be too long as Perodua has stocked up 1,000 of the new special edition Myvi SE cars prior to the launch. Perodua targets 1,200 units a month for the Perodua Myvi SE.
Three sporty colours are available – Ebony Black, Mistik Red and Ivory White. How much does it cost?
Perodua Myvi SE 1.3 GHS Manual (solid) – RM48,932
Perodua Myvi SE 1.3 GHS Manual (metallic) – RM49,455
Perodua Myvi SE 1.3 ZHS Auto (solid) – RM51,812
Perodua Myvi SE 1.3 ZHS Auto (metallic) – RM52,346
2007 Perodua Myvi SE in a carwash
More photos after the jump.


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Google is yet to roll out Dark mode for its Search page on desktop. The tech giant has been testing the feature for some time now. According to a report by 9to5Google, latest A/B testing shows that the Dark mode on Google Search will match the system theme for laptops.
The Dark Mode is available for some users, the report says. If a user launches an incognito window on Google Chrome or Chrome OS, one may be greeted with a new message on the Google Search page. A box with a message ‘Dark theme is now available’ will pop-up on the page that pushes the user to turn on the setting with a shortcut button.
Google, as per the report, will allow users to match the dark mode with their system theme on desktop — both for Windows and MacOS. The option will be available in the Search settings.
Once enabled, the Dark theme will change the background colour to Dark grey on the Google Search page. Also, text will be changed from Black to White. Multiple icons and links still continue to be highlighted in Blue colour.
As mentioned before, the feature is still in testing phase and is not available for all. Google is yet to officially announce the roll out for all users.


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Thermofin has opened new factory in China
On 08th April 2019 was inaugurated new factory Thermofin in China (Pinghu). Numerous representatives of government, long-time customers also suppliers followed invitation.
The new production site is located in Pinghu Technopark about 100 km southwest of Shanghai. With this new production Thermofin entered the Asian market. Now customers will benefit from reduced delivery times. Company Thermofin will produce products exclusively in accordance with German quality standards.


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The retail trade as well as commercial accommodations and catering showed the biggest job losses in March and April, when the country went into lockdown to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, state news wire MTI reports, citing data released by the Central Statistical Office (KSH).
The data, for companies that employ at least five people, show the economy shed 182,300 jobs in March and April, including 130,800 in April alone.
In the commercial accommodations and catering sector, 41,500 jobs were lost in March-April, just under 23% of all jobs shed.
There were 35,200 jobs lost in the retail and vehicle repair sector, accounting for a little more than 19% of the total number lost.
The tourism sector came to a practical stand-still during the period as the borders were closed and hotels were shut down, while many types of retail enterprises were hit by restrictions on business hours.
The KSH data show 28,100 jobs were lost in the manufacturing sector, more than 15% of jobs shed in March-April.
Many manufacturers shut down for weeks after the coronavirus outbreak.
Data on employment for the month of May released by KSH on Monday suggest the start of a recovery on the labor market: they show the number of employed Hungarians rose by 34,000 to 4,399,000 from April.


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HTC M4 with metal alloy chassis rumored for June launch
Though the HTC One is already competing with the top names in the mobile domain. The company is quite done yet. HTC seems to have plans to launch yet another dashing smartphone, but this time in the mid-range.
According to reports, HTC is working on a new mid-range handset called the HTC M4. Interestingly the smartphone will feature metal alloy chassis from Catcher Technology. Should everything go as per plan, HTC is expected to launch the smartphone this June.
The Ultrapixels we saw in the HTC One will also be seen in this phone. Other specs of the smartphone include a 1.2 GHz Snapdragon 400 processor, 4.3 inch 720p display, 1 GB RAM and Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 running HTC Sense 5 UI.
While the smartphone will most likely be launched in June, it will get a wider release in the third quarter of the year. We can only look forward for a mid-range smartphone with metal alloy chassis to also have a realistic pricing.


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Cryptocurrencies just got a lot more practical.
The past six months have seen an unbelievable bitcoin boom. Since May 2017, the cost of one coin has risen from $1,500 to over $7,000, and in August, the bitcoin market hit $150 billion. The non-fiat currency originally championed by programmers and libertarians is now catching the attention of the general public with people asking: “What’s it’s value based on?” “What is bitcoin mining?” And, most importantly, “How do I spend it?”
For a crypto enthusiast, explaining the first two questions to the uninitiated feels a lot like explaining the internet to a layman in 1994. But the third question is now getting easier to answer. bitcoin is accepted as payment by large companies, including Overstock, Expedia, eGifter, Newegg, Microsoft, Virgin Galactic, OKCupid, and Tesla. And now, a U.K. company has created a debit card that lets people use bitcoin as easy as they would any other currency.
London Block Exchange (LBX) is launching a #Visa card that will allow users to spend their #cryptocurrencies. The "Dragoncard" is designed to counter a key criticism of #bitcoin - that it is largely a commodity and has few applications in the real world. https://t.co/DcmtdBW3ihpic.twitter.com/z1knQPNch5— Alain (@AlainM1978) November 15, 2017\n
London Block Exchange (LBX) is launching a new Visa debit card (known as the Dragoncard) that allows users to make purchases with cryptocurrencies anywhere across the U.K. The card not only supports bitcoin, but other cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, and Monero. The card will instantly convert the cryptocurrency into pounds for a 0.5% fee. Signing up will cost £20, and there’s a small fee for ATM withdrawals.
Although having a cryptocurrency subject to bank fees and red tape flies in the face of the libertarian ethos that inspired cryptos in the first place, making these currencies easier to spend definitely increases their practical value. According to Benjamin Dives, LBX’s chief executive, it’s bringing cryptos into the mainstream by “removing the barriers to access, and by helping people understand and have confidence in what we believe is the future of money.”


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Game Crazy Offers Tips on How to Keep Commitments the Whole Year Through
WILSONVILLE, Ore., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Go to the gym, spend more time with family. . . play video games? Just days ago, millions of Americans resolved to make changes that would help them lead fuller, healthier and more productive lives. Whether it was a commitment to eat healthier, reduce stress or save money, an unexpected ally can be found in the hottest video games of the season. Video game retailer Game Crazy offers up advice on the latest games, consoles and accessories that can help people of all ages stick to their 2009 goals.
American's Look to Get Fit
One of the hottest fitness trends for 2009 is the Nintendo Wii Fit, demonstrating that fitness in gaming has become the new "it" workout. According to recent NPD data, more than 9 million Wii Fit units have been sold since the game's introduction. The game focuses on personal fitness and allows players to complete dozens of exercises including yoga, aerobics and strength training. Embarking on a Wii Fit workout plan is a serious step towards meeting resolutions, allowing players to track daily activity and calories burned.
"The link between physical fitness and video games has never been so strong," said Wes Sand, senior vice president at Game Crazy. "Increasingly, physical activity is moving beyond just traditional sports and the typical health club regimen. Game Crazy experts can provide insights on the variety of virtual reality and simulation video games that can help Americans achieve a healthier lifestyle."
Spend More Time with Your Family
Video games can make for great bonding time, bringing families together over similar interests. Fitness-focused games have become a mainstream form of entertainment, allowing parents and kids to play together, while improving fitness and overall health. Families can also get up and get moving with games such as EA SPORTS(TM) All-Play, a 21st century high-tech alternative approach to family fun, which features golf, football, basketball and soccer. Another option is Wii Play, which includes billiards, air hockey, and table tennis rally.
Video Games Help Achieve Other Popular Resolutions
To find a Game Crazy store location in your area, please visit http://www.gamecrazy.com/storelocator
About Game Crazy
Game Crazy(R) (www.gamecrazy.com) is the nation's second largest specialty game retailer with more than 560 locations across the country. Hollywood Entertainment of Wilsonville, Oregon, was acquired in 2005 by Movie Gallery, Inc. and operates Game Crazy. Movie Gallery, Inc. is the second largest North American home entertainment specialty retailer with more than 3,300 stores located in all 50 U.S. states and Canada.
|SOURCE Game Crazy|
Copyright©2009 PR Newswire.
All rights reserved


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Last week, the Obama administration nearly caused the destruction of all that is sacred in America when a 15-cent fee was levied on fresh Christmas trees. Lump of coal for the government.
The tax was levied (and was quickly tossed) after the effective lobbying of the National Christmas Tree Association, which wanted to use the extra money for a marketing campaign. The goal of the campaign: to reverse the slipping sales of real Christmas trees.
Though Obama felt the heat, The Atlantic puts the marketing fail directly at the feet of the Christmas tree group. The story also makes the case for artificial trees, one that consumers have obviously made with their wallets: money savings over the lifetime of the tree (which is forever) and less mess.
The Christmas Tree Association’s website throws everything and the kitchen sink at the fake tree industry to convince you it is evil. They’re made in China (not patriotic!). They’re made out of dangerous materials (these trees will kill you!). And the company that invented fake Christmas trees started with toilet bowl brushes (they put Christmas in the crapper!).
Another page strives to correct misperceptions about real trees, the better strategy. However, the argument about fake trees not really saving money — people typically only get about nine years out of a fake tree– is a weak one. And you’ll still be hard pressed to change the hearts and minds of fake tree lovers who think chopping down a perfectly healthy tree so that it can slowly die for a month is a total bah-humbug.


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Rumble Inc. video sharing site has accused Google of suing for abuse of the power of its search engine and mobile operating system to boost its YouTube video service over competitors, the latest allegation of anti-competitive behavior against Alphabet Inc.
The Toronto-based Rumble, which has become popular with conservatives, filed an antitrust lawsuit in federal court in California on Monday, arguing that Google was “unfairly falsifying its search algorithms” to put YouTube above Rumble in search results. Rumble said Google’s behavior cost him a significant number of viewers and advertising dollars.
The lawsuit also alleges that Google’s deals to pre-install the YouTube app on mobile devices running Google̵
“Through its search engine, Google has erroneously diverted large amounts of traffic to YouTube, depriving Rumble of additional traffic, users, uploads, brand awareness, and revenue it would otherwise have received,” the lawsuit said.
“We will defend ourselves against these baseless allegations,” a Google spokesman said.


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Boutique boosts hospice appeal
A POPULAR town centre boutique has raised more than £400 for Ipswich's St Elizabeth Hospice following a fashion show.New owners at Fore Street's Girls Love Roses, mother and daughter team Amanda Bostock and Sarah Allen, staged the event to celebrate taking over the business.
A POPULAR town centre boutique has raised more than £400 for Ipswich's St Elizabeth Hospice following a fashion show.
New owners at Fore Street's Girls Love Roses, mother and daughter team Amanda Bostock and Sarah Allen, staged the event to celebrate taking over the business.
More than 120 people attended and helped raise £420.
Mrs Bostock said: “Both Sarah and I would like to thank everyone for their support since we purchased the business.
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“We were absolutely delighted with the response we received from our fashion show, which has enabled us to help such a worthy local charity.”
Patsy Johnson, fundraising manager for St Elizabeth Hospice said: “Our sincere thanks to Amanda, Sarah and all the team at Girls Love Roses who put on a
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“We are always so grateful for businesses supporting us and appreciate the hard work which goes into running a fundraising event.”


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Instead of tossing these in the trash when you wear them through, drop them in your compost bin, where they’ll naturally decompose (yes, the soles too).
Look down at your feet. Your shoes might seem an innocuous, but they contain lots of forms of plastic, and often leather, giving them their own sizeable carbon footprint. As all companies try to limit their plastic use, shoe manufacturers are trying to design new shoes with lower embedded emissions. Canadian shoe company Native Shoes is doing it by making a shoe that’s entirely biodegradable, because every component is made from plant material.
Their new, appropriately named Plant Shoe is made entirely from durable and natural fibers, including pineapple husk for the toe and tread made from the fibrous vegetable jute, soaked in olive oil. “That was the puzzle–how could we get an entire shoe to be biodegradable?” says Mike Belgue, Native’s creative director.
With this new development, Native wants to push the conversation around what’s possible in creating sustainable footwear. Numerous other brands, like Allbirds and Everlane, have pioneered sneaker-manufacturing tactics that are more sustainable than the traditional leather and rubber combination that’s known to be environmentally intensive. Everlane, for instance, sources recycled plastic bottles to make its sneakers, and Allbirds uses innovative eucalyptus fibers and sugarcane to form its classic runners. A new Adidas concept shoe can be shredded and fully recycled into a whole new shoe.
Native, which is based in Vancouver, has used focused, unique shoe manufacturing techniques since its founding in 2009. It crafts sneakers from ethylene vinyl acetate (or EVA, the same material used in crocs) that can formed into a mold, and last year, the brand launched an initiative to recycle those shoes by grinding them up and creating a fresh stream of material that can be repurposed as flooring or insulation. So far, they’ve recycled around 40,000 pairs, and will start to use the ground-up material to make new shoes in the near future. MORE


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The nation’s citizens and visitors have been deluged with many glitzy advertising messages heralding the coming of the eagerly anticipated and renowned Kwahu Easter since the beginning of this month.
Socialites, vacationers, visitors, and Kwahu locals travel to the Kwahu Hills to celebrate the three-day magnificent festivities unmatched at this time of year in Ghana’s festive calendar thanks to this yearly event, which has grown into a class act and a distinctive gathering.
The Kwahu Easter Paragliding Festival and Arts displays have been the centerpiece of the three-day event since 2005, thanks to the Ghana Tourist Authority (GTA) and Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts (MoTCCA) making use of the holiday to promote tourism and the arts.
This year 2023, Essilfie Banton’s “Trash for Art”, has unveiled a mouth-watering exhibition program to boost the event’s attraction to holidaymakers.
In addition to his exhibition program starting from Easter Friday, 7th April 2023 to Monday 10th, the “Trash for Art” Exhibition program by Essilfie Banton, the celebrated Artist will be featuring other New Artists also to showcase their Art which will take place at Kwahu Mpraeso Akonta Gardens opposite Mpraeso Senior High school.
The exhibition program will also engage in delightful side attractions throughout the festive period to give its exhibitors and art lovers a smooth and enjoyable program.
Credit: Afya Adjei Asempa Appiah


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GREEN BAY – The Greater Green Bay Chamber’s Greater Green Bay Back to Business Grant has announced it will receive proceeds from sales of a special beer brewed by Badger State Brewing Company.
The grant program caters to small- and medium-sized businesses whose operations have been significantly impacted as a result of COVID-19.
It will bolster its pool of funds thanks to proceeds of the beer, made with an open-source recipe that’s part of an international “All Together” initiative involving 500 breweries in 40 countries.
“One of the first discussions we had following the shutdown of bars, restaurants, retailers and other hospitality businesses that sell and support Badger State Brewing was, ‘What are we doing to help these people?’” said Andrew Fabry, founder of Badger State Brewing Co. “We decided Northeast Wisconsin needed to be represented in this grant venture, and that this fund is a great recipient for proceeds from the beer’s sales. We are a business that has one foot in hospitality and one in manufacturing. Right now, the manufacturing and wholesale side is what’s keeping us afloat. It’s definitely not business as usual but it’s something.”
Having a member of the hospitality community affected by COVID-19 step up in this way is a testament to Greater Green Bay as a whole, said Kelly Armstrong, vice president of economic development, Greater Green Bay Chamber.
“At its heart, the Greater Green Bay Back to Business Grant, and Badger State Brewing’s participation in the fund, is the epitome of the neighbor-helping-neighbor behavior that’s fundamental to this community,” she said.
Badger State Brewing Company is covering the costs to produce the beer, which uses Simcoe, Centennial, Cascade, Mosaic and Citra hops, Fabry said.
The beer was released by Badger State Brewing Co. Friday, May 8, for to-go sales at its 990 Tony Canadeo Dr., Green Bay, location, and will be distributed in various outlets including select liquor stores and grocery store chains in Northeast Wisconsin.
Fabry estimates they will produce 30 barrels (the equivalent of 1,200 gallons) of the beer.
“We’re well aware that we are all better off if more of us as businesses come back from this pandemic,” he said. “We are honored to help the grant get businesses back on their feet.”
To learn more about the grant program, visit thestartuphub.org/backtobusinessgrant.


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Kohl's will soon let you return Amazon purchases in store
Tired of boxing up Amazon purchases and shipping them back?
This summer customers will be able to take Amazon purchases to Kohl's store for returns, according to the clothing store.
Kohl's stores will accept unpackaged returns for free for Amazon customers starting in July, Kohl's announced Tuesday.
This isn't news to some customers. Kohl’s and Amazon first worked together in 2017 to pilot the returns program, which is currently operating in 100 stores in the Los Angeles, Chicago and Milwaukee markets.
"Kohl’s and Amazon will roll out the program to all of Kohl’s more than 1,150 locations across 48 states. Kohl’s will accept eligible Amazon items, without a box or label, and return them for customers for free, providing additional service and convenience to Amazon customers," according to Khol's.
Kohl’s will package and send all returned items to Amazon returns centers on behalf of customers, making the return process even easier.
“We are thrilled to bring Amazon Returns at Kohl’s to all of our stores across the country,” Kohl’s CEO Michelle Glass said in a statement. “Amazon and Kohl’s have a shared passion in providing outstanding customer service, and this unique partnership combines Kohl’s strong nationwide store footprint and omnichannel capabilities with Amazon’s reach and customer loyalty. This new service is another example of how Kohl’s is delivering innovation to drive traffic to our stores and bring more relevance to our customers.”
Last month, Kohl’s also announced that it will expand its product relationship with Amazon by carrying Amazon products in more than 200 stores.


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Feelin’ haute in Peshawar
Peshawar is a long way from being the fashion capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, let alone, Pakistan. It was never on the forefront of fashion in Pakistan but a recent visit there has confirmed that there are changes taking place. One can now see branches of popular designer wear outlets such as Outfitters, Junaid Jamshed, Fiction, Generations (among others) and local outlets such as Shah Posh Boutique, Ayesha’s Fashion Store and Rutt’s designs.
Following in the footsteps of Fashion Pakistan Week, the Pakistan Fashion Design Council Fashion Week, Karachi Fashion Week and Islamabad Fashion Week, were rumours of a Peshawar Fashion Week that surfaced earlier this year. The event is slated to be held sometime this year, although a formal date or time frame has yet to be issued. The week is being being organized by the Peshawar Youth Organisation. The Peshawar Fashion Week is the brainchild of Waqas Ahmed who has also formed the Peshawar Fashion Council who is intent on showing a “different” side of Peshawar to the rest of the country.
But fashion industry professionals from two of the Pakistan’s fashion capitals, Lahore and Karachi, have not been very welcoming of Waqas’s vision for a fashion week in Peshawar and don’t consider it as a ‘serious’ occasion (if it takes place) for fashion in Pakistan. Islamabad-based Tariq Amin has reportedly stated in a section of the press that he was offended that the recently held Islamabad Fashion Week (which he spearheaded) was being compared to Peshawar Fashion Week. Keeping that in mind, there are others though, who think differently. Lux Style Awards nominated designer and one of those selected to showcase at the Pret-a-porter platform in Paris, France, Karachi-based Adnan Pardesy says that, “I don’t know whether it will happen or not, if it happens, then why not? The more the merrier. Peshawar is possibly one of the most-affected cities in Pakistan in terms of the terrorism in the country, so I think its great if we can come out and do a fashion week in Peshawar and show the world that its not about extremism in this part of the country.”
Pardesy is less open, however, to the idea of Peshawar forming its own fashion council. “That is not a very good idea because you already have two who are working well and hard,” he says, “its better if you join a better that can represent people from different parts of the country.”


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Happy New Year!
The year has started very well. Abel Solutions is already underway with customer implementations, it’s so exciting to see how Abel’s flexibility adapts to meet the needs of our customers diverse business processes.
We are presently working on implementations for customers whose businesses span a variety of sectors:
- A Biotech manufacturer specializing in health products
- A global provider of custom interiors
- A plastic extrusion manufacturer
I will announce who these new customers are once their Abel implementations are complete.
Our Research and Development Centre released Abel 188.8.131.52 in January. This release comprises approximately 45 enhancements across many existing functions including: Manufacturing, Report Writer, Inventory Management and our Statistics Framework that enables businesses to analyse their data based on statistics important to their businesses. If you want to know more about the latest release please contact your Abel Consultant or an Abel Distributor.
In other news our Distributor Abel Solutions has opened two new offices. Late last year they opened the Wellington office with Lee Drummond looking after our Wellington customers. And in January Craig Whitehead relocated from Auckland to set up the Christchurch office and look after our South Island customers.
With all of the new enhancements in Abel 184.108.40.206, Rik will be back with you next month continuing his series of blogs on Abel’s features and what they can do for your business.


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Austin acquisition one of largest VC deals of Q4
LifeSize Communications Inc. became one of the largest U.S. venture-backed merger and acquisition deals of the fourth quarter 2009, a time period that recorded the highest liquidity activity of the year and significantly more deals than the same three months of 2008.
The $405 million acquisition of Austin-based LifeSize, which makes high-definition video and communications systems, by Switzerland-based Logitech International SA (Nasdaq: LOGI) closed in December.
The deal signals a possible rebound in private markets where 44 percent of the year’s total liquidity was generated in the fourth quarter, according to Dow Jones VentureSource. At the same time, acquirers bought 86 companies for a total $7.3 billion and initial public offerings raised $220 million.
The $7.3 billion generated by mergers and acquisitions that quarter was a 49 percent increase versus the $4.9 billion raised during the same three-month period last year.
In all of 2009, a total 326 merger and acquisition transactions garnered $16.2 billion, a 37 percent drop from the $25.6 billion raised through 380 deals in 2008, Dow Jones reported. Venture-backed companies generated $17.1 billion liquidity last year, which is 34 percent less than the 2008 amount.
The largest M&A deal for both the quarter and the year belonged to Nevada-based Zappos.com Inc., an online shoe and clothing retailer that was acquired by Amazon.com Inc. for $847 million. Only eight VC-backed companies completed IPOs during 2009, raising $904 million, compared with $551 million raised by seven IPOs in 2008, according to Dow Jones.
However, IPO activity is poised to increase as the pipeline fills with 25 venture-backed companies currently in IPO registration. One of those companies is Austin-based Rules-Based Medicine Inc., which last month registered to raise $90 million with an IPO.
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The FCA confirmed that firms who are registered with the regulator for consumer buy-to-let will no longer require Consumer Credit Act Permissions.
The FCA also reiterated that business buy-to-let intermediation will not be a regulated activity.
The regulator said firms will be required to report consumer buy-to-let data on a quarterly basis.
The FCA said it will continue to consult on changes to buy-to-let policy after regulation comes into force in March 2016.
The policy document is called ‘Buy-to-let mortgages – implementing the Mortgage Credit Directive Order 2015, feedback on CP15/3 and final rules’.


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Cannabis had come up a long way since the 1960s and 1970s when it was thought to be a dangerous drug and was illegal in most states. Today, cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational use in more than half the states. The most recent state to legalize recreational cannabis in Maryland, which became the 20th state to legalize the adult use of cannabis.
Voters in the state of Maryland have overwhelmingly approved a ballot initiative legalizing recreational marijuana, clearing the way for an industry that is expected to bring billions in sales within just a few years.
Adults 21 years and older will be legally allowed to take, or you can say, possess, up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis on July 1, 2023. Retail sales should begin by 2024 at the latest.
Moreover, Curio Wellness CEO Troy Datcher said that there are numerous people who have been “waiting for this moment” and that he expects the demand to be high. The state of Maryland will now officially become the 20th state in the U.S. with legal recreational cannabis sales, joining Colorado, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, and Alaska as states where adults 21 years and older can legally buy marijuana.
It is pretty clear that this is a huge victory for cannabis advocates and further proof that public opinion on cannabis has shifted dramatically in recent years.
Sandy Suchoff, CPA is the Founder and principal of Lefstein-Suchoff, CPA & Associates, LLC D/B/A The Canna CPAs. Suchoff has been featured and interviewed on MSNBC, FOX News, and Tune In Business Talk Radio as a tax advisor, as well as ONR Oklahoma PBS TV, Chasing News on FOX & WOR, KRQE 13, Cannabis Radio, Purple Haze Radio, and Cannabis Tech & Today as an advisor on cannabis tax and accounting.


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Save big on unlimited service!
Sprint just announced a deal for unlimited everything called “Sprint Kickstart” for just $25 a month per line for new customers, no strings attached. The deal begins on August 24 and according to a company press release, will be available for a limited time. There is no annual contract with this deal!
With Unlimited Kickstart, you can:
- Bring your compatible smartphone or buy a new one from Sprint
- Bring your number from another wireless carrier
- Get unlimited data, talk and text with streaming video in DVD quality for $25 per month per line with AutoPay
This deal will be available online only to new Sprint customers. Note that this plan does require a credit check. This deal could expire at any time!
Sprint also still has a deal for free unlimited service for a year. See this deal here!


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Greene King Pub Partners, the leased, tenanted and franchise division of Greene King, is to launch its second franchise pub concept under the name ‘Nest Pubs’.
The new franchise concept follows the success of Hive Pubs, Greene King’s first franchise pub concept, which was launched in 2021 and now operates in 46 sites. Hive Pubs will continue to expand and grow alongside Nest Pubs.
Nest Pubs will be wet-led pubs predominantly located on busy high streets and in communities, providing great value, an excellent experience and regular sport and entertainment.
Alongside a wide drinks range including beer, ale, wines, spirits and low and no options, they will serve pizzas as a food option for hungry pub-goers.
Like Hive Pubs, Nest Pubs will be aimed at those with pub management or assistant pub management experience who are looking to take the step up and run their own pub business.
As wet led pubs with a smaller food offer than Hive Pubs, Nest Pubs franchisees will only need a small team to operate their business. As such, a Nest Pub Franchise Agreement will be the most cost-effective and simplest way to start a pub business with the full backing and support of Greene King.
Like with Hive Pubs, Nest Pubs franchisees will earn through a percentage of food and drink sales. On top of this, they get a share of the profits in their pub and will earn bonuses based on performance in key areas such as operational excellence.
Dan Robinson, Managing Director of Greene King Pub Partners, said: “We are delighted to continue the growth and success of our franchise offer with the development of Nest Pubs.
“The first Nest Pub will open later this year with more following behind it. Alongside this, we’ll continue to grow our successful Hive Pubs franchise concept with more openings.
“Our overwhelming focus as a business remains in the leased and tenanted space, but we are excited to continue the growth of our franchise pub business through Nest Pubs.”
Penny Baldwin, Franchise Operations Director for Greene King Pub Partners, said: “Nest Pubs will be wet-led pubs predominantly located on busy highstreets and in communities, combining great value with a reliable pub experience of live sport and entertainment. They will combine a strong drinks range with a pizza offer for customers seeking out good food.
“As wet-led pubs requiring just a small team to operate them, Nest Pubs is the most cost-effective and simple way to start your own pub business with the full backing and support of Greene King Pub Partners, which has been accredited by the British Franchise Association.”


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- 2014 Retail Store of the Year: And the winners are …
- Tesco to debut F&F apparel format in U.S., with seven stores by year-end
- Checking it Out
- Regular Cleaning of Condenser Coils in Refrigeration and Freezer Appliances Results in Maximum Efficiency
- Topshop to open Fifth Avenue flagship; four other U.S. stores
London -- John Lewis department stores said Thursday it has appointed Mark Lewis as online director for the chain, effective March 4.
Lewis was previously CEO of Collect+, and also spent six years at eBay in roles including U.K. managing director and European marketplaces director.


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One Direction star Harry Styles has reportedly been donating his designer clothes to charity shops...
One Direction star Harry Styles has reportedly been donating his designer clothes to charity shops.
The 21-year-old Harry Styles is said to have so much free clothing that he has decided it is best to send a sizeable amount of it to charity stores, meaning One Direction fans are able to buy his garments, reported Female First.
“Harry was casually talking about all the free stuff he gets sent and how he can’t keep up with all of it. He said he gives a lot of it away to friends and family but also drives up to charity shops and drops bin bags of designer clothes at a time.”
Styles apparently recognises he is in a fortunate position of being able to help other people.
“Harry knows that he’s in an incredibly privileged position and would prefer to give it to people who need it rather than have it piled away in unused boxes,” the insider said.


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YouTube isn’t cool with movies of Tesla FSD beta testing on youngsters – TechCrunch
YouTube eliminated two movies from its platform displaying Tesla drivers utilizing their very own kids to conduct automobile security exams.
The exams have been meant to show that Tesla’s Autopilot and “full self-driving” (FSD) beta software program — the automaker’s superior driver help programs which have automated driving options however don’t allow the vehicles to drive themselves — would mechanically detect pedestrians, and youngsters, which can be strolling or standing within the street and keep away from hitting them.
A YouTube spokesperson told CNBC, which first reported the news, that the social media platform eliminated the movies as a result of YouTube doesn’t allow content showing a minor participating in dangerous activities or encouraging minors to do harmful actions. YouTube is a division of mother or father firm Alphabet, which additionally owns autonomous automobile firm Waymo.
The movies posted by Tesla buyers have been partially a response to a TV ad by the Dawn Project, a company aiming to ban unsafe software program from security vital programs, that confirmed Tesla’s FSD software program repeatedly hitting child-sized mannequins on a check monitor. The Daybreak Undertaking, which is headed by Dan O’Dowd, CEO of Inexperienced Hill Software program, additionally posted a full-page ad in The New York Times in January calling FSD “the worst software program ever offered by a Fortune 500 firm.”
Tad Park, a Tesla proprietor and investor and CEO of Volt Fairness, posted a video on August 14 that confirmed him driving a Mannequin 3 automobile at eight miles per hour in the direction of one in every of his kids on a San Francisco street. The video had tens of hundreds of hits earlier than YouTube took it down.
Park instructed CNBC his youngsters have been by no means in peril and that he was ready to take over at any time. The video he posted confirmed the automotive slowing down and never killing or maiming his child, nor anybody or the rest.
Tesla automobiles come commonplace with Autopilot, a sophisticated driver help system (ADAS) that features options like traffic-aware cruise management, steering help inside clearly marked lanes and pedestrian detection at crosswalks. FSD is Tesla’s extra superior ADAS, and it consists of the parking function Summon in addition to Navigate on Autopilot, which navigates a automotive from freeway on-ramp to off-ramp and is now operational on metropolis streets. All of those capabilities require a human driver to remain centered and take management of the automobile when wanted.
A collection of accidents involving Tesla automobiles that will have been engaged in one of many ADAS programs have prompted investigations by Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA). Final week, the federal agency updated an ongoing probe into 830,000 Tesla vehicles geared up with Autopilot to be taught extra about how Tesla’s cabin digicam determines if a driver isn’t paying consideration whereas Autopilot is engaged and sends alerts.
Autopilot and FSD have additionally come below hearth on the state degree not too long ago. In late July, the California Division of Motor Automobiles filed complaints alleging that Tesla was falsely promoting the capabilities of its ADAS in an unsafe method.
CEO Elon Musk tweeted Sunday that FSD’s price would increase in North America from a one-time cost of $12,000 to $15,000 beginning September 5.


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Habit; a routine of behaviour that is repeated regularly and tends to occur subconsciously, which allegedly takes 21 days to form. As we’ve now bypassed over 182 days (six months) since lockdown was first announced by Boris Johnson, many consumers have adapted their shopping habits, with correlations being seen across groups of consumers.
Cast your memory back to early Spring this year. The birds were singing and the daffodils were blooming, whilst inside our British supermarkets, consumers were rampaging the stores to bulk-buy toilet roll, stampeding down baking aisles to grab the last remaining bags of plain flour and stockpiling their cupboards full of tinned food. Consumers spent an additional £524m on groceries in the first month of lockdown alone. Fast forward six months, toilet paper, flour and tinned goods are no longer seen as gold dust, but how has COVID-19 impacted consumers current shopping habits across other consumer markets?
As we’ve unfortunately witnessed during the pandemic, our beloved British high-street retailers have been at the brunt of declining profits and store closures. As the nation emerged from the aftermath of lockdown, many stores across UK cities and towns were plagued with “Closing Down” signs, or worse for some, never reopened. Recent data published by YouGov, suggests the worst is yet to come for British high streets. With an industry worth £26 billion, British consumers are having to adapt to the way they purchase from their beloved fashion retailers. This recent data from YouGov shows 1 in 2 (53%) Brits say the coronavirus outbreak has made them less likely to buy clothes in-store, painting a worrying picture for the future of the British high-street.
As the UK began to function cohesively within our new technological environment during the height of the pandemic, this new environment welcomed all generations to partake. However, older generations aren’t adapting to shopping online at the same pace as younger Brits. Whilst three in five 18 - to 24 year-olds (62%) now more likely to buy clothes online, this is only true for 45% of people aged 55 years and older. Among this age group, half (50%) are less open to buying clothes in-store, compared with 61% of 25- to 34-year-olds.
As consumers create new shopping habits, what can we learn from emerging trends in the retail fashion industry?
- With comfort coming first, a third of consumers who wear loungewear regularly, admit the pandemic has made them more likely to purchase additional items. Whilst retailers may see an influx of sales from new customers, they should also focus on their existing customers to maximise sales through an increase in average transaction value (ATV).
- The “Joe Wicks effect” swept across the nation during lockdown. As consumers increased their exercise regimes, they also increased their purchases within the market space, with a fifth (21%) of consumers more likely to purchase activewear. Keeping an eye on viral trends and referencing these within your comms as a way to make your brand more relatable can enable you to build rapport with both new and existing customers.
- As consumer spending habits have shifted, so have their priorities, and retailers need to be aware of this. With social distance (57%), convenience (37%) and price (27%) being the current top three priorities, it’s important to consider these when developing communications with customers.
Want to learn more?
Download Direct and with Purpose, Hotwire's UK latest retail trends report, to learn more about the steps brands need to adopt, ahead of the Christmas season, and how communications campaigns can support in this high-stakes world.
“The three most important things in retail are location, location, location. The three most important things for our consumer business are technology, technology, technology.” Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon


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Online fashion retailer selects new platform to expand its e-commerce site to mobile and international consumers
Cutting-edge online fashion retailer, Izabel London
, has selected Venda
to help expand its e-commerce site.
The Venda platform will enable Izabel London to extend its online offering beyond British shores to an international audience and via mobile devices for the first time.
The increase in consumer usage of mobile devices for shopping and growth in the number of retailers offering international access to products were key drivers in Izabel London’s decision to engage Venda to create a new and bespoke e-commerce offering.
Maximum return on investment
Kevin Jamali, director at Izabel London, stated: “To fully integrate mobile and extend our fashion to consumers outside the UK, we were looking for the right partner that didn’t require us to develop a large internal IT team to create and maintain a bespoke platform. Venda’s knowledge of the industry, expertise in the fashion sector, and SaaS [software-as-a-service] platform meant it was easy to transition from a national site to a global one, as well as add mobile functionality.”
He added: “This will allow us to stay ahead of the competition in a fast-moving industry, while offering our customers a smoother and more integrated platform with the ability to make a purchase whenever and wherever they may be. With our new platform, consumers will be able to buy the latest fashions on their laptop or mobile device, whether they are in the UK or abroad.”


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Zeltiq Unveils Estimated Terms for Smaller IPO
Published: Oct 07, 2011
Zeltiq Aesthetics Inc. unveiled estimated terms for a slightly smaller initial public offering as the company aims to raise funds to commercialize its fat-bulge reduction technology. The IPO of 7 million shares includes 6.7 million shares from the company and 307,000 shares from selling stockholders, according to its filing with the filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The estimated price range is $14 a share to $16 a share. The medical-technology company, which is focused on products that use its controlled-cooling technology platform, in July initially had filed for an IPO of up to $115 million.


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A St. Louis-based CBD retailer is fighting credit card company Visa in court, alleging the business has been unfairly blacklisted, according to a lawsuit that moved forward in federal court this week.
The suit was first brought in 2018 by MNG 2005 Inc., parent company of CBD Kratom, which has 40 retail stores across the U.S., including 14 in St. Louis.
The company claims that in March 2018 it contracted with JPMorgan Chase Bank to process credit card payments for online orders, but the company got a warning from a Visa contractor, G2 Web Services, that CBD Kratom was added to a “blacklist” because it was engaging in illegal activity and was part of a law enforcement investigation.
Chase in response shut down the retailer’s account on May 1, 2018, and withheld $66,500 in payments from customers, the suit claims.
Read more at St. Louis Post-Dispatch.


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It may be a new year and a fresh start for some, but for employees of Hewlett-Packard and the makeup company Revlon, 2014 has started with a bang for all the wrong reasons.
Both major businesses have revealed plans for job cuts in 2014, resulting in thousands of employees losing their jobs. Hewlett-Packard have announced that more than 5,000 jobs will be axed this year, some of which might take place at their Bracknell base in Berkshire. The plan is to reduce the number of job opportunities available with the firm, losing around 34,000 jobs in total.
Revlon has revealed they are closing their base in China and axing over 1,000 jobs in total. The company has seen majorly reduced sales across the world, and is planning to cut jobs in a bid to reduce overall company costs.
The announcements from both companies comes as a blow to employees, and sheds a somewhat glum light over the start of 2014.


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While e-cigarettes are well established in many countries, there are big differences between the way the US regulates vaping compared to other regions like the EU. In addition, to date there are no universal product standards in this relatively new, yet fast-growing product category.
Recent cases in the United States have raised concerns over the safety of e-cigarettes. Authorities continue their efforts to get to the bottom of this new health crisis, with vitamin E acetate having been identified as a chemical of concern. In the face of this, many consumers are understandably questioning how they can be reassured about the products they are using.
While e-cigarettes are well established in many countries, there are big differences between the way the US regulates vaping compared to other regions like the EU. In addition, to date there are no universal product standards in this relatively new, yet fast-growing product category. What the recent cases in the US highlight is the importance of having - and enforcing - robust and effective regulations which ensure high product standards.
While the only way to fully eliminate all the health risks associated with tobacco and nicotine products is not to use them at all, there’s growing evidence that newer devices like e-cigarettes may offer a less risky alternative to smoking cigarettes. That’s because most of the health-related risks associated with smoking are known to be caused by toxins released during the tobacco burning process. Newer products like e-cigarettes, oral tobacco and nicotine, and tobacco heating products, don’t involve burning while e-cigarettes don’t even contain tobacco. In the wake of the issues in the US, Public Health England (PHE) maintains that while not being risk-free, vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking.
Many ask why the health crisis in the US has not materialised on this side of the Atlantic. Europe has some of the biggest markets in the world for vaping – the UK, France and Germany, for example – yet there have been no such incidents reported in these member states to date.
There are a few key differences in the way the EU treats vaping products in comparison to the US which may account for this. For instance, EU-wide rules under its Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) means authorities in each member country require manufacturers to test and report on all ingredients and emissions at least six months before a product goes to market. There is also a limit on the concentration of nicotine in vaping products in the EU, as opposed to the US. The TPD further requires manufacturers to disclose ingredients in e-liquids and finally, the EU has an incident notification system in place that puts it in a better position to monitor and control any issues that could potentially arise with particular products. This system provides a comprehensive set of rules which help reduce risks to vapers and may help explain why to date no similar spate of illnesses has arisen.
Consumer education is also key. Any adult smoker considering switching from cigarettes to e-cigarettes needs to be educated about how to know the product they are buying comes from a reputable source, to ensure they are only using products that have been thoroughly tested, and are using them in the way the manufacturer intended. Retailers play an important role here as ambassadors for the vaping category, yet public health authorities should also step up their efforts to provide balanced information on how to source and use e-cigarettes safely. This could avoid consumers getting their vaping devices or e-liquids from disreputable sources or using them in a way not intended by the manufacturer.
For manufacturers, a solid focus on product stewardship is really important. Every company that puts e-cigarettes on the market should closely assess them, from what goes into making the liquid, the electronics in the device and what is in the aerosols consumers inhale. Each individual component should be examined.
Ultimately, more governments should implement appropriate regulation ensuring that manufacturers comply with existing battery and electronic legislation. In addition, robust standards for e-cigarette liquid ingredients and emissions are a must. There needs to be far greater dialogue among all parties involved in the industry, including manufacturers, regulators and the scientific community with the same core objective - consumer safety.
Governments must play their part by introducing appropriate regulation regarding the testing and reporting of e-cigarette ingredients and by ensuring enforcement of these requirements. In turn, manufacturers need to ensure they are adhering to regulations and are developing and manufacturing products to the highest quality standards.
The final piece in the puzzle is consumers themselves, who need to be educated on the importance of purchasing vaping products from reputable shops and manufacturers, and that they should not tamper with the products in any way.
- Dr. Chris Proctor is the Group Head of Potentially Reduced-Risk Product (PRRP) Science at British American Tobacco.
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► How Tesla’s self-driving tech works
► Machine learning is used
► And it’s only going to get better
In scenes looking worryingly similar to Terminator, Tesla has released footage of what its Autopilot driver-assist system actually sees when it’s scanning the road in the course of providing ‘semi-autonomous’ driving.
Tesla recently published an entire landing page dedicated to every aspect of the AI technology, highlighting its achievements in ‘deploying autonomy at scale’.
In the video on this page, you can see footage of Autopilot mapping out objects and distances in real time, all being monitored constantly to ensure the car doesn’t go off the rails – so to speak – and crash.
The information page is super-techy, so be warned if you wish to delve further into how the system works, but we’ll try and break down how Autopilot actually works in practice.
How Tesla’s Autopilot tech works
Essentially, using networked cameras positioned around the car, the software is able to detect and segment objects and decide how far away they are, and subsequently act on that information using car inputs like steering, brakes and acceleration.
What are the autonomous levels?
Using specially-built silicon chips that deal specifically with Autopilot, Tesla is able to build neural networks that can learn about the unique driving situations of nearly one million Teslas throughout the world in real time. This means that while a Tesla can learn about its direct surroundings using the cameras attached to the car, it can also draw on information that’s been gathered by other Teslas around the world to best decide what it should do.
As an aside, Tesla states that each Tesla Autopilot network involves 48 individual networks that take 70,000 GPU (that’s Graphical Processing Units) hours to train.
Using the algorithms
But information is useless without being acted upon. This is where Tesla’s autonomous algorithms come in. These complex equations essentially drive the car by dictating what Autopilot should do in a given situation. Think of it like this: Tesla designs algorithms that dictate the car should behave by doing X if Y is detected by the neural network. This is achieved by developing a planning and decision-making system that can robustly operate in a real-world situation. Think of it as a fancy, incredibly-complex flow chart.
All this technology ensures that as the car is moving along it can autonomously create a high-fidelity representation of the world, and calculate trajectories within that time and space, as you can see in the video bottom of the page.
If all this doesn’t sound like mumbo jumbo to you and you find yourself interested in what Tesla has to say, the Californian company is actively looking for help with its AI technology – so go ahead and register your interest on their Autopilot landing page.
For the rest of us, just enjoy the cool footage and quietly await doom as the robots take over.
This article originally appeared on whichcar.com.au


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Both devices will sport Android 2.3 “Gingerbread” and be available in Q3 2011 in select markets worldwide. There is no official word on when and if the two new Xperia devices will appear in the US. However, at Mobile World Congress earlier this year Sony Xperia confirmed their commitment to offering more handsets to the United States.
More after the break
The Sony Xperia Active is a dust proof, water resistant Android device. The Active will feature a 1ghz processor, a 3 inch 320×480 pixel display that even works wet. It also features preloaded sports and fitness apps and the ability to monitor your heart rate. The Sony Xperia Active features a 5 megapixel HD video capable camera as well.
The Sony Xperia Ray is a sleek high end Android device. It seems the Xperia Ray is focused on media with a 3.3″ 854×480 reality display and mobile Bravia engine borrowed from Sony’s line up of LCD televisions.
The Xperia Ray features an 8.1 megapixel camera with 16x digital zoom, face detection, 720hp video recording and other more high end camera features, especially for a phone.


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Back in December 2019, Xiaomi announced that its Mi 10 flagship would be among the first few phones to use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865 chipset. However, with Samsung already preparing to unveil the Galaxy S20 series on February 11, Xiaomi is yet to announce a date for being among the first to launch a 2020 flagship. Even though Xiaomi is keeping mum on the launch date, it turns out that it is going head-to-head with Samsung for the Mi 10 launch. Yes, if the leaks are to be believed, then Xiaomi is gearing up for a February 11 launch.
Update: The poster showing the Mi Mix Alpha-inspired Xiaomi Mi 10 is fan-made.
The tip comes from Weibo via ProAndroid, showing the official launch poster for the Xiaomi Mi 10. The poster reveals the launch date, which falls on February 11- the same day as Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event for the Galaxy S20 series. More than the date, what's even more interesting is that Xiaomi has finally shown the design of the Mi 10 for the first time. It looks nothing like anything we have seen so far and that's good in many ways.
The poster shows two Mi 10 handsets from the rear, in both black and white colour variants. Chances are that these must be the Mi 10 Pro with the best of what Xiaomi has to offer right now. The design borrows a lot from the Mi Mix Alpha that we had a chance to see last week. It gets the same camera strip running the entire length of the phone- only this time, there are four cameras at the back. Rest of the panel wear a clean look with no gradient colour scheme visible.
When it comes to cameras though, Xiaomi seems to be going for the big guns. There appears to be a 108-megapixel camera at the back and chances are that Xiaomi is using the same camera sensor as the one Samsung will rely on for the Galaxy S20 series. Or, Xiaomi could use the slightly less capable sensor that it used in the Mi Note 10. There are three other cameras and these are most likely to be a combination of a telephoto camera with probably 10X optical or hybrid zoom, a wide-angle camera and a macro camera.
No other features can be extracted of this poster yet but expect Xiaomi to reveal some more features or design elements before its official launch on February 11.
The Mi 10 is an important phone for Xiaomi this year as it looks to take on the likes of Samsung and OnePlus. Xiaomi may even end up bringing the Mi 10 series phones to India this year, competing with the upcoming OnePlus 8 series and the affordable Galaxy S20 models.


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“Blockchain” is easily one of the hottest buzzwords of 2018, everyone is talking about it and how it is about to completely revolutionize the way we pay online. Digital payment systems have been around for a while now and they have been steadily evolving how we transact, at the moment, blockchain and crypto currencies only make up a small part of the digital payment industry.
There are various companies that have been working as intermediaries for digital payments, Stripe is one such example, a start-up that has been around for 8 years now and caters to clients such as Uber and Google. Just recently, Stripe reported that its value has reached 20B USD in the last few years. Another money transfer company called TranferWise has been making progress as well, it experienced an increase of 800,000 in the number of transactions it has handled in the last year, and according to the company, they have begun reducing their transaction charges as well.
Both of these companies are thriving at the moment thanks to digital payments and they are not relying on blockchain technology in any way at all. While blockchain is known for being faster, cheaper, and safer as well, industry experts say that the technology is not mature enough to be implemented on the same scale as what companies such as TransferWise and Stripe are operating. Introducing blockchain to their tried and tested systems will only complicate things and make their working more efficient.
A lot of people have mixed feelings about blockchain technology at the moment, for instance, TransferWise thinks it’s a waste of time, while Strip believes that there is definitely potential in this technology. Stripe even began supporting bitcoin payments but it had to drop this idea since no one was using this payment channel.
JPMorgan, a prolific name in the finance industry has recently further expanded its blockchain network which now covers more than seventy five institutions on a worldwide level. The company is integrating blockchain technology but without making changes to its Interbank Information Network, this will make sure that their system’s foundations remain untouched. JP’s primary use of blockchain technology will be to maintain immutable records, allowing the company to minimise fraud, forgery, and incorrect entries.
While there are some who wish to integrate blockchain technology with traditional banking systems in order to make them more effective, some people want to completely replace the traditional banking system and introduce a new one based entirely on blockchain technology. Ripple is one of the leading companies in the drive for replacing traditional banking, they are being backed by notable investors, including Google Ventures and has been making an effort to develop and expand its network of money transfer companies. According to Ripple, its tests for cross border payments produced results with significantly lower charges. While cryptocurrency is definitely being developed, we will not get to see it in mainstream use for the time being, until the technology further matures.